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.

beers or Congrcss-Disag Among
th. democracy, &c.
WAsHNaToS, Fob. 1, 1859.
democratic was held TO night John Coch-
raue acted as Chairman and Messs. Runin and Cava-
naugh us secretaries. Mr. vaand,gham had been nomi-
mated for secretary but be declined saying the call
the caucus had not been submitted the Ohio delegation
at whose instance he had here 10 ascertain tho
character of the proceedings About fifty members we're
present, principally from the South, but including two
from New York, two from Minnesota one from Ohio and
five from Illinois.
Mr. MuIsoN, Of Virginia, said he was unwilling to be
bound by the action of the the House Of Repre-
senatives the proper place for action. He offered
resolutions declaring nexpeden 70 disturb the present
tariff, and against protection or specific duties.
Mr.. PHELPS OF Missouri said he opposed to specific
duties and protection Of any form He for modi-
hcation of tariff for purposes, meet the
demands Of the Treasury and remarked that there should
be a retrenchment in the expenditures.
Mr. BARKsDAIs Of Mississippi opposed TO all duties,
and favored free trade and direct taxation.
Mr.. MILES, of South Car0lna, spoke TO the same effect
Mr.. TEwARr, Of Maryland, did not know that he was
properly present under the CALL as no in favor Of
judcious tariff for He thought that 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
all members opposed protection and specific duties. He
said it signed by many gentlemen present, and
the understanding that all democrats invited to
attend.
Mr.. Houston, Of Alabama, thought differently He was
willing to confer with those only who were opposed to
protection and specific dutes and did not 10 attend
meeting of gentlemen entertaining various opinions for
conference.
Mr. NORRIS of Illinois, wanted the Chairman Of the Com
mittee Ways and Means to answer whether the COM
mittee intend to report any tariff bill, and 80, Of what
character
Mr. PHELPS replied that he could answer for himself He
was disposed to report bill modifying the tariff in order
increase the Of the country but had to in
form the gentleman that the committee had to
dead lock.
Mr.. MORRIS suggested to Mr. Phelps that he prepare
bill and submit it at the adjourned Getting for consdera-
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 the
ment than necessary. He considered it the
duty Of the democratic party to naugurate system Of
rerenchment and reform and offered resolution for the
appointment Of committee of five TO report means by
which the expenses of government can be reduced.
Mr.. LAMAR, Of Mississippi was opposed to specific du-
ties. He thought high time that the democratic party
define its position the tariff and that the present law
should have fair trial.
Mr.. STEPHENS Of Georgia, said when he first entered
Congress in 1s43 the expenses Of the
only twenty millions per annum 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 seventy-three millions Many expendi.
lures wholly unnecessary, and reform indis
pensaby needed. He believed forty millions an album.
dance for the national expense He therefore opposed
to an increase Of duties and said the expenditures should
be brought within the present receipts
Mr. CRAWFORD, Of Georgia. offered series OF reeolu-
tons substitute for Mr. Garnes which the latter &C.
copied
First That is nexpedient to disturb the tariff Of 1857
Second. That committee Of I've be appointed report
at the next caucus means by which the of tho
government Can be reduced.
Mr. CRAWFORD believed and was advised at the Treasury
Department that the simple extension Of the Treasury
Note law for or two years. and authorizing the reissue
Of the nearly twenty millions rcdcemable next July would
be sufficient to relieve the treasury.
Mr. TAYLOR, Of Louisiana, expressed himself strongly
against any decided action at the present time He be-
eved that due to the democratic party and the
country TO postpone proceedings until general meeting Of
the democrats Of the House could be called 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 b the
debate.
The resolutions finally we're adopted nearly unani-
mously
Mr. GEORGE TAYLOR opposed to this action at this
time. He thought IL premature and calculated 10 place
gentlemen in false position before the country.
He was unwilling to bind himself by the pro-
ceedings of this caucus, representing, il did,
less than half the democratic members Of the House.
he therefore moved TO reconsider the vote by which the
resolutions 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 is understood, in the
meantime DO extended all democratic members Of the
House.
Our Special Washington Despatch.
THE TARIFF AND LOAN QUEsTIONs-THE DEMO-
CRATIC CAUCUs-ORoANIzATIoN OF NEW TERRI
TORIEs-THE FRENCH sPOILATION BILL-rHE
PRINTING INVESTIGATION, ETC., ETC.
WASHINGTON, Feb 1, 1850.
democratic caucus held In the hall OF the House
this evening Cochrane in the chair, and Mr.. Run,
Of North Carolina, and Mr. Cavanaugh, Of Minnesota,
secretaries. There between fifty and sixty present
A free conversation was had among members, some
adborng to the present tariff without change others con-
cutting the possible future necessity Of increase Of
To deay the expenses ofhe government and
posing reenchment Of expenditures the proper remedy
loan by government for its relief met with general ap
probation; but seemed impressed with the proba
bity Of it's being carried separate proposition.
Mr. Mison, Of Va, offered resolutions against disturb
ing the tariff and in favor of al vaorem duties no
vote was had.
vote taken expressing the opinions OF those pre-
sent against changing the present tariff and calling an
adjourned meeting Of the for all democrats, with
out distinction, next Saturday evening.
The IL regarded rather O failure on tho part
of the section DESTROYS Of endorsing the action Of the
Senate caucus
Mr. Macay signed the call for the this evening
The was called Of those opposed to specific and pro-
tective duties. As Mr. Macay holds the controlling
the Committee Ways and Means II is probable no may