The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-11-13
ABOUT TARIFF TINxERINo.

ABOUT TARIFF TINkEHIh0.
 The Butte (Mont) Inter Mountain thus lets the cat out:
 With 2e6 Republicans in the lower branch of Congress to l77 Democrats. the opportunities for tariff tinkering are not likely to be brilliant. Business interests and labor should strike palms and re- joiee.
 into words what most other Republicans are probably thinking, if they put them selves to the trouble of thinking at all on the subejct It 1t true that Chairman Babcock declares that the next Congress will certainly undertake tsriff revision. He rightly asserts that the people expect it, ''and," he adds, "they expect the work to be done on Republican principles"
 We repeat that we are of the opinion that The Inter Mountain is correct In its intimation that there will be mo tariff tinkering." Before the election the Re- publicans were undoubtedly alarmed. They, could easily see that the people were restive under the exactions of the present system, and that the complaints and mutterings were not by any means con- fined to Democrats. Many Republicans. prominent and influential, were among those who demanded tariff revision. and who declared that it must come.
 Under these circumstances it was a popular cry among Republicans while the campaign was on. They felt that unless they promised to do what the people wanted done the job would be taken out of their hands by the Demo- crats. who would get the credit of it, and the substantial benefits as well. Hence, some of the most prominent of the Re- publican leaders were blatant and vocifer- ous in their promises and pledges. It was "a good enough Morgan" till after the election.
 Now. however. that they are secure in their possession of the government for another two years we expect to hear little more from them until another campaign comes on. Then 1t will be in order for them to do some more good promising. As for Babcocks pledge. that amounts to nothing, for if the tariff is to be revis- ed Ion Republican principles we need expect nothing beneficial. A tariff sys- tenn designed and built on Republican principles will be one which will be or most benefit to those Republicans who contribute most to the campaign fund.
 From q strictly partisan point of view we could wish that the Republicans tn Congress would refuse to reduce the tarin duties. Such refusal would be power. full lever in the hands of Democrats to overthrow their enemies and to give the former a chance to do what the people want done and what they intend to have done before. they abandon their efforts. It would be good for our party. but bad for the country If the Republicans obstinately refuse to do anything.
 And while on this subject it Is not out of place to remark that Congressman Dalzeil of Pennsylvania, recently declar- cd that 'he would be drawn and quarter ed before he would cast a vote. under any circumstances. for. touching the tarifr now or at any other time during the next few years" This might be looked on as bit of unmeaning bluff, but we esare to remember that Da1zeIl is not only "a prom inent Republican, but that he is an avowed candidate for Speaker. Would he make such a declaration as we have quoted unless he thought 1t good politics?