The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-06-19
TARIFF MEASURE
GOES TO CAUCUS
Finance Committee Completes
Its Work on Under
wood Bill.
DEMOCRATS TO MEET
Entire Majority Membership Tomor-
row viii Discuss Change
e RsS>.
DEMOCRATS TO MEET


terday completed consideration of the
schedules of the Underwood tariff bill.
1t was decided definitely not to place a
countervailing duty on meats and live
stocks. The income tax and administra-
tive provisions alone remain to be con-
sidered.
Chairman Simmons said the Democratic
caucus would be held tomorrow, in all
probability, and that the bill will be
sent to caucus even if the administrative
provisions are not.
Glove Duty Increased.
The duties on gloves as fixed by the
House have been slightly increased. The
Clapp appointment permitting the impor-
tation of the feathers of edible and pes
tiferous birds has been adopted. The
duties on Photographic films materially
have been reduced.
Chairman Simmons said that there is
no probability of any of the debated
administrative provisions being left for
consideration next session. He said THAI
so much time already has been spent
upon these questions that the committee
has determined to dispose of them now.
The transmission of the bill to the Dem
ocratic caucus will mark the last impor-
tant step in the progress of the tariff
bill toward the floor of the Senate.
A joker in the sugar schedule of the
Underwood tariff bill was stricken out
by the Senate Finance Committee because
the fear was entertained that II might
nullify the efforts to obtain free sugar
three years hence.
The words land sugars after being re-
fined, when tinctured. colored, or in any
way adulterated, , cents per pound" were
retained in the Underwood bill as they
in 10 a
long as the Dutch standard and the old
rates of duty were retained the clause
was not significant. With all other duty
removed, however, and the Dutch stand
ard eliminated, it was suggested to the
committee that refined sugar. which Is
treated with ultramarine. and therefore
cOlored, might be construed to be affected
by the clause. After consultation with
President Wilson, the clause was stricken
out.
The committee also determined to strike
down the bounty which has been given
the American wine growers for years
past. Brandies used in terrifying wines
have been subject to an internal revenue
tax of only cents per gallon, while
brandies used for other purposes have
been taxed SLl0 per gallon. This dis
elimination. the committee learned. cost
the Federal Treasury IS. 10000 last year.
The discrimination is stricken out and u
is believed nearly 5000 600 gain in reve-
nue. will result
The duties on pig lead and spelter zinc
have been slightly increased. The ad-
ministrative features of the bill are be-
ing made less drastic.
Revenue RiII Wanted.
I'VE are trying to make a revenue BILL"
said Chairman Simmons last night, "and
We do not want administrative provisions
administrative features are being gen.
orally changed with a view to making
the importation of goods more easy
Senator Works of California has intro
duced an amendment to the Underwood
tariff bill providing for the appointment
IF tariff commission of nine members
to be appointed by the President. 1t
is provided that the members. who re-
ceive salaries of $1,000 year, shall make
a report to Congress every December.
No more than four members shall be of
one political party and no former member
of Congress is eligible for appointment.
1t is provided that the commission shall
establish such duties as will protect
American manufacturers against in
furious, oppressive and unjust compe-
titIon.
Democratic members OF the Finance
Committee yesterday decided to restore
the tax on brandy used in terrifying
wines, which was reduced to a minimum
in the Mckinley law of 1890 and has so
remained since, and thereby expect to
add $1,000 900 annually to the revenues.
The estimated loss to the revenues last
year by the difference between the low
tax now imposed and that prevailing
prior to the McKIc'ey law was =. 900. Oc0.
II is on this offic'a! estimate of last
year that the Democratic leaders base
their expectation Of gain Of at least
s.. 100000 in revenue The reduction Of
the duty from Sl.1O a gallon to ) cents, as
it now is, was intended TO encourage the
domestic wine industry in California.