Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-02-14
Democratic Caucus.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 10.


The third meeting of the Democratic caucus
of the House of Representatives was held at
the Capitol last night. Mr.. Jones, of Tenn.
occupied the chair and Messrs. Jenkins of
Va. and Pendleton, of Ohio, acting as Sec
retaries.
Mr.. Phelps, of Md introduced a series of
resolutions to the following effect. That the
temporary necessities of the Government
should be met by an extension of the law
authorizing the issue aud reissue of Treasury
notes for period of two years, that the APP
preparation bills ought to be acted on as
speedily as possible. that the expenses of the
government ought to be reduced 10 the lowest
point consistent with the wants of an econo-
mieal administration of the government.
Mr.. Phelps argued briefly the necessity and
importance of immediate action to avert the
necessity for an extra session.
Mr.. Crawford. of GA, proposed the follow
ing as substitute for Mr.. Phelps's resolu-
tions:
Resoiued. That it is inexpedient and I'M
necessary to disturb the tariff of 1857
ReSO(ued, That the temporary necessities of
the government should be met by reissue of
treasury notes.
Resolved That the President be requested to
eonyene the Cabinet and submit to them
the estimates heretofore presented, for the
purpose of ascertaining what deduction is
practicable.
Mr.. Crawford made speech in advocacy
of his proposition.
Mr.. Hatch. of New York desired firth r
information on the subject before he would
be prepared to vote.
Mr.. Dewart, of Pennsylvania, said that he
did not expect, when he came here that the
tariff question would be introduced and
desired to know whether any one would be
considered as bound by the action of the
caucus.
Mr.. Heiliy, of Pennsylvania, spoke to the
same effect. He was a Democrat and wanted
gentlemen from the South to understand that
there were Democrats from his section of the
Union. Ii the action of the caucus was 10 be
binding on all present, he should object and
beg leave quickly to retire.
Mr.. Stephens. of Georgia, thought it very
proper that the tariff question should be con-
sdrred: it was of great national concern.
The tariff act of lS47 ought not to be dis
turbed.
MIR. Kunkel, of Maryland, proposed as a
substitute for Mr.. Crawford's resolutions a
series declaring that the necessities of the
government ought TO be supplied by an in
crease of the tariff OF 1858: that the amount
to be raised under such a revision ought not
TO exceed more than siXty-iiye millions of dol
lars and that the revision should be on the
principle of the tariff of 1916.
Mr.. Sckles gave notice of his intention to
offer a resolution providing that a committee
he appointed by this caucus to confer with q
similar committee on the part of the Senate
caucus TO take into consideration the proper
manner practicable for reducing the ex-
pendtures of the government. He urged the
Importance of harmony as essential to the
success of the Democratic party, arguing that
they should have common ground on which
to stand.
L
intention to offer a resolution declaring that
the Democratic party ought to adhere to its
ancient policy of tariff strictly for revenue,
that a tariff calculated to raise $40 900 900
could not he arranged on the basis of an eX-
penditure of sos 600 600, and that it is the
duty of all honest men, without distinction
of party, to unite on an ad ,ustment such as
would benefit the country.
Mr.. Clay, of KY, said that he was not pre-
sent to dictate to the Democratic party. Not
| long ago he was called only yearling De
nocrat and he was of course but little more
than two year old now, but he wished to
say that the question of the tariff was above
ali parties. one in which the interests of the
entire country is concerned, therefore he
hoped il would be al usted in accordance with
this sentiment.
Mr.. McRae. of Miss, gave notice of the
introduction of resolution laying down a
certain fundamental constitutional principle.
and proposing to instruct the Committee oil
Ways and Means, as the sense OF the caucus,
to report a bill levying the taxes.
Mr. Boyce, of 5. c., said thatit was evident
that there must b. an increase of the revenue
or decrease of the expenditures, therefore
he thought the only security for economy
would be the presence OF the gatherer OF
direct taxes
Mr. Owen Jones. of Pa. was in favor of a
change in the tariff H. spoke of its impor-
lance to Pennsylvania. He woulu not be
satisfied without some reasonable adjust
ment.
Mr.. Stewart of Md, favored an increase OF
the customs and. especially taxing articles on
the free list of the present tariff.
Mr.. Seward. of Ga, thought il was i'm
possible for the government To be carried on
with less expenditures than is now estimated
and that the only solution of the difficulty
was in the restoration either temporary or
permanently of the tariff of 1916.
Mr. Cavanaugh, of Min, moved ineffcct-
ually to lay the whole subject on the table
und T the operation of the previous qu stion.
Mr.. Kunkefs resolutions were rejected
Ayes 10, noes not counted.
Mr.. CIaWford's first resolution that it was
inexpedient and unnecessary to disturb the
tariff was rejccted--yeas u, nays IS, some
members present not voting.
Mr.. Crawford then withdrew his two res
olntions hy unanimous consent.
Mr.. Sickles' resolutions, mentioned in the
commencement Of this report, were adopted
by large majority. The caucus then adj
jOurned.