merchants brought so much stuff into the country before the bill went
into effect, that they have not needed to get fresh supplies so far. In
short, they claim the Dingley Bill needs a longer trial.

The enemies of the measure point out that, as a means of providing an
income for the Government, the Dingley Bill has been a failure.

We told you about the discussion as to the exact hour at which the bill
became a law.

The question is not as yet settled.

The importers, if you remember, declared that the bill only became a law
from the exact hour it was signed; the Government insists that it was a
law from early morning of the day on which it was signed.

Seventy-three importers have protested against paying duty for all day
July 24th, because the bill was not signed until six minutes past four
in the afternoon.

It is expected that a final decision will be given shortly, which will
put an end to the disagreement.

* * * * *

Side by side with the fact that there is not enough money in the
treasury to meet the country's expenses, the armor-plate question has
come into prominence once more.

The naval officers and experts are all crying out against the folly of