The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-11-18
Rearranging the Tariff.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-There is apparent
" no doubt that wool and coal and iron ore
will be placed on the free list by the ways
and means committee of the House of Repre-
sentatives. Upon these points there is now
practical unanimity, although until recently
it was mooted question whether 1t would
not be advisable to retain a fair duty on the
two articles last named.
1t is understood that material reduction
will be made on steel rails When the Nc
Kinley bill was before the Senate three years
ago one of the largest manufacturers OF steel
rails in Pennsylvania appeared before The
finance committee and assured Senator Sher
man that duty of IS ton would be an ample
protection to the manufacturers. Nothwlth-
standing this assurance the duty was placed
at SI3. A a ton, and this rate is still in force.
Remembering this, some of the Democratic
members of the ways and means committee
have urged that the rate be lowered to 81.
1t is expected, however, that the duty which
will finally be agreed upon will be eompro-
mise between the present figure and S..
The duty on tin plate will probably be re-
duced from and 2 10 cents to cent
The schedule of textile fabrics have been
substantially agreed uponin accordance with
the Democratic theory of free raw materials
and reduced duties on manufactured goods.
The wooden duties will be similar to those in
the Springer bll-not above 40 per cent. ad
valorem and at 25 per cent. on only a few
items. The rate on manufactures of cotton
will be about 40 per cent, including cotton
hosiery as well as fabrics.
The duties on linen goods and laces will
suffer considerable reduction in view of the
fact that fax and other raw materials Of the
industry are going upon the free list The
representatives of the linen manufacturers
have been bringing strong pressure to bear
upon the committee to maintain the existing
duties, but the compound duties are likely to
be abolished in every case and some Of the
ad yalnrem Duties reduced.
The work of adjusting and harmonlzing the
reductions will be continued until the bill
shall have been completed. 1t is expected
that this result will be reached the last of
next week or not later than the Monday fol-
lowing. The bill will then be reported to the
full committee and made public the same day.
Chairman Wilson believes the bill will be
taken up in the House of Representatives and
and generally debated for about ten days pre-
ceeding the holiday recess. Mr.. Wilson will
make the opening speech in support OF the
measure. 1t is understood that Representa-
tive Burrows, of Michigan, on behalf OF the
Republican members Of the committee, will
speak first for his side. An effort will be
made to close general deDate as qulchiy as
possible, in order that the House may pro-
coed to consider the measure under the FIVE
minute rule.
There is no intention on the part Of the Re-
publican members of the House to flibqster
against the bill or unnecessarily to delay its
passage. They recognize the futility of fiji
clustering inasmuch as the committee on rules
may at any time report an order fixing date
when vote shall be taken, thus cutting off
further debate. Aside from this fact the Re
publican minority have no desire to prevent
the majority from passing the bill. While
they regard any notifications in the existing.
tariff law as hurtful TO the business interest of
the country they are philosophical enough to
agree that the Democratic party was placed
in power on platform which declared in
favor of tariff reduction, and that they and
not the Republicans are responsible Tor the
consequences, whatever they may be.