Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-05

CCOntlnueQ from t1rSC PaSe.)
whether the delegates have the power
to draw up for their governments such
an agreement as that proposed or
whether a simple recommendation is
all that Is within the province of the
delegates
Last nights discussions. in which
Cuba. Chile. Brazil and Argentina took
the most active part, centered on this
question 1t was pointed out the con-
ference delegates had only consulta-
tive capacity and could not pledge their
governments without special plenipoten-
tiary powers.
An important object of the procession
discussion, some members of the group
explained afterward. was to seek an un-
Outstanding which would foreStall bring
ing the tariff subject abruptly into open
session and risk precipitating violent
discussion which might threaten to dis
rupt the conferences work.
European Profit Foreseen.
The United States is not the only
country whose duties are found too
high by some of its neighbors. The
Argentine duties on fruits and yerbe
mate. for example. are resented as pro-
hibitive by Paraguay Other countries
similarly have turned to high levies,
particularly since the current depres-
sion set in.
Although there appeared differences
of opinion among the delegates as to
how far the present meeting should go
on the question, off-the-f1oor discussion
indicated general belief in a need for
tariff readjustments, but with other
parts of the world in mind
One point brought up In connection
with the Cuban proposal was that for
the American republics to declare a
might work first to the advantage of
Europe and other outside markets
which could profit by the outlawing of
further tariff barriers against their
products
At a meeting last night Latin Amer
lean delegates chose Ramon .AriaS F.
of Panama to respond for the group to
the welcome address today of Secretary
Stimson.
The opening session got under way at
10 o'clock, with Secretary StimSon, as
chairman of the Governing Board of
the Pan-American Union. which called
the conference, presiding. and voicing
the hope that the conferees would be
attended by 1.-The fullest measure Of sue
cess in their deliberations.
Traces Slump to World War.
Swinging directly into the problems
which confront the nations Of the
world because of the depression, Sec
rotary Lamont told his auditors I'VE
meet in difficult and anxious time, -
and that theirs is the opportunity to
be of service to all our countries
Tracing depression to the World War,
Mr.. Lamont added that each nation
of the world made further contribu-
lions to the depth and breadth CT its
own particular share in it by economic
sins of one sort or another-but
whether it was overproduction in GER
tain directions or transportation in
stocks and bonds, whether in some
other country it was extravaganza in
unproductive construction or attempts
at artificial price sterilization of COM
modities, or unwise budgetary prac-
tices-each country must correct its
own mistakes and get its own house in
order"
Pointing to recent tariff increases by
the Latin countries affecting the i'm
ports Of such commodities as automo-
biles, machinery, textiles, foodstuffs,
petroleum products, chemicals, hard
ware. refrigerators and home and Of
ice supplies, SCraWn QlScla1med any in
tention to Criticize" adding that fire
quently do we hear criticism of our own
United States tariffs" He added. how
ever, that "our tariff rates are fixed and
do not go up and down with the rise
and fall of exchange, so that, when our
merchants go abroad to purchase goods
they know what they will have to pay
when they reach the port of entry"
Continuing, he said "the most bene-
hctal feature of our tariff is its adj
Instability" Explaining the functions
OF the Tariff Commission and the op-
Grafton of the flexible provision, Strawn
said:
May hope that other nations may
adopt clear basic principles upon which
their tariffs may be adjusted This
would constitute long step forward in
bringing order out of the chaos which
at present frequently characterizes
tariff schedules"
At noon the delegates, numbering
something more than 100 from the
southern countries and 400 from the
United States were guests Of Secretary
of the Treasury Mellon at luncheon at
the Pan-American Union.
This afternoon they divided into two
groups, one to take up the question of
transportation and the other consular
and customs procedure.
On Thursday the conference will be
addressed by President Hoover.
SENTENCE SUSPENDED