The Washington times., 1916-09-08
HIrs>J at Capitol Real Purpose
Is to Force Tempering Of
British Blacklist.
REVENUE BILL NEAR LAW
Emergency Measure Now Is
Ready for Signature Of
President Wilson.

Containing drastic retaliatory fea-
tures. which would enable this country
to make reprisals on Great Britain and
her allies for their trade restrictions
and commercial attacks on this coun-
try. the revenue bill was passed by
both houses Of Congress last night.
1t was not until we'll after midnight
that the Senate approved the confer
ence report. which the House previous
ly had accepted. thus passing the bill.
The measure has attracted notice. not
alone for its revenue features. but for
the amendments to enable this country
to strike back at boycottins. blacklist-
ing and embargoes directed against the
United States.
Trade War In Doubt.
whether there Is to be a grave con-
flict of commercial and diplomatic
sort will depend on whether the pro-
visions are used. Thus far. the impress
sion Is strong they will not be used.
1t Is believed here the real purpose
Of the Administration 10 to get the
allies to temper their restrictions on
the theory the retaliatory features OF
the law will be used II the restrictions
be not modified.
The President could use the army
and navy to protect this country
against discrimination II necessary.
The first of the retaliatory pro-
visions gives the President power to
exclude importations into the United
states In retaliation for prohibition
by any country OF American importa-
tions into that country.
The second goes still farther and
a. As.A
strict importations in retaliation for
like action by any country and pro-
vides drastic penalties OF nne or i'm
prisonment or both for violation of
tho law.
Relating to Clearances.
The retaliation feature relating to
clearances would give the President
power to withhold clearances to vessels
Of a belligerent nation with whom the
United States Is not at war. making or
giving any undue or unreasonable
preference or advantage in any re-
spoct whatsoever to any particular
person. company. hrm or corporation.
or any particular description OF traf-
citizens Of the United States residing
In neutral countries abroad. or In
subtecting any particular person.
company. firm or corporation. or any
particular description OF tThtnc IN tne
United States or its possessions. or
any citizen OF the United States re-
siding in neutral countries abroad to
any undue or unreasonable prejudice.
disadvantage, injury, or discrimina- =
tion in regard to accepting. receiving.
transporting or delivering. or refus-
Ing to accept. receive. transfer or de-
liver any cargo. freight or passen- j.
gers. or in any other respect. what.
soever. he is hereby authorised and
empowered to direct the detention of
such vessels by Withholding clearance
or by formal notice forbidding de-
parture. and to revoke. modify or
renew any such direction:
This would reach to the blacklist and
determinations of a like sort. The
President also is authorized to deny
American facilities OF commerce to citi-
sens In the United States OF an offend
ing beiligerent nation, and would au-
thorize use of the land and naval forces
to enforce retaliation.