The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-05-23
IT'S FATE IN DOUBT.
Senate Fixes Rates ON Iron = The
House wrcsIes With Civil Service
Reform.

WASHINGTON. May 23.-Members who
have interested themselves In the sui ,ect
say that the debate Oh the bill to repeal
the 10 per cent state bank tax will be the
most spirited and acrimonious of any
that has occurred during the present
session.
The lines are being rigidly drawn and
, IL Is difficult at this time to predict what
fate the measure will meet. IL IL be-
lieved that the majority either for or
against the measure will be small. The
Republicans will oppose IL almost unani-
mously, although some OF the repre- senta-
tives OF that party from the extreme west
and northwest are disposed to regard it
fayorably.
The sentiment among the Democrats is
divided. although preponderance of the
party are sturdy supporters of the bill.
Mr.. Springer Of Illinois, the chairman of
the house committee on banking and cur
rency, Will make the opening speech in
opposition.
VIII Probably BE Defeated.
Mr.. Springer said yesterday that in his
opinion about 60 Democratic votes will be
cast against the bill. Ifthis proves to be
the case. and Populists and Republicans
take similar action, the bill will probably
be defeated by a small majority. Ifthere
be full attendance of the house. and the
Democratic vote is not more than 40
against the bill. il will probably carry by
a small majority.
The eastern Democrats, particularly
those from New York and New England.
are in the main favorable to the PROPOSE
ton. Some Of the Democratic friends of
the bill will insist upon unconditional
repeal. Others as stoutly assert that they
will agree TO repeal only with certain
limitations; such as, for example, sur
rounding the proposed state bank system
with safeguards in the form of federal
supervision.
This Is the rock on which the opponents
OF the bill believe that its friends will
split, and that in the end il will be i'm DOS
sible to secure a sufficient number of
votes to carry either of the alternative
seven Paragraphs Disposed or
The senate disposed Of seven paragraphs
Of the metal schedule after eight hours of
debate
The debate was marked by quite num-
Der OF interesting clashes between the
Republicans and Democrats. The sensa-
tional feature of the day was caused by
The unexpected presentation by Mr.. Jones |
)f an amendment substituting the Nc |
kinley bill classification and specific rates |
on round iron in coils. blooms aud charcoal
ron somewhat higher than those already
proposed.
The rates fixed yesterday were as fol-
ows: Iron ore, 40 cents a ton: pig iron.
crap iron, etc, a a ton; round iron in |
'oils, Sl0ths cent a pound; slabs, blooms.
ess nnish than bars. 5-stAs cent pound;
blooms. Sl2 u ton; beams, girders
md other structural iron or steel, cloths
'ent pound: boiler plates from 5-l0ths
ent to 20 per cent ad valorem; forgings
II iron or steel. 1-2 cents; hoop or band
ron or steel Cotton ties), 80 per cent ad
'alorem.
Republicans Cried ..spoils.s
The question of civil service reform
Fas given full sway in the house. the oc-
aston being the amendment to strike out
he paragraph in the legislative appro-
ration bill providing for the civil ser.
Ice commission. IL gave opportunity for
ome stirring and not few amusing
oeeches. The amendment was adopted
y vote of i09 to al, amid great Demo
'atic applause and Republican cries OF
Spoils-" No other amendment of anv
Importance was made in the bill. the only
mes adopted being to correct the totals
lew amendments to which amend
tents were made on Monday. In the
'rly proceedings the resolution to inves-
gate the alleged armor plate frauds was
iopted.