The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1909-03-09
Fordney's Futile Fight.


have lumber admitted free.
Fordney's Futile Fight.
Representative Fordney of Michigan,
a member of the committee has cham
pioned the cause of the lumbermen, and
the latter have been working energet-
ically to prevent a reduction. They con-
tend the rates should be increased in
order that the American industry may
compete with the cheaper labor en-
plOyed in Canada, and because of the
better facilities for transportation af-
forded by the proximity of the Cana
dian lumber camps to waterways.
The effort to obtain hides free is be-
ing made principally by the New Eng
land shoe and leather manufacturers,
and is strongly opposed by the cattle
men of the west. 1t is said that the
trainers have agreed to a material re-
duction on leather manufactures.
An impression prevails that the plan
is to have the hide and leather sched-
ule fixed in conference after the ques-
tons have been thoroughly threshed on
the floor of the house, in the senate
finance committee and on the floor Of
the senate.
Champ Clark, the house minority
leader, passed considerable time today
with Representative Underwood i'm lay
ing out the plan to be followed by the
minority in its fight in the house 1t is
understood that the Democratic policy
will be to criticise the Republican bill
and offer amendments to it. They will
favor a tariff for revenue.
1t is expected that by Wednesday the
entire measure will be in type.
1t has been learned on unquestionabIe
authority that because of the placing
of hides on the free list, the duty on
shoes will be considerably reduced.
Cut in Steel Probable.
While no features were obtainabIe re-
garding the steel schedule, it was, on
the same authority, stated that a sub
stantial redcutiOn in the duty on steel
rails, tools and similar products is pro-
vided for.
A duty of cents a pound on cork is
levied. This by way of compromise
with the Porto Ricans. who demanded
a tax of cents a pound.
Whisky and beer will rest as at pres
ent if the subcommittee recommenda-
tons are enacted into law. 1t was felt
that whisky was already carrying all
the tax il could stand. while in the case
of beer the prohibition movement
throughout the country, il is explained
has cut down the consumption of beer,
ana II was Ielt that II would be a hard
ship to impose any further tax.
War Taxes in the Bill.
1t having become manifest to the
committee that the customs duties I'M
der the new bill would not produce the
revenue expected, it turned to the ex-
pedient of reviving the war revenue act
of 1898, which placed a tax on tele-
grams. bank checks, playing cards and
all stocks bought or sold.
That feature of the war revenue act
is Incorporated in the tariff measure as
drafted, it is said.
A matter perplexing to the committee
is that of placing a tax on inheritance.
President Taft wants it, it is declared.
and is pressing the committee to take
action along that line. 1t is predicted
that the committee will yield to the
presidents wishes. President Taft is
seeking TO have a copy of the bill de-
livered to the senate committee on
finance before the special session be-
gins, III order that the members. NAV
begin work on it at once.
He believes much time would he
saved thus and the extra session ma
terially curtailed.