The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-02-10

\ very Moderate AGsir a. Compared with
tn. Original Mckinley Bill.


WASHINGTON. Feb. -Special-The
information given out from time TO time
bv the Ways and Means Committee con-
ceruing the schedules OF the new tarili o"i
unon which they have already decided
indicate clearly that a. compared Win
tha Mckinley law. the new measure VIII
be a very moderate one. The reading
Republicans OF the House appreciate the
fact that the Mckinley bill was lall-
ure IL was not d success 40 piece OF
political legislation nor did u prove BEN
eacial 10 the country. They are therefore
desirous IL Is understood, OF bringing
forth a measure. which while II may De
expected to satisfy 10 some extent the
manufacturers. Will not Increase duties
wherever Increases can De avoided.
But for tho past record and professions
Of tho Republicans in favor OF absolute
protection 10 American Industries. II may
be confidently asserted that the Ways
and Means Committee would be even
more conservative. and would frame their
bill with the single view OF increasing
revenues.
They have. however. TO avoid two dam
gers-one. that Of qualification, the
other that OF displeasing the men who
have furnished them through successive
campaigns with the money needed Tor
their success. 10 can therefore. be seen
thar the hll viii make concessions 10
the manufacturers. and M he same time
raise the ayarags rates Of duties so as 10
make f. ln appearance more OF protec-
two measure than the present law.
10 IS understood. however that wher-
oyer possible the rates of the present
law will not be disturbed. while the free
list will probably be almost as extensive
as at present So far as they re- able
go do So the House leaders. 10 Is asserted.
desire the bill 10 mark a new era In the
Republican tariff policy and 20 give that
policy a tendency in the direction OF
moderate protection only.
The fact that the House will consider
the bill and pass Il before n reaches the
Senate. it is hoped will have an effect
upon that body which may produce
snirit Of moderation there also.
II is the intention Of the House n an
ayers 10 pass tho bill through the House
iusr as IL comes from the committee.
Tho coercive influence OF Mr.. Reed
will be exerted 10 prevent any OF the
Republican majority from kicking ever
the party traces. and the apparent
unanimity OF sentiment among the House
members which IL IS hoped 20 demon
strate will be urged as "a reason why
tho Senate should make fow changes IN
the measure The possible political e.
feCt Of the bin viii not be lost sight of
by tho committee. and increased duties
on agricultural products and such other
products as really need no protection may
be anticipated.
I'm spite however Of all the care be-
!ng exercised ty the committee. and
their laudahle intentions il il confidently
predicted that the measure as il will
finally become law will be framed in
the Senate The wishes OF those tariff
beacnciaries. who want the highest posi-
bile duties which the committee pretends
20 be ignoring will not be ignored by the
Senate. and the character Of tho Ways
and Means Committed work Is certain
10 be materially changed.
10 is even feared. that the silver Re
publicans and the Populists with View
10 making the bill failure will insist
upon loading Il down with Amendments.
making duties even higher than those Of
the Mckinley bill
The situation is a particularly interest
ing one. and the outcome OF the political
fight IS hard 20 predict IL can be stated
positively that the Democrats OF the
Senate have no intention Of preventing
tho passage Of the bill and the protec-
tionists Will be allow cd all the rope they
need 70 hang themselves with
The fact that Republican sentiment IN
the House IS IN favor of moderate pro-
tsction IS a hopeful indication. however
that In the near future. probably. within
the next three or four years. tho falla-
cious theory OF high protection will have
been abandoned.
When this occurs Ii VIII be possible 20
frame a tariff bill that will prove OF real
benefit 20 the country in such a manner
as will not disturb the commercial and
industrial conditions OF the country