Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-03-07
Washington Letter.

Washington, ID. c., March g.
Through the persistent efforts of
Congressman J. W. Babcock, a
ruling was secured from Secretary
Shaw of the treasury department
of highest Importance to the lead
and zinc interests of the state and
country. This ruling in effect
places an advalorem duty of twenty
per cent upon all crude zinc ore
imported into this country. The
ruling was submitted to the at
torney general of the United States
and sustained by him and 1nstruc-
tons were issued to all collectors of
revenues to enforce the order. Con-
gresham Babcock acting in behalf
of the lead and zinc mep of his dis
trict has repeatedly called upon the
treasury officials for a ruling on
the importation of crude zinc
ores and finally secured the same.
It is thought that the importers
may take the case to the courts for
decision, but in the meantime, the
twenty per cent duty If in effect.
The order is of highest Importance
to the zinc producers owing to the
vast amount of the ore imported
both from the Canadian borders as
we'll as from Mexico. Since the
ruling was made, Congressman
Babcock is receiving many letters
of congratulation from the pro-
ducers of his district who recognize
the Importance of the order.
Senator LaFollette on Monday in
troduced bill which is designed to
govern the question of campaign
contributions made by corporations
to political committees or candidates
for public office. It is practically
copy Of the Wisconsin law upon the
same subject. According to re-
ports, Senator LaFOllette will de-
liver his first speech in the senate
upon the railway rate bill some
time IN the near future, and this
fact awakens interest as it is
believed he will present interesting
facts upon the situation. Another
bill introduced by the Junior senator
relates to the giving of free
transportation by the railroads to
public officials.
Assistant Secretary of the Treas
ury III. A. Taylor, after many years
of state and national service in
various positions of importance,
has rendered his resignation to take
effect this spring. In company
with Mrs. Taylor, he contemplates
a trip around the world to continue
for three years. Prior to this how
ever, Mr.. Taylor expects to visit
Wisconsin for three or four months.
During the residence of the Taylors
in Washington they have been
among the most popular mem bers
Of the Wisconsin colony and the
secretary has rendered distinguished
service to his department.
Congressman Adams won a not
able victory this week when he
secured a favorable report from the
agricultural committee providing
for appropriations and laws for the
establishment of agricultural col
Ieges in various states. He introduce
ed the same bill at the last session
but it failed of passage. The
prospects are that the measure will
pass at this session.
Those members who contended
against the passage of the Phil
ipp1ne tariff bill reducing the duty
upon tobacco and sugar produced in
the islands and imported to this
country, are gradually extending
their views until if the question was
up again in the house, the prospects
are that the vote against the
measure would be largely 1ncreas-
ed. Members have been investlgat-