Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-07
| HOURS SPENT ON
TARIFF QUESTION
Discussing the Payne Bill in the
House.
Mr.. HILLS OBSERVATIONS
His knowledge Gained From Philip
pine Visits.
MIR. MONDELL'S OPPOSITION
Claims Passage of Measure Would
Kill the Beet Sugar Industry in
This Country
R. HILLS OBSERVATIONS
a MIR. MoNDELLs OPPOSITION

In session of five hours yesterday the
House of Representatives placed on record
speech In favor of the Philippine tariff
Dill, one against it, twenty minute talk
ior tarin revision according to the repub-
hcan demand OF Massachusetts. MIR. Hil
of Connecticut occupied three hours ana
was listened to with the greatest interest
In detailing the knowledge he gained from
two visits to the Philippines the last one
as member Of the party of Secretary Taft
last summer. He paid particular attention
TO the tobacco feature of the measure, and
explained away much of the misapprehen-
sion as to the enormous products that
might be expected from the islands Their
territory, he said, was small and their fer
tile lands still further limited.
Mr. Mondell of Wyoming, who has led ths
fight against the bill in the interest of the
beet sugar industry of this country. spoke
vigorously against the measure and against
the policy of helping the Filipino people
by granting them open markets in the
United States. He said the passage of this
bill would be the death knell of the beet
sugar industry in the United States.
The abolition of the tariff on hides was
pleaded for by Mr.. Lawrence of Massachu-
setts, who presented the position taken by
the republicans OF that state
No Menace From Philippines.
Mr.. Hill said a careful study OF tobacco
production in the islands and the export
tobacco trade had persuaded him that the
United States has nothing to fear from
competition with Philippine tobacco be-
cause of its inferiority and the impossi-
biiity Of extensive tobacco culture IN the
islands.
Mr.. Cassel Pa.) asked If the quality or
Philippine tobacco would not improve un-
der more favorable tariff rates
Mr.. Hill replied that if the product were
not to get better the purpose of the pro-
posed tariff bill would not be accomplished
Speaking of the argument that the cheap
labor of the orient would be brought in di-
rect competition with American tobacco
workers by a reduction of the duty on
Philippine tobacco Mr.. Hill called atten-
ton to the fact that American exclusion
laws keep Chinese out of the Islands and
contract labor cannot be employed. He
said practically all the cigar and cigarette
makers are Filipinos. few Chinese being
now employed. AS all work OF this sort
is piece work, he said a mans earnings in
crease as his ability increases. Mr.. Hill
said the manufacture of first-class hand
made cigar in Manila is almost as eXpen-
sive in the United States.
Mr.. Hill summarized the purely CONNER
cial effects Of the proposed reduction in
tariff, saying the stimulus to industry in
the islands will result In the preservation OF
Philippine interests. which must sink into
ruin If relief be not afforded. He said the
greatest benefit. however. will be the in
creased alternative markets in the United
States and the islands for high-grade prod
ucts a good prices
In closing Mr. Hill said the American ma
tional conscience will not permit this gov
ernment to fail TO do full justice to all. He
said Philippine interests are essentially
domestic interests and expressed confidence
in the favorable action of Congress on the
proposed bill.
Mr.. Mondell's Contention.
Mr.. Mondeh Wyo) said he approached
the discussion with full reaIzation of the
obligations of this government TO the Fill
pinos. and also with realization that char
ity should begin at home. Beet sugar pro-
duction in the United States he said was
a child of republican legislation, which was
protected until the United States decided to
do something for Cuba" Mr.. Mondell
admitted he voted for the Cuban measure,
but said he had never derived any comfort
from the results of his vote. He declared
there was an understanding then that there
was to be no further reduction in sugar
tariffs.
The proposed concession will make
spoiled child of the Filipino, by building up
great haciendas and not beneftng the
masses
I'VE are giving the Philippines every ad-
vantage In our market. advantages that no
other country ever enjoyed said Mr. Mon
the Moro in internal revenue tax on goods
imported to the United States"
Mr. Mondell rfdiculed the statement of
friends of the bill that only per cent of
the Philippine lands are tillable and de-
clared there were no islands in the world
so fertile and capable OF such extensive
agricultural development
In Behalf Of Our Farmers
Until the united official detraction" from
the working qualities of the Filipino and
from the richness of Philippine lands. Mr.
Mondell said. the Filipino was regarded as
an effective worker He urged that the
American farmer who raises beets Is tho
first man to be considered, and the best
raisers, he said. could not share Secretary
Taft's eagerness to benefit the Filipinos at
the expense of the American farmer
To give the Filipino a bounty on the nat
ural product of the islands, Mr.. Mondel
said would make him mendicant at the
feet OF this republic for all time to come
He was willing to vote any amount of
money to aid distress in the Philippines
but he opposed building up their industries
at the expense of an American industry
He predicted that the bill, If passed would
destroy the beet sugar industry In this
Charity begins at home" was the clos
ing sentiment expressed by Mr. Mondeu
who held the floor for an hour and half
He was warmly congratulated at his con-
,lusion.
Plea for Free Hides.
Mr.. Lawrence Mass.} spoke briefly 10 re-
ply to the remarks Of Mr. Clark regarding
he tariff move in Massa chusetts Mr. Law
renee said the ways and means committee
lad heard and answered the tariff prayers
IF the Filipino Now IT was time the peo-
pie at home should be recognized in their
wants.
There had been long time demand for
'ree hides. free coal, free lumber and free
llcohol In the arts, he said. The republican
,arty had taken the position that the tariff
should be revised to meet existing condi-
ions.
Il believe that time has come now" said