Omaha daily bee., 1921-01-17
Reciprocity
In Tariff
Sentiment for Modification Of
Views With View to Avoid
Retaliation by Other
Nations Growing.
Fordney Opposes Plan
BY GRAFTON S. WILCOX.

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Washington, Jan. l6.--Reciproeity
is being seriously considered by
leading members Of congress, as the
best underlying principle for the new
tariff law.
Strong sentiment tor reciprocal
tariff basis. has already been shown
by numerous witnesses appearing be-
fore the ways and means committee
in, the tariff hearings and il is being
advocated by senators and members
of the house who have been giving
the subject special attention.
Representative Longworth OF
Ohio, a member Of the ways and
means committee. in recent speech,
urged very strongly that in arrang-
ing the new tariff schedules, pro-
vision should be made for reciprocal
tariff relations with other nations.
Senator Edge of New Jersey has
made similar plea, stating that pro-
bibitiye tariff rates at this time would
be an invitation to other nations to
retaliate with prohibitive rates
against American products.
Consider World Conditions. =
Senator Penrose, chairman of the
finance committee, which will have
reviewing power over the house tar
If bill. is known to be leaning to-
ward the theory OF reciprocal tariff
concessions. He has said that the
new tariff law must be framed in ac-
cord with new world conditions. and
that the export business of the Unit
cd States must be considered in con- Z
nection will, the establishment OF du-
ties for protection of the domestic
market.
Opposing this view, however, is
Representative Fordney of Michigan.
chairman OF the ways and means
committee, who favors tariff wall
that will shut out foreign products.
Mr.. Fordney has said during the re-
cent tariff hearings, that he would
rather sacrifice the money owed the
United States by foreign powers
than to have the debts paid throue',
admission of imports which would
injure American industries.
May Dominate Committee.
1t is very probable that Mr.. Ford
ney's old protectionist views will
dominate the ways and means COM
ruittee bill to considerable extern,
but in the senate also are men op-
sposed to an isolstery tariff pelicy
which would pronlulgate rates d.
signed on basis Of ignoring the
trade with other nations.
Within the last week two great
industries were represented before
the ways and means committee as
advocating reciprocal provisions in
the new tariff law. They, were the
automobile and the lumber, industries.
Suggestions by these industries.
which had special application TO
their own cases were in accord with
the views expressed by Representa-
tive Longworth and Senator Edge,
contending that tariff views formerly
held by the party should be nlodi-
ted to meet new conditions result
ing from the world war. which not
only caused the United States to
loan large sums OF money to other
nations, but opened foreign markets
for American goods previously in
accessible.
Urge New System.
The advocate of reciprocal tariffs
stand for protection for American
industries where it is most needed.
but believe tha. carefully worked
out system OF reciprocal duties
should be placed in effect as ineans
of making it possible, both for for
eign nations 10 pay their debts to
this country and also for American
manufacturers TO sell their goods
abroad without fear of retaliation
in the way of prohibitory duties.
The reciprocal arrangement urged
by some of the lumber manufactur-
ers has special reference to the Cana
dian situation The automobile man
ufactuFers, however, in advocating
reciprocal tariffs. also had in mind
France and other foreign nations
whoch have shown disposition TO
retaliate against American automo-
biles because o; duties now existing
III this country. In the case of both
the lumber manufacturers and auto
mobile makers, their industries are
not In great need of protection from,
imports and both~are anxious to de.