The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1888-04-21
WASHINGTON NEWS.
OPENING OF THE TARIFF DEBATE.
Mr.. Mills For, MIR. Kelley Against, the Bill.
strong Speeches Made by Both.

WASHINGTON, d. c., April 1.-THE
general debate on the Tariff bill was be-
gun in the House to- day by Messrs. Mills
and Kelly, on behalf of their respective
sides. La anticipation of the discussion
the galleries W. re filled at an early hour,
and when Mr. Mills began his speech he
had as large and respectful BILE audience as
could be desired. There was no opposi-
ton to the motion to go into Committee
of the Whole to take up the bill.
lndeed, both sides were eager for the
beginning of the contest, and gave unani-
nous vote for Mills motion. A few min
utes alter 10 o clock Mr. Mills rose to
begin his speech. He was dressed with
unusual Care, and notwithstanding recent
sickness, looked fully able to assail the
protection system with that vigor and
vehemence for which he is noted. He
spoke without notes, but had his books
of reference and authority to sustain his
statements and arguments conveniently
arranged on his desk. His familiarity
with these showed that he had devoted
great care and study TO the preparation
of his speech. lie evidently appreciated
the prominence and dignity OF his posi-
ton as chairman of the leading committee
| of the House, and carefully refrained
from the boisterous manner and denun-
cIatory language that have marked his
| previous declarations on the tariff. Mr.
| Mills has an excellent voice, possesses
considerable grace aud ability as au orator
| and always commands the attenSion OF
| the House when he speaks.
The curb which he placed upon his
vehemeuce to-day added very much to
the effectiveness of his delivery and the
| impressiveness of his utterances. Both
sides gave him close and respectful atteu-
| ton. Except i'll two instances, he was
permitted to proceed without Interrupt
tion- When the second interruption
occared Judge Kelly protested, remark
ing that the gentleman from Texas, having
prepared himself to proclaim and elucidate
| the policy of his party, should not b.
interrupted and said such interruptions
were impertinent, declaration which
| drew applause from the Democratic side,
aud saved the Judge from similar breaks
upon his line of argument when his turn
came to address the House. There was
little of a novel character IN Mr.. Mills's
speech. He opened with condemnation
of the repeal of taxes on income receipts
of banks, railroads and other corpora,
tions, while nothing had been done to
| relieve the war tax on the clothing and
| implements of the toilers. He had much
| to say about the duty on wool and its
manufactures. and argued that it was the
high rates of duty imposed on material
aud not the rate paid tor wages that in,
erased the cost of manufactured products
to the consumers. He spoke for about
two hours and was warmly applauded
upon the conclusion of his well prepared
peroratiou. When order was restored
and the crowd that surrounded Mr.. Mills
to present congratulations had been dis.
posed of, Jude Kelly arose. and his Mr.
Chairman, delivered with that resonance
of voice for which he is so we'll known,
was the signal for a round of applause
from the Republican side.
The Judge read his speech from manu-.
script, but at times laid it aside and de-
livered few sentences with his old time
earnetness of manner and vigor of decla-
nation. He spoke for about the same
length of time as Mr.. Mills, and was
followed closely by the Republicans and
most of the Democrats. When he con
cluded the committee rose, and shortly
thereafter the House adjourned without
anything being done as to when the
depate shall De resumed. 1t is doubtful
whether tie discussion will be resumed
! this week