The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-11-26
Tariff. Finance Appropriations and Other
Matters Likely to Cause Bitter De-
bates in Congress.
POSTMASTER FOR CHICAGO
Washington Hesing Appointed
Instead of Frank Lawler.
The Ex-Congressman in a Huff, but
Willing to Accept a Minor Place
Redemption of Torn Bank Notes.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

WASHINGTON. Nov. 25.-There is to be
a perfect swirl OF commercial excitement
and party bitterness in Washington during
the next six months 1t is improbable that
at any time since the days OF reconstruc-
tion there have been so many propositions
or commercial or partisan interests before
Congress as now.
At no time during the past half century
have there been near so many important
questions before Congress when the legis-
lative and executive branches of the gov
were all under the control OF one
party. There can now be no excuse for in
action. The only thing which will prevent
action in many important matters viii be
a division of the predominant party When
Samuel ]. Randall led a large and intelli-
gent wing of the Democratic party out OF
free trade and into the Republican camp Of
protection there was a division in his party
which was probably larger upon the tariff
than there is at present; but the Demo-
cratic party did not then have absolute
sway in every direction; and it might be
added that the support of the Randall fol-
lowing was not necessary in order to Sc
cure Republican action. The Republicans
attempted nothing without a clear majority
within their own ranks.
At present the divisions among Demo-
Gratis in either branch OF Congress are not
confined to tariff problems. They are upon
financial questions, preparations, foreign
intercourse, public improvements, banking,
and even the proposition to repeal tne led
eral election laws. II Is absolutely lmpoS-
bible for the administration TO make any
proposition which does not meet with more
or less Democratic opposition Inc oDnox-
tous anti-pension policy Of Hoke Smith,
which is. of course. the policy OF President
Cleveland. is also opposed by many ind
vidual Democrats, although the party Is
certainly responsible for II.
1t is, OF course, the uncertainty as to
when legislation will be enacted, as much
as what it will be, that agitates the COM
mercial interests and makes trouble. The
country has had the spectacle OF great
promise revision of the tarin, when the
majority itself was unable to outline either
the period when the bill would be passed
and the time ii would take erect or the text
of the proposed new law Itself.
The President, when he called Congress to-
gether TO repeal the silver law, was urged
and was anxious to Indicate in some way
what would be done about the tar1ff, but
he knew that it would be impossible to con-
troll his party representatives in Congress-,
and he feared to attempt even the slightest
Indication as to when the bill would be re-
ported and acted upon or when the new law
might take effect. he has been urged 10
outline in the annual message which he
will send to Congress within the next ten
days the intentions Of his party respecting
the tariff and finance, and it is understood
that he has promised to attempt the task,
but if he does make the effort the public
MIND may as We'll De mace up 10 the Idcl
now as later that any expression which the
President may make will only be his indi-
vidual opinion. Chairman Wilson and other
Democratic member of the ways and means
committee have frankly stated that the tar
tf pledges of the Chicago platform could not
be fulfilled, owing to divisions within the
party, and Chairman Springer, of the bank
Ing and currency committee. is on record as
saying positively that free State bank circu-
lation is impossible.
The anomalous condition of legislation is
presented for the first time in the present
generation when a party with absolute con-
troll of every branch of the government is
totally impotent in its efforts To carry out
its party pledges. and it is found that some
of the most prominent members of the
predominant party are engaged in business
operations which are in direct contradis-
tinction to their own political affiliations and
prejudices and the promises OF their party.
This is commercially giving the lie not
only to party promises-to negativing indi-
gidual opinionS-but il is saying and voting
one thing and leading a daily life in di-
rectly the opposite condition.