Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-02-18
From the Washington Union, 10th inst.

We are informed that the Caucus of the Democratic
Members of the House of Representatives held last even
ing in the Hall of the House of Representatives,
fully attended upwards of seventy gentlemen being pres
ent. . . ..-ts i ..-....... rs - Ft.
Mr. George w Jones, of Tennessee was chosen Chair
man. and Messers Pendeton of Ohio and jenkins of Vir
gnia were chosen Secretaries.
Mr. Phelps, of Missouri, offered the following resolu
tions: ...... go ..
ResoUe ed 1st That the Treasury law ought to be
tended I'd That speedy action ought to be had the ap
ment ought to be reduced much possible consistently
with the interests of the public service.
Mr. Crawford of Georgia, offered as a substitute for
the resolutions OF Mr. Phelps the following ~
Resolred ls That nexpedient alter the Tariff law
of 1857 3D. That the Treasury-note law be extended
and 3d. That the President call his Cabinet together and
certain how the expenses be reduced.
Mr.. Dewart, of Pennsylvania, inquired how far gen.
emen present were to consider themselves bound by the
action of the Caucus. ...s.F -..-.. f
Mr.. Reilly, of Pennsylvania, said he had supposed,
from what he had heard that the subject of the tariff
would not be introduced into this caucus ftAS I.
Mr.. Stephens, of Georgia, was of the opinion that
this council of friends in which the discussion of
any question was legitimate. He did not think it ne
cessary to disturb the tariff of 1851 but he did not
slider that any action which the might take upon
it would be individually binding upon gentlemen present
He believed that the deficiency in the revenue only
temporary.
Mr. John Cochrane of New York, urged harmo-
ncus action the part of the democratic party. He
was tor rerenchment wherever could be carried out
The true democratic doctrine, in his opinion tariff
for revenue.
Mr. Singleton, of Mississippi, urged retrenchment
| of the expenses of the general government.
Mr. Scott, of California, stated that he did not wish
to commit himself in favor of alteration of the tariff
of 57 yet it necessary he would vote for its in
| crease.
Mr. Whiteley, of Delaware thought that the tariff
ought to be modified. He did not believe the revenue
sufficient to defray the expenses Of the government
He opposed to direct taxes and in favor of ncreaS
ing the tariff rather than resort to a loan.
Mr. Barksdale, of Mississippi expressed himself as de-
cidedly in favor of revenue tariff.
Mr. Smith, of Virginia. advocated retrenchment and
of opinion that ought to be raised by lessen
ing the freelist
Mr. Sckles, of New York, was advocate of perfect
harmony in the democratic party and considered that
the passage OF the resolutions would secure it.
! MIR. Taylor, of louisiana thought that it would be
better provided that it could be done to raise revenue
sufficient to defray current expenses and to pay that
part of the public debt which will fall due in two
years. He was opposed to an extra session.
Mr.. Bowie, Of Maryland, advocated a revenue tariff.
MIR. McRae, OF Mississippi, was in favor of direct
taxation first and Of import duties next to dcray the
expenses of the government and to pay the public debt
in accordance with the eighth section of the first article
of the Constitution Of the United States
Mr.. Boyce, of South Carolina, of opinion that
Congress could do nothing to educe the expenditures Of
the government without the cooperation of the Execu
tive. He was, to extent, in favor Of direct taxa
ton.
Mr.. Clay, of Kentucky, believed that the time was
too short to dust the tariff during the present session
of Congress- and expressed himself in favor of borrowing
money in order to relieve the temporary wants of gov
ernment.
Mr.. Jones, of Pennsylvania, opposed to direct
taxation. He regarded the present tariff highly pro-
tective
Mr.. Stewart, of Maryland thought that the tariff
could and ought to be modified at the present session.
Mr.. Seward, of Georgia, did not believe the govern
ment could be administered for any less than it is
He was in favor of reinstating the tariff Of 1916.
After some general discussion, vote taken on
the resolutions offered by Mr.. Phelps and they were
adopted. The caucus tEen adjourned.