The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-27

Declaring the state Department should
be allowed TO WELD the big stick over Ger
many without outside advice, William II.
Douglass, of New York. branded the
Kaiser's realm an undesirable trade ac-
quaintance at the National Board Trade
Convention yesterday.
In a heated address opposing a resolu-
ton which asked the State Department
to abandon their threatening attitude to-
ward Germany, Mr. Douglass charged
that nation with "swindling' the United
States out of many millions.
II this resolution were passed it might
easily be disastrous TO the attempts OF
the government to adjust tariff matters.
he said. The statements resulted in the
warmest debate Of the convention. but
the resolution was finally banished TO the
table
The issue was brought to the attention
of the convention late yesterday after
noon. with the offering of the following
resolution:
Would Waive Question.
Resolved. That the National Board Of Trade re-
spectfully but earnestly requests the department
Controlling the subject % waive the question Of in
specJiou, SO that the American beef products shall
stand the same basis those Of other countries
ana thereby continue the present tariff agreements
which place the imports Of all merchandise from
this country into Germany under the most favored
nation clause
Welding Ring Of New York, moved the
passage OF the resolution. declaring the
entire merchant traffic with Germany is
Jeapordized by the stand alleged to have
been taken by the State Department
Unless action is taken before the trade
treaty expires on February T." he said.
Germany and the United States Will i'm
pose maximum tariff rates, which would
be disastrous 10 the trade of both coun-
tries. / understand the Department Of
State is holding out for the minimum
rate for American beef on the hoof as a
German importer the maximum tariff
for everything"
7 see no reason why we cannot leave
the government alone, and let them deal
with an affair that we know nothing
about. said Mr.. Douglass. we had bet
ter let well enough alone. We don't
want TO put this country is a position
that would make them admit they are
afraid Of Germany. or any other coun-
try.
TIenaced by Germany.
4 hear that the United States govern
ment has been menaced by Germany.
If this is so there should be the maximum
tariff. and nothing else. Il is a we'll
known fact that Germany swindled the
government out Of hundreds of millions
when the government was weak enough
TO allow them TO appraise their own i'm
ports. These appraisements were false
wholly false. Let us not say that we
want the United States 10 admit they are
afraid Of any country on the globe"
The speech was greeted with cheers
from every part Of the hall, and several
delegates jumped TO their feet seeking
recognition.
This subject is a diplomatic one. and
therefore secret and private" said Joseph
Cook. of Philadelphia. If this rezolu-
ton were passed. il might easily be given
a twist and a flavor and sent to Ger
many. where it would defeat the ends
Of the State Department. There is an
old adage that says Fools rush in where
angels fear to tread That is the case
here. / move that # be tabled"
7 believe We are wasting time" said
DR.. W p. Wilson. of Philadelphia 7
second the motion" Action on the reso-
luton was unanimously postponed.
In Session All Day.
With the exception Of a recess for
luncheon. the convention was in continu-
GUS session during the entire day, from
2 o'clock in the morning.
President la lame was unanimously
chosen to succeed himself as head of
the national trade body Clinton White
of Boston, and W. II. Douglass. Of New
York, were elected first and second vice
presidents. respectively, W. P. Tucker
Of Philadelphia, was reelected secretary
treasurer.
Charles England of Baltimore, brought
IN the report Of the committee on inter
state commerce, and the following reso-
lutions were adopted. according to its
recommendation:
Whereas there is necessity for uniform classified
ton q freight in the United States and inasmucH
a. such a classification s feasible; therefore be il
Resolved. That the National Board Of Trade Is in
favor OF the compilation and adoption Of such CLASH
lcaton. the same 70 be subject % the approval Of
NE interstate Commerce Commission, both in il,
adoption and in the changes therein if any
Resolved, That Congress- be respectfully urged q