Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-05-13
Publishers End Presenta-
ton Of Their Case
In Fight For Removal Of Tar
if on Wood Pulp.
Mr.. Norris Says Merger Has In.
creased Cost Of Production.

washington, May 12-Ine case OF tne
newspaper publishers has been pre-
scented to the special committee of the
House investigating the wood pulp and
print paper question. When the COM
mittee adjourned today, John Norris,
the representative of the American
Newspaper Publishers Association an
nounced that he had finished his state
ment, but he will be on the stand to-
morrow os members Of the committee
desire to question him. The next wit
nesses to be examined probably will
be the paper manufacturers.
Mr.. Norris today described the for
nation of the International Paper Co.,
ard claimed that the cost of the manu-
facture of paper is greater under the
consolidation than under the individual
ownership of the paper mills. The re-
quest of the committee for the con-
tract, which the New York Times has
with the paper company, was denied
by the Times Co, and in this connec-
ton Chairman Mann took occasion
to state that while the newspapers are
insisting on speedy action by Congress
on the question under investigation,
great majority of the large papers are
showing a Discrimination to furnish the
committee with the necessary informa-
ton upon which to base any just con-
clusions They raised the question in
his mind, he said, whether the papers
are not well satisfied with the contracts
they now have and are putting up this
request as a matter of bluff.
Washington, May 12.-The inquiry
into the wood pulp and print paper
question was resumed today by the
special House committee, John Nor
ris the representative of the Publish
ers' Association, continuing his state
ment.
Mr.. Norris said that last year the
International Paper Co.'S imports of
wood pulp from Canada were 10000
tons. He quoted from newspaper ar
ticle to show that the company took
the imported pulp and put 1t into its
export paper in order that 1t might
get the benefit of the reduced cost as
it woudl save four-fifths of $1.67 on
every ton imported by reason of re-
bates from the government.
Mr.. Norris said that the Boston Her.
all according to his understanding.
had contract with the International
Paper Co.. calling for shipments on
the basis of cost of manufacture and
providing for audit to determine the
cost.
as this similar to the New York
Times contract asked Mr.. Sims.
$50 1 understand replied Mr.. Nor
ris.
"Ry the way" interposed Chairman
Mann, 1--WE have not yet had that
Times contract"
"I have been asked to state that the
New York Times Co. declined to fur
nish it's contract" replied Mr.. Norris.
II am, however, willing to answer
freely every question put to me with
in my knowledge and to give all the
information 1 have"
"Yet the New York Times is unwill-
ing to furnish testimony on which re-
lief can be granted?" said Chairman
Mann.
II do not think 1 would state the
case in that way" replied Mr. Norris.
at might be said that it is unfair
to take out one newspaper and make
it's business and it's contract the basis
for this entire investigation while
there are other newspapers with large
contracts and larger prices about
which no inquiry has been made. If
you take all of them and make all
show up it would be on an entirely diff
ferent basis"
Here is case" said Chairman
Mann, "where the newspapers are in
sisting that speedy action be taken by
Congress preliminary to which there
must be action by this committee. Yet
we are met on all sides with the
evident Discrimination of the great
majority of the large papers to furnish
us necessary information upon which
to base any just conclusion. 1t seems
| to me there may be a question whether
they desire any action taken'-whether
they are not well satisfied with the con-
tracts they now have and are putting
this investigation up as matter OF
bluff am not combining this comment
to the New York papers I have letters
from many publishers who do not want
to testify. 1t is perfectly evident to
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