The Savannah morning news., 1901-06-23
A FIGHT ON THE TARIFF.
WHAT is PREDICTED FOR THE
NEXT SESSION.


of It-No Talk About silver Now.
The Diplomacy of the Chinese
Minister-observatiOn Respecting
virginia Politics.
Washington, D. c.. June 22--All OF the
leading politicians, Democrats and Re-
publioans, who have been in Washington
during the past week, predict that bat
tie royal over the tariff question, when
Congress meets next winter, is inevitable.
This opinion is not confined to either po-
Htical party, and the Democrats appear
to be even more anxious than the Repub-
leans to force that issue to the front
next winter to the exclusion, if necessary,
of all other national questions
Your hear the tariff question discussed
at the White House, at cabinet meetings,
at the executive departments, in the no.
tel corridors, in fact wherever politicians
congregate.
Naturally, the Republicans win resist
any attempt to materially change the
Dingley act, but if the Democrats can
present a united front in favor OF rea.-
sonable reductions, they are likely 10
have the aid and comfort Of large num-
Der of Republicans who are prepared to
Join in any movement calculated to put
a check upon the trust fever which is
raging throughout the commercial world.
OF course such men as Senators Ali
son Of Iowa and Aldrich of Rhode Island
who dictate the policy of the Senate with
regard to financial questions, are vigor-
ously opposed to any tinkering with the
tariff at the next session of Congress,
While they were here a few days ago 10
ba this
kindred subjects, they attempted to DIS
courage any agitation of the tariff ques-
ton. but their efforts were not availing.
Like Banouo's ghost, at win not down"
1t hobs up serenely in every political con-
versation, one hears in this vicinity.
Overheard Goes silver.
Democrats with one accord welcome
contest over the tariff, and even those
members of the party who, few months
ago, professed to see nothing In sight
worth fighting for but free silver, are
now ready to discard the silver problem
and bend their efforts to make winning
fight in behalf of a general reduction OF
tariff duties Senators Cockrell of Mis-
souri,. Bacon and Clay of Georgia, Talia-
ferro of Florida, Representatives Games
of Tennessee and other prominent Demo-
Gratis do not hesitate TO declare that the
time is ripe for a modification OF exist
ing tariff laws and the Democrats in Con-
gress next winter will make their tight
along that line.
The Chinese Act.
There is another question which threat
ems to give the Republican administra-
ton trouble next winter and that is the
re-enactment of the Geary Chinese exclu-
sion act Closely woven into the Chinese
question is the Philippine problem. AL
ready the Chinese are preparing to take
advantage of the confused condition OF
affairs in Manila to sneak into the United
States in violation of the exclusion act.
The administration is endeavoring to dis
count the reports of Chinese smuggling
but way down under the surface the
President and his advisors are deeply
concerned on the subject. A member OF
the cabinet, in general conversation with
your correspondent few days ago, rel
alive to the somewhat mixed condition of
affairs in the Philippines, frankly declar-
ed, 'sOur troubles in the Philippines have
just begun" He went on to say that
one of the most harrassing questions we
will be called upon TO deal with will be
the regulation of Chinese immigration as
soon as the United States are in actual
possession of those islands. This cabi-
ssc< ct.seer accompanied the President on
his recent trip TO the Pacific coast and
while there took occasion to sound pub
lie sentiment in California regarding the
Chinese question. In his Judgment the
voters of the Pacific coast will vote as
a unit against any administration that
seeks to lei down the bars to Chinese i'm
migration.
In this connection 1t is quite remarka-
BILE to note that Mr.. WI, the Chinese
minister. never misses an opportunity
either in a public address or a private
conversation TO drag in an appeal to the
United States government to abandon its
policy of Chinese exclusion. The crafty
old minister sometimes presumes upon the
good nature and hospitality of his Amer
lean hosts to indulge in a facetious crit
acism of our Chinese policy and in the
next breath he gives forth a pathetic
prayer that his people may be permitted
to enter the United States upon the same
terms as representatives Of other foreign
countries and enjoy the blessings and
prosperity which prevail in this free and
enlightened republic.
MIR. Wu's DIPLOMACY.
1t is impossible for Americans to take
offense at Minister Wu's utterances for
he is just cunning enough to first get in
his dig at Chinese exclusion and il any
Irritation is likely to result from his re-
marks, he Immediately regains his popu-
larity by INDUCING in one OF his charac-
teristic anecdotes or with an innocence
so child-like and bland, he will ask en-
barrassing questions which are open to
various construction. He is past master
In this art. Some Of his inquiries are 50
pointed and direct that they might give
offense II made by any other person I'M
der similar circumstances.
A few days ago Minister WI attended
the commercial convention held in Phila-
delphia. His speech, of course, was one
OF the features of the occasion Return.
ing home he encountered a bridal party
at the Broad street railway station. The
newly married couple were followed tc
the station by a large number OF admir-
ting friends. Minister WI stood on the
platform and watched the commotior
around the happy couple and he also oh.
served that the friends pelted the brda
party with rice. This was all new bust
ness 10 the Chinese minister and he al
once began to ask questions to this effect
What is the matter here? Why ar,
these people throwing rice at those tive
young persons? We do not waste rio,
ike that in my country"
He was Informed that a young man anC
young woman had just been married
They were about 70 leave home on theil
bridal trip and their friends and wen
wishers had come TO the station to SCI
them of and wish them good luck ant
safe return. He was also informed tina
the practice OF showering rice upon
newly married couple was intended [,