Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-07
From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington Letter.
WAsUINGroN. ID. C. Nav /. /

There is not much talk among demo-
cratic senators and members on the subject
Of the veto, but they do deal of thinking
and feeling too intense for expression. AS
yet 1t is not known what will be DONE
There have been some stirring caucus
speeches which the outside world will
never read; plan of action will finally
be formed and the caucus dictum will
probably be followed. l say probably.
because there are vague rumors of indie
pendent action in the democratic ranks,
and there are those who predict that it
will be found, before the week closes, that
the majority have lost cohesion. 1t is evil
dent that directncss and thoroughness of
the veto has very much disconnected the
supporters of the bill. 1t has been sug-
gested that there are only four courses for
the majority to pursue. They may adjourn
at once without passing the appropriation
bills, thus leaving the army and navy, and
q civil force of nearly one hundred thou
sand persons without support. If they
should do this they will in all probability
be called together in a second extra ses-
sion. They may pass n resolution in the
Senate and House providing for the sup
port of the civil and military services until
the assembling of the regular session of
congress, which would be substantially
the proposition proposed by Mr.. Foster of
Ohio. on the last day of the last session.
They may pass the naked appropriation
bills without political riders, and then pass
II bill fOrbdding the use of soldiers at the
polls, with fore knowledge that it will
be vetoed. Or they may take recess till
the time for the next regular session of
congress to convene. The difference
between u recess and an adjournment
would be that in the latter case congress
would, by Il technicality, be in session all
summer, although every member might
be at his home, and it would be impossible
for the president to call second extra
session, as he could do in case of adjourn
ment.
1t was determined on yesterday TO refer
the whole matter to the caucus committees
of the Senate and House, which originally
framed the political sections now in con-
troversy, the House caucus being revived
for this purpose, and instructed to confer
with the similar committee of democratic
senator's and after mutual consideration
to report their recommendations to joint
caucus.
The membership of these committees
is rs follows:
On the part of the House-Representa-
tives Chalmers, Carlisle, Cox. Ewing,
Springer, Tucker, Atkins, Clymer. Rea-
gan, Bicknel and Phelps.
On the part of the Senate-Messrs.
Thurman, Whyte, Herman, Salisbury,
Jones, (Fla.) Bailey, Lamar, VOORHEES, and
Vance.
At the commencement Of the proceed
ings a strict injunction of secrecy was i'm
posed upon all the members, but this was
subsequently removed to the extent of au-
thorizing the publication of the conclusions
reached by the caucus.
OF the democratic senators it is said |
that Senators Bayard, Ransom, Herman,
Coke and Maxey are in favor of receding |
from the uncompromisng position hither-
to assumed by their party in the Senate.
Senator Bayard's position is similar to that
assumed by him at the close of the last
session of congress, but as he finally sur
rendered his personal views to the opin-
ions of the majority, it may be predicted
that he will finally acccde to the action of
the caucus. Senator Ransom has always
been conciliatory and conservative, and he
advised that the legislation restricting the
use of the army should be proposed in
separate bill, and that the appropriation
bills should be passed without the riders.
The two Texas senators were in favor of
passing the army bill without delay.
Their state furnishes a large proportion of
army supplies, and any legislation that in
terferes with army appropriations is un-
popular with their constituents. 1t is said
that Senator Herman, of New York, ex-
pressed an intention TO act independently
of the caucus unless more moderate coun-
sells prevailed. Senators Thurman, Voor-
hees, Beck and others were very uncom-
promising and advised against taking any
retrogressive steps in the fight that has
been confronted by the veto.
The national greenback members of the
House held caucus of three hours dura-
ton yesterday on the subject of the presi-
dental veto. A general interchange of
views occurred, but no definite action was
reached us to what course they should pur-
sue. Information obtained from II trust
worthy source indicates that the meeting
was not altogether harmonious, there
being Il great diversity of opinion existing
rs to the proper steps to be taken, and in
the course of debate the fact was developed
that the national party will not stand rs
unit on the question when it comes before
the House, but will divide, some sustain
ing the veto, others opposing it, and q
third faction retaining from voting either
way. c.
Congressman Hendricks B. Wright, the
new chairman of the House labor commit
tee, will go to California about the middle
of July to take testimony in regard to
Chinese labor and the committee will also
visit most of the larger cities and take
testimony on tho labor question and
kindred topics. Mr.. A. S. Hewitt was