The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-02-11
The Tariff-The Democratic Party.


The Washington !Sin,"s publishes the follow.
Ing account of the proceedings of the caucus
OF inc Democratic members Of the House OF
Representatives, in relation to the tariff which
presents cheering view of the integrity OF
the party, and its rigid adherence to the
principles Of free trade:
Pursuant to cnl read by the Clerk of the
House nt the adjournment yesterday. n caucus
composed of members opposed to n modfica
tion Of the tariff, assembled last night in the
Honse ofRepreaentativcs. About Fl ftv members
chiefly from tho Southern States wer. present.
The whole Democratic delegation from Illinois
was present, ns were two members from Mime
sofa, one from Ohio, and two from New York
No member from Pennsylvania was in atten.
dance. :
Mr. j. Coehrauc. ofNcw York, was called to
the Chair. and Mcssrs. Cnvanaugh. Of Mime
sofa, and Ruftin, Of North Carolina, were ap-
pointed Secretaries.
Mr.. Milson. of Virginia, said that he was
not inclined t" be bound by the action of the
caucus. lie thought that the House was the
proper place for settling the question.
Mr.: Garnett. of Virginia, offered resolution
appointing Il committee Of five to take in to
consideration the sui, icct Of rctrcnclment and
reform in the expenditures ofthe Government,
and declaring against modification Of the
sarifr
Mr.. Stewart, of Maryland, said that he was
not satisfied tllath he could properly attend the
caucus. lie was now, and had always been in
favor Of judicious tariff, for purposes Of sutli.
cient revenue.
Mr. Crawford, of Georgia. read the call I'M.
der which the caucus hal assembled. All op-
posed to change III the tariff, were invited to
attend, but 1t was understood that all Demo-
CRATES were welcome, whatever might be their
opinions on the subject under discussion.
Mr. II Houston, Of Alabama was not inclined
attend nal Ir ma in.r .,Fs 4
Those present fully represented the force and
oPin!on OF those opposed to n change in the
tariff.
Messrs. Barks''alc, Of Mississippi, and Miles.
OF South Carolina. declared themselves opposed
to any modification Of the tariff. They
pledged TO and in favor Of free trade and dl.
rect taxation
Mr. Lamar of Mississippi. opposed change
III the thrift, and though the time had come
when 1t was necessary for the Democratic par.
ty to take decided position on the subject.
Mr. stephens, OF Georgia, said when
he hrst entered Congress in 1913, the cx.
pcnses OF the Government were only twenty
millions Per annum. The country had rome
through the expensive Mexican war. with six
three thousand soldiers in the field, for fifv.
three millions. ana now, in TING of PEACE the
estimate were scvcn.thrce millions. Many cx.
pendltures were wholly unnecessary, an re-.
form was indi>pcnsablv needed lie believed
fort'' millions an abundance for the national
ca. Sc. lie was therefore opposed to an in.
crease of duties. ana said the expenditures
should be brought within The present receipts.
OLE. Morris. of Illinois, asked the Chairman
if the Committee Of Ways and Means had come
TO a dead lock" and there was little hope of
the committee reporting bill which would
find favor with the House
Mr. Crawford. Of Ga, thought, from infor.
nation derived at the Treasury Department.
that sufficient relief Ia the Government might
be afforded by extending the treasury note law
Of 1855 for one or two years, authorizing the
go 900 now outstanding to DC re issued
lie submitted two resolutions rs a substitute.
for that Of Mr. Garnctt, of Va. first, that it is
iuexpedicnt to modify the tariff; secondly, that
acommlttce of five be appointed to report at
an adjourned meeting mode by which the pub
lie expenditures can be materially reduced
These r. r.solu,ions were adopted almost unan
mously Messrs. Phelps. of Minnesota. Taylor,
ofNew York, Tay lor, Of louisiana, and others
participated in the discussion.
We understand that the caucus adjourned
until Saturday neXt.