New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-05-01
THE HOUSE CAUCUS.

THREE HOURS sEssION-THE GREATEST SECRECY
MAINTAINED-THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS Sc
VEREGY CRuCIsED-A VOTE ON THE ARMY
BILL TO-DAY.
IBY TIE zGRAPB TO THE TRIBUSEI
WASHINGTON, April 30-The Democrats of the
House went ihtO caucus upon tie situation imme-
diately after adjournment at o'clock this after
noon. and remained with closed doors until o'clock.
Their first action, and one upon which consider
able debate was expended the adoption OF
motion binding the members of the caucus to the
sricest secrecy with regard to their proceedings.
A resolution was theu introduced, declaring that
II was the of the hat the House should
proceed at once and without debate to vote upon
the question of passing the Army bill nothwith-
standing the objections of the President This
proposition was adopted after good deal Of discus
sion, the only difference of opinion being with re-
gard to the proprety of committing the bill to the
Judiciary or 10 some select committee a matter
of respect to the President before taking vote III
the House; but the TssOlutiOn embodied the sense
of the caucus as il was finally formulated The dis
cussion was a very free one and took wide range.
The Uroprety of the Presidents course, OF rather
its alleged improperly, and the measure OF respect
which il Is incumbent upon Democratic Congress
TO evince toward him in the further progress of
pending legislation, were the burden of many re-
marks The members present are declared TO have
been harmonious companions, as 1t were. i'll misery,
and rivals only i'll the measure OF their denuncla-
ton of the course of the Executive.
Owing to the extraordinary measures taken to
bind the members of the to secrecy, 1t is not
possible to learn to what extent many OF the South
ern members and two or three from the North were
disposed to find fault with their party leaders for
bringing them into their present lamentable posi-
tion but that expressions to that effect were made
is certain.
The last and most important measure adopted
by the caucus was resolution offered by Speaker
Randall and also discussed at some length, extend
ing the life of the Joint Caucus Committee, or of
that portion of it appointed by the House, and en-
towering il to represent and act for the Democrats
of the House in cooperation with a similar commit
tee of the Senate All matters with regard TO the
future plans Of the party in relation TO pending is
sues were referred to this committee, which Is IN so
far as the House caucus is concerned entirely I'M
trammelled with instructions. The various shades
OF opinion which out as incidents in the ram
bling debate, were almost many as the number OF
speakers and therefore III themselves would form no
guide for the committee. in short the result OF the
House caucus is a surrender on the part of its men,
bers of whatever individual opinions they may have
10 the keeping of the caucus committee; but 1T Is
known that the indignation Of certain of the South
members is such that mucn anxiety is fet as 10
whether a majority can be commanded foTtne Army
blii hiltN III COMES again DCIOIc tHO IOuSO III it0
present form. 49,
Democratic Congressman in conversation this
evening are qute as positive III the assertion OF
their determination never to back down as they
two three weeks ago but IT Is noticed that
essential change i'll regard to what that position
was has become general among them. The declara-
ton then made that the President should sign
the Appropriation bills they. were then decided
upon, or the Government would be left without the
lneans OF support. The declaration made tonight,
but with the qualif q ton in each case that the
speaker only represented himself, has been that the
President will be gwen another chance TO sign an
Army Appropriation bill declaring that no portion
OF the money therein appropriated shall be used for
the payment of the expenses Of transporting troops
70 the polls, or maintaining them there, and that
failing ia this the Army shall be left without
money for its support. One of the most influential
and intelligent Democratic members of the House
asserted toni ght that his party has had any
intention Of interfering with the rights Of civil Off
GERS, and that even had the Army bill been signed
every United States marshal would under ii have
had the same rights in the way of summonng a
posse cOmiatus as are enjoyed by sherfs and State
Oincers III the several States.
COUNCIL OF THE GREENBACKERS.
THIS SMALL PARTY LARGE ENOUGH TO SPLIT UP
INFO THREE FACTIONS ON The VETO.
GENERAL PREss DIsPATCHi
WASHINGTON, April 30.-The National Greenback
members of the House held caucus of three hours