The Washington herald., 1911-01-09

National Tariff Commission Association
Is called to order in the Columbia The
ater Wednesday morning. it will signify
the elimination Of one of the most re-
markable movements in the commercial
together one-~of the most picturesque
gatherings ever assembled in this city OF
many conventions.
This meeting of representatives of more
than 100 Of the most powerful CONNER
cial organizations in the country il the
climax of united efforts of the business
men which have caused complete re-
versal Of the public attitude toward the
proposition Of a permanent tariff COM
mission; and the attention which is being
given to this convention shows how COM
plete Is the recognition that has been
wrung from the public of the demand
Association that serious consideration be
given to the necessity for scientific,
businesslike system of making tariff laws
The convention will be unique in that.
while ii Is intensely political in aspect.
it is absolutely nonpartisan. The high
protectionist and the downward revision
ist will sit side by side for once in per-
feet accord The Southern Democrat and
the New England Republican will be
found this time speaking in harmony.
Champ Clark will be found on the list
of the delegation appointed by the gov
ernor of Missouri, while Senator Henry
Cabot Lodge, of Massachusetts,, will be
listed among the speakers.
Gathering Is Significant.
1t is not an easy matter to get 100 of
the leading business men of the United
States to leave their desk merely for
the purpose Of making an impression on
Congress. They are not wont to make
such a sacrifice of time and their indi-
vidual interests, but in this instance it Is
for just that reason they have consented
to make the pilgrimage to the Capital
Chance had no part in this display Of
interest. any more than it has had in
the great change of front on the part of
the national legislators toward the pro-
posal to create a tariff commission. 1t
Is the result of long, tedious, trying
campaign, conducted by public-spirited
business men, dating from February,
1893. when the leaders in this movement
held their first convention at Indian
apolis. Even among those present at
that gathering there was doubt as to
the possibility Of getting interest suffi-
ciently aroused to justify extended ef-
fort, but the stronger men were not to
be discouraged. and the permanent or
ganization was effected and the fight
began.
John c. Cobb. vice president of the
Boston Chamber Of Commerce. was
chosen president out Of a mutual recog-
milton of his natural ability as leader.
Henry r. Towne, president Of the Mer-
chants Association Of New York and
force among business men. was made
treasurer. H. E. Miles. head of the
Racine-Satterly Company, Of Racine,
Wis. who had long been prominent in
the consideration Of tariff matters, was
named chairman Of the executive COM
mittee.
Finally, for the work Of whipping the
organization into shape, recruiting new
members, and handling all the minute
details of the campaign, Henry T. Wills,
of New York, a man of the widest ex-
perience in foreign trade work, was Sc
lected.
Instructs People ON Tariff.
All over the country Mr.. Wills went.
speaking before chambers Of commerce
and boards Of trade. explaining the pur-
pose Of the organization to merchants
and bankers and economists. He found
an astonishing ignorance Of what a
tariff commission meant, what 1t could
or why it was needed. This
was. not confined to any one set Of men.
Business men confounded the PROPOSE
ton for the creation Of a tariff commits
sion with the agitation for tariff revi-
sion. They had to be made to UNDER
stand that the National Tariff Commits
sion Association sought solely to get the
system Of making tariff laws put on a
business basis, and that II was not COM
cerned with the raising or the lowering
Of tariffs
. On behalf Of the association, Mr.. Wills
put forth two propositions:
That a permanent independent. non
partisan, expert tariff commission be
created to collect all data and informa-
ton that would be helpful to Congress
in the making of tariff laws
That in the future Congress should act
On tariff schedule by schedule to prevent
of business.
The cautious fear Of the business man
in listening to these propositions was
equaled only by the stubborn antagonism
Of the politicians, who either denounced
the plan Is a Subterfuge or laughed at
It as impractical.
The campaign, however, was kept up in
Ill parts of the United States, and now
The National Tariff Commission Associa-
ion boasts Affiliations with over a hun
1red of the strongest and most conserva-
live business organizations in the, coun-
ny, the President is working In absolute
harmony with it, and there Is every pros
pect for final legislation at the present
session of Congress.
Representative Longworth has intro
luced a harmony bill, with the indorse-
nent of President Taft and of President
Cobb, of the National Tariff Commission
Association. and the leaders Of both
houses have given assurances of its pas
age.
Marks Climax Of Campaign.
This outlines the history of the move
nent which eliminates in what might be
ermed a grand celebration and demon
,tration next Wednesday and Thursday,
when the second convention Of the asso-
:iation Is held. President Cobb will can
he meeting to order. and the principal
speaker at the first session, which fs to
,e held in the Columbia Theater. will be-
Henry c. Emery. chairman Of the tariff
,oard. Other who viii make addresses
hat morning are Senator Beveridge, OF
Allen Ripley Toote, president Of the In
Jus, Ohio and Representative Samuel W. |
Mccall, Of Massachusetts.
Following this session there will be q
eception and luncheon given by the
Chamber Of Commerce Of Washington. I
n the evening the New England delega-
ion will give Q banquet to tts Senators |
md Representatives.
The seAsioa on ThurDday morning win |
n hah IN thA BANQUET room Of Tia VIII.