The New York herald., 1921-07-09
FORDNEY EXPLAINS
TARIFF PURPOSES
Cardinal Principle Behind Bill
to Restore Industry to
Health.
COMPROMISES
ADMITS
Asserts South Has Been Pro-
tected Equally With Rest
of Country.

WASHINGTON. July s.-The House got
under way to-day IN its consideration
of the Fordney tariff bill. Chairman
Fordney of the Ways and Means Com
mittee, after reading of the bill had
been completed. in speech OF nearly
two hours. developing the first phase Of
the Republican argument.
In his speech. Mr.. Fordney discussed
his party's attitude. what 1t proposed
to do to remedy conditions and to nelp
business. He dwelt only briefly on de-
tails Of the rates and provisions, touch
ing them only incidentally. or in reply
to questions, but announced that other
speakers would explain specific schedules
in the measure.
Criticising the position of the DEM
ocrats, Mr.. Fordney said they had ac-
cused the Republicans of drafting a
measure which would cut off, rather
than encourage, trade when the cardinal
policy of his committee had been to
build set of schedules which would
restore commerce and industry to health.
The committees work always was actu-
ated, he declared, by the knowledge that
business now was in slump and should
be given protection which would save II
from the inroads of foreign competition.
Influence of the Election.
Compromises necessarily have been
put in the bill. the Speaker said, add
ing that all such contested points would
be put before the House for it's ap-
proval or rejection. At any rate. he
the best job of which 1t was capable
and he was willing to stand behind
ii to the finish.
The las. election influenced the Re-
publicans In the Ho,1e to launch into
tariff legislation. according to Mr..
Fordney He said he believed the peo-
pie knew when they had VIII they
wanted or did not want. and Il the
overwhelming majority last fall vas
voice of protest against the Underwood
law along with other objections to the
Democratic Administration.
1.-The Republican, party he added
has taken /, for granted that the peo-
pie spoke out loudly for protection.
Answering inquiries why hides were
on the free list Mr.. Fordney said a
separate vote on the question of placing
duty on hides had been agreed to. just
as a separate vote was planned on cot
ton.
The speaker made the statement that
higher tariff rates did not necessarily
mean higher living costs. Continuing. he
declared the Democrats nad not spread
their tariff equally. Pointing to Rep
reseutatjvo Garner of Texas, heading
the opposition, the speaker charged that
the Democrats had put duty on hair OF
angora goats to protect the growers In
Texas but had turned @. deaf ear TO the
wool growers further north.
And to the Washington and Oregon
wool growers you will be known in his
tory as Angora Jack Garner of Texas,
he added as the House broke into
storm Of applause.
In reference to the silk schedule Mr..
Fordney asked. ''Why not protect that
industry adequately when its products
are largely in the luxury class?"
Mr. Fordney said he would not dis
cuss the dye schedule. leaving that TO
Representative Longworth. who wrote
II. He said. however. that more atten-
tion had been given to II than 10 any
other provision in the bill.
God bless you boys" Mr.. Fordney
said. turning to Democrats in closing
his speech. II hope all of you will come
here on July 81 dressed in your best
protection clothes and make this thing
unanimous"
Mr.. Fordney declared Canada last
YEAR collected in import duties an
amount equal to $500 per capita. COM
rared with S3.15 in the United States
under the Underwood law.
Regarding the American valuation
system. tre speaker declared the COM
mittee had found 10 other method by
which exchange would be equalized and
imports enter this country on something
OF parity.