New-York tribune., 1909-05-19
SHARP FIGHT ON TARIFF
MANUFACTURERS DEBATE
National Association for Protection
John Kirby, Jr., for President.

Labor and the tariff occupied much of the at
tention of the convention of the National Asso
citation of Manufacturers the Waldorf yester
day James w. Van Cleave. the retiring president.
dwelt the dangers of organized workers in his
address, and referred to the advantages Of a tariff
commission bureau action solely by Con-
gress.
The committee on tariff and reciprocity made
report in line with Mr.. Van Cleave's suggestions.
which followed by a sharp fight to have the
committee discharged. led by z. H Dean, who was
opposed to the convention considering the tariff
at ALL
Out OF the work of the second day OF the con-
vention came a report that John Kirby, Jr. presi-
dent of the Dayton Manufacturing Company, Of
Dayton. Ohio the only nominee for president
He will be elected to-day, unless unexpected op-
position crops out The nominating committee was
unanimous for him. He is as much opposed TO
labor union methods as is Mr. Van CIeave.
The tariff fight was unexpected. The committee
reported that the associations position Of last
year had been Ieaff1rmed. That was protection OF
American interests creation of permanent tariff
board CT commission investigate scientifically IN
dustrial conditions so far they are concerned
with the tariff. the finding TO guide Congress ana
the President in the application of the maximum
and minimum and future tariff Legislation
Then Mr.. Dean moved that the committee be dis
charged.
President Van C1eave looked puzzled. and then
asked Mr.. Dean whether he was serious he sala
he was. and added that it was unfortunate thaI
subject Of tariff revision had Deen IOIC0u ON
tho association. He said he was against the gen
ara1 lowering Of duties and that frequent recon-
rnendations Of changes would keep the country IN
constant agitation. Others for and against the
committees report spoke
II u,as denied by those supporting the report
that the association favored downward reviSlon
of The tariff an impression, II was said tnat was
general II was finally decided 10 appoint special
committee TO prepare resolutions pledslng the as
socistton 10 protection II will report to-day be
fore the subiect dropped the report 'I 'A0
tariff committee was adopted
president Van CIeave IN his address went owe.
,ba egbt against the American Federation OF
- +ha sforts 10 get support from the great
parties in the last national election ana "4lHsI
,La association 10 scrutinize carefully all proposed
sa,a LEGISLATION for insdious attempts 10 strensuh7
the labor interests He said that orgahlzeo ia'
was endeavoring 10 control immigrants ana ASA.
v.bat sort of treatment the American people "oI I
have 10 give to the federation in 1910 Islz ana l'-
II n was not curhed -
mort favored national regulation in preference 70
state control. and said that valuation OF ram oaH
-o,Ar+tas nv the nation should be welcomed De-
ca,sa of the unfairness of the states Amendment
of the sherman law was urged, and tne recent oe
o,,o, an tbe commodities clause" vas com
u,a,ded The construction of many batteships was
said 10 be merely mad excitement OF nl-ilaly
sntrtt The committee believed that the natloldl
,arnIaxities were more moral than economical
rba committee on merchant marine favored SUI
A,iAnt postal con- pensaton for the es'aolslieii u
swift and regular service in American steamships
70 the principal countries OF South AIeliCa a- -
,he Far East including the Philippines, CHINA ana
Japan. ...., ..sstors 70
49,, and the convention will close with dlnper
,-t, uas NJ Van Cleave received from his friends
Iast night A jeweued emblem Of the assooiatioh-