The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-02-13

POlTlCS AT WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON LETTER.

be Judged by their records rather
than their assertions. England
has long diplomatic record, and
it is practically all one way-that
Of turning everything possible to
her own advantage. When one
studies that record and brings u
little everyday common sense to
bear upon that arbitration treaty
he is very apt to arrive at the con-
clusiOn that the amendments
reported to the Senate by the
committee on Foreign Relations
are wise and necessary precautions
to prevent England taking fut-
ure advantage of the United States
by claiming the right TO submit
matters to arbitration which
should not be so submitted. And
no one who will take the trouble to
ascertain the obligations of King
Oscar, of Sweden, to EngIa
ought to doubt the wisdom of
striking out that clause of the
treaty which made King Oscar
the umpire. No matter how
honest a man may be he cannot
help being in favor of those to
whom he is obligated. In addition
to these arguments in favor of the
amendments to the treaty, the
criticism of them by the English
press indicates very plainly that
original treaty was considered
more favorable to England than
to the United States.
Although the republicans are as
yet only certain of having 43 Sem
ators after March 4th, there is no
longer any boubt about the Senate
passing the republican tariff bill
at the coming extra session of
Congress. Indeed, the votes to
pass it are already assured. The
Ways and Means committee is
making good progress in the prep
aration of the new tariff bill, and
Chairman Dingley has no doubt
about its being ready TO be report
ed rs soon as the new House is
ready to receive 1t The republicans
Of the committee have been UNI
usually harmonious in their opin-
ions on the schedules of the bill
that have up to this time been
completed, and there is no reason
to suppose that they will be other
wise upon any portion of the bill.
There is more or less discussion
among republicans in Congress on
the views Of Mr.. Gage, the Secre.
tary of the Treasury Select, based
largely upon letter he wrote to
chairman of the House committee
Banking and Currency in 1894, and
a recent newspaper interview pur.
porting to quote Mr.. Gage. In view
of this discussion the opinion eA.
pressed of Mr.. Gage by several re-
publican members of the present
House committee on Banking and
Currency is but timely and inter
esting. Chairman Walker said: 81
think Mr.. Gage a very able and
practical man, and a business man
before he is a banker. l think
when he realizes what the public
sentiment is, that he will accom-
plish waht he has suggested in his
letter in II way that will be accept
able to the people. Certainly after
a study of the Situation he will act
as circumstances will compel him
to dc when he takes the manage.
meut of the Treasury" Rapresen'
tative BrOsius said: 81 do not think
the views expressed by Mr.. Gage
two years ago are such as he would
deem wise at the present time.
have great faith in his intelligence
and experience as a banker, and
believe that he has a conscientious
purpose to do his best to relieve the
monetary situation from its diff
culties, which will guide his to {
suitable safe, and conservative
policy in relation to our money
Representative McCleary said
"Regarding the increase of bank
circulation and the reduction of the
tax thereon presume there will
be much difference OF opiuiOn
What the process should be for the
retiring of the greenbacks without
unduly contracting the currency
am not willing to say off hand
1 think Mr.. Gage has gwen hi;
views in perfect good faith, the fact
that he now is to assume the re
sponsibility himself, as with every
right-minded man, will serve tt
intensity his thoughts. The passing
of thought through that hot cruel
BILE will refine it in some ways tha
he himself is not now CONSCIOUS of.
There is general disposition