Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-02
Fletcher's Ability Lauded
But Tariff Views Debated

Selection of Hengy P. Fletcher by
President Hoover forAthe post of chair
man of the Tariff Commission Is de-
bated in its relation to future changes
in duties under the provisions Of the
flexible clause of the tariff law. The
appointee's ability is widely recognized
and it is felt that his career as g. diplo-
mat has fitted him for the task of, fos-
tering foreign trade. The fact that he
thought in Democratic circles that he
may be inclined to retain the existing
rates on imports. More favorable COM
ments credit him with broader view
point, which will be favorable to a spirit
of compromise.
His appointment" in the opinion of
the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin (in-
dependent Republican, assures the
country the scientific regard for eco
nomic conditions, without which no
tariff can ever completely protect
American industry and its workers from
the competition of underpaid, low
standard nations in which unit costs of
production are so small that American
wages and living scales cannot stand
against them. For 80 years this son of
Pennsylvania has been in the foreign
service, devoting himself to economic,
trade and financial problems and con-
ditions. He is eminently fitted to head
the commission in the extensive studies
which it is about to undertake"
Here is man of worldwide expert
ence who may be expected to approach
the problems of the Tariff Commission
from broad viewpoint" declares the
Buffalo Evening News (Republican),
while the Columbus Ohio State Journal
independent Republican, states that,
counting past performances, President
Hoover appears TO have been fortunate
in finding Mr.. Fletcher available and
willing to step into the new position"
The Kalamazoo Gazette independently
feels that MIR. Fletcher should possess
unusual qualifications for making the
tariff law workable. Surely the task is
one that will call for great deal of
diplomacy"
Assuming that mo name that the
President can send to the Senate as that
of member of the Tariff Commission
is likely to have smooth sailing to con-
firmation," the New York Evening
Post independently concludes: THE
Presidents choice for chairman ought
to fare as well as anybody else who
could have been named. Mr.. Fletcher's
varied abilities are unquestioned, and his
diplomatic duties have kept him out of
tariff struggles, factional or other"
Emphasizing the political Affiliations
OF the appointee, the Dayton Daily News
llndepenuent Democratle) asserts that
the commission, las headed by Mr..
Fletcher, promises no relief from condi-
lions created by the Grundy act. 1t
will see as one with the President" con-
tinueS the News, and the inclusion of
Mr.. Fletcher reveals further conceS-
sion To the Pennsylvania interests"
The Roanoke Times tndependent
DemocraticD ayers that "as a Pennsyl-
vania Republican OF the Boies Penrose
type, his attitude toward tie tariff nat
urally reflects his political and economic
environment"
He Is sign of maintenance of the
old guard status quo in tariff recon-
mendations submitted to the President"
IN the opinion of the Asheville Times
independent Democratic). The Char