New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-02-02

To the Associated Press
WAsHIsGros Tuesday, Feb. I, 1859.
A Democratic caucus was held tonight. John
Cochrane acted as Chairman, and Messrs. Rafin and
Cavapnah as Secretaries. Mr.. yalandighsm had
been nominated for Secretary but he declined saying
the call for the caucus had been sub nited to the
Ohio Delegation at whose instance be had cone here
TO ascertain the character Of the proceedings About
Fifty members were present, principally from TN, the
South but including two from Newfo Two from
Mnnesota, one from Ohio and five from Illinois.
Mr.. AIillson VA said he was unwilling to be
bound by the action Of tue caucus-the House Oh hs
representatives. was the proper place iGr ecuoa.
offered resolutions declaring neIpedient to disturb
the present tariff, and against protection OF speo'hc
duties. 80,
Mr.. Phelps Mol said be was opposed 10 specific
duties and protection Of any form. lie was Tor moii-
cation of the tariff for revenue purposes 10 meet inc
demands Of the Treasury, and remarked that 'nero
should be retrenchment in tie expenditures, -
Mr.. Bsrksdale tMissJ was opposed to all
duties and favored free trade and direct tax alton.
Mr.. Mills IS. ca spoke to tn same OBJECT.
Mr.. Stewart Maryland did not know that he was
properly present under the call az he was in faver OK
judicious tariff for revenue. He thought tn st the
present one was not perfect and that change might
BE- made with advantage to the country.
Mr.. Crawford read the CALL which invited to the
caucus all Members opposed TO protection and sPe-
cite duties. He said It signed by many gentle.
men now present and the understanding vas tina. all
Democrats were invited To attend. -
Mr. Houston thought differently. He was willing
to confer with those only who were opposed 20 Pfo,
lection and specific duties, and did not care 10 seno
meeting Oi gentlemen entertaining 'aAioa' oPi'""
for conference. <.,c
Mr.. Morris Iul wanted the Chairman OF the Com
mtttee on Ways and Means To answer whetnet tno
Committee intend to report any lam OH, ana u SO
OF what character. . l.,r
Mr. PHELPS replied that he could answer for himssn
He was disposed to report bill modifying tue tsnn IN
order to increase the revenue OF the country, o' no
had TO inform the gentleman that the co"u''sse ASA
come 10 q dead lock.
Mr.. Morris rugeested 10 Mr. Phelps that he prepare
bill and submit ], 1t the adjourned meeting TOT S"a
sideration
This gave rise TO expressions Of good hunor.
Mr. Garpett opposed a modification OF the tanz, snd
alluded to the fact that the present expenses W 80
Government were more than necessary ne oo~
scered il the duty of the Democratic party 10 mSnsu
rate system of retire rchmeat and REFORM and orfen
q resolution for the appointment OF Con'ss .s "a
Five to report nsars by which the expenses " W"
Government csn be reduced. L..
Mr. Lamar (M.ss) was opposed 70 speclne uu.s
He thought il high time that the Dernocis,s 10y
defined its position on the Tam, ana tAas 'no Pe
law should have fair uAl. 90 -
Mr.. Stephens Ca sad be frat entered Csoges - ~.
lSia TIE expenses % the Government were ~
go go 600 per annum The country ssa gone n.
the exper Give Mexican war with o3 ~ -.
fsld for e3 60 OOo and row, IN time "a PeeSe, 'as
s.,imates ware seventy three millions Many s1pepd-
ture, we're wholly unnecessary. and reform vas indr
rsnsablv needed. He believed forty niAoos "a
shundanes for the national expense. lie Vas tneiv
fors onnosed 10 IN increase u duties, and snd ~
expendasres should b brought within the pro'~N
Mr. crawford Gal ofereds series Of resolution, y
a substitute for Mr.. Garnetts, which the Ia"H so'
Frs. That it is inerpediert to disturb TIE TsnH
| Of 1851. ,...,,aA