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

Senate Democrats are stiu wrestling
With the difficult problem of their atti-
tude on 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 viii hold another tomorrow. The
result OF their deliberations thus far is
10 agree to favor an income tax in
ste2d of an Inheritance tax, and to
favor the general idea OF reductions of
duties on necessaries of life and in
creases Of duties on lUxuries
But when II gets down TO the point
OF agreement on specific schedules. il
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
Guided Senators Bankhead, Clark, Davis,
Newlands, Tillmsn, and Paynter
Cannot Agree
II was made clear. as was expected,
That when 1t comes 10 agreeing what to
DO on such schedules as the South has
al interest in, such as lumber coal,
hides, and oil, there viii be the greatest
Stnculty. In fact. there is little likel-
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. II is impossible to make their
anxiety IN this respect jibe with the
general Democratic theory of a tariff for
revenue with Incidental protection
Ine Democratic members OF the
Finance Committee have been desig-
mated as subcommittee to prepare
amendments 10 the hill -cdffrfnr- he.
uutles on various articles as fixed In the
Aldrich bill. This body will report at
The meeting tomorrow.
Bailey's Income Tax.
Senator Bailey's income tax plan finds
general favor. It is estimated by Bailey
that II viii raise as much as $50, 600 900
year. The Democrats expect much
Republican support for an income tax.
So far as the Senate Republican organ
ization IS concerned, II will oppose the
income, the Inheritance, and the stamp
taxes. If there is any legislation for
additional revenue 1t will probably stand
Tor a tax on the dividends of corpora
tons.
Senator Danie' urged the Democratic
conference 10 support his amendment
Tor tax on the dividends of corpora,
earnest
l@'AAdAVL DAOIlt Is anxious to get the
minority 10 support his amendment for
Tree trade with the Philippines and in
dependence IN fifteen years but the
Louisiana Senator's are opposed TO free
trace with tho insular possessions on
account Of sugar.
No Delay Expected.
AS one result Of the Democratic con-
ference. IL is apparent mat there Is no
disposition among the minority 70
lengthen the debate beyond the point
necessary 10 enable II to make clear its
position on the various schedules.
This will be good news to the bust
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.
IL 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-
hitting adjournment Of Congress by
June ].
II is reported that the Conference
Committee, which will put the final
touches on the measure, will consist of
more members than ever before. F'our
-. - me humber now spoken Of con-
Slsting OF fv2 Republicans and two
Oemocrats from both House and sen
ate. BY this plan Il Is hoped to avoid
criticism that the final shaping OF the
new tarln was left I'm the hands OF q
rev men and IL will also perrnff rsrrs-
sentatives from all sections Of the conn
Try 10 have part.
Dingley Tariff.
When the Dingley tariff bill was m
der consideration sixteen members we're
appointed on the conference committee
This was because Of the political sitta-
ton In the Senate. where there were
number OF Populists who demanded
recognition. The conferees on that oc-
casion were Dingley, Payne. Dalzeu
Hopkins. Grosvenor. Bailey. McAiillin
and Wheeler (Ala.) representing the
House; Allison. Aldrich. Platt Conn.
Burrows, Jones New, Vest, Jones
CArk.), and White CCaL). representing
the Senate OF the House conferees
Payne and DalZeI are the only two left
IN service on the Ways and Means Con-
nittee, and Of the Senate conferees ALL
rich and Burrows are not only the only
ones still serving on the Finance Com
mittee, but all their former colleagues
sn the Dingley conference COMMITTEES
are dead.