Evening star., 1909-02-18
DEMAND AS TO TARIFF
Convention Refuses to "Re-
quest" Congress to Act.
FIGHTING SPIRIT SHOWN
Resolutions Adopted Expressing
Views as to Permanent Commission.
WARM DEBATE OVER REPORT
Unimportant Changes in Wording as
Approved by Delegates-Con-
ference Closes Today.
WARM DEBATE OVER REPORT

| INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, February IS
| The last session OF the national tariff
! conference convention was called today
| with the number of delegates in attend.
ance greatly diminished
| Scores of the delegates left for their
homes last evening after the adoption OF
the resolutions providing for the creation
| of a permanent body and the demand
that Congress proceed Immediately for
the establishment of a permanent tariff
commission.
The remaining delegates and officials
were enthusiastic over the result of the
deliberations of the body. and asserted
their belief that Congress would take
oosnizance of the work of the conference,
and that it would play no small part in
effecting legislative changes of the pres
ent methods of tariff making.
John Barrett Speaks Today.
But for the presence of John Barrett.
director of the International bureau of
republics, who has made arrangements to
come from Washington today to address
the convention it is probable that the
gathering would have adjourned perma-
nently yesterday.
The drafting OF the resolutions had
been placed for today. The remarkable
unanimity of opinion upon the subject of
Il tariff commission displayed by delegates
and speakers haStened the procedure.
To dispel any idea that the purpose of
the convention was TO delay action on the
tariff by Congress. provision was added
urging that Congress at its special -ses-
sion shall prepare and adopt revised
tariff to the best of it's ability under pres
ert conditions.
While the adoption of the resolutions
was preceded by heated debate, last
ing over two hours, the arguments seem
ed based on misunderstanding OF the
committees report. rather than radical
differences of opinion. The original re-
port was adopted with exception of d few
unimportant changes in wording.
Text of Resolutions.
The resolutions as adopted follow:
We demand from Congress. for the
equal benefit of all classes of the people
and in the name of all American industry
of farm. factory. labor and commerce,
represented in the national tariff COM
mission convention held at Indianapolis.
consisting of delegates from fortytwo
states and representing :2S agricultural.
civic, commercial and industrial bodies
the immediate creation of a permanent
tariff commission. for the following pur-
poses and ends, through congressional
action:
First. The collecting and intelligent
thorough and unprejudiced study of tariff
facts.
Second. The development and en-
largement of Our foreign trade.
Third. The accomplishment of this by
reciprocal trade agreements, based on
maximum and minimum schedules.
Fourth. The adjustment of the tariff
schedules SO that they shall affect all
interests equitably.
Fifth. The fixing of the rates of duty
to be paid on the imports from any for
eign country, within the limits of the
maximum and minimum rates estab-
trade agreements negotiated by or under
the direction of the President. in order
thereby TO develop and protect our for
eign trade by the means favored by
President Mckinley and authorized by
sections :; and of the Dingley law.
we urge that prior to the passing OF
bill creating such Il commission Con
gress. during its special session about to
be called, shall prepare and adopt, with
presently available, revised tariff as
completely and accurately adjusted to
present conditions and therefore as
stable as is possible at this time"
Fighting Spirit Up.
Over the use of the word 'dema nd in
the first line of the resolutions battle
of words was waced. The speech of
Congressman Fowler Oh the preced ding
day, when he told the convention ihat
the House and Senate would not will
ingly yield one atom of their power evil
IDENTIFY had aroused a fighting spirit in
the delegates, who refused to subs tifute
the word request, as suggested by sew