Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-28
BILL FOR TARIFF
COMMISSION is IN
Representative Rainey Introduces
Administration Measure to
Create New Board.
EXTENSIVE INQUIRY POWERS

WASHINGTON. March 27.-A re-
vised bill for permanent non
partisan tariff commission on lines
suggested by President Wilson. and
which. It is said, has received his full
approval. was introduced in the
house today by Representative
Rainey of Illinois, ranking demo-
cratic member OF the ways and
means committee.
"The bill in its present form has
the approval of the administration
and will be the administrative meas
ure on this subject" Mr.. Rainey de-
clared.
1T will be supported by all the demo-
cratic members Of the ways and means
committee and It is hoped It will receive
the support of the republican members
OF that committee The bill is as nearly
nonpartisan as 1t is possible to make"
six JOnE-Term Commissioners.
The bill would provide for the appoint
ment OF six commissioners at $4,000 a
year each, no more than three of whom
can belong to the same political party.
The first appointments are to be made
for two. four. six, eaght. ten and twelve
years. after which the terms of office
OF all are to be for twelve years. The
chairman and vice chairman must be ap-
pointed biennially. according to the terms
of the bill.
The duties OF the commission are to in
vestigate the administrative and fiscal
effects of the customs laws OF this coun-
try, relations between the rates of duty
on raw materials and finished products,
effects OF ad valorem and of specific
duties, all questions relative TO the ar
rangement of schedules and classification
of articles in the law and TO put all in
| formation in its possession at the dis
posal Of the president. the house ways
and means committee and the senate
committee on finance.
Powers Are Extensive.
The bill would give the commission full
power to investigate tariff relations be-
tween the United States and foreign
countries. commercial treaties. preferen-
tial provisions. the effect of export boun-
ties. preferential transporta ton, the vol
uAiio u AnpoIldllOuS COIupaTSu Win 10
mestio production and of conditions.
causes and effects relative to competition
of foreign industries. including cost Of
production and dumping.
The need OF protecting trade secrets
and processes Is recognized in a provi-
sion OF $1,000 fine or imprisonment for
one year for any member or employe of
the commission who divulges any secrets
of the commission.
Representative Rainey said the bill
would not be submitted to a party eau
Gus. although. to save time, 1t probably
would be added to the omnibus revnue
bill. Because it is hoped to make the
commission permanent. he declared. the
bill provides for an annual appropriation
of $4,000 to meet its expenses.
Take Tariff Out of Politics.
'srhe measure. in my Judgment, insures
In the future tariff stability and when
ever revisions appear to be necessary. 1t
will make 1t possible to make them in
telligently,r said Mr.. Rainey. 'If enacted
into law 1t will come as near removing
from the tariff unfair and unreasonable
partisan action az any measure yet con-
ceived.'
No person could be appointed to the
commission who has been elected or
served either in the house or senate. All
employees except a secretary to the COM
mission and a clerk to each commits
sioner would be placed in the classified
service under the terms Of the bills.