The rank and file of the Democeat majority in Congress
have revolted against their leaders, in the interest of Free-trade. Those leaders wished to elect litr. Randall as Speaker of the House, but at a previous meeting or 'caucus, the Western and Southern Members gave 106 votes to Mr. Carlisle, the Ken- tuckian Free-trader, while Mr. Randall only received 56. Mr. Carlisle was consequently elected; and it is believed that the Democrat party is inclined to make Free-trade its cry during the election for the Presidency next year. So great has been the agitation, that immediate legislation against the Tariff was feared ; and the Eastern Democrats, who are Protectionists, formed themselves into a group to resist serious reductions. As the Senate is still Protectionist, and the President Re- publican, nothing important can be done; but the weight of the West and South will probably overbear all resistance. The planters and farmers are growing weary of paying immense prices in order to make the fortunes of manufacturing corpora- tions, which have persuaded their artisans that without Protec- tion wages must inevitably go down. The struggle will probably be severe, but that it should begin is hopeful, both parties having hitherto avoided this issue.
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