August 5, 1993

American steelmakers, stunned by a Federal commission's ruling last week that eliminated many tariffs on imported steel and knocked $1.1 billion off the value of their stocks in 90 minutes, began a broad campaign this week to reverse the decision. Led by major companies like the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the LTV Steel Company and the USX Corporation, the domestic industry is putting pressure on Congress, the White House and the Federal panel, the International Trade Commission.

One of the seven Senate Democrats who have opposed President Clinton's $500 billion budget package changed his mind today, converting a shaky bet that the package will squeeze through the Senate on Friday into something close to an odds-on favorite. Close, but not absolute. Today's decision by Senator Dennis DeConcini of Arizona to support the measure places 49 Democratic senators solidly behind the package, and there are strong hopes in the White House that one past Democratic supporter -- Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska -- will not decide to break ranks.

Early on this Sunday morning, hundreds of people swarmed like lemmings on the shore of Candlewood Lake and, at a signal, rushed in. Across the smooth still lake, their arms flailed the water like a hard rain. The manic swimmers, competitors in a mini-triathlon, quickly passed. The waters calmed. But for how long? At rest at Candlewood's docks and moorings were some 4,400 boats. Hundreds more were on their way on trailers, on the highways that make Connecticut's largest lake a 90-minute drive from New York City.

IT'S kind of like the Garden of Eden with soap and a towel, maybe a fluffy robe. The Great Outdoors crossed with a clean motel. If it isn't original sin, it feels like it could be: a stream of water falling through the air, like the warm voice of a snake. It's outdoors when it's supposed to be indoors, and one never forgets that fact. The unlicensed thrill is as fresh as the water, every time.

The Economy Neither flood nor rain nor searing drought is choking off the nation's modest economic recovery. The 12 Federal Reserve banks reported that economic activity in most districts continued to grow "slowly to moderately" in June and the first half of July. [ Page D1. ] The decision by Senator Dennis DeConcini of Arizona to support President Clinton's budget turns a shaky bet that the package will pass the Senate into something close to a lock. [ A1. ]