The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-04-25
ADMINISTRATION
FACING SENATE
TARIFF BATTLE
Bitter Partisan Attack on
Bill Held Certain
by Advocates.
BY RUTH FINNEY
Times Special Writer.

WASHINGTON, April 25.AOffi-
cially the senate tariff fight-most
critical of the session in many re-
SpectS-Starts Thursday when the
senate finance committee holds its
first hearing on the administration
bill.
Actually it has been under way
for a week
During that time the administra-
ton has quietly gone to the coun-
try" in behalf of this vital link in
its recovery chain, seeking to build
up public support in advance OF
the bitter partisan attack on the
bill, which is certain on the senate
floor. State Secretary Cordell Hull.
Agriculture Secretary Henry A.
wallace, Chairman Robert L.
O'Brien of the tariff commission,
Willard L. Thorp, director of the
bureau of foreign and domestic
commerce, and Chester c. Davis.
administrator of AAA, have all
taken occasion in the last few days
to explain the new plan for re-
ciprocal trading and to- list bene-
fits which may be expected from it.
All Questions Anticipated
The thoroughneSs with which
preparations have been made for
the senate fight indicates the de-
gree Of Importance which the adj
ministration attaches to it. The
tariff commission has compiled data
to answer every question raised IN
the house debate. Senate Demo-
cratic Leader Joseph T. Robinson
has summoned members of his
party to meet Monday night to
make specific plans for the floor
fight.
In the preliminary skirmish the
administration has used clever
strategy. 1t has seized on the Writ
charge. of Recommendation to point
a moral that leads straight to the
tariff bill. If the country fails to
find an export market for the sur
pluses it is producing-both agri-
cultural and industrial-it will in
truth have to resort to regimenta-
ton to cut production, the spokes-
men say, and they paint the disas-
tiers of such a course in vivid ColorS.
Administration arguments for re-
ciprocal trading have many sided
appeal
Wheat growers and millers are
promised freedom from competition
of Pacific Northwest wheat, a dis
turbing factor since its export mar
ket disappeared.
Dairymen and poultrymen are
promised that grain and livestock
growers who invaded their field will
withdraw when they have chance
to sell their products abroad.
Cotton growers are told that their
gains of the last year can be made
permanent only by this means.
The consuming public is offered
the hope of lower prices on nom
competing foreign products.
Hope Extended Labor
Labor is told that an extended eX-
port market will provide far more
employment than is to be found in
the few industries which may pro-
duce less when trading agreements
are made.
Finally Secretary Hull argues that
there is a direct connection between
international trade and American
financial interests, that the ultimate
value of the currency depends on
this factor as we'll as the fate of our
ports, our merchant marine, rail-
roads, and other lines of transporta-
ton
About 6 per cent of the commod-
tiles produced in America last year
were exported, but Is to IS per cent
of the country's lard, dried and
canned fruit, leaf tobacco, raw cot
ton, resin, turpentine, lubricating
oil, refined copper, various classes Of
machinery and various chemicals
were sold abroad.
Crude petroleum, corn, canned
vegetables, hosiery, boots and shoes,
automobile tires, furniture, paper,
iron and steel manufactures, ready
mixed paints and soaps depended on
foreign markets to a lesser degree
These two industrial groups will
probably get more business if trade
bargains are made.