The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-19
The Program for the Weeks Legis-
lation Not Definitely Fixed.
The Ways and Means Committee
Had Two Sessions Saturday.
The Party Lines Very Strictly
Drawn in the Discussions.
The Mills Tariff Bill VIII Go Through
Like Flash. Notwithstanding
the opposition--RandaIs
Fate Sealed.

Special Dispatch TO The Appeal,
WASHINGTON, March ls.--Mr. Mills is
likely to make the present week memora-
BILE by introducing his tariff bill in the
House with favorable report on il with
the ways and means committee. Ii will
be practically the same bill that was
printed several weeks ago. A few changes
have been made but in nomeaswe abroga-
tive Of the principle upoh which the bill
in tho first place was drawn. The
program is to let the bill and the report lie
on the table sufficient time, say ten days,
for every member to famlliarize himself
with them, and so prepare himself for what
ever part in the discussion he may desire
10 take. The indications are that the dis
cussion will consume full month, and
seventy members are already enrolled on
the speakers list as desirons OF recognition.
and the list is by no means complete. II
is the speakers purpose 20 accommodate
all who apply. He recognizes the fact that
the issue is the one upon which not only
the presidential but the congressional elec.
tons will turn, and therefore members as-
piring 10 succeed themselves, are desirous
OF explaining their position on the all inn
portant points. II is highly probable,
however, that all can be accommodated in
a month, for II the list should grow TO be
too long, night sessions will be held for
tariff debate only In order that a vote may
be reached in the House carly In May.
The feeling Of the tariff reiormers is one
OF confidence. They are full Of fight, and
reports from the country arc all encourag-
ing. The situation for them win even inn
prove as the debate progresses. The State
Democratic conventions, as thoy are held,
will declare for Mr.. Cleveland and his
policy, and this necessarily will strengthen
the hands OF his friends In Congress and
operate as rebuke 10 those who are ut
present out OF touch with their
party. There is not claimed, m
the case now stands, that there
are Democratic votes enough in the
House in favor OF the Mills billl 20 pass Il.
IL is known, indeed, that Mr.. Randall has
a following which he hopes 10 hold TO-
gether for obstructive purposes and which
is strong enough 10 ansN y that end II Il
should be held together. int the pathway
for Mr.. Randall aud his ,, snds II q din.
cult one, far more difficult than ever be
fore. Their opposition 10 the Mills bill
express declarations and accredited leader.
ship. The bill has the indonement
not only OF every Democratic member
OF the ways and means committee, but OF
the President and every member Of his
Cabinet and OF every recognized Demo-
cratic newspaper in the country. The
Democratic seal, therefore, IL affixed TO Il
In the regular and most Impressive way,
and he who fouts or denies the instrli-
mcnt does 10 at the peril Of his party stand.
ing. IL IL In the light Of this
fact that calculation Is made for acccssions
from the Randall following after the fight
begins, and the issue IN revealed In a
clearer light. The last canvass OF the stu
alton made under Democratic auspices and
accepted as substantially by Demo-
cratic leaders II as follows Whole num-
Der Of Democratic votes, l8s. Whole mum.
Der OF votes necessary 10 pass bill, 1873. Dem
ocrals in favor Of bill, 1i9. Independents
who are in favor Of the bill-Anderon,
Of Iowa; w. Nichols, Of North Carolina;
Hopkins, OF Virginia, and Smith Of Wis.
consin. -Four Republicans In favor Of bill
Fitch, Of New York; Lind and Nelson,
OF Minnesota, and Dorsey, Of Nebraska.
Forty.two doubtful; Radallitcs, six; total
number Of votes estimated for the bill,
l57. by this calculation II will be ob.
served that only six morc votes are neces.
sary 10 insure the passage oI
the bill that as II happens the
number OF votes Louisiana has In
the House, and they are counted against
the Mills bill, because Of the proposed cut
Of 22 per cent. on sugar The louisiana
men have no quarrel with the bin outside
ol liz effect on the leading industry Of their
State, which, M they declare, II cut "a
pieces by u now. Information from many
planters at homo Is that the effect of
the proposed cut would be nearer 30
per cent. than 20. This information
has been laid before the VANS aud means
committee, and II In probable that rc-
vision Of that part of The bill will be made
and the cut fixed at Is per cent. That
figure would be acceptable 10 the Louis
lana members, and would insure their
support Of the bill. They are really afraid
Of the Randall program, for fear Il may
lead directly into the Republican camp
where no friendship Is felt for their
industry. but where putiing II on the
free list IL frequently ihreaiened. The
Republicans are seriously divided. tn,
eastern men led by Mr.. Reed and Judgs
Kelley are pulling ona way, while the
western men led by uen. Browne ant
Maj. Mckinley and Mr.. burrows are rcso
lutcly pulling In the opposite direction
Never indeed was majority more poorl,
prepared 70 engage In eSen warfare o
hindrance. Their conirrcnces amonI
themselves are not satisfactory, and the