The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-04
OLNHIUIl LL,n..-
IS WRATHYOVER
INVESTIGATION
Threat to Join lnsuIgent Ranks
Is Made By the An
gIy Senator
gl[DRICH CHARGED WITH
SHIELDING TARIFF LAW
Hot Debate Occurs In the Senate and
AfdrfcIt in Reply to Questions Says
He Is Not Protecting Any
d-ia Interests.
- -&l1S1s1

Washington, February 3.-Senator Ell
hns made bitter complaint today against
the treatment of himself In connection
with his resolution providing for an in
vestigation of the high price of food
products.
. Mr.. Elkins charged Senator Aldrich
with desire to shield the tariff law and
the trusts in the inquiry, and he inti-
mated that hereafter he might be AN
insurgent" IL his wishes did not receive
more respectful consideration
The discussion was precipitated by SEN
ator Stone, who soon after the reporting
of the Lodge resolution, providing for the
selection of a Senate committee to inves-
tigate the cost of living in mock SOL
emnity raised the question whether the
committee contingent expenses had
yet reported the Elkins resolution, which
had been introduced early last month.
Responding, Mr.. Kean said that prob
ably the measure would be amended and
reported soon.
Taking the floor, Mr. Elkins complained
of the fact that the finance committee
had reported the Lodge resolution after a
was held up by the contingent commit
tee for a month. Mr.. Elkins contended
that many important features of his
measure had been omitted from the
lodge resolution. and asserted that it had
been so framed as to avoid any inquiry
into the effect of the tariff on food price.
..Why do you want to dodge the tariff, =
he asked, and added: 'T am a tariff man
myself and I ann not afraid to face the
question in competition with this investi-
gatlon.'
He then referred to the participation of
Chairman Aldrich of the finance commit
tee in the preparation Of the tariff BILL
and he declared he was quick to act in
anything affecting 'his child"
When Mr.. Lodge read his resolution as
amended by the finance committee for
the purpose of showing that it had pro-
posed to include the effect of the tariff
in its inquiry. the West Virginia sena-
tor was still dissa tisfied and he declared
the measure as reported "a mere method
TO sidetrack the question: while his own
measure "had been so manipulated as to
cause it to sleep the sleep of death''
At this juncture Mr.. Bailey suggested
to Mr.. Elkins that if he desired to get
action by the finance committee, he
should get on that committee.
Il suppose so'' replied Mr.. Ekins 81
have never got anything out of that
committee except once during the consid-
Grafton of the tariff, when 1 got few
drops by begging for them and by voting
for everything else that was suggested"
When Mr.. Bailey further suggested that
In order to become effective Mr.. Elkins
should become IAN insurgent." the West
Virginian jokingly responded that he
might do so.'
Il couldn't do it while the tariff bill
. was pending" said he, "but now have
more water to swim in, that is, more sea
room"
Mr.. Aldrich replied that the Lodge res
had expected
Lets see,' retorted Mr.. Elkns, 'if it
Is where the trusts come in. am unable
TO discover. They ought to be investi-
gated on food prices Let's see who is
nursing them"
Mr.. Aldrich replied that he had no in
tention to dodge a few inquiries or pro-
lect and interests. Mr. Elkins declared
The treatment his resolution had received
was due to a desire to rob him of credit
n connection with the matter, and pre-
etent his participation in the inquiry. Do
fou think the trusts or tariff responsible
Tor the high tariff, Mr.. Aldrich asked
Mr.. Elkins said he had desired that
The investigation developed that fact.
He declared the country was alarmed over
The situation.
Reintroducing his resolution with a re-
quest that It be referred to the finance
committee, Mr.. Elkns said:
$50 far I have kept in the procession
and stayed on the reservation But I
don't have to stay there always. tariff
laws do not live forever"