The Evening Bulletin

WILL BE GIVEN HEARINGS.
Interest Which Will Be Affected by the Wilson Tariff Bill.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.—Senator Allison in a brief conversation said there was little or no doubt that the senate committee on finance, of which the senator is a prominent member, would grant hearings to interests affected by the tariff bill when that measure reaches the senate, where demands by persons representing sufficiently important interests to consistently demand the attention of the committee. He said also that the committee was very hopeful of securing many replies to the circular letters of inquiry which were being sent broadcast over the land and he thinks these replies will furnish many valuable suggestions to the members of the committee.

The opinion is gaining ground steadily that the senate will be deliberate in its treatment of the bill. It was at first said that the Republican senators would not attempt to delay passage, but that after expressing their disapproval in brief debate would permit it to go to a vote. It does not appear as yet that there will be any organized opposition for the purpose of delay merely, but that there may be such organization is becoming evident if it should become possible that by it the defeat of the bill could be accomplished.

There are increasing indications that the passage of the bill in the senate may not be as certain as was supposed before it was put into shape, and there are senators who say openly that if the bill should pass the house unchanged, and be reported from this senate finance committee in the same condition, it could not pass the senate in that shape in any event. There are many items upon which the Democrats could not muster a majority, and which will probably be defeated by a combination with the Republicans, if they can not be changed in committee.