New-York tribune., 1909-06-07
THE TARIFF TO DATE
END OF DEBATE SEEMS
TO BE IN SIGHT.
Senate Leaders Erpect Final p0te
June 2G-Week Results in
Material Progress.

the tariff debate proved exceptionally trying 10
the tempers of members Of the Senate, but ma
terial progress was made, the cotton schedule
which presumably. occasioned more DEBATE
than will any other. adopted and the en-
tire control OF the situation in the Senate by
the regular organization was demonstrated be-
vond peradventure. In the estimation of the
leaders the end is now in sight. They hope 10
disnose of the wool and the lumber and wood
nuIn schedules during the coming week and to
obtain an agreement for the final vote on June
% Practically all the Democrats are pre-
pared to accept that date for the final vote ana
as the progressive Republicans have been de-
feated at every turn they seem likely 10 follow
suit
An earnest effort has been made by some or
the Republicans TO enlist the support of the
President in their efforts TO procure lower du-
ties but without avail. The President takes
the position that he must not be dragged INTO
the fight, although ne is expected to act as
sort OF arbitrator between the Senate and the
House when the measure goes to conference,
and will then exert what influence he properly
can for lower duties.
Three brilliant speeches characterized the de-
bate of last week. Senator Lodge supported
the cotton schedule IN speech which won en-
comiums from his colleagues on all sides ana
which went far 10 make plain the intricacies or
the schedule Senator Aldrch delivered
speech which won for him new laurels as
debater and convinced many Of his colleagues
that his contention that in translatng the du-
ties on cotton cloth from ad vaiorem to specinc
the committee had not increased the rates was
sound The third speech to command attention
was delivered by Senator DoIliver. the ablest
debater among the progressive" Republicans.
The Iowa Senator sought 10 refute the argu-
rnents of Messrs Lodge and Aldrich, and while
his speech was delivered with great earnestness
it was so repete with humor that II ensendereo
no bitterness, and afforded the Senate hlucH
entertainment The longest speech OK the week
was delivered by Senator La Toilette, VINO "o'e
into his argument against the cotton scheduie
most of his well known Chautauqua lecture
against the trusts and much similar matter
Unfortunately for the strength of his argument
Mr. Ia Toilette based most Of his contentious
on facts presented by W. H. Parkhill chiet eH-
aroiner of cotton cloths in the New York Gus
tom House. praising Mr.. Parkhll in high terms
and when Mr La Toilette had closed Mr.. Aldrich
submitted 10 the Senate statement signed by
Mr. ParkhiH and other experts saying that the
Finance Committees changes in the COTTON
schedule had not increased the rates. thus rop-
binx Mr. La Toilette of a witness OF whose
+rr1stworthiness he labored so long 10 convince
the Senate.
Farlv in the week the Senate rejected Senator
Roots amendment retaining the present duty on
lemons and adopted the increase proposed by
the Finance Committee Mr. Aldrich acting for
the committee. withdrew the amendments IN
creasing the duty on hams, bacon and lard. and
the spirits schedule was disposed Of almost with
out debate Senator Elkins enlivened the pro-
ceedings with an irnpassioned but humorous ap-
neal for increased duties on coal. petroleum and
other nroducts Of West Virginia. Senator New
lands made an appeal to the 'pTogressives' not
to mind repeated defeat. but 10 stand by their
guns 10 the last and 10 enlist the services Of the
President Late Saturday afternoon the cotton
schedule as reported by the committee was
adopted the organization having majority Of
from nine 10 eleven votes on every roncal Ad-
iournment was then taken 10 Monday Two
evening sessions Of the Senate were held. on
Thursday and Friday, respectively.
The leaders hope 10 begin the consideration OF
the wool schedule tomorrow. and while some
Eastern Senators will take part in the debate
the committee rates will be supported chiefly by
westerners, notably Senators Carter, Borah and
Warren the last Of whom has been described as
the greatest shepherd the world has ever known.
his hocks exceeding those of Jacob
With the wool schedule disposed Of, the fight
on wood and wood pulp will be reached but it is
not believed that ii will be prolonged. When
hides reached there VIII be genuine nght
although the leaders are disposed 10 believe that
hides will be on the free list in the bill finally
enacted despite the fact that a duty may be
imposed in the Senate
If as is hoped agreement that the final
vote be taken on June 26 can be reached as soon
as the wool schedule is disposed of, about the
middle Of this week there will be no difficulty
in disposing Of the remaining schedules. the free
list and the administrative features. although it
will doubtless be necessary to hold night
sions The heat and humidity in Washington
were intense during the last week and this
doubtless contributed TO the bad temper which
was displayed in debate several occasions,
but with repeated demonstrations of the futility
Of the fight being made against the organization
II IS believed the bitterness will grow less and
that soon a large majority Of the Senators will
be actuated only by a desire TO complete their
labors and adjourn.
Opinion differs 10 the time which will be
required for the conferences between the two
houses, the Senate leaders saying ii will be pos
sible 10 complete this phase of the legislation in
a week and the House leaders predicting that it
will require three weeks. Those who expect the
concessions argue that ten days in conference
will prove ample to adjust the differences be-
tween the Payne bill and the Senate substitute
In any event adjournment before July I now
seems impossible