The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-05-19

The tariff question remains as unsettled
AS ever, and the nation is still In the
dark as to the fixing of any time when
decision on it, one way or the other, VIII
be reached. The indecision on this i'm
portant matter affects every trade, bus
mess and occupation adversely. and
the general stagnation caused by
it shows no signs of life. The revenues
of the country are accordingly cut of
almost completely at the custom houses,
and the Governments current expenses
are millions in excess of current re-
ceipts. Gold is being shipped TO Europe
steadily, and in large quantities, and in
the face of the protestations OF the
treasury officials that no uneasiness
need be occasioned by this, there
is a deep-seated and widespread
feeling of insecurity at the rapidly
diminishing gold reserve and the ap-
parent inability of the Government to
grapple the financial situation, as is
evidenced by the fact that nearly every
dollars worth of gold exported is drawn
directly from the United States Treas
ury and not from the banks which, per
contra, are strengthening their gold
reserves.
A gold bond issue is now expected
even by those who week ago derided
the possibility of such an issue.
Thus, so far as the Government is con-
cerned, there has not been single thing
done to relieve the situation during the
past week, and instead there have been
added causes for uneasiness.
The thousands of idle workers as re-
suit of the general paralysis Of manutac-
turing industries due to tariff uncertain
ties have been added to during the past
week by the shutting down Of vast man
'uiactories, and the curtailment of train
service on the railroads owing TO the lack
of coal caused by the striking miners.
The number of men on strike or idle
as result of this one strike is appal-
ling and their ranks are being added to
daily as the supply of coal gives out.
The miners have been unable to agree
with the operators at the conference at
Cleveland and have gone home. Conces-
sions We're made by the operators, but
the miners refused to moderate
their demands and the strike
will continue until one side
or the other wearies of the struggle.
The foolish strike at Pullman still con-
linues and the employees at McKees-
port, Pa, tube works and rolling mills
are now out. 1t is true that the striking
silk weavers in Paterson, N. j., and
New York City have gone back, but
their places in the ranks of the idle have
been filled by other strikers. The silk
weaving strike involved 10000 workers,
has lasted three months and the loss of
the operatives in wages alone amounts
to 81 $50. 900, and at the close the strik-
ers have failed to gain any material ad-
vantage.
The result of this silk weaving strike
certainly reflects little credit upon the
of the strikers. They have
paid S1,25O.00O for the fun of giving in
after long, hard struggle in which
they and their families and the commu-
nifty at large have been the chief sufferers.
Locally business continues dull. Manu-
facturers run their mills to suit demands.
Some not at all, others on part time and |
some every other week.
The general outlook is not encouraging.
Congress does not seem disposed to do
to relieve the strain and the
seem bound to increase
he hardness of the times, curtail what
title business there is, and go on strikes
1r reasons that might be worthy of
consideration under different circum-
stances, but which under present con-
litions are worse than foolish.