The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-18

Blind Senator Rallies to De-
tense of Retailers-Aid-
ed by Owen.

For two hours this morning the Sen
ate wrangfed over the Gore resolution
directing the Finan.e Commi. tee TO
make an investigation into the relations
between manufacturers prices and re-
tail prices.
After a sharp discussion a vote was
taken and the resolution was duly in
TERED by being referred TO the Finance
Committee. Before the vote was taken
the resolution had b, en- modified by pro-
viding for a select committee to make
the investigation instead of the Finance
Committee
On the motion to refer three Repub-
licans, Crawford. Il. Toilette, and Bris-
tow, voted with the Democrats.
The discussion over the resoIuti IN
was animated and at times border ed
close on bitterness. 1t was broug 1T
about by the fact that some days ago
some of the Republican Senators. in
their zeal to defend protection. charged
the retailers with being responsible for
the prevailing nigh prices.
Quick To Assist.
Quick to see the Importance of such
allegations, Senator Gore FASTENED 20
the defense of the retailers. Ever since,
the Republicans have been trying to
back off and get away from the aliesa-
lions against the retailers. apparently
seeing political danger In it,
Senator Gore spoke in support of his
resolution this morning when ii was
brought up. Senator owen, his col
league, also supported IT, Senator Owen
declared it was reprehensible to charge
the retailers with fleeing the people. as
some Republican Senators had charged.
He spoke of the system whereby the
manufactures compelled the wholesaler
and retailer to sell goods at fixed prices,
and in response to questions cited the
American Print Company as an in
stance Senator Gallinger asked for the
evidence and Senator Owen said he
would submit It.
Smoot Makes Statement.
Senator Smoot made statements in
connection with the retail business
which Senator owen could not counte-
nance, and he called down the Utah
Senator in this fashion:
There never was a more erroneous
statement made in the same number of
words than that made by the Senator
from Utah"
Senator Gallinger denounced the Gore
resolution as ridiculous and absurd.
Senator du Pont suggested that the
commission provided for by the tariff
Dill could DO this work, which led Sen
ator Gore to observe that his resolution
did not call for "a coroners inquest"
Carter Takes Flour.
Senator Carter toc6 the floor and
made a long speech in which ne de-
nounced the proposed investigation.
I'VE cannot take an intellectual
spoon and feed Senators IN this cham
ber," said Senator Carter.
mo, there is too much need for
spoons TO feed infant industries" said
Senator Bacon.
81 am glad that the Senator from
Georgia does not need bottie-feed treat
ment." said Senator Carter.
Senator Carter wanted to know where
were the proofs OF all the tariff robbery
that was being alleged II urged prompt
passage of the bill.
Both Quote Macbeth.
A sharp exchange occurred between
Senator Gore and Senator Gallinger.
Both Senators fell to quoting Macbeth
TO the amusement and edification OF the
Senate.
The Senator from New Hampshire
calls the proposition absurd" said Sen
ator Gore. Il regard him as supreme
judge on the subject OF absurdities."
OF Senator Carter. Senator Gore sar-
castically said he was willing to con-
cede that he knows everything about
every question"