New-York tribune., 1909-05-03
THE TARIFF TO DATE
1fR. TAFT'S CONCERN OYER
SENATE BILL.
Maximum and Minimum Clause and
NesU ADMINISTRATIVE Features
Meet acitk His 4pproUd.
From The Tribune Bureau.1

has been the news from the White House that
President Taft is deeply concerned lest the
tariff plans of the Republican Senate leaders
fail to meet the expectations Of the people and
fulfil the promises made by him during the cam
paign. The President let it be known that while
he was not attempting TO dictate the rates of
duty 10 be imposed in specific paragraphs or
schedules he believes that the genuine tariff
revision TO which the Republican party stands
pledged consists. on the whole, in downward
revision
The provisions of the bill relating 10 imports
from the Philippines and the maximum and
minimum clause and the new administrative
features have the unqualified approval Of MI
Taft. These provisions were submitted to him
from time TO time in the course Of their devel-
opment, and he gave the Senate leaders to
understand that he was satisfied with them.
The members of the Finance Committee did not
consult the President with regard to specific
rates but gave him general assurances or tnelT
desire TO frame schedules which would be ac-
eeptable TO his view of tariff revision.
The more the President studies the schedules
and compares them with those Of the Dingley
sct the wider seems be the discrepancy be-
tween the pending measure and his conception
Of what constitutes genuine revision. 1t has
been and is the earnest desire of the President
TO work in complete harmony with the men IN
eo:h branches of Congress who are charged
with responsibility for carrying into effect the
Renublican policy on the tariff. He appreciates
the difHculties with which they are confronted
and realizes that many OF those who are insist
ing on downward revision weaken their eHec-
tiveness by demanding high rates on the prod
1lcts of their respective states. While the Pres
ident will not attempt TO dictate TO congress
by threatening veto Of a tariff bill "hich Is
csrtafn 10 be materially changed in the Senate
/
ont saving that his recurrence to certain funoa-
mental tariff principles last week will have
sslrtsrv influence upon all who are anxious
that the Republican party shall meet the ex-
pectations OF the great mass OF the people
NO PROGRESS ON SCHEDULES.
No progress on the schedules was made in
the Senate during the week The tarlh oratoIs
had full swing TO make speeches for home con-
sumption while the leaders devoted their at
,ention 20 sizing up the situation, composing
differences working out compromises on dis
puted schedules and laying the foundation 1oE
expediting the passage OF the Dill In tiils Ile!
made progress, although many rough places ar
still before them, and it may be ten days or
two weeks before steps are taken hHinS a uille
for the final vote on the bill Even the most
sangTine believer n early adjournment is no"
convinced that Congress will be unable to COM
been predicting a session lasting late into june
are convinced their prophecy will be fulfilled
The speechrnalzing last week enabled the
Finance Committee 10 hold frequent sessions
and 70 complete its draft Of the maximum and
minimum scheme and the customs admnistra-
tive act 1t is believed that the administrative
provisions which were reported TO the eenate
on Friday will mark an important advance IN
an equitable collection Of the duties imposed IN
+T7z tine q
tariff law government experts have been seek
inc 20 minimize the frauds Of undervaluation-
we viii never succeed In this until every man
in the world is honest" said a member OF the
Finance Committee to-day Some OF the
brightest minds in Europe and Asia are trying
at all times 10 devise ways and means TO get
around our customs regulations We hnd IL
necessary TO meet new devices Of this cnarac-
ter every time we revise the tariff. The new
valuation provision that consigned goods snail
not be appraised at less than the wholesale
r-ice in this country will stamp out much
fraud and will increase our customs receipts
The maximum and minimum plan has not
been public property long enough TO arouse
critical comment. It makes the maximum rates
nplics bic 20 all countries after March 81, 1910,
z7d then gives the President the power TO ap-
r,iy the minimum rates 10 imports from those
countries which treat imports from the United
s.ates with consideration equal 10 that ac-
co-dsd 10 the imports from any other country.
-lo nrovision Of the bill has been more care
<uIl4, drawn than the maximum and minimum
c,aUse President Taft, Senator Root Secretary
Enor and Attorney General Wickersham we're
zr,onx those consulted by Senator Adrich IN
.hs 5,afting of this most important provision
Rv tbs use OF the word "unduly" considerable
ssseretion is given to the President in admins
ferinE this provision.
The maximum and minimum clause gives the
President wide latitude TO employ experts TO
make thorough Investigations to production,
commerce and trade of the United States and
foreign countries While this provision meets
the spproval OF many Senators who have been
urging the organization of tariff commission
:. win be resisted by some OF the Middle West
ern Senators because il fails TO fix definite sal
aries and Office tenures and does not authorize
,he government experts 10 summon witnesses
and examine the books Of individuals and cor
rorations whose business is affected by tariff
duties.
ANOTHER WEEK OF SPEECHES.
Provision is made in the administrative feat
,,res OF the law for the appointment Of Gus
sons court of appeals, TO consist Of five mern-
hers and for a special and deputy Attorney
General to take charge OF the governments i'll
terests IN all matters relating TO reappraise-
-nent. classification end kindred litigation.
lie ma