The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-03

interest if it should be included in further re-
duction of 20 per cent proposed by the Nor
rison bill. If they could see their way clear to
exempting wool from the operation of this
Is per cent below those of 1867, would the wool
men vote for the Morrison bill amended in this
manner9
To this proposition, it is under.
stood the latter replied that they were
not willing to submit to one wrong
for the sake of avoiding a greater one,
They would not admit by voting for bill thus
amended, that the wrong committed in 1888 was
right. They would vote for the Morrison bill II
the rates of 1867 on wool were restored; other
wise, they proposed that every tub should stand
on its own bottom, and said the friends of the
Morrison bill would have to get along without
them. The matter came to the decisive point
to-day, when Mr.. Geddes, representing the wool
interests, went to see Mr. Morrison and laid the
ultimatum of his faction before him.
Mr.. Morrison informed him the House had
voted down the proposition to restore the old
rate on wool, and that he could
not not oS9s consent to such proRosRLtif911' Rtf'11
even, whether he could entertain proposition
to exempt wool from the 20 per cent. horizontal
reduction proposed in his bill
Mr.. Hurd and another member of the ways
and means committee, who were present at this
conference, if such it may be called, agreed with
Mr. Morrison, and expressed similar opinions.
In view of this failure to effect compromise,
the Democratic opponents of the bill are assert
ing to night their opinion that the Morrison bill
will be defeated by striking out the enactlng
clause. The programme with regard to the
method of defeating the bill has, however,
been changed, and instead of the mo-
ton to strike out coming from the
Republican side, it will be made
by Democrat most probably either by
Mr.. Eaton or Mr.. Converse. 1t is thought the
movement in opposition to the bill will be
strengthened by such course, and the Repub-
lican opponents of the measure, with this In
view, will waive the opportunity of making
political capital, which taking the lead in op-
position to the bill would give them.
Friends of the Morrison bill, on the other
hand, say the motion to strike out the enacting
clause, if made, will be defeated, and the bill,
with some amendments, perhaps but practically
with all its present features retained, will pass
the House. Some of them think Mr.. Morrison has
made mistake in closing the general debate
on the bull so soon, as, in their opinion, DEBATE
gains friends for the measure every day 1t runs.
Tomorrow, Mr.. Converse will make certain
propositions looking to reduction of tariff rates,
which he will endeavor to have printed In the
Record, and he will accompany their presenta-
ton with statement that if the Morrison bill
should reach stage at which amendments are
in order he will offer them as amendments.
Thefeatures of this proposed amendmentarea as
follows:
The wool duties of 1867 to be restored, except
as to carpet woods, which will be placed on the
free list, with some twenty other articles The
metal schedule will be equalzed by reducing
the duty on some articles and increasing it on a
few others. The tobacco internal tax
will be abolished and provision be
made for giving alcohol to manufacturers
free of tax. Manufacturers who manufacture
for export to receive a rebate on their raw ma
terials equal to the duty, less 10 per cent. A
reduction of 10 per cent is to be made in favor
of goods imported in American bottoms
This is said to be similar to the old law
passed in Jeffersons administration, except that
the Jefferson differental duty was increased 10
per cent. on the then existing tariff list, while
Mr.. Converse proposes 10 per cent reduction.
Mr. Converse thinks his bill will reduce the
revenue $40, 900, 600 year