The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-29
ABOUT THE TARIFF BILL.
DEMOCRATS INSIST THAT 1T MUST
REACH THE SENATE IN REGu-
LAR ORDER.
THE OPINION OF senator WHITE.
He Is Supposed to Voice Democratic
Sentiment-OppOsed to the Re-
trOactive Clause-Favors an
Earnest Opposition.

Washington, April 26.-The democratic
members of the finance committee will
not accept the proposition made by their
republican colleagues to allow the tariff
bill to be reported direct to the senate
without passing through the hands of
the full committee, and have so notified
the republican members. Senator White.
a member of the finance committee was
asked his views regarding the matter,
and is believed to have voiced the views
of all the democratic members. In his
reply he said
81 would be glad to crafty the per-
sonal inclinations of any senator, but
speaking for myself only, | am unable
to perceive the propriety of such a
course and can not acquiesce in it. When
the bill is reported to the senate the
democratic members ought to be able
to Immediately lay before their colleagues
comparatively full statement of the
informalities of the proposed measure.
This can not be done unless the subject
is properly discussed in committee, and
If it is examined there with care, much
labor will be saved when the proposition
is submitted to the senate. If the demo-
cratic members are of any use in the
committee it must be because they will
be able to give information Besides. a
fair presentation of the views of the mi
nOrity may lead to immediate changes of
the bill. If we consent to the adoption of
the plant outlined by the republican
members it will be said we have given
away our case and are representing but
half-hearted opposition. Such a scheme
would be novel, would require explana-
tiOn and can not result favorably to pub
lie interests. If our republican brethren
have improved the bill so as to make it
pass they can afford to submit it to care
full and conservative criticism in the
committee room. The country, of course
understands that the republican members
of the finance committee have had the
bill since it passed the house and that
the minority have interposed no obstruc-
ton and have not been in a position to
intelligently examine single schedule.
and this situation will not be altered
until details of the measure are dis
closed do not complain of the delay.
The subject is of grave importance, and
the gentlemen who have been preparing
amendments have worked assidiously
and are no doubt troubled because of
the extraordinary burden imposed upon
them by the house. Thus far there has
been no real debate on the BILL and while
closed, know that quite time will be
necessarily consumed in legitimate dis
cussiOn.
II have been frequently asked whether
the retroactive clause will be eliminated.
l can only say that | thoroughly agree
with the criticisms made made upon this
provision by Senator Vest and do not
think it can be retained, nor do | be-
lieve that 1t was ever intended to pass
q bill containing such q restriction. Its
insertion by the. house was designed to
scare importers. / have no reason to
suppose that any democratic member of
the finance committee opposes direct re-
port of the measure to the senate. We
have had no formal meeting.
1.-The democrats have not yet decided
how much time they may want for the
consideration of the bill in committee,
and will not be able to decide until they
see the amended bill and also ascertain
the position that Senator Jones of Ne
yada will assume towards the measure.
We will bear the balance of power in
the committee, and If he throws his in
fiuence with the democrats they can
hold the bill in committee for an indefi-
mite length of time. He has told the
republican members of the committee
that he still holds views favorable to
protection and has given them to under
stand that he will support the bill If 1t
conforms to his ideas. He has asked in
a general way for increased protection on
the products of the far west.
"lf these concessions are made it Is
not believed he will assist in holding the
bill in committee any length of time,
even If the democrats should so desire.
"The republican members of the com.
mittee express surprise at the refusal OF
the democratic members to allow the
bill to go directly to the senate instead
of passing through the committee. They
say the democratic members have indi.
Gated no desire to suggest amendment
that it would be unusual If they should
attempt to modify the bill in committee,
| and that the proceedings of putting II
through the full committee will be purely
perfunctory. They show confidence in
being able to secure an early report, even
| though there is opposition to Immediate
presentation to the senate, and they
count confidently upon the assistance OF
Senator Jones of Nevada In getting the
| measure out of committee. The republi.
can members now expect to be able "a
send the bill to the printer Wednesday
night and to present it to the full com.
| mittee Thursday. They admit. however
there is still considerable detail work to
be done, and Senators Allison and Aid.
| rich both said tonight that there was nc
| absolute certainty of carrying this pro
| gram into execution.