Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-18
THE TROUBLESOME TARIFF.
Congress Will Probably Steer Clear
 of It Next Session.

Washington, D. C., Nov 1S.-It is becoming more and more evident each day that congress does not pro- pose to be forced into a general dis cussion of the tariff question at the approaching session. That the ques- ton may be debated 'in spots" is not unlikely, but that anything like general consideration of the tariff problem will be undertaken is quite improbable.
 In order to avoid such a discus sion, the proposition advanced many months ago for the appointment of tariff commission now is being ad- vocated by many congressman and by officials of the administration. The commission plan is being fla vored pretty generally. It has the support of the national foreign com merce convention, the American Re- ciprocal Tariff league and the Ma tional Association of Manufacturers, not to mention numerous trade and commercial bodies. Opposed to it is the American Protective Tariff league The league is a powerful organization of stand patters," !" which sees in the commissions idea proposition ultimately to break down the "high tariff wall"
 Some concern IS manifested as to the attitude of President Roosevelt. It is known that, few years ago, he strongly favored the creation of commission which, acting in an en- tirely non-partisan way, should in vestigate the whole tariff question with a view to the collection of data which would enable the congress to legislate on the subject intelligently and deliberately. At that time many members of congress opposed the commission plan. as they preferred to gather their information at first hand and in their own way The sentiment among congressman now is that a tariff commission. in all of the circumstances, might be d good thing.
 Some of ti ose who have discussed the subject with the president are inclined to the belief that. if he says anything on the subject in his annual message to congress, he will recom- mend the appointment of a commis- sion. So many commissions of vari- ous sorts have been created in the past few years that prejudice exists against them. not only in congress. but in the mind nf the general pub lie. The opinion is prevalent that the commission scheme of solving public questions has been over worked. still. in the matter of the tariff. it is plain that in view of the approaching presidential campaign, it has Hl1I y strcng supporters
 Of course, the committees Of con- gress would not be bound to accept the recommendations of any com mission that misht be created, but there is no doubt that the commits sion. by it's york, could save congress an immense amount of time, and, if it were pro1erly constituted. its recommendations world have weight with the legislators.
 It is quite certain that no general consideration will be given the 'tariT question by congress until after the presidential election The agree ment ent@red into between tho lead CTS in congress and the president undoubtedly will hold fast The question probably will be an issue in next year campaign, but it will be found that the differences be- tween t5c republican and the demo cratic nsFt5ss are not s0 radical as they mar zBUear on the surface. Both very likely will favor a revis- ion of the tsri@. each in it's own way. the difference being only in de- gree