The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1907-01-04
Tariff ReVisiOniSt is Tired of
His Tyranny.
WANT NEW MAN IN CHAIR.
Non. Theodore &. Burton OF Ohio Is
the One Suggested for the
Speskership.
Especial to The Free Press.l

Washington, ID. c., Jan. 2.-There is
reason to believe that strong effort
will be made during the present session
of congress to revise the tariff. The
friends of tariff revision-those who do
not hold schedules to be sacred or ire
vocable-wil at least show their hand,
and endeavor to accomplish something
before the close of the fftyninth con-
gress, or at Il special session immediate
ly following the present. This is the
talk that is going the rounds of con-
gressional circles and there seems to be
grounds for the belief that it is more
than idle rumor.
The present agitation among tariff re-
vision republicans WILL it is hoped, bring
the question TO head and perhaps force
a favorable decision from the party lead
ers. If the latter see that the more rad
zeal republicans have the best of the
situation they will undoubtedly give
way to the pressure of public sentiment
and permit a readjustment of tariff
schedules at this time
1t is understood that a petition will
soon be circulated among the house re-
publican members calling caucus,
which will be held, if at all, shortly
after the holiday recess. 1t will be the
purpose of the proposed caucus to dis
cuss at that time the matter of tariff
revision, and if possible arrive at some
decision as to whether or not action
will be taken at the present session, or
at an extra session, if at all. OF
course, those back of the movement are
in favor of an immediate reduction of
tariff duties, and their number is grow
ing larger and more influential. The
results of the last election, especially as
seen in such contests as occurred in the
second congressional district in Mime
sofa, defeating McCleary, a standpatter,
have opened the eyes of many house
members, many of whom previously did
not consider the, question of tariff re
vision vital one. The defeat of Lacey
of Iowa, Babcock of Wisconsin, and the
cut in Tawney's majority in the first
Minnesota district are all taken as
strong indications of the drift of public
sentiment towards tariff revision.
Opposed to tariff revision at this time
and offering promise of relief at some
time in the future are the real house
leaders, with their considerable follow
ing. These leaders are Payne of New
York, Dalzel of Pennsylvania and Speak
er Cannon. They constitute the con-
gressional triumvirate, closely identified
with the Interests" of the country and
powerful in legislation. 1t is not neces-
sary to add that the Interests" do not
want revision of the tariff schedules
1t would deprive them of some of their
profits. 1t is well known that Cannon,
Dalzell and Payne are in close touch
with the Interests"
The speaker is so all powerful that it
is conceded that there could be no tar
iff revision unless he gave the word. As
is well known the committee on ways
and means would have charge of re-
vision. If he so desired, he could see to
it, and this is the case at the present
time, chat the working majority of this
committee is opposed to tariff revision.
Cannon would make sure of his man, and
know how he Stood before making him
member of this important committee.
Thus Cannon is the ear of the house,
TO use The language of one of the young
er republican members, because he and
his crowd can control legislation through
committee assignments. The wel-mean-
ing members of the house realizing this
fact, and knowing Cannon's sympathies
with the Interests" are aware that to
attempt to open the question of tariff
revision at this time, with any certain