The Washington herald., 1911-01-06
BILL
MEETS APPROVAL
Tariff Association Head In
dOrses Measure.
PRESIDENT J. C. COBB TALKS
Says Salient Features of All Bills
Are Covered in Measure Intro
Wants Ten.year Term for Mem
hers of the Commission.

John Gambler Cobb, president of the
National Tariff Commission Association
arrived in Washington yesterday morn
ing and was in conference during the
day with Representative Longworth and
number of others at the Capitol re-
garding the Longwofth bill. introduced
yesterday. providing for a tariff commits
sion.
"On behalf of the National Tariff Com
mission Association" Mr.. Cobb said, Il
most cordially indorse the bill presented
by Mr.. Longworth, and commend the
work he has done in framing a measure
which incorporates the best features of
all the bills under discussion. The provi-
sions in his bill in regard to subpoena
of witnesses anu calling for books and
papers, which is based on a similar pro-
vision in the Lenroot bill, seems to be a
very good solution Of much-discussed
question and has our most hearty sup
port.
There are some minor points not en-
ti-ely in accord with the views of our
association. such as the term of Office
of the commissioners. Our idea is that
there should be a ten-year term instead
of six, one commissioner being appointed
every two years: also the provision as
to reports Of the commission, which We
think might well be changed. so that
either branch of Congress should call for
reports without joint action
The Longworth bill, which has the
approval of President Taft, proposes an
appropriation of $4,000 for the creation
of the permanent tariff commission.
Author Explains BILL
Mr.. Longworth. explaining the bill yes
terday. said:
This bill has been drafted after care
full reading of the various bills that
have been introduced in Congress re-
lating to a tariff commission. 1t con-
tains what IN my judgment. are the best
other features which will make the pro-
posed tariff commission more efficient
and practical.
1T provides for commission OF five
men at a salary of $500 a year, to be
appointed by the President and con-
firmed by the Senate. In the original in
stance the members are to serve for n
term of ,. 8. a. ), and 6 years. respectively
and thereafter for the full term of six
years, the President to designate their
terms and to name the chair
man.
1T further provides that not more than
three Of the five commissioners shall be
members Of the same political party. The
Is given power to appoint a
and other employees and to fix
their compensation, with the further pro-
vision. in order to give the commission as
free hand as possible in obtaining eS-
pert information, that these employees
shall not be subject to the civil service
except as to clerks. stenog-
-aphers. messengers, and other employees
IF similar grades
The commission is given the usual gen.
,ral powers, by the Longworth bill. but
he power to punish any person for fail
IRE to appear or produce evidence is re-
served for Congress. the power of the
commission in that regard being con-
ined to a full report of the matter to
Congress.
Statements to BE Asked.
1t is believed that much of the informa-
ion which will prove most valuable TO
Congress will be acquired through the
means of statements made confidentially
o the commission on the understanding |
hat the names of those giving the in
ormation will not be made public, and
therefore, cannot be taken advantage Of |
" business competitors
The result of the investigations Of the |
commission are to be made in the form |
f reports and submitted either to the |
President Or to Congress. when called |
or by either. and there is a further pro- !
ision which gives to the tariff commit |
ees Of the House and Senate the right |
o summon the commission to appear be- |
ore them.
In general. the purpose OF the bill is
tated to be to establish a permanent
ariff commission which shall have all !
he powers of the present tariff board.
nd, in addition, further powers for the
urpose of making it a thoroughly ef-
cient body, and to give it every proper
AGILITY for conducting its investigations.
The House Of Representatives adjourned at 2s0