The Portland daily press., 1897-04-15

troactive Tariff Order Iuegal-Popu-
lists and Democrats Voted Against
Referring.
Washington, April 14.-The arst skir-
mish on the tariff question occurred in
the Senate today. 1t was followed by a
vote which served as tsst of strength of
the various elements Of the Senate. The
vote occurred on motion by MIR. Nor.
ril, Republican of Vermont, chairman
of the committee on finance to refer a
resolution by Mr.. Vest one of the Demo-
cratic members of that committee. This
made the issue between representatives
of the two leading elements in the Senate.
Aside from this the resolution was in the
nature Of criticism of Secretary Gage
and declared Illegal his rocent order rela-
tive to goods imported after April l.,
when according to the retroactive clause
of the pending Dingley bill, the new
tariff rates are to apply. Mr.. Morrill, S
motion prevailed by the close vote OF 81
to 2S. The affirmative vote was given by
Republicans including one silver Repub-
lican, MIR. Mantle of Montana. The ne
gativs vote was made up OF Democrats,
Populists and two silver Republicans,
fettigrew Of South Dakota. and Cannon
of Utah. Prior to the vote a breezy dis
cussion occurred on several phases OF the
thrift. Tie subject came up first when
Mr.. Mantle presented a memorial from
the wool growers urging ample protection
to their industry. He referred in this
connection to reports that Secretary
4, ~ - foc a1o
ton. was acting as secretary OF the
finance committee.
Mr.. Morrill, denied the statement, say
ing the gentleman had been summoned
IS an expert to give information on the
wool question. Messrs. Hoar of Massa-
chusefts, Hawley of Connections and
Gray of Delaware participated in the
debate. MIR. Morrill, succeeded iE cutting
off the debate by calling for the regular
order, but it soon broke out again on Mr..
Vest resolution directed against the
Secretary of the Treasury. Mr.. Vest de-
clared that the retroactive clause of the
pending tariff bill was illegal and beyond
the power of Congress. He characterized
Secretary Cages recent order as nulli-
fi3ation of the existing law and a move
TO iutimidate the importers of foreign
goods. MIR. Morrlll's motion to refer the
resolution to the finance committee
brought that question to an issue with
the result stated.
Mr.. Morgan then moved to proceed
with the Cuban resolution.
Mr. Hoar urged that the bankruptcy
bill should he taken up.
Mr. Morgan thereupon asked unani-
nous consent that the vote be taken to-
morrow.
Mr.. Hoar said this would be hardly
fair after Mr.. Morgan had spoken four
orly one day for speeches against the
resolution.
Mr.. Morgan was willing to defer the
vote until the next day, Friday. but Mr.
Hoar said he could give no assent in the
absence Of the Senator from Maine, Mr.
Hale.
"Then I will move this resolution in
opposition to your bankruptcy bill, " said
MIR. Morgan.
Efforts to fig time for a vote were I'M
availing and Mr.. Morgan finally gave
notice that be would call up the resolu-
tion daily until vote was reached.
The Indian appropriation bill was the u
taken up. 1t afforded Mr.. German of
Maryland an opportunity to speak of the
disorganized condition Of the Senate.
The President had stated in his inaugural
address that the condition of the country
required the strictest governmental
economy. And get it was proposed to
pass appropriation bill sggregatnq more
thar $73, 00O, eco without ths considera-
tion of duly organized committee of the
Senate. MIR. Gormnn said that careful
consideration of tbeas bills might lead to
their reduction of $40. 600, OC0. Appropri-