Wilson Bill Passes The House

On last Thursday the Wilson bill passed the house of representatives imid scènes of enthusiasm rarely ivitnessed even in that mercurial body, and by a vote so decisivé as to istonish its most sanguine adhersnts. The debate was closed by three of the ablest men in the house, ex-Speaker Reed for the republicans and Speaker Crisp and William L. Wilson, chairman of the ways and means committee, for the democrats. VVhen Mr. Wilson closed his plea for the bill with these strong words: "The roll cali on this bill will be the roll of honor, the roll of freedom, and, in the name of honor, in the name of freedon, I summon every democratie member of this house to answer to the cali," a most remarkable scène was enacted. A wave of flame ran over the crowdec floor, and a thunderstorm of applause burst from the galleries, anc shouts and cheers went up from al sides, and in a moment the speakei was seized and hoisted on the shoulders of his enthusiastic fol lowers and borne in triumph down the isle while the shouts and cheers redoubled. Nothing like it has ever before been enacted upon the floor of the house. Finally, when quiet had been restored, the bailo was taken and resul ted in a majority of 64 for the bill, more than doublé what was expected. Taking into consicleration the difficulties that have had to be met, this victory is one of the most notable in our history. For thirty years the Republicans have been engaged in building up the so-called protective system whereby nearly every interest, be it general, special or local, was given a certain amount of government pap. When the time came to undo all this vicious work, the majonty in Congress found itself confronted by all these interests clamoring for a continuance of government aid. But in spite of all this opposition' and the hard times brought about by Republican extravagance and lyingly charged to the fear of tari ff reform for the purpose of influencing public sentiment against any change, the Democratie majority in the House of Representatives has boldly and loyally redeemed ts platform pledges of 1892. The House has done its full duty and is worthv the commendation ''well done good and faithful servant." It has completely "nocked out" the odious subsidy and bounty system, placed raw materials upon the free list, done away with so-called reciprocity, largely red uced the laxes on necessaries and increased those on luxuries, and placed a tax upon incomes whereby the accumulated wealth of he country will be compelled to jay its due share towards maintainng the government. The introducion of this principie into the scheme of federal taxation is alone sufïïcient o entitle the majority to the lasting esteem of the toiling masses. The democratie majority in the House has nobly redeemed its pledges and the party and the country are to be congrattilated. Now let the Senate go and do likewise.