The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-08
THE TARIFF BILL FIRST.
THEN THE PRESIDENT WIZ COW
sIDBR THE CURRENCY PROBLEM.

ne Way AK Congress TO Pass n Currency CoR-
mission NH, but Isis DcciAlou Will Dcpeud
on the Date the Tariff nil becomes n LAVA
Hitch Over the Proposed Changes I'm she Hlii.
WASHINGTON, June 7.-President Mckinley
has not yet decided whether to ask Congress TO
pass a Currency Commission bill or to advise
that an adjournment take place as soon as the
Tariff bill is disposed OF. He fears that II q
financial discussion 10 once started, It is apt to
get beyond tho control of the Republican lead
ers In the Senate and House, and continue dur
ing the remainder OF tho summer.
Little or no difficulty would be encountered in
passing q bill in the House, because tho Speaker
would cheerfully lond his aid In getting an order
from tho on Rules limiting debate.
and there is no doubt that n bill could DO passed
by q large majority IL brought 10 II vote. In the
Senate, however, the friends of the Administra-
ton measure would be at the mercy Of the Dem
ocrats and Populists, who, Of course. would not
permit a vote to be taken until they had talked
to their hearts content.
When the Tariff bill 10 signed. or perhaps 40
soon as 1t goes to n conference committee, the
President will, II he decides to take the risk of
submitting his Currency Commission plan to
Congress. send q message to the two houses.
recommending the passage Of a bill authorizing
hii v bppOihb u COuiIDlbSlDh u II nlue, tltNtn. VI
fifteen members, with authority to investigate
the whole financial question and report to Con.
gress In December a plan of currency reform.
1t Is not the purpose of the President to tako
any OF the members of such a commission from
either Senate or House.
The Presidents final decision with regard to
sending n message to Congress will depend very
largely upon the date the Tariff bill is disposed
Of. 1t has been agreed by Senator Aldrich, rep
aA~Nt-- A.
man, representing the Democrats. that not more
than two weeks will DO required to dispose Of
the bill in the Senate.
The President has been informed Of this Joint
opinion, and assured by Speaker Reed and other
leaders Of tho House that, according to the
present outlook, not more than q week will be
required to dispose of the bill in conference.
Tho Speaker has talked the matter over fully
with the President, and there will be perfect
harmony OF action whenever the proper time
arrives.
The doubt that exists as to the ability of the
Republican leaders Of the Senate to carry out
the agreement reached at Senator McMillan's
house last Tuesday evening is now the disturb
ing element at this conference between the Re-
publican members Of the Finance Committee.
the members OF the Steering Committee, and
the other Republican leaders, it was agreed to
rearrange the wool schedule in line with the
demands OF the western wool growers;
to exchange the ad valorem rates OF
the sugar schedule for the specific
rates Of the House bill; to main
tain the proposed high rate on white pine lum-
Der; to adopt the changes in the tobacco
sched ule suggested by the Senators from the to-
bacco-growing States. under the lead OF Senator
Pritchard Of North Cardinal; to abandon the
proposed additional beer tax, in return possibly
for the return Of the stamp tax If such addi-
tional revenue should be found to be necessary.
and to provide absolutely for the continuance Of
the Hawaiian treaty.
1t was thought this agreement could be car
ried out by an amicable understanding, without
the necessity of resorting to a caucus. This has
been found impossible, however, and a caucus
Of Senators will be held tomorrow morning. the
results Of which will have an important bearing
upon the legislative policy for the remainder of
the session, including the Presidents plan for
the appointment of a currency commission.
II the Republicans Of both houses see their
way clear to following up the Tariff bill with a
currency commission measure. the President
will such action; otherwise he may
think 1t best TO let Congress adjourn as soon as
the Tariff bill becomes a law.