New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-28
AUTO DUTY DISCUSSED.
I'm porters and Manufacturers Heard
Plea for Free Pig Iron.

washington Nov zT-The question OF a proper
classification md adequate rste Of duty on
,atorohiies was discussed before the Ways ard
Means Committee to-day for the first time in the
zistorv Of tariff legislation. Heretofore unclassied,
'sor the reason that the industry was unborn when
he Dingley bill was framed, the automobile has no
distinct place in tie present law except in the para
rraph relating 10 metals Under this schedule a
su+v Of 90 per cent ad valorem is paid. and this
ate is unsatisfactory TO both importers and manu-
.acture-s. The former desire lower duty, and
through their representative. Edward Sheriff.. they
presented their view OF tie question TO the COM
nittee this afternoon. They hold that lower duties
riH increase the revenue by increasing importa-
ions: that the American manufacturers are making
.xorbtant profits. and that a downward revision
ill reduce the price TO the consumer. These state
aaents were not controverfed by the manufacturers
no contented themselves with filing brief max
ns plea for protection the industry. giving fig
ares showing the comparatively insignificant cost
II labor in competing countries, and statement
hst profits not unreasonable. They ask for an
Increase Of the tariff. but DO not insist specific
seure.
charles Il Sheriff.. 81 New York appeared for
he Importers Automobile Salon. He charged that
here Is an automobile trust. which expects 70 get
n. duty increased Instead OF an infant indus
r. which is seeking protection az the hands Of
-o5.r honorable committee said M Sheriff., 1T
'ould more properly be called trust The Ameri-
manufacturers Of automobiles are divided into
large Sraups-one the Association Of Licensed
about the so-called Selden patents. and the other
ne American Motor Car Manufacturers Associa-
ion. which does not own allegiance to the selden
,atents. The Selden patent Sc ingenious device
n maintain high price for automobiles among the
manufacturers using the patent. Up tin now all
attempts break tn have failed because it's
oundstion is fjuited States patent which Is a
monopoly granted by the government" NJ Sher-
i'll asked that Ine, duty on automobiles be reduced
rom - per cent 10 30 per sd valorem assert
ng that the manufacture Of foreign automo biies
involved the use of much American machinery be
ades bringing large business 10 the American car
1sce builders. who, he said. make - per cent of
he bodies for foreign motor cars.
Representative Champ Clark Unburdened him self
- philippe the testimony OF the steel men
shch he had been attempting suppress for some
isys- In argument for 4 sweeping reduction of
ne tariff made by Jesse F orion, Of the Reform
Tub Of New York. II. which he charged that many
u the schedules mere vehicles for plunderins
Re people Mr.. Clark said:
Il do not believe q word or the statements ~
rose steel men who have appeared here and indI-
Hduslly i an going fight TO put steel on the
rec lst. There is some tricH about their evidence
about their bookkeeping that / 90 not under
Itsnd- I have been 4 lawyer since I became :
grown man bat in all my experience never have