The Portland daily press., 1888-05-05
More Tariff EIoauence.


Mr.. Caswell, of Wisconsin, in the House
to-day criticised the method of tariff reduc-
tion proposed by the committee on ways and
means, declaring that it did not provide for
any substantial decrease upon articles OF
general consumption.
Mr.. Macdonald, of Minnesota, spoke in
opposition to the protective system ex-
patiated upon the injury resulting to the
people by locking up vast surplus. He
was not quite satisfied with the bill because
it did hot go far enough. He would place
coal, iron ore and sugar on the free list. He
warned the Republican party it had better
meet the Democratic party half way In the
effort for tariff reform. He said the Repub-
licans proposed to abolish the tax on tobacco
and spirits used in the arts, and should a
further reduction be necessary proposed to
abolish the duty on sugar, To foster sugar
production they would pay bounty to the
producer equal to the present tax: rms
would give the people free sugar and would
not destroy or prevent the extension OF any
established industry. This policy would
make reduction of about $50, 900 certain
absolutely, instead OF the problematical like
method proposed by the Democratic party
He was in favor Of revision OF the tarlff,
but wanted it revised by its friends and not
by its foes. He wanted to protect every
thing and keep the American standard OF
wages up. He favored restoring the wool
tariff of 1867
Mr.. Wheeler, of Alabama, spoke in general
commendation of the bill, more especially
the free wool and cheese clauses, argulng g
that it would result in furnishing cheaper
clothing to people without inJuring the
sheepgrowing industry. Democratic low
tariff had raised the merchant marine from
almost nothing to five million tons burden.
He favored free ships and materials.
AT 8 o'clock, the committee rose, and the
House took a recess until o'clock.
At the evening session the House passed
81 pension bills and adjourned.
Adjournment a Long Way off.
Members of Congress, who speak with au-
thority, the result of long experience, pre-
dict an unusually late session, which will ex-
tend well into, and possibly nearly through
the summer. The predictions are based up
on the backward condition of business,
which is unprecedented. The Democratic
majority has wasted time in manner never
surpassed in former congresses. Not sim
gle measure of paramount Importance has
passed the House. The great appropriation
bills still remain in the limbo of Mr. Ran
dall's committee. 1t is now certain that the
end of the fiscal year wills pass without
number of important bills having been en-
acted into laws. The appropriations for the
preceding fiscal year will again have to be
extended to give the Senate chance to ex-
anime the bills.
Another reason why Congress is likely to
sit long is the fact that the two national con-
ventions will be held while Congress is in
the midst of its work. A great many Demo-
cratic senators and representatives will want
to attend the st. Louis convention. Many OF
them will be chosen delegates, and others
will want to be ON hand to aid in shaping
tariff matters. hence business in Congress
will probably besin the state of comparative
suspense while the st. Louis convention sits.
The same condition of things will probably
prevail while the convention is held in Chi
eago. Had the Democratic convention been
deferred until July, as was at first proposed.
there would probably have been an effort
made to adjourn Congress by that time, but
as it is that would be impracticable, and It
journ before the latter part OF July, and
many predict that the session will run well
into the latter part of August.
Democratic Opposition.
The first note of open opposition to the
Mills bill in the Democratic camp, was
sounded on Tuesday, in the House by Mr..
Foran Of Ohio, who is one of the labor lead
ers in this country. Mr.. Foran declared
himself opposed not only to the Mills bill,
but to all attempts to destroy the protective
system; and it is said twenty-five Democrat
ic members of the House stand with him.
In the course of an earnest speech Mr.. F0ran
said that If the Democrats had stood on the
Mills bill in 1884, Blaine would have been
overwhelmingly elected, and that its adop-
tion by the Democracy would mean defeat in
1888.
Pensions to Maine People.
The following Maine pensions were grant
ed today:
ORIGINAL, INVALID.
Chas. Winship, North Turner Bridge.
Solomon johnson, Snow.
Steven III. Case, LuDec.
JAS. b. Farnham Upper saltwater
ChaS. Knox, Gardiner.
Henry Hungerford, National Military Home.
Alexander ID. Stackpole, Surry.
Gilbert Stanhope, Whitney.
REISSUE.
Thomas G. Huntington, Bridgewater.
Marshall Junino Presque Isle.
John I. Packard, Dexter.
MEXICAN WAR.
Rboda, widow of John johnson. Cherryneld.
The President has allowed the bill granting ar
rears of pension to Thomas S. Hopkins of Maine,
to become law without his signature. This is
the case in which Hopkins, who had been sue
cessful practlcing attorney in Washington for
some years after the war, became absolutely help
less and unable to apply for pension before the
arrearages were cut off by law, by reason of di-
sease contracted in the service. The bill passed
in the last Congress, but was vetoed by the Presi
dent.
Notes.
james nj. Bunker has been commissioned
postmaster at South Gouldsburo.
Today's offerings Of bonds aggregate So
270,600.
Bids have been opened for the construc-
tion of submarine torpedo boat. VIM.
Cramp & Sons offer to build a boat in the
Nordenfett system for $4,000 and Mr.. Hol-
land of New York, and Lieut.. Zalinslsi make
a bid of $135, 600 to construct boat cf the
Nautilus type. The difference in cost is ac-
counted for by the difference in the size OF
the two boats.
The Democrats will have caucus next
Thursday evening to consider the tariff bill,
its discussions and proposed amendments.
Randall and his followers will not be bound
by the action.