Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-04-09
FATE OF THE TARIFF BILL
Fears That 1t May Be Defeated in the
Senate.
MIR. Hills Speech Causes Serious
tween the Factions Increasing.

This was a day of extraordinary interest
In the Senate. The galleries were crowded
with people drawn by a curiosity to hear
the speech Of Mr.. Hill on the tariff. There
was also large attendance of Senators.
The gravity of the situation, as affecting
the fate Of the tariff bill and the serious
consequences, both to Mr.. Hill and to the
democratic party, which may follow the
declaration of Mr.. Hills position, added an
element of excitement to the interest felt
in the developments of the day.
Fears of Defeat.
There is no attempt on the part of the
advocates of the tariff bill or on the part
of democrats generally to conceal their
apprehension that the tariff bill may be
defaated in the Senate. For some time
there has been feeling of uneasiness,
but the democrats have been clinging to
the belief that the exigencies of the case,
the necessity t. the party that a bill
should pass, would force those democratic
Senators who are opposed to the bill to
finally permit its passage.
Confidence in the foundation for this
faith has gradually grown less and less,
until now there is a general feeling of APP
prehension and depression. The belief is
growing that both Hill and Murphy, If
not other democrats, will persist in this
opposition to the bill to the last, even after
their opposition must be open, and that
other democrats WILL with more or less in
direction and lack of directness, impede
the progress of the bill, is the occasion of
the increased alarm.
Serious Consequences Are Expected.
This apprehension was increased when
Mr.. Hill began his speech, disclosing his
purpose to fight the bill openly. What may
come of this speech, and what may develop
out Of the situation is a matter of specula-
ton, but serious consequences to the demo-
cratic party are expected. The feeling of
bitterness on the part of the advocates Of
tariff reform, directed toward those mem
bers of the party whose action they regard
as treacherous, is becoming almost personal
in its character. An open rupture in the
party, the severance of long established re-
lations, and what not, may follow.
Two Important Incidents.
There were two incidents in the Senate
before Mr.. Hill began his speech which
have important bearing on the situation.
and vote is expected tomorrow which
may disclose what is to be the fate of the
tariff bill. First. Mr.. Harris asked unani-
nous consent for the daily sessions of
the Senate to begin at IL o'clock and last
until B.
Messrs. Aldrich and Frye objected, and
Mr.. Aldrich stated the position of the re-
publcans opposing this proposition as a
thing unwarranted. and stating that the
minority did not propose to filibuster unless
driven to il by the democrats.
The Vote Tomorrow.
Mr.. Harris then put his request in the
form of motion and at the suggestion
of Mr.. Lodge ii went over until tomorrow.
When this vote is taken ii will be regarded
in the light of test vote and the friends
of the bill expect TO make out the enemies
| from the brush. But if the motion is car
RED it does not follow that action on the
| bill will be fastened.
Just before Hill took the floor for his
| speech the PETER bond resolution was sent
| to the finance committee.