Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-03-25
NO DANGER OF A SPLIT.
BOTH FACTIONS DISPOSED TO
MAKE A COMPROMISE.

They Hold Meetings Preliminary to To-
Nights Caucus-The Extent of this
Sessions Reform Measures to be Left
to the Caueus-InternaI Revenue not
to be Abolished at Once.
WASHINGTON, March 24.-Though there
will doubtless be lively discussion in the
tariff caucus everything to-day points to
harmony in the final action. Various plans
upon which the two sides may come TO-
eether amicably have been discussed to-
day. Nothing definite has, however, been
agreed upon, except the general princi-
pie that it will not do 70 have ANYTHING
like quarrel. The tariff reformers will
not yield that the pOlic9 0fthe Democrat
ic party is to secure reform of the tariff
Nothing less than the adoption of that as
the principles of the party will be the out
come. Exactly how tar the Democrats
will 90 this session towards reform will
be left for the caucus to determine, but
there will be a declaration of principles
for reform. Some of the PrOtectionist
Democrats still hold out that no such
action ought to be had, but they
are few and will vary likely be a
cipher when the caucus is held.
A good deal of work has been done to-
day and tonight looking to harmony.
Chairman Barnum. of the National Com
mittee, has been going between the op-
posing Democrats. He said to the NEWS
correspondent to night that the caucus
would develop that all things are fairly
adjusted. There have been a good many
hints about muzZling Mr.. WattersOn if he
won't stop without muZZle. The spirit
of concession will be abroad in the eau
Gus. Mr.. Randall said tonight that he
thought that all differences would be ami
cably adjusted, as it was evident that
both sides wanted to agree. He said that
those who think as he does have entirely
gotten over their irritation about being
read out of the party, as they have become
convinced that such was not the feeling
OF any material number of Democrats of
opposing views. The excitement over the
question has subsided very materially.
NO DANGER OF SPLIT.
The danger of a split having been
brldged over, Frank Hurd, an out and out
free trader, when asked to-day if he
Thought that there was any chance of an
agreement in caucus upon the resolution
modifying the Morrison bill and abolish
ing the internal revenue tax, said that the
first part Of the resolution might meet the
approval of the caucus, but the abolition
of the internal revenue was too sweeping
to pass. Il am not welded to the 20 per
cent. reduction" he said. "What l want
is as much reduction as l can get. If
can't get % | shall do tie best | can.
Ten would be better than nothing.
Mr.. Nichols, of Georgia, said that he
did not apprehend any serious division i'm
the party. There are few extreme
men," he added, "whO would, perhaps, if
permitted, make trouble, but they will not
be permitted to do that. Calm counsels
will prevail. A serious split in the party
now would cost us the Presidency. and
there is too much good sense and con-
servatism among the members to throw
away such an opportunity as we have to
elect President. No, I DO not fear Sc
riOus division"
Among the plans discussed as the basis
OF an agreement Is one agreed upon by a
number OF Senators and members in con-
junction. 1t is to correct incOngruities
IN the Morrison bill by limiting the 20 per
cent. reduction to such articles as now
pay from so to 100 per cent, and making
a reduction of but 0per cent. upon ar
ticles that now pay duty of from 20 to
30 per cent. In addition to this the plan
proposes the abolition of all the internal
revenue tax, except that ON whisky,
which is to be allowed to remain as it is.
Speaker Carlisle and the free trade
members of the Ways and Means Com
mlttee are in secret session tonight, dis
cussing the programme to be adopted at
the caucus tomorrow. Another meeting
OF the opposition is being held at Mr.
RanUalPS rooms