The Athena Press

The report from Washington that republican congressmen have found themselves embarrassed by the tariff debate, is not surprising. The republicans are in fact said to feel little enthusiasm over the new tariff, although forced to defend it. No tariff legislation, at least of such far-reaching magnitude and consequences, was needed at this time, and none should have been undertaken. The whole problem—which in its essence is an economical and not a party problem—should have been left to a non-partisan commission. The democratic congressmen knew this and the republicans are finding it out. The high tariff now under consideration makes no appeal except to class interest, and alienates mass support. Both the farmers and the workingmen are quite well aware that it will be of little material benefit to them, while it will increase the fortunes already swollen of protected interests. It remains to be seen whether these interests will be able to insure retention of control by the republican party in spite of general mass dissatisfaction over conditions as they now exist and as they are likely to exist, despite the new tariff. The G.O.P. has made its bid to the moneyed interests and not to the common people. The latter, however, have the votes.