The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-14
PRICE TWO CENTS.
WEAKEN FED DEMOCRATS.
ALEXANDER ". STEPHENS DESIRES 10
DRAW UP NEW BILL.
Some Members of Congress Wishing to Pass
the Appropriation BIn. Free from Political
Amcndnents-Nhntth the ProbabIiitIes Are.

some Members of Congress Wishing to Pass
the Appropriation HIis Free from Political
AnicndIn ents-NNhnt the Probabilities Are.
WAsHISGroE, May 13.-A consultation
was hold between Senator Thurman. Chairman
OF the Democratic Senate Caucus Committee,
and Mr.. Chalmers Chairman OF the House
Democratic Caucus Committee to-day Each
was Of the opinion that nothing should be done
with the question OF granting supplies to the
army until aftcr tho Legislative. Executive and
Judicial Appropriation bill is disposed OF.
Speaker Randall advised that meeting OF the
Joint caucus committee bo held to consider the
emergency created by the Veto II
is probable that tho committee will
meet tomorrow or next day. The Democrats
do not attempt to disguise the fact that there
are a sufficient number OF the majority who
favor n square back down from the position tho
party has assumed. by combining with the
Greenbackers and Republicans I, pass tho
Army Appropriation bill without any stipula-
tion rs TO tho use Of troops. Alexander Stephens
is at the head OF the weak kneed element
among the Democratic Congressman. Stephens
is Of opinion that an army bill can be devised.
with provisions which will keep tho army
from the polls. to which Hayes will not object.
The secret OF Mr.. Stephenss antipathy
TO the sentiments OF tho majority OF the
Aloubo 10 hihN nb NlHutS 10 uIuU IN
Army Appropriation bill himself, upon his
own model. and obtain the credit OF hep-
ing tho party out of n dilemma. The DEM
ocratic leaders have littlo confidence in Mr..
Stephens's ability in this line. They know that
II an Army Appropriation bill is reported from
the Committee on Appropriations with rider
OF any sort intended to keep troops from the
polls attached to II. that enough votes can be
mustered 10 strike off that rider and pass the
bill pure and simple.
Unless there is a decided change in tho opin-
ions OF very large majority Of tho Democrats.
there will DO no Army Appropriation bill re-
ported from the Committee on Appropriations
this session. No resolution extending last
years approprat ions for the support OF tho
army can be pnssed except by vote of two thirds
OF the members. A two-thirds vote for such n
resolution cannot be obtained. The question at
once arises II no Army Appropriation bill Is
reported. whether q resolution for an GdlOurn-
ment OF Congress can DO passed II Is pre-
sumed that the Republicans will oppose an adj
lournment under such circumstances. Tho
Greenhackers want Congress TO remain in ses-
sion all tho year round. Should the Democrats
who favor the passage OF the Army bill. pure
and simple oppose the adjournment until after
that bill Is passed n deadlock on the question
must result, 1t is worry doubtful whether another
separate bill 10 prohibit military interference ut
elections will be introduced by the Democrats.
Their leaders nsk for no better issue upon
which 10 20 before the country than tho Ole
presented by Hayes In his veto yesterday.