The leaders of both parties in America appear to be
most unwilling to act decisively on the recent popular verdict. The Republicans are professing readiness to yield as regards the duties on tin-plates and wool, but will resist all other changes ; while the Democrats say they must give the great " interests " -concerned time to prepare for a change. It is possible, there- fore, that even if an Extra Session is called in April, nothing very important will be done as regards the Tariff until the Session of 1894. It should be remembered, however, that the Democrats have still to win three or four seats in the Senate before they control that body ; that they are busily " con- ciliating " voters in the States concerned ; and that, if they win them, they may think it time to display a little less "moderation." As respects silver, the tone on all sides is much more resolute. The Treasury is alarmed as well as the people at the possible deficit and the outflow of gold, and it is believed that, as the Monetary Conference in Brussels has broken down, the Act which compels the purchase of fifty-four million ounces of silver annually may be repealed at once. The " silver kings " will fight desperately in dread of lower prices ; but there is clearly a popular movement against these huge purchases ; and before a popular movement in America, the "interests" struggle in vain.
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