The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-22
SHERMAN ON THE WILSON BILL.
1t VIII Not Pass the Senate Before
April, ff at All.
PhiladelDhia Press.

f sg9at0F Sherman in letter to } TGh9
& Co., which Mr.. Field gave out for pub
ioation yesterday; says that he does not
think the Wilson bill can possibly pass the
Senate before April, and that it will be
made to take effect on the LIST OF July. lie
also says that a determined effort will he
made TO defeat the bill, but he sees little
prospect of Democratic aid. His letter was
which he set forth the demoralized condi-
ton Of business, and asked him what course
regard to the tariff Here is the CORE IRE
spondence, as given out by Mr.. Field:
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1s.
Hon. John Sherman, United States Senate,
Washington:
business interests OF the country are vir-
tually at standstill, owing to the pros
b o tn the br ir one y ye
at this time We had placed orders with the
manufacturers for spring deliveries for ST.
will cover all orders placed up TO the pres
ent time Nothing is so demoralizing to the
Wien IS the the wilson bill k o ps and
when will 1t go into effect? are vital issues
to7.da ~ only, ora business ,nteres tr,o,,a7
but the very existence Of tens Of thousands
of people who are out Of employment. Last
year at this time, the busy hum of thriving
industry was heard on every hand-to-day
you hear only the tramp, tramp. tramp Of
unemployed workingmen, while their wives
and little ones are crying for bread. Much,
If not everything. will depend upon the ac-
ton and attitude of the Republican Sena-
tors. What course will they pursue? You
will pardon me for suggesting such an idea
but as no man in the country possesses
more fully the confidence Of the people than
you do, If you see your way clear TO throw
a ray OF light on the dark pathway upon
which all business men are travelling, you
would earn the universal gratitude of your
countrymen.
Hoping you are well, I remain yours
sincerely, JOHN FIELD"
To this note Senator Sherman replied as
follows:
John Fieid-My Dear Sir-Your note of the
18th IS received. l appreciate the difficult
ties that surround and cripple all men en-
gagged in American industries and in the
sale OF American products. L am not able
TO give you much information in regard to
the Wilson bill as thus far ii has been con-
sidered in the House of Representatives
as purely a party measure, framed entirely
by the Democratic members Of committee
on ways and means, and scarcely known
tee. From present indications 1t will pass
the House some time in January or Feb
ruary, and Will then come to the Senate.
You may be assured that 1t will not pass
until the most careful and determined ef-
forts are made to correct it's worst features,
and if possible, to defeat the bill. How
long this will take no one can tell. Every
opportunity possible viii be given to per-
sons interested TO present their objections
to the BILL but whether 1t can be defeated
or not will depend upon the votes of North
ern Democratic Senator's. The prospect Of
aid from them is not very hattering. The
one. 1 do not think in any event. it can
pass before April, and VIII be made 10
yours, JOHN SHERMAN"