The Washington herald., 1909-03-21

erners Taking Peculiar Course.
Republican leaders are now beginning
TO see flaws in the new tariff bilI and
within the next two or three days it is
believed plans viii be well under way
70 change the measure materially from
the form in which Representative Payne
sent it TO the House Of Representatives.
At first il was announced that all of
the Republicans were highly pleased with
the provisions of the measure as well as
its phraseology, but lately bolts of crit
icism have been hurled at it from all
directions, and those who first favored
il are beginning 10 admit that the meas
ure is not all it should be.
The President held a long conference
with Secretary Knox, Secretary Mac
Veagh. and Senator Aldrich yesterday
afternoon, and the bill was literally pick
ed 70 pieces and viewed from every
point Of vantage.
Does Not Agree.
The day after the measure was intro
dueed, reports were circulated in Wash
ington that the President was entirely
satisfied the bin was all could be ex-
pected, and that ne would Ike TO see il
passed in the original form. Now comes
the rumor that the Chief Executive does
not agree with all the provisions of the
bill, and, what is more. ii is said he
viii soon make it very plain that certain
changes must be made.
in all quarters yesterday members of
Congress were criticising the PAYNE
measure, and il IS highly probable tha,
before the bill gets through the House
IT'S own authors will not recognize It as
the one they prepared to provide reve-
nues. equalize oGties, and encourage the
Industries Of the United States" &c
Combinations are being formed daily 10
fight certain provisions Of the bill and
when the House organization begins the
fight tomorrow they viii be face 10
face with one Of the most serious prop
ositions with which 1t has ever had to
Deal. Lumbermen, sugar men, cattle
men, and even the peanut men are com
the bill. and promise 10 fight 10 the Bit
ter end 10 see that certain changes are
effected.
Not Clearly WOrded.
The phraseOlogy OF the measure is ore
Of the troublesome questions that is
keeping organization men awake nights.
i is contended by some who oppose the
bin that the provision OF a minimum
and maximum schedule IS not clearly
wcrded; that as the Democrats put il.
it is full Of looDholes.
For instance. it is provided that the
maximum rate shall be applied TO coun-
tries not giving a preference 10 the
United States The question has arisen,
and is regarded as well taken in some
quarters. that II a dependency of Ger
many or any other mother country gives
a preferential duty to Germany. then the
maximum rate must be applied by the
United States against that country.
Others contend that this is not the
meaning Of the law; that dependencies
are regarded as a part Of the mother
country. and that they have a right 70
give preference without being forced 10
accept the higher American duties.
This question was given little attention
by the House leaders when IL was first
outlined 10 them. but after sleeping over
1t for several nights they have realized
Il Is a pretty serious point. and yester-
day there WAS A wild scramble TO get
Rt the real meaning Of the bill
No Expression of Approval.
The President is said 10 be we'll satisfied
with the intent of the bill. but he gave nc
expression Of approval of the probable
effect Of it yesterday. He believes. how
Pver that before the measure gets into
the hands Of the Senate. where the great
est changes likely will he made. all
Of the doubtful clauses will have beer
made clear.
The conference Of Senator Aldrich with
the President and two Cabinet officers
yesterday gave rise TO various rumors.
Some suggested that the reins were 60
ing to be put in the hands Of the Rhode
Island Senator. and that the measure
signed by the President would be practi-
cally an Aldrich bill That Senator Al
drich is going 10 lead the organization
in putting the finishing touches On the
bill after il is passed by the House. is
not doubted by many Of the members OF
the House and yesterday a member o'
the Presidents Cabinet refused to DENY
That such was the programme.
The bill viii be taken up I'm the House
tomorrow under general debate. and Il
Is expected that by Friday or Saturday i;
viii be placed under the five-minute rule
Ii is then the real fight will be started
and various amendments probably vii
be offered by both Republicans and Demo
Gratis 10 most Of the individual para
graphs.
p VIII BE in Better shape.
At the same time the consideration 4.
begun in the House the Senate Commit.
tee on Finance will begin its work anc
follow the proceedings of the lower
branch OF Congress. Under this plar
the committee viii be in better shape
and can report the bill to the Senate very
soon after it is passed by the House.
II is expected the measure Will be
passed by the House and sent TO the
Senate some time In the latter part OF
April. and then the Ways and Means
Committee Of the House will start al
over again and follow the course Of the
Senate. This viii be done with a view
)f placing the members close to what
Continued on Page g. Column 9.