The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-21
A Charge that Many Prominent Democrats
Are Earnestly at Work in the Inter-
est of the DistillerS' Ring.
A Little Job with a Clear Profit Of
Thirty-TwO Million Dollars.
The Randall Men Not Satisfied with the Con-
cessiOnS Proposed by the Free-Traders
Mr.. Bliss on the Star Routes.
THE BONDED WHISKY BILL.
Interesting Stories Told by the Busy Tongue
of Dame Rumor.

Interesting Stories Told by the Busy Tongue
of Dame Rumor.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, March 2O.-There are startling
rumors and threatened disclosures about the
whisky BILL tonight. 1t is said that, to a GER
tain extent the agitation of the tariff question,
and particularly Henry Watterson's last dis
patch, have been blind the whisky bill being
the real African in the wood pile. Gossip says
that Wattersons real purpose here, all winter,
has been to work up sentiment for the bonded
bill, and that his expenses have been paid by
ring of Kentucky distillers, who will be benefci-
aries of the measure, should Congress be so fool
ish to pass it. 1t is believed too, that
ex Senator Mcdonald, who came here a few
days ago in response to a telegram, has been
assisting the whisky bill, instead of, or rather
preliminary to his presidential boom, under
standing that, should the distillers be successful
in getting their legislation they to contribute
unlimited cash toward his nomination and cleo
ton. Representatives of the whisky interest
from Kentucky and Cincinnati are here, and
have organized powerful lobby to advance the
interests of the bill They have room in the
basement of the House end of the Capitol,
where they dispense liquid refresh
ments, if not more solid inducements.
The ring has evidently been frightened by the
eloseness of the vote by which the bill obtained
consideration, and by well-defned fear that
number of members who voted for consideration
will go the other way on the final passage of the
bin. To-day they took in a number of we'll
known lobbyists not heretofore enlisted in their
cause. There are reports flying that checks and
cash are being distributed where they will do
the most good and it is charged that at least
one member today changed his views on the
bill for solid reasons.
Greene B. Raum, ex-Commissioner of
Internal Revenue, who has represented
the ring as counsel, and who avails himself of
his privilege of the floor as an ex-member
received $4,000 as fee for his services
There's millions in it" as Mr.. Herbert, of Ala
bama, said in his speech, to-day. There is more
money in this bill than there appears on the sur
face. The programme, after getting this exten-
sion, and before the two years have expired, is
to have the whisky tax reduced from ninety to
fifty cents per gallon, which will give the dis
tllers the benefit of forty cents reduction, which
will amount, upon the whisky af-
fectcd by the provisions of this bill,
to $32, 0OO, 900, this enormous sum of money
of the Treasury. This is a fund sufficient to
buy any number of purchasable congressman,
if any are to be found, and elect President as
well.
Concerning the prospects of the bill there is
little difference of opinion. Four men out of
five will say that it will be beaten Mr.. Thomp-
son, of Kentucky, one of the champions of the
BILL admits that it will be defeat
ed by from seven to nine votes,
He expects the bill will get
141 votes. including pairs. He
says the country members as a rule, against
the bill, owing to a sentiment among their con
stituents against relieving the whisky trade from
any of its burdens. Other members estimate
that the margin against it will be twelve or
fifteen. There will be no effort to take up the
bill tomorrow, as the standing order is consider
alton of the private calendar, but it will be
brought up again Saturday, and Mr. Nor
rison thinks it may be closed out on that day;
that while there are about twenty names down
on chairman Dorsheimers list for recognition,
he believes that only about an hour
and a half on each side will be consumed in
speeches. When asked about its prospects, Mr..
Morrison said Its friends think it will pass but
never thought it would; but l have not been
watching it very closely or concerning myself to
any great extent, although would like to see it
pass"