The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-05-05
UHtr THE TdRIFF .BILL EFFECTS
More Favorable to the Sugar Trust Ihan
the Original Biii-Many Changes

WASHINGTON, D. c., May Especial
In reporting the tariff bill 10 the Senate
to-day, the Republicans accomplished the
purpose they have had in view since they
began their revision OF the measure, and
the Democrats were defeated. senator
jones, OF Neveda, who had been placated
by such increases OF duty as he desired
voted with the Republicans In the FL
nance Committee, and the Democrats,
who had intended to insist upon full
discussion of the bill by the committee
found themselves powerless TO resist.
Republicans claim that their bill is
better one than the measure that passed
the House. There are numerous reduc-
lions. but they are hardly Of 4 character
to greatly improve 1t.
There are also increases which give ad-
ditional advantages TO some special in
terests. The sugar schedule Is more
favorable 10 the Sugar Trust than was
the House schedule. and that was so
bad that the Republicans would not per-
nit its discussion. The duty on lead. lum-
Der, and other articles have been In
creased TO satisfy the Westerners. and the
wool schedule has been materially changed
so as TO benefit the Eastern manufactur-
eTs in the higher grades OF wool and the
Western wool growers In the lower
grades. The changes are, in fact, so nu-
merous that it will require careful study
OF the schedules TO determine exactly
what their effect will be.
The Senate is 10 have two weeks in
which TO master the details OF the bill
and the public will probably not appre-
ciate the importance OF all until much
later The significance OF to-day's &C
ton lies in the fact that the bill will
probably pass as 1t has been reported
with merely such changes Of minor details
as the committee itself may approve.
Those Western Republicans who vert
protesting that they would secure such
increases OF rates as their constituents
demand have been effectually check
mated.
They cannot afford to vote against the
bill and will have TO accept IT, Senator
Jones is satisfied with its provisions. as
is also Senator Kyle, and both OF them
will vote for it.. This will give the Repub-
llcans a clear majority.
Kyle will pay for his reelection TO the
Senate with his vote, and Jones Will be
paid for his vote in special provisions re-
speeding the products in which he Is IN
terested. II has been a beautiful scheme
Of bargain and sale all around, ana mas
been cleverly managed.
The Democrats are indignant but they
realize there is no use protesting. They
would have been powerloss 10 change tho
hill IL it had renaiaed in the Finance
Committee and do not anticipate being
able 10 improve II i'm the Senate.
Bue they will he able TO point out its
manifold iniq1ties and the manner ~
which il has becn framed. Never before
In the history nf legislation I'm this coun-
try have such strenuous Efforts been
made 10 keep the public in absolute is-
norance OF the scheme of taxation, which
IS to double the burdens Of the people,
and now that the plan has been revealed
party discipline and private interest are
depended upon TO force II through th'
Senate. These men who are not amen
able 10 discipline, have had their private
interests advanced and are heart ana
sole In favor OF the measure.
IL is n bill for the manufacturers 'he
monopolists and the trusts
II there are some duties lower than
those of the Mckinley bill il was not
because the Republicans have attempted
10 limit the greed of tie tarin benehci
aries. on the contrary, the bill Is Tore
carefully drawn than was the law OF
1900 and has been perfected by the COM
inc ~ men who have grown wiser IN
methods OF public plunderins through
repeated practice and experience.
There can be no question that the Dill
Is the best bill ever framed for the inter
ests II is expected to promote and just
as certain that it is the worst for the
countrv Its passage. However. vii
have this beneficial effect. 1t will bring
the question OF tariff reform once II ore
before the country. As the issue OF
paramount impoi lance and should brinf
about settlement Of the contention al
the very next election.