New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-21
THE PROGRESS or MISCHIEF.

ON the surface. the past week has brought
the country much nearer actual experience OF
Il Democratic tariff. Republicans in me sen
ate. for reasons which they do not explain,
have thought fit TO allow many PROVISIONS Oh
the pending bill TO go by without inc DISCUS
sion. exposure and earnest opposition when
they deserve. Presumably the Senators have
reasons for this course which seem good to
Them but to millions of men whose Livelihood
dcncnds upon threatened Industries and VINO
have 10 look to Republican Senators for de-
fence the progress made Is not at all dolgh'-
ful If Senators know the temper of the people
regarding this bill. they are aware that II VIII
moi helm any man in the future Ia have seemed
indifferent 10 IT, or willing 10 see II tried. Were
Republicans to act rs partisans only ana not
rs defenders Of public interest they would be
glad to have The Democratic party dishonor
and ruin itself by putting this measure into
effect rs soon as possible.
Probably Republican Senators believe that
thclr opposition will be not less hut more
effective at a later stage. if they let portions
of the bill pass as of minor importance. Events
must determine and delay without reasonable
prospect of accomplishing anything by 1t Is
obviously undesirable But when the metal
schedule Is reached this week there may be
votes which win show whether thc Bill 81 sale
and Surrender can command the support of all
the Democrats If the monopolics and trusts
can keep the bill in such shape as to satisfy
Them. it Is not very probable that the House
will care enough for Democratic principles or
promises to stand ont stubbornly for a radically
Inherent measure. That body surrendered
enough Of Democratic principles in passing the
( U.ps -
render more on sufficient induccmcni.
Some Senators reason that the country can
get along with this bill or any other, and seem
lo share the notion Of some business men, that
il makes little difference what tariff exists. II
only uncertainty Is cleared away. II Is Ia be
sincerely hoped that they will not have chance
to learn from sad experience how far they are
I'm error Get along" The country can. OF
course. after some fashion. II has endured
wear with only about twothir,ls Of the business
formerly transacted and could doubtless I've
somehow FOR still another year. though third
~ It's working force should be- unemployed. Re
r,r. IN. great strike commenced The produc-
lion ~ pig IRON for instance. was ap'ut l-"'"'
,.r. weekly against 10000 year ago, and
part ~ the furnaces can doubtless Keep @"
,,,l.iu,, iron on 4 basis ~ so per ton or less
and having wages ~ 10 ~ pr ''u' i'''' '''''
were paid year ago. until mine and furnace
owners refuse 10 take risks without proit, or
until workers refuse to accept low wages But
how long does anybody suppose the country
can stand II;
one thing may ~ well be- clearly understood
from the start There can be- no removal of
uncertainty through the passage "f III" bill OF
sale or the Wilson bill The R"puhlicanS would
not only be- supported by the workngmen al
the Nation. but would be- literally forced forward
hv them II there were hesitation, In demanding
rh.. repeal Of any such measure mt tn" earliest
nossihlr moment On the other hand all the
rr,. Traders are serving notice already that
they can consent to the passage Of either oi IN"
rondlng bills only AS beginning ana that
ihcv will ngltatc nj once for more honest anu
more radical measures. Uncertainty VIII not
cease but will only be increased. and proIong'd
in all probability for two years more 10y me
passage Of the pending bill or the one Which
came from the House.