New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-14
PLAN TARIFF CHANGE.
LEADERS DISCUSS BILL.
Need Of German Trade Helps
Ma1imum-Minimum Increment.

Washington. Jan. 13.-The revival OF sent-
snent IN favor OF the enactment OF a maximum
and minimum tariff. 10 meet any discrimina-
tionn practised by foreign governments against
the products OF the United States resulted IN
conference between Senate ana House leaders
to-day 20 determine where such legislation
mould originate. This IS important Ques-
zion. as advocates OF such measure wish 10
have 1t considered first In the body the more
nkey TO accept Il. Several members OF the
House believe the Senate would be the more
Nkly 10 pass such q measure and think that
favorable action by that body would have
salutary effect opposition in the House.
A tariff bin OF this character ordinarily would
be construed a measure affecting revenues.
which should therefore originate IN the House.
IT has been argued. however. that there is
precedent for its introduction In the Senate.
The precedent brought forward is the meat in
spection act OF 1890 which authorized the Presi-
dent 10 suspend Importation OF products OF
other countries, making determinations against
those OF the United States.
The purpose OF that act is almost identical
with the tariff legislation now proposed. al
though the purpose is attained by different
means. The maximum and minimum tariff bill
rs introduced by Representative McCleary. OF
Minnesota. provides that the minimum tariff
shall be the present schedules fixed by the
per cent IN addition 10 these rates. The maxi
mum. It is believed. would prohibit any foreign
country from competing with countries receiving
the minimum rates and only differs from the
oct Of 1890 in this. that one provides for ex-
clusion absolutely and the other through the
enforcement OF prohibitive schedules against
discriminating foreign nations. Whatever
strength there IS In Congress demanding a re-
vision OF the tariff viii naturally be opposed TO
"a NAL Tn exist
:ng schedules even though the increase is to
setaliate against countries discriminating
against the United States. II is believed gener-
ally that the stand pat" forces are more Sc
curely intrenched IN the Senate than in the
House. and that the prospect OF passing the bin
IL better In the higher body.
II Is not intended TO make the legislation re-
taliatory. especially against Germany. but Il is
asserted that the need for such measure Is
pressing as regards our trade relations with that
country. The present trade agreement expires
sn March next and advocates Of the bill expect
so the proximity or that date TO promote
rheir plans for early consideration.
Baron Won Sternburg. the German Ambassador,
called on Secretary Root at the State Depart
snent to-dax and after a short conference the
Secretary escorted his visitor 10 the White House
20 talk with the President IL may be said
that the administration feels that it has ex-
hausted every effort legitimately within its
mower 10 avert the application in March OF the
new German tariff to American goods and that
81 any relief is 10 be had it must come from
Congress- Even the effort to postpone the Gate
OF application OF the German act through an
arrangement in the nature Of a modus vivendi
smeliorsting the lrksome customs regulations
complained OF by Germany has failed.
Secretary Shaw is still. with his experts. con-
sdering some plan OF relief in that business. but
a IS admitted that what he can do by admins
frative order Is not OF sufficient importance
from the German point OF view, to warrant the
hope that the date OF the operation OF the Ger
man tariff act be postponed. Already some
OF the large American producers and exporting
interests have addressed themselves TO the
State Department In appeal TO be protected
against what they fear is the certain destruc-
ton OF their business These people have been
told as was ex-senator Harris. OF Kansas. the
other day, that the Executive could do nothing
more, il up TO Congress-" Secretary
Root for a time contemplated the submission
10 Congress Of a German reciprocity treaty. but
ne has abandoned that project because he has
definitely satisfied himself that there is
not the least ground for hope that such a treaty
would be accepted.