The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-05-20
G. 0. P. DEALT
BODY BLOW IN
TARIFF CLASH
Sugar Boost Is Shown to
Be UnWarranted: GIee
Among Democrats.
FARM FARLEY FAILS
InSurgent Senators May
Dare Expulsion and
Reveal Secret.
BY PAUL r. MALLON
United Press STAFF Correspondent

United Press STAFF Correspondent
WASHINGTON. Nav 20.-PoUer-
ful tariff ammunition was obtained
today by the Democrats from an
unexpected source, while house Re-
publican leaders we're preparing
farm duties amendments 50 they
can work out arrangements for an
early vote on the pending bill in the
house
Vice President Curtis handed
down 10 the senate a report from
the tariff commission. showing that
in 1924 a ma ioritv of the commits
sion had recommended a reduction
i'm the sugar duty from 1.76 the
present ratel to 1.23 cents a pound.
The lesser figure represented the
{ difference in cost Of production be-
tween Cuba and the United States
at that time the commission held
efter a lengthy investigation.
Boost for Democrats
In view of the fact that Repub-
licans are planning TO boost the
Cuban rate to 2:4O cents a pound
the report has elated the Democrats,
who are fighting the proposed raise.
They are prepared to argue that
there is no Justification for a sugar
increase ana that, unless conditions
have changed during the last few
years, a decrease is warranted.
The fact that the sugar rate is
the center of the tariff storm adds
TO the importance OF the Democratic
ammunition.
The report from the commission
was called for in a resolution re-
Gently adopted by the senate. 1t
was introduced by Senator David 1.
Walsh Dem, Mass.
The old report never was made
public by President Coolidge, who
declined to act on it. The record
shows Mr.. Coolidge wrote an answer
to the commission. pointing out that
the minority report confiicted with
the majority opinion of the commits
sion.
Farm Farley Fails
The first conference between five
representatives from the senate and
five from the house on farm relief
plans broke up in disagreement over
the debenture provision after an
hours discussion here today. They
will meet again tomorrow.
The senate became involved today
in a deep-rooted dispute over the
secrecy with which it enveloped it.
self last week to confirm President
Hoover's nomination of Irwin Len
root Of Wisconsin as a customs
Judge.
A somewhat sensational demon
stration against the secrecy rule is
planned by insurgents. Half dozen
of them are considering rising in
open senate and daring the ma
iority to expel them for telling how
they voted upon confirmation.
Two other senators, Blaine. of
Wisconsin. and Norris. of Nebraska,
may deliver again in open session
the speeches they made in executive
session concerning the Lenroot case.
Little of the bitter contest over
the nomination has been made pub
lie. because it all took place in ex-
ecutive session. The senate rules
provide expulsion for any senator
divulging what happens.
Rule VIII Be Tested
e However. some senators have
taken the position that the rule is
obsolete. except for political machi-
nations, and have declined to abide
by it. Their demonstration is being
arranged TO bring. the matter to an
issue. in hope the rule may be over
thrown.
1t is learned the atmosphere of
the executive session was so strained
when the vote on Lenroot was taken
that Senator Watson, the floor
leader. attempted to prevent any
senator from keeping a list of the
votes
Strangely enough, Seneator Bling
ham of Connecticut, an ardent
disciple of the rules, WHO never tells
anything that happens in executive
session. was seen by the insurgents
20 be keeping a roll call of the 40
10 81 vote By which Lenroot was
confirmed
In testing manner. a mldWeStern
senator reported Bingham to Wat
son. To save himself from sus-
picion that ne might give out the
roll call. Bingham tore his list to
bits and threw it in the waste
basket. No other list of the votes
was kept, except the Official roll,
which the senate declined to make
public on a special voice.
Charge Hits Lenroot
blaine, it now develops. made a
speech Just before the vote was
taken. charging Lenroot had been
admitted illegally TO practice before
the United States supreme court, a
point never previously advanced.
Blaine said Lenroot never had
tried q legal case before he was
elected to the senate. and that he
never had been admitted to practice
before the Wisconsin supreme court.
The rule provides no one may be
admitted before the United States
supreme court who has not prac-
ticed for three years before his state
supreme court. -.-.-.-s -