Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-05-03
REVISE THE TARIFF.
INTERESTING DEBATE ON THE MILLS BILL
IN THB HOUSE,
LanAam, Of fsxss and 0aruIh, Of Ksniacky, Cham
piOn the Oanss Of DemOcracy-A Reform
Voice From the sNcrhwest-Prcss6-
ings in the Senate.

WASHINGTON, May 2.-The House went
into Committee Of the Whole on the tarifl
bill.
Mr.. Wilson, of Minnesota, denounced
the protective system. He was opposed to
the present tariff because while ii enriched
the few it prevented the expansion of our
Industries, and because 1t was especially
unjust to the agricultural interests.
The important question presented now
was whether the wealthy classes BE- allow
ed to levy tribute upon the industrial
classes. That was the contest now before
the country and sooner or later the people
would succeed.
Mr.. McComas, Of Maryland, said that
Mr.. Cleveland's message and this found.
ling, now called the Mills bill, had q com
mon purpose. Both used the surplus az
the fulcrum whsrewith TO apply the free
trade lever to aislodge the protective sys.
tenn. Every fss trader applauded both,
every protectieaist denounced both.
Mr.. Lanhan, Of Texas, said that in view
Of the condition which surrounded Con-
gress, and in view Of the intrepid stand
taken by the PRESIDENT, he could not see
how any Der,oerat could afford to an
tagonizs the general proposition for re-
dueipg taxstian. Democrats were infex-
IDLY determined to crowd and press this
great issue before Congress and the
country. The agitation would not cease
until something was accomplished. The
people would rot brook further suspense.
The lines were being drawn. Men must
chose whom they would serve.
"Who is not for Us is against
u.s." If Democrat favored the
protective tariff let him 90 into the camp
Of the enemy. If Republican favored
tariff reduction let him come into the
army of reform. He was for the bill with
some amend nSnts. Ifthey could not be had
he would take the bill as 1t was and give
it his earnest support His principal OBJ
lection to it WIS thatit was too protective.
Passing to consideration of the wool
schedule he criticized it as leaving the
duty on woolan manufactures too high
and advocating a reduction to % per cent.
ad vslorem. In his district there were
,035, 1896 sheep, valued at 81 195, ,932, and
yet he would vote for free wool without
fear Of iojurips the people of his district OF
retariing the prosperity of his State.
Mr.. Caruth, OF Kentucky, characterized
the protective tariff as most insiduous
enemy. It walked in silence and under
cover and while 10 pretended to be giving
the country protection, it was in reality
stealing its substance and destroying it,
life. II was not the highwsymsn who
boldly demanded money or life," but q
sneak thief who flched q purse, or q bar.
glar who robb d during the sleeping hours
And yet protectionists stated this thief,
who stole the substance Of the people, wal
not their enemy, but the cause of theil
prosperity, the promoter Of their interests,
their friend and ally. It was claimed by
the protectionists that ruin and destruction
would follow the enactment OF revenue
reform law. de had thought, as he listen
ed to the glowing tribute TO the New Soutf
By Mr.. Burrows, OF Michigan, few days
ago, of that time within the memory o.
many gentlemen on this floor when it had
been contended by Representatives Of the
South in Congress that the abolition oi
slavery would mean the destruction oi
Jnelr Wehttu, luo run VI oucif uoucop euS
abandonment of their fields. No argument
could convincs them of their error, 1t tool
a horrible war, il took shot, and canister
aud she'll, il took the blood of gallant lives
to abolish slavery. Not the quarter Of 8
century had passed, and what was tbs
resnlt? The eloquent peroration OF thu
gentleman from Michigan would answer
that question the entire people Of the
South thanked God that slavery had beer
abolished. As the South had contended
that without slavery it could not exist, sc
now the North contended that protection
was its only safety.
In conclusion he replied to Mr.. Kelly'f
criticism upon Kentucky, and paid an elo
uuent tribute to that State.
The committee then rose.
A Senate bill was passed to establish m
additional land district in Oregon.
The House then took recess until
o'clock this evening, the evening session Il
for further discussion Of the tariff bill.