The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-02-23
A SECRET DEMOCRf TIC C4Ucus.
Discussing the Appropriation Biiis and the
Policy OF the Party.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-An informal and
secret caucus Of leading House Democrats was
held to night in the Speakers room to consider
the appropriation bills remaining unfinished
and pending upon tho calendars Of the two
Houses. and particularly the cxpediency Of APP
propriating money to the army under the pres
cnt disturbed state of affairs in Louisiana and
the country at large. Among those who attend
cd were Speaker KnShll. Mr.. Hewitt. Mr..
Springer. Judge Holman Chairman OF Appro-
priations Committee Gen. Banning Of the Mill
tary Committee. Mr.. Lamar. and other South
crn representatives. Louisiana was the theme
OF an earnest and at times excited
discussion. several members fevoring the
Withholding OF money for military support until
the President recognized the Nichols Govern
ment 1t was finally agreed. however. TINT Mr..
Atkins should tomorrow report the Military
Appropriation bill from Nr. Holman's COM
inittce. Tho use OF the army to sustain Hayes
IN case the Democrats should insist upon fair
pay was considered mt some length but Mr..
Hewitt and others urged that the President
would tlnd wny to sustain the army in case ~
c2nilIct GO whether , tho H9qse sranted the money
10 Withhold nm Appropriation on that account.
. Another question discussed was the organza-
tlon oi the new House. II WIS argued that an
early organization would bo decidedly favorable
70 tho Democrats. and that this could be- secured
10y dolHy of two or three Of the appropriation
, during tn" discussions upon these subjects
tha bills were shown by Judg' Holman To be in
about this condition: The Indian bill passed
both Houses. the Senate nmcnlments disagreed
10 by the House, and finally agreed upon in
s2hi.tehcc connitle., the Dill to be reported
by the committee TO the two Houses to-
morrow or Saturday with certain pros
poets Of passing; the Log gslatiyc. Execu-
tive. and Judicial and Post Onlcc hills passed by
BON HOnses, and are to come back 10 the House
WIN important amendments. which arc likely
10 create deadlock between the two Houses
those attached N lp Onion
The Deficiency bill will come TO the House to-
morrow with the Senate amendments recurring
aconierenc9 committee; the Naval bill. having
passed the House. is now before the Senate I;
the Sundry Civil bill. Is now pending before the
House, and trouble is expected from the Senate
amendments; tho West Pon; Militry Acad-
cmy bill is now in the hands OF conference
committee, having gone through both Houses
and the difference between the Houses is so
great TINT unusual trouble Is anticipated
Tho most serious obstacle To- an agreement
between IN" Houses is the subsidy jobs tackled
on the Post ONCE bill max ing AN asgr' gate in
crease of 81 700 900. OF this in.r.,sp UO1 600
Is divided equally between the Brazilian and
Pagic Mai Steamship lines, and the remaining
N,IOO.O0O Is made W Of railroad and miscella-
Judge Holman told the caucus that in his
opinion the House would mover agree to this
nAtrhNagAnt addition 10 tho hill, Ms II went to the
senate. The Deficiency bill il also largely in
creased on various accounts. On the whole he
did not regard the situation us favorable 10 an
entire agreement this session. though he re-
minded those present that in former sessions a
greater amount Of appropriation business had
been successfully DISPOSED of at u later stage Of
ihe session than TINS. yet there had never be-
Tor" thi-. not "Nceptng the prutrnf"d appro-
praton fights Of the last session, been 81 great
diversity between two Houses now.
After worry full canvass of the questions in
all their phases IL WIS determined to proceed IA
rapidly ~ possible With all tn. appropriations
adhering 70 ih. economic principle that has
extra session be thereby caused. letting the
responsibility rest whore it belongs.