The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-05-29
OBJECTIONS
FROM ABROAD
CONSIDERED
Protests of Foreign Nations
Against One Provision of
the Tariff Bill Are I'm
der Discussion.
OBNOXIOUS CLAUSE
MAY BE STRICKEN OUT
# Provides for Tariff Dis
count on Imports in Ameri-
can-owned or Con-
trolled Vessels.

WASHINGTON, May 2s.-Congress
In all probability will yield to the
protests of foreign nations against the
provision in the Underwood tariff bill
granting a per cent tariff discount
on imports in American-owned or con-
trolled vessels
That the provision can be eliminated
from the bill without harm and that
congress has no desire to insist upon
legislation that will be embarrassing
to foreign nations, or interfere with
treaty obligations, was admitted to-
day by administration leaders in charge
of the bill. President Wilson is said
to have intimated that he would not
object to having the clause eliminat-
ed,
This action, it was reported, would
be recommended by the senate finance
subcommittee which is considering the
administrative features Of the bill.
The committee will also seek to
modify another clause which compels
foreign merchants to submit their books
to an American agent in case Of dis
puted valuations and provides as a
penalty for refusal that the goods be
excluded from entry
Germany. France and England have
made strong protests against this
clause.
Two Conferences Held.
Two important conferences were held
today on the foreign protests. One
was between Senator Simmons, chair
man Of the senate finance committee,
and Secretary of State Bryan. The
other conferees were Senators Will
liams and Shively, Of the finance COM
mittee, and Representative Peters Of
Massachusetts, who had charge of the
administrative section Of the tariff
bill for the house ways and means
committee.
It was reported that the state de-
partment held it to be unquestionable
that the 5 per cent debenture clause
violated foreign treaties. Protests
against the clause from eight nations
we're read
1t was generally expected tonight |
that the house would yield to a SEN
ate amendment striking out the
clause.
Several Democratic leaders were en-
phatic in declaring that the committee
will lie IL,
or sugar The fight TO change them Will
De mace IN the caucus but the present |
prospect Is that the administration forces
VIII not yield there. A report that the |
rates on woolen manufactures would be
increased Is denied by Senator Simmons.
In response TO request from Senator
Williams, Lincoln K. Passmore OF the
Pennsylvania Mutual Life Insurance COM
pany presented statistics today To estsb
lish the contention that his company is
entirely mutual and that all It's funds are
exclusively diverted to the interest OF the
membership. Mr., Passmore declared the
proposed act disseminated against mu.
tual life insurance companies.
Income Tax Clause.
Representative Hull OF Tennessee, ALL
thor OF the income tax section OF the
BILL was in conference with Senators
Williams and Shively for several hours,
going over the protests which have been !
filed. Mr.. Hull pointed out later that the
two chief features OF the section which |
have been under. Are were the clauses |
fixing the graduated tax-the sur-tax
upon incomes over $50. o.oOO-and the pro-
vision for taxa ton Of dividends OF insur
ance companies.
Both Of these provisions are beyond
criticism In my opinion" Mr. Hull said.
The graduated tax has been approved
by the federal judiciary in the New Jer
sey district court and the court OF ap-
peals sustained the validity OF sucn grad
uated tax plans"
The senate committee. however will
study the insurance feature of the bill
very thoroughly and some members are
reported not 10 be satisfied with its pro-
visions as affecting mutual companies
Senator Pittman of Nevada acconpan-
led by Senator Hughes OF New jersey.
called at the White house today and told
The president he did not hold the views
or his colleague. Senator Newlands, relat-
ing TO the tariff bill. He is counted upop
10 support the administration on suear