The Times

No Change in Dingley Bill Schedules Deemed Likely.
The Improbability of Legislative Tinkering Next Winter - Candidates for 1904-Chances of Anti-Trust Action-Passing a Canal Bill

With perhaps one or two exceptions the Eastern Republicans are confident there will be no tariff legislation during the next Congress. notwithstanding the fact that the Republicans in the West are daily declaring themselves in favor of the Babcock bill to place trust-made products on the free list. Representative E. B. Vreeland of New York, who is closely in touch with the Administration leaders, expressed the opinion yesterday that the Babcock bill amending the metal schedule of the Dingley tariff act would receive no consideration whatever at the hands of the next Congress.

"There is no occasion for a tariff revision at this time." said Mr. Vreeland. "It would be impossible," he added, "to single out one schedule for revision without taking up others. I do not know that Mr. Babcock consulted the leaders before introducing the bill last session. but if one member takes the responsibility of introducing separate tariff bills others will surely follow. and any discussion of the tariff is sure to unsettle and disturb the business interests of the country. What the business men of the country want is to be let alone. While a general revision of the tariff may become necessary from time to time in keeping with our commercial progress. yet I think the time for the revision has not yet arrived. It is not improbable. however. that the tariff may be considered next December at a caucus of the Republicans. and if anything is determined it will be a party measure, and not an individual movement. I am rather inclined to the opinion that instead of revising the tariff schedules. which would have a depressing effect on our manufacturers. the Administration will extend and expand our reciprocity treaties.

"Reciprocity treaties can be negotiated and put into operation without disturbing the business interests. And our manufacturers are benefited accordingly. In my district there are a number of tanneries. and the tanners want hides placed on the free list. And they should be on the free list. but when I explained that the revenue from hides was needed for war purposes the tanners, who are patriotic citizens, made no complaint. But if there should be any change made in the tariff schedules then I shall insist on free hides.

"If, as I say. there should be any tariff legislation next winter. you may depend on it that every interest will demand a hearing and business will suffer accordingly. including the tanners. If I remember aright, the tariff on hides was placed in the Dingley bill at the instance of ex-Senator Peffer of Kansas, Just how it has benefited the tanners I am unable to say. I think it a pretty safe guess that there will be no tariff legislation next Congress

Asked to name the most likely man the Republicans would nominate for President in 1904, Representative Vreeland said it was too far in advance to discuss Presidential candidates. Just now. however. Governor Odell. in his opinion. had the call. Governor Odell. he said, had made a splendid executive officer. and the rank and file in New York were with him. The Governor. he said, would undoubtedly be renominated and re-elected next year. and that would make him a formidable candidate for President in 1904.