New-York tribune., 1909-04-01
WILL ATTACK ALDRICH
SENATE MINORITY PLAN.
Finance Committees Tariff Bill
Methods To Be CcHsured.
From The Tribune Bureau ]

Washington March 51-Democratic Senators are
preparing for a political demonstration on the TAR
if question when the Senate meets tomorrow
They purpose TO attack the methods adopted by
the Republican leaders for the consideration OF the
Payne bill and will seek to place Senator AIdrlch
and his colleagues the Finance committee IN
position Of embarrassmen before the country
The Republican leaders will accept the challenge
They saw they will not attempt 10 deny or dis
gise the fact that the tariff bill is being pre-
pared under Republican auspices and assert lhaI
they welcome this opportunity TO make clear 10
the country the obstructive tactics OF the minority
Briefly, the tariff situation in the senate Is as
follows:
As the vacancies on the Senate Finance
Committee were filled Senator Aldrch called d
meeting Of that committee. It was decided that
subcommittee consisting OF nine Republican Ser
ators should take up the work Of considering the
Psyue hill The five Democratic Senators on the
committee were informed that II they wished TO
pursue independent Investigations expert clerical
and other assistants would be furnished them. Ap-
parently. verybcdy satisfied.
Mr AIdrlch announced on the day the Finance
Committee held its first meeting that no public
hearings would be held. but that from time to time
the majority subcommittee would call IN govern
ment and other experts from whom special in
formation was desired. II also understood that
anv member Of the subcommittee would be per-
mitted to call IN for expert testimony any friend or
constituent.
When the Senate met on Monday Senator Elkns,
virginia.
method or procedure which had been adopted and
then Senator Bacon O Georgia. VINO is not a mem
Der of the Finance Committee introduced his reso-
luton. setting forth that II was the sense or the
Senate that minority Senators on the Finance COM
mfttee should he permitted TO attend the sessions
for +,e nurrose OF examining and ross-examining
witnesses This resolution will come up tomorrow
The Republican leaders believe they have more
than enough to defeat the Bacon resolution
or effect its reference a committee. Senator
70 A.
port OF his resolution, II IS believed that Sen
ators Bailey. Taliaferro, Culberson Gay, Rayner
and others will lend vehement support TO the Bacon
proposition II was hinted tonight that some OF
the Denocra tic Senators might try 10 keep the de
bate running for two or three days. One or them
said We want the country to understand just
hou- this tariff bill IL being made and how I'M
potent We are TO assist in its framing.
Senators Elkins and Scott, who are responsible
for much Of the criticism OF the Finance Commit
the majority we're IN conference to-day with var-
Representatives who are opposed 70 any re
duction of the duties lumber and coal. The
West Virginia said they were enlisted for
the fight retain the Dingley rates on these two
commodities and would do everything in their
power 10 prevent reduction by the Senate Those
with whom they conferred included Representatives
from Tennessee. Kentucky, Virginia, Washington,
Wyoming and North Carolina.
II is doubtful II the West Virginia Senators VIII
join with the Democrats in supporting the Bacon
resolution They have told that they Will
have ample opportunity 10 advise the Finance
Committee of West Virginia desire that the coal
and lumber rates be retained and that from a
party standpoint. the commercial welfare Of their
state is likely 20 be promoted by a coalition
with the Democrats inspired by desire TO make
political capital.
Senator Aldr!ch has announced that the testi-
mony given by these experts is at the disposal
OF the minority members OF the committee II they
care TO il. He is having classified by schedules
all his personal letters the tariff question. and
this correspondence Will be open any Demo
cratic member OF the Finance Committee who
wishes to examine It.