The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-02
THE LATEST NEWS.
AFFAIRS At THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
THE TARIFF QUESTION.

THE TARIFF QUESTION.
Proceedings OF . Democratic Caucus OF Mem
beers OF Congrcss-Disagreemcnt Among
the democracy, &c.
wAsaNaTos, Fob. 1, 1859.
democratic caucus was held To- night John Coch-
rane acted AZ Chairman, and Messrs. Rufn and Cava-
naugh ss secretaries Mr.. vaandgham had been nomi-
mated for secretary but he declined saying the call for
the caucus had not been submitted the Ohio delegation
at whose instance he had here 10 ascertain tho
character Of the proceedings About ny members were
present, principally from the South but including two
from New York, TWO from Minnesota one from Ohio and
FIVE from illinois,
Mr.. Mulsox, Of Virginia, said he was unwilling TO be
bound by the action of the the House Of Repro
senatives was the proper place for action. He offered
resolutions declaring inexpeden 70 disturb the present
tariff, and against protection or specific duties.
Mr.. PHELPS Of Missouri said he opposed specific
duties and protection Of any FORM He for modi-
aca,ion of tariff for purposes to meet the
demands OF the Treasury and remarked that there should
be a retrepchment In the expenditures
Mr. BARKsDAIE Of Mississippi, opposed to all duties,
and favored free trade and direct taxation.
Mr.. MILES, of South Carolina, spoke to the effect
Mr.. rEwARr, Of Maryland, did not know that he was
properly present under the CALL as he was in fave
one was not perfect and that change might be made
with advantage 10 the country.
Mr. CRAWFORD read the CALL which invited to the caucus
all members opposed protection specific duties He
said signed by many gentlemen now present, and
the understanding that all democrats were invited to
attend.
Mr.. HousroN, Of Alabama, thought differently He was
willing TO confer with those only who were opposed TO
protection and specific dues and did not care 10 attend
meeting Of gentlemen entertaining various opinions for
conference.
Mr. MoRRs, Of Illinois, wanted the Chairman Of the Com
mittce Ways and Means to answer whether the COM
mtsee intend to report any tariff BILL and 30, Of what
characterS
Mr. PHzrs replied that he could answer for himself He
disposed to report bill modifying the tariff in order
10 Increase the Of the country but had to in
form the gentleman that the committee had come to
dead lock.
Mr. NORRIS suggested TO Mr.. Phelps that he prepare
bill and submit at the adjourned Getting for considers
ton.
his gave rise to expressions Of good humor
Mr.. GARNET opposed modification Of the tariff, and
alluded TO the fact that the present expenses of govern
ment were more than necessary. He considered 1t the
duty Of the democratic party to naugurate system Of
retrenchent and REFORM and offered resolution for
appointment Of committee of five to report by
ro0uCeus
Mr. LAxAR, Of Mississippi opposed to specific du.
es He thought high time that the democratic party
define It's position the tariff that the present law
should have fair trial.
Mr.. STEPHENS, Of Georgia, said when he first entered
Congress- In 1913 the expenses Of tho government
only twenty millions per The country had gone
through the expensive Mexican war, with sixty
three thousand soldiers in the field, for Hfty.
three millions, and now, in time Of peace, the
estimates were seventy-three millions. Many expend-
lures were wholly unnecessary, and reform was indis
pensably needed. he believed forty millions album
dance for the national expense He therefore opposed
70 increase Of dues and said the expenditures should
be brought within the present receipts.
Mr.. CRAwyoRD, Of Georgia, offered series Of resolu
tons substitute FOR Mr. GArnets which the latter &C.
copied
First That u IL inexpedent TO disturb the tariff Of 1867.
Second. That committee Of i've be appointed TO report
1t tho next caucus means BY which the Of the
governments Dc reduced.
Mr.. CRAWFORD believed and advised at the Treasury
Department that the simple extension Of the Treasury
Note law for two years. and authorizing the reissue
ofhe nearly twenty millions redeemabs next July would
be sufficient 10 relieve the treasury
Mr.. TArroR Of Louisiana expressed himself strongly
against any decided action at the present time he be-
leved that was due to the democratic party and the
country 70 postpone proceedings until general meeting Of
tho democrats Of the House could be called to consider the
resolutions.
Mr. STEWART, Of Maryland, made an Intellectual motion
to table them.
Mr. Reagan, OF Texas, Mr.. Phelps, Of Missouri, Mr.
Crage of North Carolina and others participated h the
debate.
Tho resolutions finally we're adopted nearly unani
morsly.
Mr. GEORGE TAYLOR opposed to this action at this
time. Ho thought premature and calculated 70 place
gentlemen in q false position before the country
He vas unwilling to bind himself by the pro-
ceedings Of this caucus, representing, as IL did,
less than half the democratic members Of the House.
he therefore moved 10 reconsider the by which the
resolutions were adopted, with view to have the motion
entered that they might be called up for consideration
at the next meeting.
On motion Of Mr.. Burnett. the caucus adjourned till
Saturday.
A general invitation will, IL understood, in the
DO extended TO all democratic members Of the
House.
Our Special WashlngtOn Despatch.
THE TARrPF AND LOAN QuRsTIoNs-THB DEMO-
CRATIC CAUCUs-OR0 ANIzArIoN or NEW TERRI
T0RIKs-THR FRENCH eP0fLArf0N BrLL,-rHH
PRINTING INVESTIGATION, ETC., ETC.
WASHINGTON, Feb. I, 1850
democratic was held In the hall OF the House
this evening-Mr CochFape Ia the chair, and Mr. Rua2n
Of North Carolina, and Mr.. Csvanaugh Of Minnesota,
secretaries. There were between y and sixty present
free conversation was had among members, soms
adherng to the present tariff without change others con-
sutps the possible future necessity Of increase Of reve
nue. 10 deay the expenses ohe and pro-
posing reenchment Of expenditures the proper remedy
loan by government for liz relief met with general ap-
probation but no seemed impressed with the proba-
blity Of its being carried . separate proposition
Mr. Mson, Of Va, offered resolutions against disturb
ing the tariff and in favor Of ad vaorem duties but no
vote was had.