Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-10
Changes Considered.

The final struggle began at o'clock,
when, under a previous agreement. arbi-
trary votes began on pending amend
ments. During the closing hours of de-
bate Senator La Toilette had been the
center of interest. proposing final amend
ments on the cotton and agricultural
schedules and discussing some features
Of the bill which he deemed favorable.
It was nearly 80 O'Clock when the Vice
President put the bill upon its passage.
Senator Ashurst. first on the roll. shouted
loudly AYE and the roll call proceeded
deliberately until the clerk called La Fol-
lette." The Winconsin Ssenator. seated in
the front row, hestated moment. His
head was bowed and rested on his hand.
He leaned forward triie and vigorously
answered AYE"
Instantly the applause broke from the
galleries, and senators on the democratic
side Joined in enthusiastic handclapping.
nearly every democrat on the floor par
ticipating in the brief but vigorous demon
stration. When the name of Senator
Po.ndexter, the only progressive senator,
was reached, and he contributed his vote
to the bill. the applause was renewed.
AS 1t passed the Senate, the tariff bill
represents an average reduction of more
than 4 per cent from the rates of the
original bill that passed the House. and
nearly % per cent from the rates Of exist
ing law.
Wilson Comments on Result.
President Wilson last night issued the
following statement:
"A fight for the people and for free
business which has lasted long genera
ton through has at last been won, hand
somely and completely. A leadership and
a steadfastness In counsel has been
shown in both houses of which the demo-
cratic party has reason to be very proud.
There has been no weakness or con-
fusion or drawing back. but statesman
Ike directness and command of circum-
stances. l am happy to have been con-
nected with the government Of the nation
at time when such things could happen
and to have worked in association with
men who could do them. There Is every
reason to believe that currency reform
will be carried through with equal
energy, directness and loyalty to the
general interest. When that is done this
first session Of the sixty-third Congress
will have passed into history with an
unrivaled distinction. / want to express
my special admiration for the devoted,
intelligent and untiring work of Mr. I'm
derwood and Mr.. Simmons and the com
mittees associated with them
When the President was asked to conf
ment on the votes Of Senator La Toilette
tiIiO CcHdlOE fOlnuGAtoE ne Expressed very
warm admiration for their conscientious
independence and courage"
La Follette's political Sacrifice"
Last night Senator La Toilette had d
few words to say of his vote after
many democratic senators had sur
| rounded his desk and shook him by the
hand Senator La Toilette said
II realize what / did was a political
| sacrifice, but that within me compelled
me to vote for the bill. The tariff act
of 1909 WAS but little short of a crime !;
the bill passed today is not a demo-
| measure. Every change made by the
finance committee was made by way OF
adjustment to protective basis, except
| such as free wool and free sugar,
| which are determined upon outside.
They treated the agricultural schedule.
/ regret to say. on @ free-trade basis,
and l would have retained more duty
on cutlery and some other articles on
which there Is no data, In order to be
sure not to ruin American production.
Give the democrats time and they will
put everything on free-trade basis:
but they have not done 1t In this Dill.
Senator Po.ndexter Explains.
Senator Poindexter said Of his vote:
II voted for the Senate tariff bin be-
cause 1t Is. as a whole, better bill
than the Payne-Aldrich law. now in
force. Furthermore. 1t contains an in
come tax. which we have been trying to
get for twenty years Some or Its rates
are too high and some are too loW-but
It's general average on manufactures is
high enough. It's classification Is far
from scientific. but not more SO than
the existing law"
When the vote had been announced
Senator Gallinger of New Hampshire,
the leader of the minority. was recog-
nized and congratulated Senator Sim
mons for his courteous, kindly and con-
siderate manner'' in the conduct Of the
debate. He said he knew OF no tarin
fight characterized by such good feeling