Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1909 — SAYS WOOL IS TO GO ON FREE LIST [ARTICLE]

SAYS WOOL IS TO GO ON FREE LIST

Report of Cot of Ooe-Half Io Doties oo Lomber.

FOR FOREST CONSERVATION

Understanding That Gifford Rinchot la Preparing Figures For the Ways and Means Committee In an Effort to Have Product of the Woods AdmlV ted Into This Country Absolutely Without a Tariff Charge—Cattlemen Oppose Manufacturers.

Washington, March 9. —A cut of onehalf in the duties on'lumber and manufactures of lumber is understood to be one of the changes provided by the new tariff bill. Hides, according to a report, regarded as authentic, have been placed on the free list. During the hearings of the lumber schedule the testimony was of such a Character as to lead to the impression that lumber would be put on the free list. It was said that the forests of the country could only be conserved by admitting foreign lumber free of duty. It is understood that Gifford Pinchot, chief forester, is preparing figures for the ways and means committee in a further effort to have lumber placed on the free lisL Cattlemen Against Manufacturers.

Representative Fordney of Michigan, a member of the commitee, has championed the cause of the lumbermen, and the latter have been working energetically to prevent the free entry of lumber. They Contend that the rates of duty should be increased in ordef that the American Industry may compete with the cheaper labor employed tn Canada and because of the better facilities for transporation afforded by the proximity of the Canadian lumber camps to waterways. The effort to obtain free hides la being made principally by the New England shoe and leather manufacturers, and is strongly opposed by the cattlemen of the west. While no figures were obtainable regarding the steel schedule, it is stated that a substantial reduction in the duty on steel rails, tools and similar products is provided for. A duty of 4 cents a pound on coffee is levied. This is by way of compromise with the Porto Ricans, who demanded a tax of 6 cents a pound. Tax on Inheritances.

Whisky and beer will remain as they are at present if the subcommittee recommendations are enacted into law. It was felt that whisky was already carrying all the tax it could stand, while in the case of beer the prohibition movement throughout the country, it was explained, had cut down the consumption of the malt product. It having become manifest to the committee that the duties derived from customs under the new bill would not produce the revenue expected, they turned to the expedient of reviving the war revenue act of 1898, which placed a tax on telegrams, bank checks, playing cards and all stocks bought or sold. That feature of the war revenue act Is incorporated in the measure as drafted, it is said. A matter which is perplexing the committee is that of placing a tax on inheritances. President Taft wants it, it is declared, and Is pressing the committee to take action along that line, and predictions are, it is said, that the committee will yield to the president’s wishes.