The age-herald., 1897-08-01
CAPT. RANKHEAD IN TOWN
He ReciteS the Weaknesses of
 the Tariff Bill
TALKS OF OUR WATERWAYS
little Joe" Wheeler in the Seed Room Judge Coleman in the City Gossip in Hotel
 Lobbes.

What do I know about Washington? Why, less than many people who haven't been there" said Congressman Bankhead in answer to query.
 The joint representation from the sikh was in the city all day yesterday. He is just back from Washingtom and l5aves to- day for his home at Fayette, where he will spend the time until the regular ses- sion.
 When found at the Morris ate in the afternoon he was surrounded by bevy of friends, all firing questions at him in regard to the tariff bill, what dslayed ''ths advance agent of prosperity, ard other like topics.
 Capt Banlqhead has a merry blue eye and the slight head covering left him is as back and curly as though crlmped every night with curriers'. His face be- trays a jovial dispos tion and his physique commands attention.
 Friends? Why he must have them, for he has represented the constituency of the Sixth district for ten years and is en- terirg upon his sixth term.
 Capt. Bankhead modsstly professed ignorance of Washington dongs at first. but when the gentleman did begiEi talking on national issues, he unfolded va .uable fund of information, which goes to prove he is in close touch with legislative af- fairs.
 "You're little late in returning Rom Washington said the reporter by way of Introducing the subject
 ''Yes, little late, but had some un- finished work and took a few days to clear up before leaving Washington.
 T am glad, now, that I stayed over. for it gave me splendid opportunity to learnin what esteem the average - zee hunter holds the president since his re- cent civil service rules were promulgated.
 Traitor, mugwump and fraud, are some of the epithts used to convey disap- pointment and disgust Many of those who expected places as soon as congress adjourned, by the removal of democrats, have folded their tents and quietly stolen away
 What do you think of the work of the extra session."
 Tt will prove a disappointment to the republicans, in my opinion. The tariff bill will not prove success, as revenue raiser. Importers have contemplated it's passage and have stocked up to their utmost capacity. This renders further importation useless for a long while. Many of the schedules are prohibtory and will yield no revenue because no goods of that class will be imported.
 Duties under the Wilson bill for the second day after it went into effect ag- gregated $8O5, ,34499 The receipts for the second day under the Dingley bill only amounted to $2S, ,77505. It will be ob- served that the former yielded more than six times the revenue of the latter on the second day of it's enforcement.
 "Of course this diSproportionmen Is not expected to continue.
 T will not be astonished if the present administration is forced to issue bonds to meet the ordinary expenses of the government before it is one year old. But for the surplus TOW in the treasury I am sure of it.
 '"The bill was framed by the monop- olies and trusts and they. alone. will be benefited in its nature and disseminating in it's provisions.
 "To illustrate. Cotton bagging and ties are highly taxed and binding twine for the western farmer, is on the free list. Hides are taxed, but the shoe manufactures is allowed a drawback equal to the duty when shoes are ex- ported. The bill was framed to pay a campaign debt of the republican party" What do you think of the confidence restoring feature of the bill?"
 Business will improve in spite of the tariff. We have been on the down grade for lorg time and in the very na- ture of things there must be an upward stride.
 q confidently expect a temporary re- viyal of business and an advance in
  brings things to a standstill. when an- other period of depression will follow.
 The best crops for many years are promised and the export demand is great- CT than ever known before. The result is prices are advancing and will con- tinue to rise until the present demand is met and supplied. The supply of cot ton Is also nearly exhausted and we will enter upon the next cotton year without a large surplus stock on hand thereby insuring good price for the growing crop. You will see that a demand for all of our agricultural products is guar anteed at better prices than have been paid for several years.
 "If our tariff laws destroy our trade and markets, we will find ourselves without customers to take what we make and sell. If to make what people must buy dearer, and what they have to sell cheaper. will bring prosperity, we ought to hsve it in the highest degree
 The bill creates no new market for any product but closes many profitable markets that we now enjoy ThArs seems have been successful effort to confine the producers of this country to the home markets. without the least re- gard as to where we will dispose of cur surplus.
 "We cannot sell profitably our cotton. wheat, pork and other agricultural pro- ----------------------