Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-01-23
CRITICISM IN SENATE
OF. Presidents Course in the German
Tariff Regulations.

Washington, Jan. 22.-PreSldent
| Roosevelt today transmitted to the
Senate and the House copies of the
| tariff regulations negotiated some time
ago between the United States and
Germany, together with a proposed
amendment to the customs admins
trative act. putting the same in force
az q statute. In the Senate the mes
sage aroused lively discussion in ex-
ecutive session. The remarks were not
addressed to the message so much as
the policy Of considering in executive
session and the policy Of the President
in connection with the agreement. HIS
course not only in negotiating the in
strument but in proclaiming 1t to the
world, as he did last July, was sharp
" criticized.
1t was declared that the agreement
makes changes which are equivalent
to legislation and it was pointed out
that all legislation affecting the tar
i'll must, under the constitution, origi-
nate with the House Of Representa-
tiyes. Attention was called to the third
section of the Mckinley law as posi-
bly, permitting the Presidents course
but his critics commended that his &C
ton in the case had gone far-beyOnd
the limits permitted by that section.
Stress was laid on the fact that the
President had not only negotiated the
treaty, but that he had given it out as
a complete performance without refer
ing it to the Senate for it's action.
This, the senators seemed to consider
as especially reprehensible and far be-
yond the authority of the Chief Execu-
| tive. 1t was pointed out that the Ger
man Emperor had not only referred the
agreement to the Richstag for its ac-
ton, but that he had even consulted
both the local and the national Boards
of Trade. Hence the President was
charged with being even more auto
cratic than the head of the German
Empire. 1t was also declared that I'M
der the system Of valuations provided
for by the treaty great injustice would
be done to the United States.
Senator Hepburn made strenuous OBJ
lection when the question was raised
that the message was a subject for con-
sideration in the open Senate instead
of behind closed doors. The Idaho SEN
ator maintained that an open Senate
Geb&te would only plunge the Senate
into an almost endless tariff discus
sion. Senators McClurin, Teller and
others called for open session and their
pleas finally Won, but not before Sem
ator Gallinger and one or two others
had delivered their sentiments con-
corning the action of an Executive in
calling for legislation whenever the
| 81 irit moved him.
1t was finally decided to refer the
message to the committee on finance.
| If a bill is to be forthcoming it will be
from that committee. sxA
1t is thought by some senators that
| a resolution by Senator Gallanger
which vas introduced early in the
| session may have had something to do
with the appearance Of the message
and a request for legislation in the
Gcrnlan-AmenicaH matter at this time.
| The figures which the Challenger reso-
luton produced about a week ago
| showed quite a reduction in the value
of German exports to the United
| States since the regulations were
passed and since the system of inspec-
ting consignments was discontinued by
our consular officers and agents.
After referring to the proposed
| amendment to the treaty the Presi-
| OeTlI says III his NlSSSdSe udtcO Juh'
| 1908:
II earnestly recommend to the Con-
| gress the enactment into law of this
! amendment at an early date. Besides
| promoting harmonious relations be-
| tween the contracting parties to the
agreement in question, I regard the
| proposed legislation as a meritorious
measure for the Improvement of our
| customs administrative act, the pro-
| visions of which are applicable to i'm
| portations from all countries alike
An accompanying communication ad-
| dressed to the President by Sec. Root
and dated. Jan. 9. 1905, transmits copies
of the new temporary commercial
agreement between the United States
and Germany. signed April % and May
q. 1907. together with the report of
tine American commission ON which the
agreement is based.
IN NO DANGER.