Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-20
PRESIDENT TO KEEP
HANDS Off TARIFF
Senator Watson Says Non.
Interference Policy viii
Be Observed.

By the Associated Press.
Senator Watson Of Indiana, the Re-
publican leader, said in the Senate to-
day that President Hoover would take no
part in tariff making so long as the new
bill was in its legislative stage.
He asserted he would use his irflu-
ence to keep Mr.. Hoover out of the
tariff controversy, adding that the Presi-
ident previously had stated he, would
not interfere with legislation pending in
Congress.
Denies Press Report.
Senator Borah, Republican, Idaho. in
terrupted Watson to say he was glad to
hear WatSon'S statement because YOU
were quoted by the newspapers as hav-
ing said over the radio that the Presi-
dent would sign the tariff bill"
II never made such a statement"
Watson replied. There had been alto
gether too much confusion. he added.
over the House bill. and the measure
as 1t was reported by the Senate
finance committee.
Speed-up Decided on.
The tariff situation in the Senate
decision of the Republicans to speed
up the legislative machinery in an
effort to pass the bill before December.
Spurred by Senator Watson the
party regulars purpose to put the
Senate to work an hour earlier, begin
ming Monday. If the additional hour
of labor proves insufficient for the
speeding-up process. they will take up
a proposal for night sessions, or even
earlier day meetings.
Some concern still was felt however,
over the attitude of the Republican
independents. The majority of the
Independents; including Bcrah and
Norris Of Nebraska, did not attend the
party conference, which agreed on the
program for the acceleration, but some
Of the far Northwestern Senators, who
also have been causing worry, were
there.
Lumber Duties Demanded.
This group. which includes Jones Of
Washington, Steiwer of Oregon. and
Oddie of Nevada. are demanding
duties on lumber. shingles and other
products of their States.
Not long after the decision to speed
I'D was reached. copies of a resolution
adopted by the Republican Business
Women Inc. protesting increas es in
rates, came to the desks of the Re-
publicsnS~ It urged only such changes
in tariff rates as will give relief to busi-
ness. but will not effect greater in
crease in living costs"
At the other end, of Pennsylvania
avenue. meanwhile. the Treasury De-
partment was hard at work collecting
data on tax returns of 325 corporal lions
and individuals requested by Demo-
cratic members of the finance commit
tee. While no announcement was made
at the department, it was said the WORK
would take some time.
The Italian Ambassador. in memo
randum transmitted to the Senate nm
ance committee today said that lit was
beyond dispute" the present tariff
bills rates would act to seriously dimin-
ish his nations purchases Of agricul-
tural products and other raw materials
from the United States.
Such a condition, the ambassador
said, would lead eventually TO
between the two countries"
Small Percentage" Discussed.
such a small percentage" it con-
tinued. hardly justifles any claim OF
unbearable competition, especially If one
remembers that the prices of the
Italian products are always higher than
those of the domestic products"
The memorandum mentioned spe-
cifically the proposed increased rates on
cheese, canned tomatoes, tomato paste.
lemons, chemical products, fur felt,
trimmed straw hats and hemp as in
volving a threat of reduction in Italian
shipments to the United States.