The Washington times., 1913-05-09
INDUSTRY INQUIRY
TOPROTECT TARIFF
investigation of Manufacturing
Interests Planned to Prove
New Measures Value.

American manufacturers who close
down factories in a spectacular manner
and blame the new tariff and the
Democratic party for this effect on
industry, will hear from the Admins
tration in an investigation showing the
exact conditions under which the fac
tory or industry was closed.
An authoritative statement from Of
ficial sources was made to this effect
today following the receipt by President
Wilson of advices that in certain lines
of endeavor there is already an under
standing to close down. blame it on the
Democrats for the tariff. and influence
the coming Congressional elections.
All manufacturers who execute threats
TO close down their factories when the
tariff bill becomes law because they
cannot longer operate profitably," will,
through cost investigation. be held up
as an object lesson, according to an
Administration statement
The lesson will come from the Depart
ment of Commerce. 1t has already start
ed, acting under section of last years s
commerce appropriation bill, to investi-
gate cost of production, living con-
ditions, and profits abroad. This will
be followed by similar investigations
here. Should any American manufac-
turer reduce wages on the excuse that
the low tariff made ii necessary, close
his factory, or curtail operations, Civ
-ng a similar reason, Secretary Redfield
will act. And he will act under the
direct orders of President Wilson.
rne that = ssy $ hsa
in certain lines of endeavor there IL
already an understanding to close down
factories in a spectacular manner SO
soon as the new law is in effect and
has been told, is intended to influence
ne1 falls Congressional elections.
81 the order has been given to Secre-
tary Redfield that a-~fund OF $4,000 for
the purpose will be at his disposal in q
few days, to be increased 10 81. 100000 II
needed, and facts and figures showing
that the tariff is not the reason will be
quickly available.
Leader Underwood. author of the tar
in bill, made the Administration atti-
ture very plain last night. when, just
before the final passage through the
House OF his measure, he faced the Re-
publican side of the chamber, and said:
II give you notice now that IL any
manufacturer attempts in the interest
Of the Republican party to threaten
labor there Is q bureau in this Govern
nnent. the Bureau of Foreign and Do
mestic Commerce, created by the Demo-
cratic party, that will 60 into the fac
tory, make a thorough Investigation.
and ascertain why"
Explains His Plan.
Secretary Redfield explained the plan
today. as follows:
IT have recommended to President
Wilson that he make available an ap-
preparation of 100000 to cover language
In the appropriation bill which states
that among the duties of the Bureau Of
Foreign and Domestic Commcrce are.
TO ascertain at as early a date as pos.
sible. and whenever Industrial changes
shall make II essential, the cost of pro-
ducing articles at the time dutiaSle In
the United States. in leading countries
where such articles are produced under
a classification showing the different
elements of cost Of such articles of
production. including the wages paid In
such industries, and hours employed per
day: and the profits of manufacturers
and producers. and the comparative cost
OF living and the kind OF living; what
articles are controlled by trusts or other
tons. or labor, and what effect the
trusts or other combinations OF capital,
business operations or labor have upon
production and prices
This Investigation, the law provides,
shall be conducted when request is
made either by the President or Con-
gress. I have asked the President to
order II now. The appropriation is al
ready available and the Presidents
consent is all that is need to begin tie
work"
Secretary Redfeld made II known for
the hrst time that his order of Tuesday
for an Investigation of pottery manu-
facture was the initial step in the gem
eral probe. p. j. Sheridan, former ex-
pert Of the tariff board, has been sent
TO New York to begin this work, and
viii shortly leave for Europe
The clay products section of the
bureau. Of Standards at Pittsburgh.
Pa, under direction of Prof A. b.
Bleininger, was directed TODAY by the
Secretary to cooperate in the pottery
Investigation. Plans for investigation
Of other industries are rapidly adyanc-
ing. SO that special agents can be as
signed to the work.