New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-31
THE WEEKS PROGRESS.

For the first week in the Senate the Tarlfr
bill has made satisfactory progress On other
occasions weeks have been thrown away IN
mere theoretical discussion. but this year Sena-
TORS were willing to begin consideration OF the
bill by items after the first days. After few
DAYS spent in voting on small amendments, the
annette of Senators for offering such amend
ments usually abates, and then more rapid prog
ress is made.
The changes proposed In its own bill by the
Senate Committee have beer frequent. indicate
ing that constant work Is still being done IN eX-
amining details. and many Of them are obviously
iniudicous while others are not yet explained.
Ii does not appear, for instance, why the Senate
amendments substituting partially specihc du-
ties on earthpnware were withdrawn. as the rea-
sons given by Senator Aldrch for proposing
such duties seemed forcible. The talk on plate
glass was needlessly prolonged by the familiar
demagocism about the duties on 1.-THE cheaper
Qualities which enter into the common con-
"sumption Of the poor" as il plateglass windows
had come 10 be the customary thing In working
mems homes and in tenements: but it Is not in
the least degree important whether the luXures
of the well-to-do and fashionable bear little
higher rate or not, so long as the Industry in TINS
country is pushed TO its best development. That
deyelopment will be found in the long run the
surest defence against any agreements or COM
binations of makers, as It has proved In many
branches Of the Iron and steel manufacture since
this year began.
The Senate has not yet reached the points
about which there Is likely to be most difference
OF opinion. and. while there appears clear ma
FORTY for the measure as a whole. nothing yet
indicates how the vote mcy stand on amend
ments regarding hides. tobacco. sugar, wooens.
Tea or the internal taxes. For the sake Of reve
nue. not less than 10 give better protection 10
tobacco-growers there Will doubtless be an ef-
fort 10 restore the Mckinley duty on leaf for
wrappers and there will he much difference Of
opinion as 70 the practicableness Of the draw
back on leather made from imported hides. with
DO little doubt regarding the utility OF the duty
for revenue if the drawback does prove prac-
t.cable on the sugar and wOOlen schedules
amendments might lead to divisions not along
party lines. since the most earnest proectionists
are not agreed as TO tie best modes OF applying
protective principles in those cases. so that both
questions NAV no, improbably be referred to a
caucus Of Republican members.
At the rate OF progress attained thus far. the
Senate will b. able 10 pass the bill earlier than
many have apprehended. II is true that nothing
car BE predicted about the length Of time Demo
Gratis may occupy in debating some Of the more
important schedules. and their criticisms may
call for some reply or explanation. and yet there
seems 10 be fair possibility that the measure
may go 10 a conference committee early enough
10 have final action before the fiscal year ends, If
no considerable delay occurs IN conference.
From the expressions Of members Of the House.
however Il does not seem probable that speedy
agreement Is 10 be expected II the Senate fails
to modify the bill in some respects The oppo-
sltlon IN the House 10 The Senate sugar schedule
does not seem TO have grown weaker since the
explanation Of Senator Aldrch was offered. hut
rather 10 have become stronger and more gen
eral Behind all the differences OF opinion. never
theless there should be the settled determine
ton which has thus far been shown by Repub-
ncans to make sure that the necessary provision