The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1884-04-03
DEMOCRATS IN COUNCIL.
Democrats Of the House Meet I'm
Caucus and Discuss Tar.
iff Legislation.
Decision Reached that the Morrison
Bill Be Taken Up-Repeal Of the
Tobacco Tax Favored.

Bill Be Taken Up-Repeal Of the
Tobacco Tax Favored.
The proceedings or the caucus OF the
Democratic members Of the House, called for
the purpose OF outlining some action upon
the tariff question, arc thus reported by the
Associated Press at Washington: Throughout
most OF the session, which lasted from p. m
till midnight, the attendance was very large
there being only ten members absent, and
they on account of sickness or absence from
the city. Carlisle moved that the rules of
the present Congress be adopted as the rules
OF the GAUGES. except that the debate be
aired On under fivc-minute limitation for
speeches. Ibis was agreed to. lt was
a 80 decided, 1ciore the business OF
the evening was entered upon, that
future caucus should be called upon
the written request OF twenty members. Mr..
Morr son then ate the oh ect Of the caucus.
lie sad IT was for the pnrros. OF com ny TO
al understanding, il possible, on tai i'll lcgis-
latson. The Iehocratic members OF the
Ways and h cans Committee, who believed in
u reduction OF the war tariff. had presented
a meas ire on which they dc ,ircd to have
an expression OF opinion of the democratic
members OF the housc. II has been an
nounccd in the Irass, he "A d, that those who
were not sncs cssful In controlling the organ
Kat.oa OF the House Of kepl csentatives
would oppo.e any measure Tor icduc ng
war taxes or the discuss on of such meas
u,c by this Congrc, 8. lie stated that the war
taxes derived from internal revenue, which
ut ono time yielded the Government SnOj,-
uUo.0J0 year, had Teen from I me to time
reduced until on y the revenue on tobacco,
malt liHuo :, and distilled spirits rema d.
lie said he did not believe in any further re.
duction OF the internal revenue as matter
OF principle, but us lie nocrat desiring har-
mony in the party. and for the SAKE OF
harmonizing con lictng views, he would
a rec to repeal the tobacco Tx and to reduce
the tax on brandy dsil Cd IRON fruits, pro-
vided Itch action could be had in connection
with the reduction OF customs duties. For
the purpose of testing the sense of the eau
Gus, MIR. Morrison said he would offer res
olution which he did, in effect providing
that the Ways and Means Committee bill
should b. taken UP, and that after reasonable
time for discussion II bill should be passed.
Mr. Hophins offered an amendment to the
effect that the caucus should not lie binding
upon Individual members. long scussion
followed the otcring Of the resolution, which
was participated in by McsSrs Morrison,
Eaton, Converse, Blackburn, Randall. Hop
kins, King, Morse. Caball, Reagan, Rose
Grams, Tuiiy, O'Neill. OF Missouri, McAdoo,
Wilson of West Virginia, Wa rem, Dorsheim.
er, Hutchins, Hobiitzcll. Holman, Nichols,
Hardeman, Beach, Spr ggs, Adams OF New
York. and Bland.
Mr.. Randall briefly counseled moderation
and cancellation, and suggested an unexcited
conference, with view to agreeing upon
some bill Tor which oil Democratic members
could yote-a bill that would provide tor
moderate reduction of customs duties and ut
the same time of a partial reduction OF the
internal-revenue taxation. As to making the
tariff bill subject of caucus action in the
sense of controlling q members vote. he said
IL was contrary to Democratic principles, and
contrary to the pr nciples OF representative
government TO attempt to bind any one on
great economic question, and thus seek 10
compel q representative TO vote against the
known opinions and interests OF his constitu-
ents.
Mr.. Carlisle said he was DESTROYS of having
the caucus come to some agreement, II posi-
BILE, on the reduction of the taiif In order
to do SO ana secure such reduction. he would
agree to repeal the tobacco tn * and all licenses
connected with the same, and to reduction
on brandy distilled from fruits to 10 cents Per
gallon. Messrs. Reagan and Holman urged
harmony. and opposed all efforts to bind mem.
bers of the party by the action OF the caucus.
Both declared that the action Of the caucus
should be regarded rs merely persuasive.
Several members announced emphaticalIy
that they we're opposed to the Morrison bill,
but the preGominating sentiment was largely
In favor Of considering the bill and agreeing
to measure that would receive the sanction
of the House. Besides Mr.. Randall, MeSsrs.
Tully and Eaton opposed the measure. Mr..
King offered a resolution to the effect that
committee consisting OF seven members OF
tie House and six Senators be appointed to
consider and report at future eau
GUS, on the pending proposition The
resolution was voted down. MIR.
Morrison moved that the Hopkins
amendment be modified SO as to provide
that the action Of the caucus should not be
binding upon individuals except to such an
extent as each member might feel Influenced
by the wishe of the ma iority of his associates.
This amendment was adopted. He then called
the previous question upon Mr.. Hopkins
amendment as modified, which was carried
ia to s.. The resolution was then adopted
by yea and nay vote-1l4 to 81. The follow
ing is the resolution Us amended and adopted:
Resoirpd, That the bill commonly known as
the Morrison tariff bill shall be taken up for
consideration at the earliest practicable day, and
reasonable time for debate allowed thereon, and
after such debate that bill be passed for a re-
duction OF duties and war tariff taxes. That
the adoption of this resolution shall not be con-
sidered binding III controlling the individual
action OF democrat. except 70 tne extent .nat
fiuenced by the expressed opinion of the ma
jority of his associates.
Mr.. Carlisle then offered the following res
oluton, which was adop.cd-ss to 81:
Resoired. That. in order to reconcile conflict
ing opinions and secure legislation reducing
taxation, a plan fer the reduction of taxes at
the present session OF Congress shall embrace
provision rcpcalins all int nal revenue taxes on
tobacco. snuff, and cigars, and special taxes
connected Herewith: and also reducing the tax
on brandy distilled from fruit to 10 cents per
gallon: Pr0rided. such repeal and resolution
shall not be made except in connection with
reduction of tariff duties.
The large vote against considering the
Morrison tariff bill was the subject Of much
comm ent after the adjournment of the eau
cus. Opponents OF the bill assert unhesitat-
ingly that the fifty-scyen Democratic votes
east ssainst tho cauc rs resolution, together
with nearly every solid Republican vote in
the House, will certainly dc eat the bill when
ever 1t comes up for action.