National Republican., 1888-05-03
YIIE HOUSE.

Mr. Harmer, of Pennsylvania, presented
a memorial of dealers in tobacco Of Phila-
delpha in favor of the speedy repeal Of the
entire tax on tobacco. Referred.
On motion of Mr. Phelan, of Tennessee,
Senate bill was passed for the establishment
of lighthouse at Newport News middle
ground, Va.
The House then went into committee Of
the whole (Mr. Springer, Of Illinois, in the
chair on the tariff bill.
Mr.. Wilson, of Minnesota, spoke in favor
of the bill. lie characterized the surplus
as demoralizng in the extreme and then
proceeded with an attempt to argue pro-
lection out of existence. His opposition to
the present tariff and to the system was
based, he said, upon the ground that 1t pre-
vented the expansion of American indus
tries.
Mr.. McComas, of Maryland, then took
the floor in opposition to the bill, and he
made powerful argument for protection.
(llis remarks will be found elsewhere in
this papcr.)
Mr.. Lanham, of Texas, said he did not
claim to be an expert philosopher, in that
dismal science-thc tariff, and he then pro
ceeded to prove his assertion.
Mr.. Allen, of Massachusetts, applauded
the administration for its progressive spirit,
and with progression certainly remarkable
was applying the soothing balm Of faith
cure to the inilamcd and feversh condition
Of commercial trade and industry. The
Mills bill was remarkable document.
Regarded as device for reducing revenue
(leaving protection out of the question:
the bill was inadequate. Too small an
amount would be saved TO give 1t credit as
revenue bill, for IL was susceptible Of
proof that 1t would not only not reduce the
revenue, but would increase it by vast
cum A. tg. tlAa
complete failure.
The inevitable result of the protective
tariff had been to bring down the price of
the article taxed. The result of home com
petition had been abundantly shown in the
improved quality Of the clothing of the peo-
pie and the addition Of comforts and lux
uries unknown before the imposition of
the tariff of 1861. The results of foreign
competition were shown their true light, and
the protective tariff was proven to be for
the people.
In conclusion he said, referring to the
working classes of the north "l look upon
them, happy and contented moving
quietly to their own homes. They were the
ideal wagc-workers of every New England
manufacturing city. These people were
watching the result of the deliberations
upon this bill, and were anxious to know
whether, with the picture Of their progress
and prosperity before the House, its mem
hers would in the slightest degree turn
from the principle of policy which had
done so much to make the country great
and POWERFUL [Applause.l
Mr.. Caruth, Of Kentucky, characterized
the protective tariff as Il most insidious
enemy, and he talked at some length in be-
half of the bill.
In conclusion he replied to Mr.. Kelley's
criticisms upon Kentucky, and paid an elo-
quent tribute 10 that state.
The committee then rose, and, after the
passage of couple of bills, the House (at
5;30) took recess until O'clock.
The half dozen members who attended
the evening session listened to Mr., Stewart,
of Georgia, as he discussed the tariff quGs-
tion from q free trade standpoint.
Mr., Davis, Of Massachusetts, said he was
surprised at hearing free trade so boldly nd
yocated as it had been during the present
discussion. He made a powerful argument
against the bill, and at 0;45 the House adj
jOurned.