New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-11-27
TARIFF TINKERING DUE

Inc FOrdney- MCCumDer tarlIl ACT
will have been in effect seven and
a half years when the Hoover admin
istrstion takes over the ship of state.
The average life of the six tariff acts
adopted during the 40-year period
preceding was six and Z half years.
There are people in and out of
Congress who believe the time has
come for more tariff tinkering: the
only difference Of opinion is the kind
of tinkering that should be accom-
plished.
On the closing day of the last ses-
sion Of Congress a special Senate
committee. appointed to investigate
the Tariff Commission, reported an
assortment of sharp criticism re-
garding the character of appoint
mcuts made upon the commission,
and also criticized the manner in
which the flexible tariff provisions
OF the law had been manipulated.
Previously the Senate had adopted a
resolution declaring that many of
the rates in the existing tariff
schedules are excessive, and that
the Senate favors an immediate
downward revision of such excessive
rates establishing closer parity be-
tween agriculture and industry. be-
lieving it will result to the general
benefit of all"
What the Senate does or thinks
about the tariff. however. has had
little influence upon President
Coolidge, who has resisted all pro-
jects for a revision of the tariff by
Congress on the ground that the
flexible tariff provisions supply ade-
quate machinery for relief. The
Presidents method of operating the
flexible machinery. however, has u.s.
ually been upwards.
Tho Republican platform upon
which Mr., Hoover rode into the
presidency promises upward revision
of tariff rates on agricultural pro-
ducts. rather than a downward re-
vision on manufactured products.
But the platform also stated that
there were certain industries which
could not successfully compete with
foreign industries. and pledged the
next Republican Congress to make
an examination land where neces-
sary. a revision of these schedules"
From these facts one easily comes
to the conclusion that the com Ing re-
vision will be upward in agriculture
and perhaps in the case of some
manufacturer articles.
Much tariff discussion is due with
In the next year, however; and per.
haps within the next six months il
Mr.. Hoover as President calls q
special session of Congress.
Back in the 1920 campaign the
farmers were promised upward re.
vision-just like in 192S-and i'm
mediately upon the Inauguration OF
Mr.. Harding special session OF
Congress passed a Farmers Emer-
sency tariff act. which was signed
by the President in May. 1921. The
act applied solely to agricultural
products. and producers of other
products were compelled to wait 16
months before themselves obtaining
tariff relief"
The tariff act of 1921 did not do
the farmers much good, but they
are hopeful that similar act in 1923
may turn out better Manufacturers
were irritatcd at being forced to wait
the 16 months. however. and are not
inclined to go through similar trial
of patience in 1929. In fact. it has
| been already suggested that if any.
thing of the kind is attempted a fill.
buster will develop at the coming
session, forcing general tariff revi-
! sion.
The Senate which called for re-
/ duced tariff rates at the last session
was composed of only a paper ma
jority of Republicans. The new Sen.
ate after March will be composed
of substantial maiority-56 Re.
publicans. 80 Democrats, and !
Farmer-Labor 1t will be different
kind Of Senate than its predecessor
The call is likely to be I'D. One
| mans guess is as good as another's
but the outlook is that no rate wi,
be increased and plenty of them viii
advance.
WANING POWER OF STATISTIC.
1t was inevitable that this critica