Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-05-23
WASHINGTON NEWS AND Cos
SIP.
Scenes in the House of Representatives
Mr.. Reeds Great Speech on the
Tariff Bill-Maine Clergymen
in Washington.

1t had been previously announced that Mr.
Reed and Mr. Carlisle would close the debate
Yesterday in the House of Representatives on
the tariff bill. The House adjourned to meet
at eleven o'clock, but long before that hour
great crowds of people were vending their
way to the Capitol, and the names of Reed
aud Carlisle, the leaders of the two great
parties were on every lip.
An hour before the time of meeting nearly
every seat in the great galleries was taken,
and very soon thereafter the steps were oc-
cupied, and even the entrance doors were
packed and crowded clear into the corridors
Fully one-half of those present were ladies',
and the scene was brilliant one, and well
calculated to stimulate the best efforts of the
men who were to measure oratorical swords
in great debate. Every member was pres
emit and they gathered in little knots and
compared notes, or sat at their desks impa-
tiently awaiting the opening hour.
Promptly at eleven, Speaker Carlisle en-
tered and assembled to the Speakers desk,
while, at the same moment from another
door, Mr. Reed entered and slowly walked
up the aisle to his seat. simultaneously
every Republican in the gallery said to his
ncighbor, There's Reed" And every Dem
ocrat whispered, There's Carlisle!' When
the Speakers gavel fell the hum and buzz of
conversation was hushed. and amid an i'm
pressive silence. the blind chaplain of the
House stepped to the clerks desk and offered
a brief prayer.
In few moments Mr.. Jehu Baker of
Illinois, arose in his place and proceeded to
make a personal explanation. Breckenridge,
of Kentucky, had the previous day, asserted
that Mr.. Baker had secured his election
through fraud. With a voice trembling with
indignant emotion, the latter denied it. He
hurled the words back into the face and
teeth of the gentleman from Kentucky with
absolute and unmitigated defiance" He then
reviewed his own election and compared it
with that of Mr.. Breckinridge's and closed
by saying II throw down the gauntlet with
ringing defiance at the feet of the
gentleman from Kentucky. Thrice is he
armed who knows his cause is just Lay on
Mac Duff lay on Mac Duff, and damned be
he who first cries hold, enough" Intense
excitement prevailed and Mr.. Baker was
vociferously cheered and applauded by the
Republicans, while MIR Breckenridge
nervously wiped the perspirstion from his
face and neck and consulted earnestly with
Carlisle and other Democratic members.
When the tumult had subsidized Mr.. Reed
arose and addressed the chair. 1t was nearly
IL o'clock when he commenced speaking
and for two hours he held the vast
audience spellbound. He began in
. leisurely manner, calm, unruifled
and dispassionate, but increasing in earnest
ness as he proceeded. Though he spok.
without notes, il was evident from the first
that he had given his speech the most careful
p, eparation. Each word was carefully chosen :;
each sentence was full of meaning. As Mr..
Reed stood there with every eve upon him,
making his first ''set speech in the House,
one could not help but admire his admirable
GOODNESS. his conscious power. his intellectual
superiority, his complete mastery of the sub
ject before him. His voice penetrated to the
remotcst corners of the galleries, and not
word was lost.
Mr.. Reeds friends had expected much of
him on this occasion. They were not disap-
pointed. will not undertake to quote from
his speech, or TO give synopsis of what he
said, for that will appear in your dispatches.
But will say that it vas remarkable for its
clear and forcihle statements; for its scholar
ly and dignitied tone; for its opposite Illus
trations; for its keen wit and biting sarcasm;
for its irrefutable conclusions. l believe
that so able discussion of the principles
upon which the protection system is based,
has rarely been heard in either branch of
Congress. His statement of the policy and
aims of the Free Traders was so fair that
they could not complain, though they WINGED
under his merciless sarcasm. At times they
could not restrain themselves from joining
in the shouts of laughter which greeted the
speaker at some unexpected sally. The
universal verdict here is, that it was "a great
speech"
In this long debate which has lasted for
weeks, it is absolutely certain that the pro
tectionists have had the best of the argument. |
They have clearly demonstrated the benefits
arising from a system of protection, and the |
disaster which would follow the adoption of !
q free trade policy. 1t is almost unaccount- |
able that no one seem to know what will be |
the result of the final vote on this question. |
II will be very close one, aud the uncertainty |
is largely caused, perhaps, by the knowledge !
that the President is using every effort in his /
power-threats of retaliation and promises of |
induce every democratic men,