The Washington herald., 1909-04-05

It was not uGtn late last night that
the Republican leaders OF the House Of
Representatives were able to determine
whether ii was feasible OF safe 10 bring
in to-day)a special rule providing for a
vote on the Payne tariff bill at an early
date. and limiting the scope and character
Of amendments that may be offered.
After a canvass. on which he was busy
all day. Representative Dwight, Of New
York. the Republican whip, declared the
clotuTe rule viii be brought in to-day.
Saturday night and most OF yesterday
some Of the House leaders were of the
opinion that il such rule were proposed
it would be defeated.
The situation was pretty clear up 20 an
early hour Saturday evening, when a
group Of high tariff Republicans kicked
over the traces and declared they would
not stand for j special rule which would
enable the House to change certain
schedules, or which would forbid chance
TO vote on other schedules containing
duties regarded by these high tariH Re-
publicans as too low.
Revolt Changed Outlook.
This revolt changed the aspect Of things.
and when everybody went to bed Satur-
day night it was doubtful II harmony
could be obtained in the Republican ranks
by the time the House met TO-DAY.
But the House leaders were able BY
dint Of hard work yesterday 10 bring
around the high tariff insurgents. The
understanding is that they convinced the
unruly ones that the Senate would do
the things which most of the insurgents
we're urging A majority OF the high
tariff men were Interested only IN the
lumber and fcoal schedules Those who
had lumber on their minds were afraid
that II separate vote were permitted
In the House on the lumber schedule.
lumber and wood products would be plac-
ed on the free list.
In the Payne bin rough lumber is made
dutiable AZ ST. reduction from g. the
rate in the present law. and other prod
ucts or the forest are assessed at rates
ranging from % cents TO $3.50 These
rates are satisfactory to the representa-
tives who want high tariff on lumber.
at least they believe that any further
tinkering with the lumber schedule will
result in a reduction instead Of an iH-
crease. and they contend that the hest
thing 10 do IS 10 let well enough alone.
Senate Against Free Lumber.
For this reason they have been oppos-
ing vigorously the proposal 10 submit
special rule which viii permit amend
ments TO be offered to the lumber sched-
ule. While some Of them still are dis
satisfied. they are comforted in the as
surance received yesterday that If free
lumber is voted by the House the Senate
viii see that the rates fixed by the PAYNE
bill are restored
In the Payne bill anthracite coal Is put
on the free list and bituminous .eoaI. II
is provided. shall be admitted free when
the country Of export does not plsce an
export tax on shipments Represent
atives who are interested n coal want a
straight duty placed on all varieties Of
the product
It IS understood the rebelliOus Repub-
hcans who want duty kept on coal have
been assured that when the tarffr hin
goes 10 the Senate II win be amended
there so as to provide a duty OF 30 cents
on long tons and of 40 cents on short
The present long-ton duty Is 81 cents.
Assurances also have been given, II is
understood to those Republicans who are
protesting against the Payne bin reduc-
tions on iron ore. pig iron. and scrap
iron. While II was impossible for the
House leaders 10 make any definite state
ment as 70 what rates would be Imposed
on these products in the bill to be re-
ported 10 the Senate by the Finance
Committee. they felt able TO say that the
rates would be OF a character satisfac-
tory TO those interested IN the iron divi
sion Of the metal schedule.
Lenders of Both Houses Confer.
According to what was said last even
ing, the Republican leaders Of the House
had been in conference with Republican
leaders Of the Senate. and were able "A
give their assurances on the most reliable
authority to the high tariff men among
the Representatives.
The prospect for putting through the
tariff 6ill in the House at an early dav
has frightened perceptibly. Whip Dwight |
and Republicans who have been assisting
him are sanguine that the special rule
VIII be adopted and some OF them said
there are enough Republican votes behind |
it to put It through without aid from
insurgent Democrats.
From the first. Speaker Cannon has
been confident q special rule could be |
adopted. and he was in favor Of having /
il reported without delay izowever.
Chairman Payne and other members of !
the Ways and Means Committee con
tended that debate on the tariff bin
should be permitted to run on without in |
terruption until a demand for action
came from the country. 1t would then
be time. they said, 20 talk about bring !
ing in a rule.
According to the present arrangement. |
the special rule. which probably will be I
reported to-day. will provide for shutting /