Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-26
CITIES SEND PETIT IS
National Board of Trade VI :,
Ask State Department to Rec, Z
CATTLE TRADE NOT MPoRTA
Exports to Germany Are Small an'
Will Become Smaller.
ISSUE IS NOT WORTH MAKING
Statement that II VIII EndangeF
Trade of Nearly FOur Hundred
Millions and that Germany
Cannot Yield Point.


WASHINGTON, jan 25.-Alarmed by the
critical turn in the tariff controversy be-
tween the United States and Germany ap-
peals from the chambers of commerce and
boards Of trade Of several cities were made
TO the National Board of Trade in session
here today urging that body to recon-
mend that the State department recede
from its position that American beef and
cattle must be admitted to Germany, II
the trade between the two nations, repre-
senting $3.50 100000 a year to American busl-sI
ness houses, is not to be subjected to the
effects Of a tariff war. Resolutions pre-
scented to the national body maintain there
can be no advantage in insisting on
German market for American beef because
the home consumption is increasing at
such a rate as soon TO command all the
supply, and in support Of this 1t Is sighted
that American cattle exports have de-
creased by 50 100000. II is pointed out that
the agrarian party, in control OF the Reich
stag has stood for the principle that the
farmers Of Germany must supply its beef,
and that the imperial government could
not admit the American product IL 1t would
A commission to settle the dispute is sug-
gested.
Many delegates bringing from their home
cities demands for an investigation OF a.
|. national character into the high cost of
living have made consideration OF that
subject imperative. The national body to-
day decided to appoint a special committee
Of five men to determine the reasons for
present prices.
Ar todays session movement was
launched to create national headquarters
and legislative bureau in Washington.
sixty Cities Represented.
Sixty Chambers of Commerce and oBards
of Trade yoicing the business needs of
the nation from as many cities, are repre-
scented in the meeting.
Concerted action on the live issues of
the day will be taken and expressions OF
the national body indicative OF the sent-
merit of business interests viii be given
in che form OF resolutions proposing some
legislation, favoring some new proposed
and asking for the repeal of some now in
force;
Fight ON Currency Law.
There promises to be a fight on what
shall be the endorsement of the national
body regarding currency legislation. One
element represented opposes central bank
with power to issue currency on the
grounds that such a plan would be too
experimental and tend to destroy con-
the creation Of a central bank system to
conform with the conditions of the present
financial system and urges that the sys-
TEN should be gradually made to conform
to the central idea. The supporters Of this
plan cite that the financial system of
Europe has demonstration the superiority
of central bank system In providing
stable currency, always responsive to the
requirements of legitimate business inter
ests.
The question Of permitting railroads to
make agreements among themselves for
interstate traffic under the supervision and
approval of the Interstate Commerce com
mission will be discussed, There is SEN
timent to have the national body favor
such a plan as well as to favor amend
ments to the law giving to the shipper the
right to route his freight An attempt
will be made to get the national body to
favor legislation to compel the railroads
to settle damage claims at actual value
instead OF invoice value and the movement
for a uniform classification will be taken
up
There Is considerable division of opinion
on the question Of parcels post. Some OF
the bodies reported oppose 1t in its en-
tirety on the basis that It wJud be a loss
20 the government and operate to the ad-
vantage or a rev against tIle many OJheIH
favor 1t for the rural free delivery system
and would eonfine its use to that branch
of the postal service. There appears to bN
no opposition to postal savings banks.
Revtaion of Postal Charges.
The deficit in the postoffice, however.
reveals some differences of opinion for a
remedy Several organizations demand l.
cent letter postage TO be applied TO let
ia
cities as they originate; others modify 1t
10 / cent per ounce and declare the post
office can make a profit of l50 per cent
at such rate That plan entails revision
of the entire scale of postal charges, sug-
gesting that newspapers be placed in one
class and magazines and miscellaneous
periodicals in another ON which the postal
rate would be increased. The sentiment
IS TO force every class of postage to pay
its own transportation.
Repeal of the federal corporation tax
passed al the last session OF congress will
be urged, amendments to the sherman
anti-trust law which win preserve its in
tent and define its limitations. and the
creation Of a permanent nonpartisan tar
iff commission win be suggested.
A great many other national questions
will be brought before the body for action
among them the announcement OF desir
. able immigration. recommendation for uni
formity Of business laws In the states
where a contrariety exists, the federal in
speetion OF grain commercial education
and preservation OF the public health
Resolutions urging the government e
initiate steps TO bring about the orsaniza
tion Of the proposed international court o
arbitral justice win also be proposed
The sessions will continue until Friday
on wednesday evening President Taft viii
speak at a dinner.
King ON Wisconsin Faculty.
MADISON. Wis Jan. 2a-(Speelal Tele