The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-11-26
Chat Special Session
and Tariff Reform.

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Washington, November as.-(Sfof Core
SpondeHce, THE bouquets which some newspaper
correspondents arc throwing at themselves be-
cause Of their alleged certain adviees that a
special session Of the Fifty-eighth congress will
be held, are no doubt premature Absolutely moth
ing official has been given out on the suoJeet
and until something more substantial than mas
yet appeared is placed in evidence, The Post cor
respondent prefers to believe that the matter is
not yet settled. 1t is plain that there is de-
cided trend OF sentiment in favor OF a special
session, but it is by means certain that this
sentiment will prevail. Many things may happen
between now and the nearest available date tor
the holdings Of such a session and. on the whole,
the situation is so uncertain as TO warrant the
OF great deal Of caution in all observations
regarding the probability or possibility OF what
will be done.
The New York Evening Post, which although
classed independent journal has decided
leaning toward most republican policies. has
been paying a considerable attention TO the special
session matter and seems to have arrived at the
conclusion that the whole things is very uncertain
as yet, The Evening Post is always well in
formed and never hasty that the following
editorial printed by it recently, be safely
taken as accurate indication OF the manner IN
which the matter is viewed in the North:
I'VE do not imagine that the country takes
much further interest in Congressman Bahcook
deliverances about the tariff. lie has shown
that, whatever else he can forete he can not
forecast his own action, or deliver his own vote.
on that subject When it was thought that he
spoke for the president in saying that an extra
session OF the new congress was to be called to
revise the tariff, people pricked UP their cars;
but when il appeared that II was simply a case
OF Babcock alone marching up hill, down which
he will eheerfully march again when the time
comes, no further remark seemed to be called
4 "a + 4
ira session, shall have to hear from Mr. Can
non. He, left to himself would certainly be
against it. President Roosevelt can Of course
override him and all the other timid advisers
who will be Mortified at the thought Of touching
the sacred tariff, and summon congress in ex-
traordinary session If he so decides but until
he gives some sure sign that such is his Intention
polite skepticism about the whole matter will
prevail Very credulous congressman may be
induced 10 waive their demand for immediate
tariff reform by promise Of revision next
mer but all others will strike at the FIRST open
ing that presents itself. The way to revise is
10 revise"
Incidentally, there is much in the Evening
Posts editorial aside from its comment on the
special session speculation, It's intimation that
those who wish 10 bring about tariff revision dur
ing the forthcoming short session will be put off
with promise that action will be taken at an
extra session. or during the Fifty-eighth con
gress is doubtless based on a correct under
standing Of the conditions that will prevail this
winter. President Roosevelt may be in favor
of revision, as has been stated in dispatches from
Washington on several occasions recently but it
is extremely doubtful that his influence or that
OF any other one man will be sufficient to bring
about the revision that the whole country wants.
it is stated that he will not advise any active
steps in the matter unless he can be assured that
the work will be completed without any unneces-
sary delays. It would be difficult to accomplish
any real good in the way Of revision during the
short session, with republican sentiment as badly
divided it is, and the president will probably
make this his excuse for not recommending ac-
ton.
There will he no revision during the short ses-
sion unless all present indications are at fault
The hest that the people can hope for is a fight
among the republicans, which will help to elect
a democratic president in 1904. When a demo
cratic administration is in, the people may be
certain that the tariff will be changed Until
then the present exorbitant rates will probably
prevail c. Arthur WulfA,fs.