The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-03-08
RELIEF SOUGHT
IN '"POP-GUN''
TARIFF
Democrats Plan to Open Fight
to Cut Cost of Living and
Save Farmers.

The Democrats in Congress have
today decided to fight for a pop
gun" tariff bill to reduce the cost OF
living and bring help to the suffer
ing farmers of the West.
Aside from the purpose Of lower
ing living costs and offering relief
to depressed agricultural conditions,
the object in sponsoring the meas
ure at this time IL to keep the
tariff question to the front and give
1t a dominant place in the coming
Presidential campaign.
The "pop-gun" title originated
with Congressman Garner of Texas,
ranking Democrat on the Ways
and Means Committee, who led the
minority fight against the Mellon
tax plan when the measure was
up for consideration in the House.
He said the measure was given
that description because Of the limit
ed provisions 1t will contain.
According to Congressman Car
ner and other minority members
of the committee, Democrats will
demand a revision in the tariff
duties on such articles as sugar,
clothing, shoes and other articles
Of every day necessity While the
benefits from the reduction Of pres
ent levies on these commodities will
be felt generally, it is planned to
give especial attention to farm
needs, as for example. the placing
on the free list Of certain fertilizer
ingredients now taxed, such as
calcium arSenate.
To Follow Bonus.
Just how Tar the list will extend
has not been determined yet, but
members are planning to have the
measure worked into shape for
presentation shortly after the bonus
bill is disposed of. In order 10 get
around the opposition of majority
members in control of the Ways
and Means Committee Democrats
plan to take advantage of the
new rule Of the House which per.
mits the consideration of a measure
on the floor when accompanied by
petition signed by $50 members,
thus making it virtually certain
that the House will be given an
opportunity to vote on the quastion
Whether the measure succeeds
depends on the attitude of the pro-
gressives, who hold the balance
of power Regardless of this,
however. injection of tariff discus
sion into Congress will pave the
way for Democrats to bring their
ideas Of tariff legislation promi-
nently before the country.
Tariff Was Chief Issue.
Prior to the sensational develop.
ments in the oil scandal it was
the plan Of Democratic leaders to
make the tariff the chief issue
Of the campaign this year, party
spokesman being prepared 20 go
before the country with the charge
that the high duties Of the Fordney-
McCumber law were imposing an
annual indirect tax Of $4,000, 900, 900
on the American people. It is
agreed, however, that the tariff has
been overshadowed by the oil in
Quiry.
Nevertheless Democrats feel that
the party's tariff policy is funda-
mental and should not be lost sight
OF under any circumstances. For
this reason every effort will be
made to agitate the subject, regard
less Of the proportions assumed by
Teapot Dome.
That the program for limited tariff
revision as suggested by Congress.
man Garner Is receiving the official
support Of the Democratic party is
indicated by the cooperation and
approval Of Congressman Cordell
Hull. member Of the Ways and
Means Committee and chairman OF
the Democratic National Committee