New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-22
AGAINST FREE PULP.
DIR. Payne in Sharp Discussion
tCith John Norris.


Washington, Nov 21.-Representative Serene E.
Payne made It plain at to-days hearing by the
Ways and Means Committee that he is opposed
to removal of the duty wood pulp and print
paper. which stanchy advocated by number
OF witnesses who appeared before tie committee
Mr. Payne's position was defined IN a rather acri-
monious discussion between the chairman of the
committee and John Norris, chairman OF the COM
mittes paper OF the American Newspaper Pub
fishers Association. Mr.. Norris who led the at
tack on the present tariff, remarked in his state
ment that Representative Payne had, in a speech
delivered the floor OF the House. greatly EN-
barrassed' the advocates of free wood pulp, oy
quoting untrustworthy trade paper statistics Mr.
Payne insisted that his figures were accurate, so
far as he had any knowledge. This started
colloquy which ended In a remark by Mr.. Norris
that he would convince Mr.. Payne that the duty
wood pulp should be removed Mr. Payne re-
piled: 'fYou will be disappointed as you nave
often been before"
Friction vas in the air throughout the wood pulp
hearing which lasted until nearly midnight Mr..
Norris had sooner taken the stand than he
charged that the preceding witness, Milton Mar
ceusi, OF the Bedford paper mills. Richmond, Va,
represented a company which was recently fined
5000 for completely in the Parks pool and was
found guilty under the Sherman antitrust law
He further charged that the same company has
violated the law since that time There dis
tinct friction between the opposing paper men
throughout the day, with many eaustie salies from
both camps
In his argument for the repeal of the duty Mr..
Norris also appealed for reciprocity with Canada
His main arguments were based the statements
that labor is cheaper in United States than in
Canada, that the International Paper Company has
obtained monopoly. has watered stock and has
been the sole beneficiary OF the tariff He asserted
that the import duty news print pepper brought
practically revenue TO the government that this
tariff and the trust keep the price and that the
national forests will suffer unless the duty is
lowered.
Arthur c. Hastings. president OF the American
Paper and Wood Pulp Association, bore the burden
of the argument for those who advocated the con-
ttnuance Of the rate. He insisted that there is
trust, no uniformity OF prices and no unreasonable
profit. The Democratic members OF the COMMITTEES
bounced on this witness and questioned him for an
hour without bringing any startling disclosures
and he gave little evidence that was not given at
the wood pulp hearings OF the Mann select commit
tee. held here last spring
Chester W. Lyman. assistant TO the president OF
the International Paper Company, read a state
ment giving detailed information regarding the
company.
I'VE are opposed to any reduction whatever in
the duties specified for pulp" he said 1--WE
most emphaticaIy opposed 10 any reduction in
the duty print paper, in far 1t applies to
paper So far as this company, therefore,
is concerned, it is to let the tariff
as it is, with the exception OF the countervang
clause and possible addition the administrative
act of the tariff law which will prevent foreign
manufacturers from selling their output this
country at lower prices than prevail their home
markets"