Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-30
CONGRESS RESUMES
THE TARIFF DEBATE,
Over Ten Hours Talk in House, Each
Airing Own views---Senate Wishes
Also to Transact Other Business.
IN THE SENATE.

IN THE SENATE.
washington, March 29.-In the SEN
ate today, Senator. Hale chairman Of
the Republican caucus, introduced "a
resolution to cOnfine the business Of
the extra session to the consideration
OF the tariff bill and the bill providing
Tor the 18th census. but he afterwards
amended 1t so as to permit the intro
duction of bills and the transaction of
executive business
Contrary to expectation the resolu-
tion aroused a spirited discussion but
the debate dealt with other subjects
than the limitation of business APP
parently there was no objection to
such limitation, but the measure went
over until Thursday to allow further
consideration Of the question. Dur
ing the session, Senator Elkins Of
West Virginia took occasion to criti-
cize the distribution of the Republican
membership of the finance committee,
declaring that while New England has
three members on the committee the
South had been entirely denied repre-
sentation. His tone was very similar
to that of Senator Scott. his colleague
who also criticized the distribution in
the Republican senatorial caucus last
Monday. t.t.t !.
At 225 P. Nj. the Senate adjourned
until Thursday.
Washington, March 29-Objection
was made in the Senate today to a
statement by Hale that the finance
committee was holding daily sessions
on the tariff bill. The criticism came
from Bacon. who said he understood
that only certain members were pres
cnt. He referred to the fact that the
Democratic members of the committee
We're excluded.
perhaps should have said subcom-
mittee." explained Hale.
us it rot usual to give the minority
representation on subcommittee?
asked Bacon.
Not on tariff matters. replied
Hale. which rejoinder provoked gener-
al laughter. Hale declared he would
be much surprised if the minority was
not also holding sessions to frame their
views on the tariff measure. Defend
ing the course of the majority Hale
said what was being done now by the
Republican senators was only Gus
tomary and he called attention to the
fact that the Democrats when in the
majority number of "cars ago had
rc3orted to the same practice of rX-
Guiding the opposition when it had a
tariff bill! under consideration.
Money, Culberson and NcWlands pro-
tested against the exclusion of the mi
nority but the criticism appeared to
be only pcrfunctory and without hope
A.
cedurs. g.. @ "A~ ~t
joining with the Democrats in their
prote SITS against the manner in which
the tariff bill is being made, ElkinS.
Rep. W. Va, declared himself and
his state to be OF the South. the in
tcrcsts of which. he said, are being
crucifed. He asserted that New Eng
land Is over represented on the conf
mittee, while the great middle West
and the South are not represented ~
all. He said that he understood that
the committee would make free trade
measure for New England and in the
past the statement from the South. like
poor, miserable dclud'd people had
been compelled to support such i'ropo-
sitionS and had gotten as return only
high protection nm articles they con-
sumed. He declared that he had been
unable to get a hearing unless he
w'uld agree to come iii under the
yoke
Flkins referred to the fa"t that the
Democrats in tho House had no oppor-
tunity to criticisc the tariff bill before
ii was reported. Gore. III "A sarcastic
speech said that the Democrats had
been given II minutes in which t" cN-
amino the bill before voting upon it in
committee.
Gallinger. Hale and Lodge 10y an
Swcring questions in spite of the pro-
tests of t.lkins, managed d raise par
liamcntary discussion. which brought
into question F.lkns' right to the floor.
ruling by Vice President Sherman
took Elkirs off the floor. but Carter.
Bacon. Culberscn and others pleaded
that Flkins lee given a chance to go
on and this chance was given.
Continuin, his remarks. ElkinS made
no secret Of the fact that he was dis
appointed IN not getting on the finance
committee but he said he wanted to
got on So as to protest against the con-
tinuancc or high duties for New Eng
land and !cw duties for the manulac-
turrd products % the south
In an exceedingly facctious burst of
eloulcnoc, E'li,ins grilled the New Eng
land "domnatinp" of the Senate. Again
referring to the alleged non-represcnt;t-
ton Of tn. Middle West. Elkins re-
citc.l the states in that section which
have no members of the committee.
You cant give IL place to every
state" said Lodge
No. bat YOU give three places to
New England where the members live
so clos, together that they can SPEAK
to each other from their back doors be-
fore breakfast each morning.
Speaking of the appointments o.
Lodge. McCumlicr. Smoot and Flint. as
uc,v mem, er.s OF the finance commit
tee. Elhins sale they Lad been chosen
Com sections as far away from IN
South as possible. He spoke at length
ElknS said ti;ot they mad seen TO Il
that the same influence is maiEtaihe
n :