New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-17
DEMOCRATS AND THE TARIFF
SOME OF THEM THINK REVISION A MISTAKE.
THE TINE LOST HAS STRENGTHENED OPPOSITION
TO THE WILSON BILL-LITTLE HOPE OF
DEMOCRATIC VOTES AGAINST THE
MEASURE HowEvER-THE RECI-
PROCITY POLICY.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBrNE.1

MEASU RE, HOWENEh-IHE hcSl-
PRoCITY POLICY
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIgrNg1
Washington. Dec 16-Some Democratic Represen-
tatives who favor the Tariff schedules framed by
the majority OF the Ways and Means Committee
express the opinion that it was grave mistake
not TO adhere to them in the form IN which they
were first made public nearly three weeks ago.
In conversation with a Tribune correspondent re-
Gently one of these Representatives said:
II do not suppose that the passage OF the Dill
will be endangered by the delay. but 1t Is unques-
,ionably true that every days delay adds to the
difficulty of passing it by giving the opposition OPP
portunity TO become more nrmly consohda'eu anu
10 bring pressure bear upon congressman
have already seen number or strong letters anu
long petitions that have been received by friends
OF mine within the last week or ten days pro-
testing AGAINST one or another OF the schedules.
These things are undeniably making considerable
impression upon the men to whom they are au-
dressed, especially the men who represent uis-
trlcts that politically close. notice that
great many OF the protestants take pains 10 eN-
plain that they have always voted the Democratic
ticket but that their business interests or thcr
wages are of more importance to them than party
ties good many. too. say that they are already
forced to take lower wages or go without WORK.
and they all to be Of the opinion that lack
OF work and lower wages are due TO the eNpec-
taton that duties will be reduced. | also notice
which the same ground is taken. and regard th'S
as an unpleasant symptom There seems to be
hardly an item in the schedules that Is not
target TO draw the fire OF manufacturers and pro-
ducers as well OF workingmen.
Il repeat that in my opinion 1t was great mis-
take not TO adhere the schedules as first pre-
pared. and begin me consideration OF the
bill in the House ten days ago. have reason 10
believe however that the majority of the commit
tee has been taken by surprise not expecting such
a strong and general show OF opposition 10 the Dill
must say that in consentns to any changes after
making the BIZ publc. the majority of the COM
mittee. in my opinion has Played into the hand d
OF the opposition especially where such changes
have led 10 increase OF rates or return 10
proposed Opponents Of the bill VIII seZs upon o
committee had not thoroughly investigated certain
ALTERS. and. therefore that II has procapy laled
thoroughly TO investigate other SUBJECTS
INTENSE DEMoCRATIC PARTGSANsHIP
II IL doubtless true that the public and private
expressions Of opposition to the various schedules
are producing considerable impression upon the
minds OF many Democratic ConCressmen. and that
this will grow stronger AMI deeper as time passes
but there does not seem 10 be any ground 10 nope
that II will be strong enough or deep enough TO
cause the defeat OF the bin In the House OF Repre-
seniatlves Democrats who are fercest IN denounc-
ing one or another OF the schedules. and who are
pressed the hardest by the business and industrial
~, -, ,r. ,si,ed mo direct question: "Will
"a, ,.o,o ,r,,ns ,he hill2" reD!v: "Weil. the bill
= " -, ,s,cnst,rc I an, a party man, and |
20, 20 ',ea,n., nv uariv"
i, s.y.r'l cases within the personal knowledge
. rbo tribune correspoudent Democratic Rep
20 49, frl,r districts in which scores Of manu-
ii'tor'" h'r n'''n w. ,'r"rcssd ,arfr without
sum "lcia IN ,a ., "a DOR ccnt ana in which
!, 'ue.ns 80 arc now, die have Been ap-
'lo. '''4H ". -, :, so. % chairman Wilson
i'di'i TO- a. vots Tor the hi I'm ia present
ttndl M I" -. ,ha,, b,,'s I.c,InsI 10 do so
Nevertheless Il is true that an attempt Is being
-, >, 90 soiii,.. Tho democratic opposition In
~ -, ~, ,nr,nin, an alliance with the Repub-
Iic,rs no, FOR the pug2os. Of defeating the bill.
49,, Z, 10 mono Of carving certain amendments
~ A. ,ot probable that the Republicans VIII b.
Induce! % enter into any such alliance by any
rhe latter merely desire 10 save themselves IN
their own districts. They care nothing Whatever
ehou, the eject OF the bill upon the Industries OF
ottor dstrc,s and therefore their log rolling
scheme will not be likely 20 succeed; III tney
would all agree vote against the blll IL coud
be defeated In the House OF Representatives. IL Is
barely possible that their courage may pr &C..
NJ that point before ~" maj vote IL 'hm,i. w,
that will depend altogether upon the ain I'm ~, w
pressure brought To bear upon th'ih ny '"c ''''''
.,,,,,o,,. IN prctprocrTy
bIHHI ""''" ~ NJ ,ooo +,
While the reciprocity section OF the ACT OF -" ~
So. q, ,o-,-,s -e,.oled hv the Wilson bill. II might
''- ~ :, - -, .....t, o., ,r,iucamcnt for
~ well be- for there Will rehla'" no n'"' "
Brazil Spain. the British West indies, "'rnahy
,r any o:her country with which reciprocity
,'.r..,,.r, h.s hon effected 70 remain bound by
=. d, -, ....s,,,. l.coues a law The consc-
inc rndc which has been established ana extendeI