Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1894-02-08

Washington, Feb. 1.-At 6 o'clock to-
night, at the conclusion of one the grand
est, most imposing and most impressive
scenes ever witnessed in the American
capitol, the Wilson tariff bill passed the
house of representatives by a vote of
204 70 40.
The tariff debate on the Wilson bill,
which has occupied the attention of the
house for two weeks, closed to-day with
an unrivalied barst of oratory. Crisp,
Reed and. Wilson, the giants Of the house,
came forward in the closing hours to
prosecute and defend the great issue
the Inauguration of q new economic sys-
tenn in the greatest republic of the world.
Attracted by anticipation of field day
and speeches Of the leaders, the Wash
ington p0pulace turned out en- masse to
witness it. Long before 10 o'clock the
public galleries, the "bleachers'; of the
American forum, were black with people.
Behind the seats banked against the
doors and walls were others, straining to
get sight Of the arena below. The re-
served galleries also were thronged, and
even in the presidents gallery there was
not vacant seat. The crowded CALLER
les looked down upon sea Of faces.
The leaders on both sides were ac-
corded ovations as they entered the hall.
As ex-Speaker Reed pushed through one
of the lobby doors on his way to his seat
the galleries recognized him, and the APP
plause which greeted his appearance was
prolonged for fully half minute. Mr..
Reed bowed his acknowledgements. A
similar demonstration occurred when
Speaker Crisp, dignifed and erect, as
cended the rostrum and called the house
| to order.
At IL o'clock. after a preliminary
skirmish Of an hour, in committe of the
| whole, over the barley schedule, the bill
was reported to the house, and MIR. Reed
of Maine was recognized for the opening
speech. 8.
Reed of Maine.
Mr.. Reed rose from the center of the
hand ea sp a Of the galleries s aad
huzzas Of his friends about him. Mr..
Reed frowned and shook his head, as
though the demonstrations were distaste-
full to him. He waited for the applause
cease Standng in the aisle clad din IN
erect and defiant, he looked the physical
and intellectual giant. He began to speak
| at last. slowly and deliberately, in the
voice that has become so familiar to the
| people. There is an aggressiveness in
than rhetoric. He spoke to-day with his
back to his friends, his face to his foe
across the aisle. Save for his ringing
voice: the drop of pin could have been
heard. He said:
''In this debate, which has extended
over many weeks, one remarkable result
has already been reached, result of the
deepest Importance to this country. That
result Is that the bill before us is odious
to both sides of the house. 1t meets with
favor nowhere, and commands the re-
spect of neither party. On this side we
believe that, while it pretends to be for
protection it does not afford it, and on
the other side, they believe that while it
looks toward free trade it does not ac-
complish it.
"Those who will vote against this bill
will do so because it opens our markets
to the destructive competition of foreign
ers, and those who vote for it do it with
reservation that they will instantly de-
vote themselves to new crusade
against whatever barriers are left.
"Whatever speeches have been made in
defense of the bill on the other side,
either by gentlemen who were responsible
| only to their constituents, or by the gen.
tlemen with sense Of responsibility to
the whole country, have one and all, with
but rare exceptions, placed their authors