New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-10
TIE STCCESSFTL Caucus.

Tho Republican Senators have shown with
gratifying unanmiy the spirit by when uiiii-
critics in the framing of great ana coihpii-
Gated measure are overcome. Inc point OF uai-
ger was probably passed. as to the maj enact
ment of the Tariff bill. when the caucus regu-
lary called 10 decide upon the pohcE Oh 'he
party unanimously agreed 10 carry OUT the ue-
clslons of the majority. and thereupon so hodl-
fled the sugar schedule that 1t was almost uhahl-
mously adopted. 1t had become clear mat moo
ifcations were necessary to secure uhi'ed anu
harmonious action. and Senator Aldrlch lee 'he
way in the statement. which was warmly ap-
plauded. that while he believed the schedule
submitted 10 the Senate an equitable one HIS
interest in the success Of tariff revision as Il
whole was superior to his interest IN any par
,lcular schedule, and he was willing to supordl-
nate his Judgment TO that of the majority. WIN
such spirit governing the action of Senator'S
other points of difficulty will be readily over
come.
The schedule adopted in caucus approaches
closely 10 that Of the House bill, and in fact
differs 50 little that strong preference OF tlla'
bill by House confer"ecs may rot lmproDaply
result in its acceptance by the Senate. The ad
valorem duty which caused much criticism Is
entirely eliminated, and the duty on all sugars
from 81 degrees test 20 refined Is precisely mat
of the House bill. rising three-hundred'hs OF
cent with each additional degree. At this rate
1OOdegree test would be dutlablc at Ito cents
and the new Senate schedule imposes on all
refined % cents. while the House bill imposed
1S15 cents, making the difference in that sense
a fifth Of cent. against an eighth by the House
bill From - 10 So degrees the new schedule
makes the duty range from nine-tenths or
cent upward, rising three hundredths with each
degree. and TO that extent gives greater advan-
tagn than the House bill to the importation OF
low grade sugars.
II Is th,. less needful 10 go into technical cal
cul1 ions regarding the defence allowed to re-
filming. abOnt which few experts agree, because
the provision for extra and countervailng duty
on all sugar from countries which pay boun'ies
on exports Is retained in express terms precise
IL as passed by the House. This provision VIII
deprive bounty-paid sugar Of all advantage over
,be prolrcts Of our own industry and thus give
odeouate defence alike 10 the beet and cane pro-
ducers and 10 the refners II there Is difhculty
obout lis enforcement. there is nevertheless an
obvious probability that evasion Of It's provisions
will not become extensive enough TO affect the
domestic market materially. No action was
taken regarding the Hawaiian treaty. owing 10
lack Of time. but 1t is generally expected that
the House provision on that point Also exclud-
Inc any construction which would abrOgatc or
defca. the treaty. will be adopted.
Whatever differences between the two houses
MAY yet remain. owing to preference for one
schedule or the other. il is evident that this I'M
Dortant schedule has been placed ia such form
that II does not threaten 10 defeat or serious
~ delay The tariff. The ruling determination
Of the Republican majority in both houses is
10 subordinate all minor differences Of detail to
the success OF tariff revision as a whole. be-
cause Il is regarded as paramount necessity
for The country and for the party charged with
power that the revenues OF the Government
should be made adequate for its expenditures
and for the protection Of its currency, and that
langnishlng home industries should receive ade
quate protection. Compared with the benefits
thus 10 be gained. which are IN some measure
sacrificed by every months delay, individual
judgment about details, even Of some inpor-