Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 May 1909 — RAZORS ARE USED IN SENATE TARIFF TALK [ARTICLE]

RAZORS ARE USED IN SENATE TARIFF TALK

Discussion Brings Out Profits Made by the Dealers. Washington, May 18. —Razors were used in an attack upon the tariff bill pending before the senate. The committee on finance increased the rates on razors from about 55 to 100 per cent ad valorem, and as soon as the senate took up the cutlery schedule amendments cutting these rates down were rejected. Senator Stone then offered amendments reducing the duties to the rates of the Dingley bill. Senator Smoot said if the duty were 200 per cent it would not increase the price to the consumer. He exhibited a razor costing 49 cents to import and which was sold for $3. Senator Smoot moved over to the Democratic side of the chamber. He took a razor from his pocket and opened it. He approached Senator Stone and then whirled the razor in his hand as he explained how the name of the foreign manufacturer was obliterated from the blade. Senator Carter suggested that the senator from Missouri was being intimidated. Smoot apologized and returned to his seat.