The Sentinel=record., 1913-03-19
DOWNWARD REVISION SURE
Senators Now Realize That They Must Accept Lower Schedules Than They Had Anticipated
 at Former Session.

NdSHlHS tuii, MdTC1 lc.--De eUOcfltic members of the new senate finance committee today agreed upon plan of tariff action that will have import ant bearing upon the downward re- vision plans of President Wilson and the house tariff leaders. In con ference participated in by all demo csats on the committee except Sena- tors Stone and James, a policy of close cooperation with the house was outlined, through which it is hoped that the house bills can be made ac- ceptable to the senate and pushed through that body with but little amendment and without the delay of committee hearings Senate leaders stated tonight there is general har- mony among the democrats of that body upon the tariff program. In or der to carry out the policy of co-opera- tion with the house. it is understood that the senate probably will have to accept much greater reductions in tariff rates than that body approved at the last session. Members of the finance committee today expressed the belief however, that this willing ness on the part of the senate would cause the house to exercise caution against making extreme cuts with the idea that they would be modified in the senate.
 Conferences with Chairman Under. wood of the house ways and means committee will be asked for during the next week O. two and the demo- cratic members hip of the senate will be canvassed thoroughly before the extra session convenes.
 The members of the committee ex- pressed confidence that the senate it. self would follow the lead of the com mittee in all tariff matters. Tine plan will be to take all questions into eau GUS and it is believed that the caucus will support the committee. The present democratic strength in the senate is 30 to A republicans and progressives and it Is counted that in case of the filing of the two Illinois vacancies by the election of republi- cans and the possible defection of some democrats on certain schedules, there still would be enough votes to put through any bill agree on by eau GUS with the controlling vote held by the democratic vice president, Mir. Marshall.
 Senator Simmons, the new chair man of the finance committee. presid. ed over the meeting today. He made no formal statement of his position but expressed willingness to fall in with the house plans of revision. He was appointed chairman of a sub committee to confer with the demo- cratic members of the ways and
 means committee of the house, who are now rapidly completing the tariff bills.
 The finance committee practically decided to have no senate tariff hear
 ings because of the extensive hearings conducted by the house committee and the debate that occurred during the last congress.
 Republican senators have notified the democrats that will insist on de- batting the tariff bills fully in the sen ate and that an early adjournment
 need not be expected The extent of the republican opposition to the tariff revision bills has not been developed. The tariff revision bill now virtual l ly is in shape for submission to the democratic caucus of the house. though stll subject to a smoothing out
 process. The democratic majority of 1 the house committee on ways and
 means today voted to make raw wool 1 dutiable at fifteen percent ad valorem with substantial reductions in the present rates on manufacturers Of wool. much along the lines Of the previous democratic wool measure of 1 the last congress. This victory Of the protectionists over the free raw wool advocates was the continuation of
 a lively contest in committee. The present law imposes a duty of eleven cents on raw wool which the house bill of the last congress would have changed to an ad vaiorem of 20 per cent a reduction figured to represent about cut from 47 to 20 per cent ad valorem.
 In the committee today meats wee put on the free list. as they were in the house bill of the last congress and cattle were left on the dutiabIe l list
 Sentiment in favor of single tariif bill instead of schedule by schedule revision developed today among demo. cratic leaders. If this Idea is adopt cd by the coming democratia caucua of the house. the bending iarIfl re.