New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-22
REPTRLICANS UNITING.


When the Republicans came together in the
Senate and House at the opening OF the session,
it seemed hardly possible that they could agree
as to the matters upon which the people most
desired action. Yet Civil Service bill has been
1assed already, and not bad bill nor one OF
questionable intention, though it may not prove
satisfactory in all its details. The tariff ques-
ton is a much more difhcult one to agree upon.
But the course of the Republican caucus OF
Represt natives gives reason to hope that some
good measure may yet be passed. The caucus
decided with great unanimity to take up the
bill of the Ways and Means Committee, to give
far opportunity for amendments, and to stick
to the matter until a bill should be passed.
Members wish opportunity 10 present amend
ments on matters IN which their constituents
are especially interested. and will doubtless
have it if the privilege Is not abused. Bat the
majority. if il acts in the spirit shown III the
caucus, will hold ever IN mind the paramount
importance of reaching some action, and acton
favorable 70 the maintenance OF the protective
system, before the session closes.
When the House bill has been printed and
carefully examined, il may be possible to deter
mine whether the Committee is night about 1t.
The majority of tie Committee holds that 1t is
a better bill than that of the Commission or
that of the Senate Committee. lnasnuch rs
the Committee only can know as yet exactly
what ii has done. for there has not yet been
time except in the Con mittee Room to ascertain
the effect Of many changes Of classification, this
statement must be received with respect,
though 1t does not seem 10 be supported by
what is known of tho action OF the Committee.
Indeed, if the Republican members and known
protect onsls of the Comm tee were agreed III
that opinion, il would be entitled to much con-
Gdence. As they are not agreed, tie unanimous
report of q Commission composed of men pre-
eminently well-inlolmed as TO leading branches
of industry st II seems to us to have the greater
weight. But the essential thing at present is to
get the best bill that can possibly be obtained,
and therefore to approach the subject without
rooted prejudice in favor of or against either.
Indeed, there are many features that the three
bills all contain which are of nigh Importance,
and many others which all contain in greater
or less degree. The adoption of some measure
embracing in one form or another these proyi-
sions, which all admit to DO desirable, is now
of the utmost Importance.
No intelligent friend of the protective system
can fail to perceive that notifications Of the
ta1id have became essential both to its we'll
working and to its stability. The law now in
force works mischief through some of its pro-
visions, aud has led to great complaint 10y some
of the most powerful industrial organizations.
In the face of these earnest appeals, which have
been increasing for several years, it is not sen
sible TO say, as some have said, that there IL no
public desire for revision OF the tarlh. Such
demand as there is for an overthrow OF the pro-
tective sy stem Congress will not listen to, unless
it is prepared to bring great disaster upon in
dustries that have grown up for twenty years
under its shelter. For the same reason, Con-
gress will turn deaf ear to all propositions cal
culaed to cripple the system udirectly-to
punch holes in it so that it may sink. To resist
every such change resOlutely, and at the same
time To agree upon those changes which have
become really necessary to the efficiency and
maintenance OF the system, 10 the task which
the men beTs of Congress undertake. They have
the aid of two committees and one commission
of experts all governed by desire to uphold
and maintain the protective system. Changes
which these three bodies have agreed to reject
can hardly be safe. Changes which they have
agreed to adopt can hardly DO very dangerous.
But it would be very dangerous indeed, to all
business and industrial interests, to suffer this
session to pass without making those modifica
tons which the safety Of the protective system
requires. For the work will then be turned over
to a Congress controlled by enemies of that sys-
tenn, and especially by men who do not compre
bend the needs of diversified industry. The
Democratic Congress might tear the tariff TO
pieces, and in that case would bring ruin upon
great industries Or It might shrewdly bid for
success the Presidential election by taking up
as it's own and passing either the bill of the
Commission or the bill of the Senate Commit |
tee. Each has been so Endorsed by high pro-
tectivc authority and by great industrial bodies |
that its adoption, after Republican Congress |
had refused to adopt It. could be used with |
marked effect in Presidential contest. But the |
industries Of the country cannot aiford to en-
dure two years Of stagnation and uncertainty. |!
Tho effects of that uncertainty upon business ]