The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1859-02-12
THE TARIFF CAUCMS.

THE TARIFF CAUCMs
WASHINGTON, Feb "A caucus of Democratic mem
bers of the House who are opposed to protective
tariff was held last night Mr.. John Cochranc, OF New
York, and Mr.. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, acting as
Secretaries About fifty members were present. prin-
cpally from the South. OF the North, two were from
New York, two from Min one from Ohio and five
from iii. ~
Mr. Nilsson, of Va, said he was unwilling to be
bound ty the actien Of the caucus. The House was
the proper place for action. He offered series of
resolutions declaring 90 be inexpedient to disturb
the present tariff and against protection or specie
duties.
and protection In any form, but in favor of a
modification Of the tariff for purposes to meet
THE demands efthereaspry. lie remarked that there
should he rctrcnchnento of expenditures.
MI Naandingham, of Ohio, had been nominated
for Secretary. but declined, saying that the call for
caucus had not been submitted to the Ohio delegation
at whose instance he had come here ascertain the
character Of the proceedings.
Mr.. Barksdalc, of Miss. was opposed to all duties
he favored free trade and direct taxation,
Mr. Miles Carolina spoke to the same effect
Mr.. Stewart, OF Nd. did not know whether ho was
properly present nder the CALL he was In favor OF
judcious tariff for revenue purposes. He thought
the present tariff was not perfect and that change
might be made to the advantage Of the country.
Mr. Crawford. Of Ga, read the call which invited
to the caucus all members Of the House of Reprcsen
tatvcs who were opposed to protection and specific
dnties but the understanding was that all democrats
were invited to attend.
Mr. Houston, of Alabama thought differently. He
was willing to confer with those only who were op.
posed to protective and specific duties, and he did
not to attend the meeting Of gentlemen entertain
ing varied opinions for conference.
Mr.. Morris, of Illinois. wanted the chairman of the
committee on Ways and Means, Mr.. Phelps. of Miss
our, to answer whether the committee intended to
report any tariff BILL and IL 50, Of what character
Mr.. Phelps replied that he could answer for him.
self. He was disposed to report bill modifying the
tariff in order to increase the revenue OF the country
but he had to inform the gent that the committee
come to dead lock.
Mr.. Morris suggested to Mr. Phelps to prepare q
bill and submit It at adjourned meeting for con
sderation.
This gave rise to expressions of good humor.
Mr.. Gnnnett opposed the modification ofthc tariff
He alluded to the fact that the present expenses OF
the government were more than necessary. He con-
sdered it the duty of the democratic party to nang-
urate system ofretrenchment and reform. He Offer
cd q resolution for the appointment Of committee
Of five to report on the means by which the expenses
of the government may be reduced.
Mr.. Lamar, OF Miss. was opposed to specific duties
He thought 1t high time for the democratic party to
define its position the tariff, and allow the present
law to have n fair trial
Mr.. Stephens of Ga. said that when he first enter
ed Congress- in lsi3 the expenses of the government
were only S2OOO0.OO0 per annum. The country had
gone through an expensive Mexican war, with 63 900
soldiers in the field, for $4,000 OOC. and now In
time Of peace, the estimates were S73 00O0 00 There
were many expenditures which were wholly unneces
believed that $40 900 900 an abundance for the
national expenses. He was therefore opposed to an
increase Of duties The expenditures should be
brought within the present receipts.
Mr. Crawford OF Ga, offered series Of resolution.
asa subtitute for those offered by Mr.. Granct, which
the latter accepted
The first resolution declares il incxpedient to dis
turb the tariff of 1851.
The second provides for the appointment of com
mtee of five to report at the next meeting of the
Gus the means by which The expense Of the Govern
ment can he reduced.
Mr.. Crawford believed, and was advised TO that Of
feet at the Treasury Department, that the simple eA
tension of the Treasury note law Tor two years, au
thorizng the residue Of notes for nearly $50 OOC
which are redeemable next July, would I've suiicien
TO relScvc the Treasury.
Mr.. Taylor, Of La, expressed himself strongl
against any decided action al the present time. II
believed it to be the duty Of the Democratic party
the country to postpone further proceedings until
general meeting ofthe Democrats ofthc House ecoul
be called TO consider the resolutions.
Mr. Stewart. Of Nd, made an Intellectual effort
table the resolutions
Messrs. Regain, Phelds, of Mimi. Craige. of Nor,
Carolina, and others, participated in the debate.
The resolutions were then adopted by nearly q
unanimous vote.
Mr. Taylor, of New York. was opposed to the
proceedings at this time He believed il prematur
and calculated to place gentlemen in false positic
before The country. lie was unwilling to bind hin
self by the proceedings of this caucus, representa-
as it did less than one-half Of tho Democratic mer
the vote by which the resolutions were adopted wi
the view to have the motion entered. so that thu
might be called up for consideration at the ne
meeting.
On motion of Mr.. Burnett, of Kentucky the cauc,
adjourned till Saturday next
A general invitation will in the meantime, it is sal
be extended to all the Democratic members of Il
House to be present at the next meeting.
from WAsIIINGToS. WASHINGTON, Feb 2.-Mil
Taylor, of Louisiana to-day. attempted to introdu,
into the House a substitute for the thirty million bill
1t authorizes the Presidsnt to negotiate for the pu
chase Of Cuba, for price not exceeding an hnndre
and twenty millions of dollars and empower the i
'ecutive, whenever Spain has ratified such treaty
issue five per cent. bonds for the payment of the pu
chase money, in six equal nstamens, within thir
years. 1t also provides that when Cuba is acquire
she shall be Immediately created into State al
come into the Union by virtue of this act with fo
representatives, until the next succeeding appoir
ment OF the representation. This proposition is k
" to command the snnnort Of the strict State Rnh