Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-03-19
CONGRESS IS URGED
TO REVISE TARIFF
PRESIDENT TELLS CONGRESS
THAT REPUBLICAN PARTY
PLEDGED THAT IT. WOULD
CHANGE PRESENT SCHEDULE.

WASHINGTON. March 16.-President
Taft's message to congress today follows:
''To the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
II have convened the congress in this
extra session in order to enable it to give
immediate consideration to the revision
of the Dingley tariff act. Conditions af-
fecting production, manufacture and busl-
ness generally have so changed in the last
twelve years as to require a reimbursement
and revision of the import duties imposed
by that act. More than this, the present
tariff act with the other sources of gov
eminent revenue. does not furnish income
enough to pay the authorized eXpendl-
lures. BY July LIST next the excess of ex-
penses over receipts for the current fiscal
year will equal 100000.
Pledged to Revision
THE successful party in the late cleo
ton is pledged to a revision of the tar
III. The country, and the business com
munity especially, expect it. The prospect
of a change in the rates of import duties
always causes a suspension halt in
business because of the uncertainty as to
the changes to be made, and theid effect.
1t is, therefore, of the highest import
ance that the new bill should be agreed
upon and passed with as much speed as
thorough consideration.
For these reasons I have deemed the
present to be an extraordinary occasion.
with the meaning of the constitution JUS
tifying and requiring the calling of an
extra session.
I'm my inaugural address 1 stated in
a summary way the principles upon
which in my judgment the revision of
tariff should proceed, and indicated at
least one new source of revenue that
might be properly resorted to in order
to avoid a future deficit. 1t is not neces-
ssry for US TO repeat what then said.
"I venture to suggest that the vital
business interests of the country require
that the attention of the congress IN
this session be chiefly devoted to the
consideration of the new tariff bill, and
that less time be given to other SUBJ
jects of legislation in this session. the
better for the country.
(Signed) 'NM H. TAFT.
..The White House. March 16, 1909"
Senate Hears Message
Forty-four Republican and eleven
Democratic senators were in their seats
when the presidents message was laid
before that body and read today.
The first business was the reception OF
a verbal report by Senator Aldrich, who
with Senator Daniels had waited upon
the president to officially inform him
that congress was ready to receive a
message from him. AS soon as the an
nouncement was made that the presl-
dent would communicate with congress
the presidents secretary presented the
special message and it was at once reao'
1t received careful attention on the part
of the members, many Of whom laughed
at the presidents suggestion that no
legislation except in relation to the tar
if be considered at this session.
Senate Takes Recess
Senator Gallinger presented resolu-
ton of the legislature of the state OF
New Hampshire declaring that the IN
heritance tax should be left 10 the
states as a source of revenue.
A motion by Senator Hale providing
for an adjournment today until Friday
was adopted and at 1918 the senate ad-
journed. -
THE second days session of the house
of representatives of the sixty-first con-
gress found the MEMBERS in a much
calmer mood.
The Question of the amendment OF the
ruIes having been settled, yesterday, the
tension was noticeably relaxed and tee-l
ing of general good fellowship was ap-
parent.
The drawing of seats was the first
business to be transacted and this pro-
ceeding. although rather motonous TO
SPECTATORS, commanded the intence inter-
est of the members.
The house at lao took a recess forone
hour.