The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-05-29
SENATE OPPOSES
CUSTOMS REBATE
Finance Com mittee May
Strike S Per Cent Clause
from House Bill.
LEADERS In CONFERENCE
Secretary Bryan and Senator Simmons
Discuss Foreign Protests
Against Provision.
LEADERS In CONFERENCE

The Senate Finance Committee prob
ably will report against the House pro-
vision in the Underwood bill allowing a
rebate of 5 per cent in customs duties on
importations into the United States in
American bottoms.
The matter was a subject of confer
ence at both ends of Pennsylvania Ave
nue. yesterday.
Senator Simmons. chairman of the
Finance Committee, called on Secretary
Bryan and discussed the matter with
the Secretary, and with John Bassett
Moore, counselor for the State Depart
ment. On his return to the Capitol, Sem
ator Simmons stated that Secretary
Bryan would take the matter UP with
the President, and that following this
conference some statement may, be made
as to the probable attitude of the Senate
committee on the protests that have
been made by foreign governments who
insist that the provision amounts to a
practical abrogation of existing treaties.
Following the conference between the
Secretary of State and Chairman Sim
mons, Mr.. Bryan said:
The subject matter of the conference
between Senator Simmons and myself
was the per cent clause and that only.
II is the only important question at is
powers in the matter of the administra-
ton of the new tariff. John Bassett
Moore. counselor for the State Depart
ment is perusing the existing treaties
between the United States and the ma
tons in question. and is expected to re-
port very shortly. AS yet, have no
announcement to make but ! think l
can promise something definite in a day
or two
While this conference was under way
at the State Department. the Senate
subcommittee of the Committee on FL
nance. composed of Senat tor Williams.
Senator Shvely. and Senator Gore. We're
hearing Representative Peters of MasSa .
chuSetts member of the Ways and
Means COMMITTEES. on the = per cent pro-
vision and other administrative features
Of the Underwood hill. Mr. Peters would
rot discuss the matter when he came
dNay. but from other sources il was
learned that the subcommittee was on
the point Of abandoning the PROVISION.
Il is likely that several other Admins
t!Hliye features of the bill. against which
protests have been lodged. notably one
which permits customs officers TO require
foreign manufacturers to produce their
books. if necessary. TO determine the
valuation of imported goods, the value
Of which may be in dispute or incur
the penalty Of having the goods eX-
Guided. will be modified.
Representative CCTdell Hull of Tenn
.cssee. author of the income tax amend
mcnt to the Underwood bill was before
Senator Williams subcommittee most of
Yesterday afternoon. defending the pro-
vision.
All of the subcommittee were at work
,est. rday going over the bill in detail.
Senator Stones subcommittee considered
the wool schedule entirely. with Chair
man Simmons. of the Finance Commit
tee. present 1t was evident that the
subcommittee will recommend free wool.
and that there will be no increase of the
duties given by the Underwood bill on
the manufacturers of wool