Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-11
T ARIFF REVISION
GETTING AT THE SENTIMENT OF
STATE DELEGATIONS.

The work of ascert tanning the sentiment of
the republicans of the House on the ques-
ton of tariff revision, which was COM
menced yesterday, continued today. 4 man
In each state delegation was told off to per
sonally Interview his colleagues and obtain
their views. Only partial reports have been
gathered up to this afternoon, as some dele
cations are undecided and still discussing
the pros and cons of tariff revision.
In the Pennsylvania delegation, however
there was no indecision. A paper was pass
ed around headed with the signature of
Representative Dalzell of Pittsburg. pledg-
ing the signers to opposition to tariff revi-
sion, and announcing their belief that agi-
tation of the question at this time was
neither advisable nor necessary. 1t is prob
able that all the Pennsylvania representa-
tives win sign the paper.
The views Of the republicans of the In
diana, Illinois, Ohio and New England dele
cations are also being sought. The revision
states, such as Minnesota and Wisconsin,
are being polled to ascertain whether the
sentiment for revision is unanimous.
1t is the opinion Of the opponents Of tariff
revision that upon such broad question Of
national policy the voices of the states
should be heard, and the poll is being taken
by state delega tions and not as OF individ-
uals. When the next conference is held at
the White House II 1t can be shown that
and Illinois, with the New England group,
exclusive of Rhode Island, are doubtful of
the wisdom of tariff revision, il is expected
that such showing would have consider
able weight with the President.
1t is not altogether certain, however, that
a solid front either for against revision
can be presented by these state delegations.
In the Indiana and Illinois delegations
there is a good deal of tariff revision talk.
No effort is being made to hold caucus of
he fpl6pa n a h do
by the decision of the majority, and no
such effort is contemplated. 1t is thought,
however that a little discussion and tx
change of views may lead to unity Of action
either for or against revision.
One thing that is being impressed upon
the delegations by the opponents of tariff
revision is the suggestion that the time has
arrived when they should not yield their
views to any general sentiment which they
think may prevail nor TO the wishes of any
one person, however high in authority.
1t is beiEg impressed upon them that this
is the last call, and that a result of
the present agitation either arrangements
will be made for tariff revision or the SUBJ
ject will be dropped. These representatives
are being asked to consider well the ques-
tion whether their constituencies really
want tariff revision. and whether it would
be best for the business interests of their
section. In well informed congressional
circles today the statement was made with
emphasis that there is 10 likelihood Of
SGTlOuS cldSll DetNeGH tfie IIcSluSHt anu
Congress on the subject of tariff revision.
1t was said positively that President Roose-
welt Is just a anxious to be guided by the
sentiment of his party as any one else is to
find out how the party stands, and that
he does not intend to set up his own will
a against the decision of his party in Con-
gross. at the same time it was said that
the opponents of tariff revision have no in
tention of trying to f1libuster against revis-
ion If it is desired by majority of the
rank and file of the republicans in Con-
gress. But they are insisting that there
should be careful consideration of the ques-
tion and that the House should not enter
upon the policy without generalization and
with full knowledge of all that may be in
volved.
1t was said this afternoon that all of the
Ohio republicans in the House, with the
of three, had signed a stattment
similar to the paper circulated by the
Pennsylvanians announcing their opposi
tion to tariff revision and an extra session
of Congress. The three men who had not
signed were Messrs. Burton, Jackson and
Hildebrandt