The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29

Washington, June 2S.-Impatient at de-
law in getting the tariff bill before the
Senate, administration leaders, headed by
Chairman Simmons of the finance com
mittee, spurred the democrats to action
today in the tariff caucus, and tonight
consideration of all the schedules prac-
tcally had been completed.
During the day the caucus approved the
wool manufactures, silk, paper and flax
hemp and jute schedules and tonight took
up sundres and the free list, to be fol-
lowed Monday by consideration of the
administrative features and income tax
section.
Surprising to many OF the senators, the
caucus passed through the committee
amendments today without much friction
<ntli mo changes were made in any of the
essedules. although at the request OF
ms committee a few items of the wool
dule were referred back. In the wool
edule the committee suggested that
i bed tops and noils, which are dutiable
fhe bill at IS per cent might be fur
$50 reduced If not put on the free list,
this was referred back for further
hhmendstions, together with the item
Blankets valued at less than 40 cents
ch the committee probably viii recon-
a to be placed on the free list.
Action Approved
re action of the committee In trans
ing raw hemp, flax and jute to the
{ea< list was approved by the caucus
: k5s{out discussion. Tho committee
+.I41.. ell -ahr fll
zas1ffic for ad valorem rates also were
approved and no changes were made in
the paper schedule, print paper valued
/. not more than 214 cents a pound being
left on the unrestricted free list as in the
bill which passed the House.
Early in the day the only enlivening
discussion occurred upon an amendment
by Senator Ashurst to put on the free
list, all wooden goods in general use, such
as cloth, womens and cbildrens dress
goods. ready made clothing, stockings and
the like. 1t was argued that the demo-
cratic platform, in declaring for tariff
red,ictions which would lower the cost OF
living, justified placing all clothing on
the free list Members of the finance COM
nlttee strenuously opposed such a VIDE
reduction, however, and the Ashurst
amendment was voted down by a large
majority.
Disposition to Hasten
Senator Simmons tonight declared the
caucus had at last shown a disposition
to hasten its work and he believed the
bill could be completed by Monday night,
or Tuesday at the latest, although consid-
cradle difference of opinion is anticipated
when the income tax is reached. AS
amended by the finance committee, reduc-
ing the normal exemption from $4,000 to $1,000
for single persons, the revenue to be de-
rived Is estimated to be about the same as
the estimated revenue under the House bill
$50, 900 900 reduction of the general exemp-
tion II was figured. would be about
equalized by the additional exemptions
for married men or women and for chill
4 dren dependent upon the income of a
parent.
AS soon as the caucus completes the bill
+ II will be passed upon by the full finance
committee. the minority members then
getting their first official look at the
measure. The bill will be in committee
not more than two days. In any event it
is improbable that 1t can be reported to
the Senate in time for general debate to
begin before July 4.