Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-11
MORE TARIFF ORATORY.
The Discussion Upon the Wilson Bill in
the House Continued.
Mr. Breckinridge supports the Meas
ure, but Makes a Plea for Free
Trade-Other Speakers.

~~~~~S
ing.
Some executive communications and Sem
ate bills were taken from the Speakers
table and referred to proper committees.
The House bill with Senate amendment
relative to the appointment of a committee
to investigate the personnel of the navy
was temporarily laid on the table on mo-
ton of Mr.. Meyer Ga)
The $4S,OO0 Appropriation Objected to
Mr.. Compton CMd.) called up the bill ap-
propriating $4,000 for the extension and
Improvement of the county streets and
roads In the District Of Columbia, and ask
ed unanimous consent for its immediate
consideration. Mr.. Kilgore CTex.) interpos-
ed his usual objection, whereupon Mr
Compton explained that his object in call
ing up the bill at this time was to make
the appropriation Immediately available, SO
as to give work to the unemployed
Mr.. Funk Qlls.) stated that he was about
to make a similar proposition in regard to
the public building at Chicago. SO as to give
the unemployed in that city something to
Mr.. Kilgore refused to withdraw his OBJ
lection.
Mr. Breckfnridge for the Tariff Bill,
Mr.. Breckenridge (ky) was the first
speaker on the tariff bill this morning
The silver-tongued orator was accorded the
close attention which he always commands
The present prostration of business, he
said. gave opportunity to examine the sub
ject OF revenue with dispassionate eyes. He
would not assert that this paralysis was
due to the high tariff. but there was ev1-
IDENTIFY some powerful factor at work. and
1t was essential that this cause should be
sought for and removed. In the Forty
eighth Congress Mr.. VIM. R. Morrison OF
Illinois had sowed the seeds of tarif reform
and the foundation of his doctrine was free
raw material. But under the direction OF
that stalwart protectionist, Saml j. RAN
dali. the republicans opposed the reform
ana prevented its consideration. Again in
the Fiftieth Congress, the President had
sent to Congress his famous tariff measure,
and. under the leadership OF the distinguish
ed Senator from Texas then chairman of
the committee on ways and means the
House did pass a low tariff measure But
In the following election the republicans
were victors and won control of the House,
and not only passed the high Mckinley bill,
but admitted new republican states in order
70 assure the retention of that bill, but now
the people had reversed their judgment and
given the entire Congress into the hands OF
the democratic party; and, acting on the
dictates OF the people at the polls, the VIII
son bill was prepared and submitted to the
House.
His Position ms a Free Trader.
He had always considered himself the
foremost free trader in the House until yes-
terday. but since the speech yesterday of
mis- friend from Ohio (dr. Johnson he had
learned that he CMr. Breckinridge) did NOT
occupy the most distant outpost OF free
trade democracy. In some particulars the
Wilson bill did not meet his approyal.in that
1t did not go far enough. He would like to
have seen tin plate put on the free list
even IL heavier tax would have To he
levied on whisky. He would like to see the
bounty on sugar removed, but he wanted
the sugar men Of the south and the sory-
Sum Su men OF the northeast placated. in or
DER that they might be brought into the
democratic fold. for II was only by union
that the reform could be consummated.
Better small profits on large sales than
,arge Isg pronts on small sales.'' said Mr..
Breckinridge By our policy of large profits
on small sales and our imposition of taxes
upon merchant vessels, our carving trada
had been thrown into the hands of the
fEngnsh. release our merchant marine
from these restrictions and in a few wears
Q merchant marine the equal of that sail
Ing under the British nag would traverse
every sea.
He spoke OF those who were instrumental
In keeping up the high tsriff rates as
American sharks"
MI. Walkers Interruption.
Mr.. Walker (Mass) took umbray. o.,
these remarks and arose to renel tbs
charge. Mr.. Breckenridge quickly replied
that the gentleman from Massachusetts
need not have taken the appella ton to
himself. daughter on the democratic side,
MI Walker then inquired what was an
American shark according to Mr.. Breck
inridge's understanding?
Mr Breckinrfdge gave q long list of mo-
ntical and social crimes which made q
man an American shark and comple,ed tho
picture picture oy saying that he was the man who
stuffed the ballot boxes and took his seat
from VIM. r. Morrison by bribery. 1oud
cheers on the democratic side)
Mr walker stated that he was an Ameri
tnrtdge intended, therefore. TO inclnde bi,,,
In MS description Of an American shark .
the gentleman from MASSACHUSETTS,
replied Mr.. Breckenridge. finds himself
corresponds to the definition, let him tale
1t to himself" daughter and applause1
MI. Breckinrfdge supported the ad va
,ba ,1rem feature OF the bill. In speaking of
tne income tax, he stated that while N did
not meet with his unqualified approval. he
was ready to vote with his party on the ex
pertinent OF an income tax
An Appeal for Free Trade.
In his peroration. which was delivered IN
MS usual eloquent and impressive style he
stated that he did not propose to deliver .
long speech on the bill, but only to give no.
tce OF his Endorsement Of IT. Il hone To
hve TO see the day." said he, rising TO the
climax OF his speech. when this continent
VIII be one for freedom, and the tartfr re-
strictions be wiped out from the St. Law
renee to the Columbia; when free ra-
hgion, free government and free education
Will pe put side by side with free trade
When Mr.. Breckinridge closed his nero
ration. arter speaking fifty-fye minutes he
was greeted with loud and enthusiastic
piauoits from the gallery and floor.
Mr. Richards Also Favors IN. nan
Mr. Richards Ohio followed in support q,
.ne pending measure. His speech. which
ne read. was largely devoted to a historical
review OF the various tariff acts which have
been put on the statute books of the coun-
try and to a defense Of the low tariff acts
enacted by the democrats. He asserted
that The Wilson bill was prepared I'm obed,
ence to the demand OF the people. as ex-
pressed at the polls. and when they wished
TO reverse their judgment they would sneak
IN the same way and in no uncertain tones
Ihe reversal at the polls In 1893 could not
De attributed to a change Of heart on reye-
nue. reform, for the people were as eager
Tor 1t today as in 1890 The democrat tic