SENSATION IN CONGRESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 8

SENSATION IN CONGRESS.

AAIERICANS DENOUNCED

“PILFERING UNDISTURBED.”

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7. What was characterised as the inside story of tho trado monopolies, tho Secretary for Commerce, Air H. C. Hoover, did not give in tho open before the House of Representatives’ Commerce Committee, its members granting him a private session, to avoid sensationalism and possible international discord.

With copies of the correspondence that has passed between Washington and the various Governments, Mr Hoover disclosed Uncle Sam’s ineffectual attempts to induce foreign governments to put an end to the manipulation of commodities, both in regard to output and price. Britain replied that the collapse of the rubber industry was alone prevented by tho Government’s action in restricting the output. Tho replies from other countries were vague.

Following a vigorous criticism of those replies, Mr Hoover suggested, as a remedy, economy in the use of the commodities involved, better organisation in their purchase and consumption, and also an attempt to produce these articles in United States’ possessions or to find suitable substitutes. “THE OTHER SIDE.” The other side of Mr Hoover’s case came before Congress when Representative Black, of New York, described the Secretary for Commerce as a propagandist for the American rubber interests.

“Hero are expanding tyre concerns,” he declared, “urging the faithful Hoover to chase the British Lion just when they are about ready to inflate prices. They want an alibi while they gouge the public, so that they can bark at tho East India rubber planter. This is a big business administration, neither pure nor simple, and profits piled on profits form its political creed. “International accord makes way for dividends,” ho added. “Hoover is the right man in tho right place—a go-getter, Calliope and limeligbt rolled into one.” _ . , , Representative Black declared that “the price of crude rubber has little to do with tho increase in the actual prices, except to furnish an excuse for tho American extortionists. A tyre which cost 25 dollars (£5) Before the British restrictions came in now costs 40 and that with five dollars’ worth of rubber in it. Our committee cries ‘Stop, thief’ at the British while the American business leaders do their pilfering undisturbed. “Finally Mr Kellogg will draw a bill in the World Court against the British and then Sir Robert Horne will come back with a complaint against our tariff. You can imagine who will aet the judgment and how much it will be,” concluded Representative Black, whoso rousing speech created a great sensation in Congress.