New-York tribune., 1921-03-15

the details of procedure as of great
Importance.
Senator Penrose said both commit
tees were alive to the requirements of
the agricultural situation with respect
to the tariff
1t is the understanding that pres
sure for tariff legislation from agri-
cultural interests was a large reason
for the course which the conference
took to-day in favoring permanent re-
vision ahead of taxation legislation.
Secretary Mellon did not make
recommendation as to the course of
legislation. He and his experts an
swered many questions as to the con-
ditions which the Treasury faces. Final
figures on the total OF the government
requirements, however, Were not avail
able and such as were submitted are
subject TO revisions
Chairman Fordncy SAID the anti
dumping measure which would be
pressed was the one formerly passed
by the House without opposition.
II shall reintroduce this bill at the
outset of the extra session." he said
"The principle of the bill is to pro-
hibit the selling of goods in this coun-
try for smaller price than they are
sold in the country of origin"
The Ways and Means Committee, MIR.
Fordney said, would get to work at
once on the proposed legislation No
further hearings Will be needed, he said,
on the tariff, but hearings will be
needed on taxation. He predicted that
the Ways and Means Committee would
have d tariff bill reaoy early in the
extra session, perhaps at the outset
of it. He declared the House could
pass a tariff bill in ten days. He esti-
mates that the new tariff law viii
raise two or two and one-half times
IS much in duties as the present law,
which, he said. raised about 1881 .oO0,-
600 year. This would mean, roughly,
bout three-quart Of a billion from
tariff, though this is generally con-
sidered an outside figure.
The sales tax was discussed al the
conference. no decision was reached
as to it,
eve may find that we will have to
have a sales tax" said Mr.. Fordney.
1t is clear, however, there win be
strong opposition to It,
The view Of those who want taxa
ton revision first was expressed by
Senator Watson. of Indiana, who, prior
to the conference, said:
THE business world expects immc-
diate relief from the great burden Of
taxation now imposed upon it, and it is
the first duty OF the Republican party
to meet this expectation.
I'VE should at once repeal exec SIS
profits taxes and the higher surtaxes
and substitute for them a modest sale S
tax, and at the same time clarity and
simplify the administrative features Of
the law.
1--WE should make definite arrange
ments with our debtors to pay I; fixed
amount each year, whatever the sum,
so that we may have definite assurances
as to just how much we may expect
from that quarter.
eve should at once adopt thor
oughgoing budget system, SO that we
may cut the cloth according to the pat
tern, and then proceed in all ways to
the reduction of governmental expenses
to the lowest point consistent with ef-
ticlent administration.
TO me it seems unwise to attempt
to pass temporary tariff measure
based on Che Payne Aldrich or the
Dingley or the Mckinley law. None of
them is at all applicable to the exist
ing situation, and to attempt to make
any one OF them SO would be to enter
upon the enactment of q complete
tariff law on the floor OF the Senate
practically without previous considera-
tion by any committee.
Such bill might be put through
the House but not through the Senate
and such attempt would inevitably re-
suit in endless confusion
1--WE would settle the question Of tax
alton first and determine as nearly as