The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1888-02-04
FROM WASHINGTON.
COMING DEBATE ON THE TARIFF
Republican and Democratic Congressman
Preparing for Hot Fight on the
Tarin Question.

WASHINGTON, D. G. Jan. 30 -When
Mr.. Mills and his Democratic associates
on the Ways and Means Committee pre-
sent their bill To the full committee the
Republican members will insist upon
being allowed quite as much time for it's
examination as was devoted by the ma
jority to its preparation. In the Drepar-
alton of the measure the majority are re-
ported as being directed by desire to SO
frame it that the changes will be accept
able TO the majority of the House, and
with this end III view have made what
they regard as liberal concessions to the
advocates of Protection. They expect to
have the bill ready for presentation next
week, but have not decided whether they
will introduce it in the House or law it
before the committee for immediate con-
sideration, without observation the usual
formality of passing it through the regu-
lar channel.
The first objection which the Repub-
lican members of the committee will
raise to the bill will be as to the method
OF its preparation, and this will become
very pertinent objection if the majority
insist upon crowding the bill through the
committee without allowing the minority
proper time and facilities to examine it's
various provisions. | am informed by
Republican members of the committee
that they have had no notification what
ever about the preparation of bill, and,
although the majority have been holding
frequent meetings, and have had before
them individuals and delegations repre-
sentlng certain interests to be affected BY
the proposed Legislation, the greatest pre-
cautions have been taken to exclude the
Republican members from all knowledge
OF these transactions. When the BILL
therefore, is submitted to them, the Re
publieaps will not consent that 1t shall
go to the House until they have had am
pie time TO examine It's provisions and to
obtain from men representing the indus
tries to be affected such information
touching the effects of proposed char ges
in rates and classiications as may 3Ecc-
essary to an intelligent understanding
and discussion of the measure.
There seems TO be disposition on the
part of the majority to push their meas
ure through the committee at an early
day following it's introduction, regardless
of the wishes of the minority. No matter
what may be ths character of the pro-
posed measure such course would be
bad policy, and would certainly result in
retarding the progress of the bill in the
House, if it would not prove fatal to it.
The minority have the right to reasona-
bic time and opportunity to examine the
work they are asked to pass upon, and
the rules of the House furnish the power
to successfully assert this right. / am
assured by Republican members on the
WAYS aud Means Committee that no fac
tious opposition will be exhibited by them
to proper consideration of the bill, but
should Mr.. Mills and his associates at
tempt to push it through the preliminary
stages by the force of numbers, the Re
publicsDs will resort to tilibustering in
the House, and continue in this course
until the rights of the minority are recog
nized and their demand for reasonable
time and proper facilities for the exami
nation and discussion of so important a
measure are granted.
In the handling of this measure after
it is ready for action by the committee
and the House, Mr.. Mills capacity for
leadership will be tested. He and his
associates on the committee may succeed
in framing good measure, one that may
be acceptable to majority OF the House.
but unless it is managed with skill, good
temper and liberality towards the opposi-
ton, it will be sacrificed to bad manage
Uent and stupid leadership, a contin-
gency not unlikely to happen if Mr.. Mills
is permitted TO have free control and di-
rectiop of the measure.