Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-02
Democrats See Retaliation
Against Duties Imposed
by Congress.
G. o. P. THINKS BUDGET
NEEDS FORCED CHANGES
Republicans Discount Contention
That U. S. Rates Brought
Canadian Hikes.
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.

Increases in the Canadian tariff
duties, announced by Premier Bennett
in his annual budget message to the
House Of Commons in Ottawa yester-
DAY were interpreted here by Demo.
cratic spokesman as a measure of re-
TAXATION against the United States be-
cause OF the Smoot- Hawley tariff art
Republicans. on the other hand
viewed the Canadian increases in tariff
duties as an effort on the part of
Canada to protect its own labor and
10 give work to the unemployed. and
also as a measure to raise revenue in
view Of the S75000,OOO deficit which
confronts the government OF Canada
because of shrinkage of receipts.
Al the State Department no state.
ment was forthcoming in regard to
the new Canadian tariff duties. The
department Is awaiting an official re-
port IN regard 70 the changed tariffs
from American Minister Hanford Mac
Nlder at Ottawa.
More Time Needed.
The department will study the
changes II Is said, with view to de-
tcrmlnlng the course the United States
will follow, if any. in the way of dipio.
matte representations. Usually when
rates are considered discriminatory
against American products. representa-.
ions are made against such duties.
rms Is the second increase in the
customs made by the Canadian governs
ment since the Smoot -Hawley act be-
came a law. The Conservatives in
canada have favored the protective
system and the present Conservative
government came into power after the
passage OF the Smoot-Hawley tariff law
mere, largely. it is said. on the tariff is
sue. Inc flrst increase in the tariff
rates made by Canada came after the
electlon OF the present government and
covered something like 200 items.
Harrison BIames U. S.
Senator Pat Harrison Of Mississinni
me ranking Democratic member of the
Sfnate Finance Committee, when n.,,-
o'es tarln legislation, made the tariff.
increases announced By Canada the
venice OF scathing attack upon the
Hepuoncans, who put through the
Smoot-Hawley tariff act He said:
The action of Canada YESTERDAY In
again raising tariff duties was no sur.
prise. Throughout the long tariff con.
troversy we insisted that the greedy
actlon OF those who directed the con-
Slructlon OF the rates would inevitably
!eao 10 tariff retaliation and reprisals.
LAY py DAY We pleaded with the ad-
mlnlStratlon to exert its leadership and
restrain the aVaricious hand of certain
special interests which we're demanding
ana receiving at the HANDS of Congress
CONSCIOUSNESS and unjust:fied tariff in
creases. Our appeals went unanswered.
The Spineless inaction of those who di-
rected the Governments affairs is the
most important factor among other
causes Ior the present economic collapse.
Predicts Disaster.
Canada's action yesterday will
further AFFECT legitimate American in
uusIry: Inc President and the Repub-
llcan leadership in Congress in blirdIv
pursuing such tariff policy. the in.
eVltable effects of which were bound to
result in disaster to our trade and COM
merce, are guilty of culpable negligence.
Inc damage already wrought is so great
mat 1t will take time to work cure.
But one thing is sure. that if any per-
manent improvement comes it must
come through prudent lowering of
unJustlfied tariff duties in some effort
eHert?o upon our part to rehabilitate
ourselves in the feeling and respect of
foreign governments Every effort was
made upon the part of the Democrats
delegations in Congress to prevent the
talln wrongs and every effort will be
made to right them. 1t will be done in
an orderly way with the assistance of
an unlnf1uenced and unselfish expert
tact-finding body"
Representative Ramseyer of Iowa.
republican. who has been put forward
in some quarters as a candidate for the
Republican nomination for Speaker in
the coming Congress. took very Diff
ferent view of the Canadian tariff.
Ramseyer States View.
obviously" said Mr. Ramseyer. the
purpose of the Canadian government
in raising the tariff rates is first to
take care of. unemployment in Canada
and second to help the Canadian gov
eminent meet its expenses and wipe
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