The Washington times., 1909-04-15
DEMOCRATS UNABLE
TO OAGREE ON TARIFF
Support of Income Tax
Clause About Only Thing
Settled Upon.

Senate Democrats are still wrestling
with the difficult problem of their atti-
tude OH the tariff bill. They are finding
much difficulty IN reaching a common
ground on which all of them. or nearly
all, are able TO stand
Already the Democrats have had one
four-hOur discussion Of the subject
They will hold another tomorrow. The
result OF their deliberations thus far is
70 agree to favor an income tax in
stead OF an inheritance tax. and to
favor the general idea of reductions of
duties on necessaries of life and in
creases Of duties on iuxurfes.
But when II gets down TO the point
OF agreement on specific schedules. it
Is found extremely difficult for the
minority TO unite. At the opening con-
ference not all of the Democratic Sena-
tors were present The absentees in
ciuded Senators Bankhead, Clark. Davis.
NeWiands, T1llmen, and Paynter.
Cannot Agree.
1t was made clear. as was expected.
that when ii comes to agreeing what to
do on such schedules as the South has
an interest in, such as lumber. coal,
hides. and oil. there will be the greatest
oifflculty. In fact. there is little likeli-
hood such an agreement can be reached
Some Of the Southern Democrats are as
anxious as anyone for high duties on
the products that affect their respective
States. It is impossible to make their
anxiety IN this respect jibe with the
general Democratic theory of a tariff for
revenue with Incidental protection.
The Democratic members of the
FINANCE Committee have been desis-
mated as a subcommittee to prepare
amendments 10 the bill reducing the
duties on various articles as fixed in the
Aidrich bill. This body will report at
ihe meeting tomorrow.
Bailey's Income Tax.
Senator Bailey's income tax plan finds
general favor. It is estimated by Bailey
that it will raise as much as $4,000 900
a year. The Democrats expect much
Republican support for an income tax.
So far as the Senate Republican organ
ization Is concerned, fl viii oppose the
income. the Inheritance. and the stamp
taxes. IL there is any legislation for
additional revenue 1t VIII probably stand
Tor tax on the dividends of corpora
tions.
Senator Daniel urged the Democratic
conference TO support his amendment
ior a tax on the dividends of corpora-
tions, an idea for which he is extremely
earnest
Eonator Stone is anxious TO get the
minority TO support his amendment fo~
Tree trade with the Philippines and in
qqepe,E.dence in fifteen years, but the
Louisiana Senators are opposed to free
trade with tho insuIar possessions on
account OF sugar.
No Delay Expected.
AS one result Of the Democratic con-
ference, Il IS apparent rnat there is no
disposition among the minority to
lengthen the debate beyond the noint
necessary to enable II to make clear Its
position on the various schedules.
This will be good news TO the busi-
ness Interests Of the country, which are
demanding early action in order that
trade and commerce may quickly adapt
themselves to the new order Of things
II is now predicted that the debate in
the Senate will come to an end in the
second week Of May. Then ALLOWING
two weeks for its consideration in the
Conference Committee il is hoped that
the bill can be sent to President TAFT
for his signature by May %. thus per-
mitting adjournment OF Congress bv
June /.
1t is reported that the Conference
committee which viii put the final
touches on the measure will consist Of
more members than ever before. Four |
n
Sls.ing OF hve Republicans and two |
Democrats from both House and son |
aie- by InlE plan II Is hoped to avoid 1
criticism that the final shaping OF The
new tariff was left in the hands of .
rev men and il viii also permit renre- !
sentatlves from all sections Of the conn
try 10 nave a part.
Dingley Tariff.
When the Dingley tariff bin was nm
der consideration sixteen members xrere |
appointed on the conference committee
This was because Of the political situa- |
ton In the Senate, where there were a |
number OF Populists who demanded |
recognition. The conferees on that or /
casion were Dingley, Payne. Dalzeu |
Hopkins. Grosvenor. Bailey. McMinin |
and Wheeler CAls) representing the /
House; Allison. Aldrich, Platt Conn /
BURROWS, Jones CNev), Vest, ZONES /
(Ark.), and White CCaL), representing
the Senate. OF the House confereee I
Payne and Dalzell are the only two LETT /
IN service on the Ways and Means Con- /
Inittee. and OF the Senate conferees Ain
rlch and Burrows are not only the only
ones still serving on the Finance Com
Inittee, but all their former coIIeae5A
in the Dingley conference COMMITTEES /
are dead