The case was, therefore, a signal illustration of the way in which the House has impaired its ability to consider legislation by claiming the exclusive privilege of proposing legislation.

If the rules had allowed the President to propose his measures directly to the House, then the way would have been opened for a substitute or an amendment.

As it was, the House was able to act only upon matters within the control of a few persons advantageously posted, and none of the changes of rules that have been made from time to time have seriously disturbed this fundamental situation.
Notwithstanding the new rules adopted in December, 1885, nothing of importance was accomplished by the House.

On February 15, 1886, William R.Morrison introduced a tariff bill making a moderate reduction in rates of duty, which, after considerable amendment in the committee of ways and means, was reported to the House on the 12th of April; but no further action was taken until the 17th of June, when Morrison moved that the House go into committee of the whole to consider the bill.
Thirty-five Democrats voted with the Republicans against the motion, which was defeated by 157 nays to 140 yeas.

No further attempt was made to take up the bill during that session, and in the ensuing fall Morrison was defeated as a candidate for reelection.