Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1880-04-16

From our regular Correspondent

the Capital this week, the proceedings
Of Congress being confined to subjects
discussed, and social or
other interesting events being IN
usually scarce. The question of tariff
legislation is probably the most i'm
portant and exciting the most atten-
tion just how. The contest last week
over the improper reference Of Mr..
bill, served to show the
Ways and Means Committee and the
about how much feeling
there is on this subject throughout the
West and South. And this revelation
has moved The committee TO at least
make feint at action. The commit
tee now prop oses to report a bill to
the House containing the proposition
to put printing paper and wood pulp
on the free list, to put chrome ore on
the free list, to reduce the duty on
bichromate of potash, and to reduce
the duty on woollens atfurty per cent
No doubt bill TO put printing paper
and articles entering into its manufac-
ture on the free list would pass, but
other propositions which the commit
tee are tacking on to their bill cannot
pass and they know it The object.
is to make a pretense Of
doing something, but to construct
measure which shall antagonize SO
many interests that nothing will result
As stated last week, there will be
no tariff Legislation this session Too
many Congressmeu are concerned di-
rcctly or indirectly in manufacturing
interests.
The position Of parties on this ques-
ton is about like the situation in the
Ways ard Means Committee The
Democratic IN mbers are divided by
various conflicting interests, while the
Republicans are solidly united as the
party of protection. The latter have
for three years past advanced eau
tlously towards this point, avoiding
discussion of the subject by all means
in their power, but at this session they
have, with more boldness and posi-
tlvencss than before, taken party
ground as projections. The differ
ences of opinion among Democrats on
this question are well illustrated by
the proceedings last week. Most of
the Pennsylvania Democrats. with
some others voted with the Republi-
cans, and the Sl eaker is also under
stood to be, as Pennsylvania, a pro-
tectionist. 1t is evident, therefore,
that all general propositions to liber-
alize the tariff must fail in this House.
Why, then, do the Democrats press
the matter ON the House? it will be
asked. For the reason, the answer is.
that they believe it to be real ques-
ton and one in which the country
takes an interest, the discussion OF
which, therefore, Is necessary IN or
der to bring our politics Into some sort
of reason again. They believe also
that if it eau be got before the people
as prominent issue the Democrats
will gain more than they will lose, and
this view is greatly strengthened by
the nnconeealcd and nervous anxiety
of Republican leaders to prevent de-
bate ON it at this session There are
Democrats who believe that with til S
issue made prominent by thorongb
discussion in the House they can carry
IA majority OF the next House. even
though the Republicans should elect
their President. Whatever may be
the motives of those who are trying
to bring, this question before the Hous :
they deserve the gnod wishes and