Omaha daily bee., 1909-03-20
South and Northwest Will Fight Cut
in Duty on Lumber.
DEMOCRATS ARE FOR FREE HIDES
Attempt Will Be Made for Further
Reduction on Shoes.
BILL Is READ IN HOUSE
Members Pay Little Attention "a
ReadInE and Motion by Mr.. Sims
10 Recommend BIZ for Pass
age Nearly Passes.

WASHINGTON. March 19.-There is
general disposition in the house TO
eliminate az far as possible any academic
discussion of the tariff Members on
both sides are desrous of having as lit
tie general debate as possible and as
much time as is practicable for the con-
stderation Of the bill under the five
minute rule for amendments.
When the Dingley bill was before con-
gress less than week was devoted in
the house TO the discussion of the bill
under the five-minute rule and, while 1t
is likely that rule will be brought In
TO limit the time for considering amend
ments, It is believed sufficient time will
be allowed for consideration of the whole
bill under the five-minute rule
Members on both sides lining up
and preparing to submit amendments 70
the sections of the bill in which their
constituents are interested. The main
contention is to be over the cut made in
the duty on lumber. 1t is understood
that the southern representatives are al
most unanimously in favor of retaining
the present duty of 81 per 1000 feet.
They will have the support of many men,
bers from the northwest and Pacific coast
states.
Democrats for Free Hides.
Hides and leather manufactures also
viii be the subject of considerable de-
bate. An earest effort will be made by
the democrats to have shoes and other
leather products reduced at least or 6
per cent and to have hides retained on the
free list. ON boots and shoes. according
to the new tariff. will be levied duty
Of 15 per cent ad valorem. hile this is q
reduction of 10 per cent ad valorem. II is
contended by those who favor further re-
ductions that the shoemen themselves
have admitted that the ycould stand a
reduction of 3 or 10 per cent more II
hides were admitted free The repre-
sentatives Of western states will make
an earnest effort to have duty of IL
Ter cent again placed on hides.
The Louisiana allegation met today 10
cuusider the effcct that the free trade
provision for the Philippine islands would
have on the rice industry I'm the United
States They will endoavor to have the
majority report of the ways and means
committee favor a small duty on rice i'm
ported from the Philippines or the quantity
entitled to free duty entry restricted a.
has been done with sugar and tobacco
committee composed of Senator Fostel
and Representatives Broussard and Puj,
was appointed to consult with Genera
Clarence Edwards, chief of the insuIa,
bureau OF the War department, regardin,
the Philippine rice importations.
OH and Metal Scheduled.
In explanation of the retention of tn
countervailing duty clause ON petroleum
is claimed that Mexico has developed larg
oil fields and that the provision limiting
the free entry OF oil to countries whicl
do not impose tax on the importation
of American oil was made to prevent tn
importation of Mexican oil free of dut
II that country should impose a tax o.
oil from the United States. There has bee
very little criticism in the house of tn
metal schedule. but It IL claimed duty o.
wrought and cast scrap iron should b
equal to the duty on pig iron, as is pro
vided in the Dingley law. In the Payn
bill scrap iron is covered by a duty O
20 cents per ton. while the duty on pi
iron is $3.50 per ton. In speaking of thi
schedule, member of the house toda
declared that its effect would be to re
duce the importation OF pig iron to prac
tically nothing while all the scrap iro
that could be secured in foreign countrie
brought into this country.
BiII Read I'm House.
For four and a half hours the house {
representatives today listened to the rea,
ing Of the tariff bill, which was conclude,
II was the only business transacted. 1t wa
perhaps the dreariest session OF any hel
by that body I'm recent years Some OF n
members In the reading took TO the cloa
rooms and lobby, while others deserted ii
building
Mr.. Sims OF Tennessee injected a breat
nj a
reading of the bill dispensed with as
farce but objection was made. He the
asked unanimous consent that the bill
Put on Its passage. saying It was evlder
no opportunity would be offered to amen
the measure in the house To this su,
eestion, however Mr. Mann Of Illinois ol
jected.
When the house convened this morning
was agreed that when adjournment Is take
today II shall be until Monday WithoI
any explanation. Mr. Payne called up n
tariff bill, which was read at length
committee OF tho whole. The designatic
by the speaker OF Mr. Omstead OF Penn
sylvania as chairman of the committe
while tho tariff bill is under consideratio
elected republican applause
Mr. Payne announced that general deba
IN the bill would begin Monday.
MIR. Sims OF Tennessee inquired Of Il
chair the reason for reading the bill VIII,
no one was paying attention.
The chair reminded him that the rul
required such procedure unless by unau
nous consent the reading was dispens,
with.
"rhen," said Mr., Sims. ito end the fare
! move that the further reading be al
oensed with
II object" shouted Mr. Payne I'm lot
'oice. and the clerk proceeded.
Diversion by MIR. sims.
The motony OF the reading proved L
much for most OF the members ana tn
left the chamber in such numbers IN
practically only empty seats remained N
Sims mado the point Of no quorum. but
quickly recOnsidered and withdrew