Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-05


practically completed its consideration
OF the tariff bill this afternoon and ad-
journed until Monday afternoon at 4
o'clock
No action was taken on the motion to
make the caucus binding upon all the
democratic senators. except those who
rad given pledges TO their constituents.
al the session today. although the matter
was under discussion.
There We're only thirty-one demo-
cratic senators present, and it was
deemed best 10 wait until a larger
number could be present before pass
ing upon this important matter. Some
Of the senator's spoke in opposition to
such binding resolution. saying that
il was not necessary in order to get
the support for the tariff bill.
Contrary to many predictions. the ma
jorfty members. of the finance committee
and the democratic caucus have revised
the Underwood bill downward and for
the first time tariff bill viii be reported
10 the Senate carrying an average
lower rate of duties than as il passed
the House.
Senator simmons chairman of the
finance committee. in a statement to
The Star today, declared that the bill
as finally adopted by the caucus is ex-
ceedingiy satisfactory 10 the commit
tee
THE caucus has sustained the COM
mittee in all of its actions on the tariff
bill" said Senator Simmons. except
on one two minor and relatively
unimportant matters. | am satisfied
he "A = aDDrOEpd
Will pass the Senate. and with such
notifications as may be made in con-
ference between the two houses VIII
be enacted into law.
4 am confident that there will be no
disturbance of legitimate business in this
country result Of the operation OF
this new tariff law. l am confident that
il will result in relieving the people of
the United States of many burdens from
which they suffer under the present tariff
law. II will lay the foundation of q
greater prosperity"
Senator Simmons said today that he be-
heved the bill would be passed by the
Senate by the middle of August. and that
1t shodld become Jaw BY September /.
Senate Majority in Line.
Never in the history Of tariff legisla-
ton has the majority membership of the
Senate been more solidiy in line 10 sup
port tariff bill than is the present dem
ocratic majority. il was pointed out today.
Ever since tie tariff bill was reported
TO the House weeks ago. predictions have
been made tho, the Senate would remake
the Underwood bill raise rates that
Mir. Underwood would not recognize the
measure. Today the bill carries lower
rates than ever. democratic leaders con-
tend and there Is every prospect that
II viii be passed by the Senate with only
such changes the finance committee
viii recommend
The bill today more nearly represents
the democratic principles and at the
same time is more scientific tariff
measure than II was before the finance
committee took hold Of II, IL is said by
the democratic leaders. Members Of
the House have given them assurance
that the democrats of that body are
friendly 10 the changes which have
been made in the measure for the most
part. particularly to the most important
amendments made by the committee.
To Senator simmons. head OF the
finance committee. the democrats are
giving much Of the credit for the man
ner in which the bill has been ham
died both in committee and in caucus.
Iie has done much to preserve the har-
monX which so desired by the
democratic leaders. his friends say.
While the debate in caucus has at times
been sharp. IL was said today that no
i'll feeling has developed among the
democrats. the nearest approach TO
such a thing being the feeling which
Inc withdrawal OF senator flIcncock or
Nebraska from the caucus when that
body refused TO adopt his proposed
amendment placing graduated tax
upon tobacco production.
Action of Finance Committee.
The majority members of the finance
committee yesterday approved the plan
10 extend the date upon which the wooden
schedule should go into effect Before
announcing the date decided upon, how
ever, Chairman simmons said he wished
10 confer with Senator Walsh and other
senators who have been opposing free
raw wool. The committee also formally
aSreed that the new sugar duties should
not 20 into effect until March /. 1914.
With the exception OF these schedules
however. il is expected that all of the
tariff schedules viii become effective as
soon the bill becomes law
Preparing Amendments.
Senator Smoot of Utah, one of the
leading republican members of the Sen
ate finance committee. today stated that
ne was preparing amendments TO almost
all the paragraphs of the tariff bill as il
viii be presented to the Senate by the
democrats On the committee. He said
that he would not offer the amendments
when the tariff bill was presented, but