Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1884-03-26
Associated Press Dispaich.

WASHINGTON, March 25.-The Demo-
cratic caucus tonight was largely attend
ed, and was called to order shortly after s
o'clock.
Mr.. Morrison offered a resolution in
dorsing the bill reported by the Ways and
Means Committee. In explaining the
resolution he said a full opportunity would
be given to offer amendments to the bill
when it came before the House.
Mr.. Randall made short speech; he
in turn was followed by Mr.. Reagan, of
Texas. Mr.. Randall, in his remarks, said
the bill, as it has been presented, did not
meet the wants of his constituents. He
offered no substitute. Mr.. Reagan. in
dorsed the bill.
Mr.. Carlisle made a fifteen minutes
speech, the five-minute rule which pre-
vailed in the speeches OF the other gentle
men being extended in his case. He said
the constitution allowed every man to vote
as he desired; that no man could be bound
to vote except as his convictions dictated.
Mr.. Blackburn took the ground that the
action of the caucus should be binding
Representative Hopkins offered a reso-
luton providing that no one should be
bound to vote by the action OF the caucus.
Mr.. Morrison moved as a substitute for
the Hopkins resolution declaration that
after amendment in Committee of the
Whole the bill should be passed.
Debate under the tive-minute rule was
cont .nued at great length and, incidental
ly, number of propositions were suggest
ed, among them one to refer the whole
subject to committee consisting of one
Democratic member from each State.
About IL o'clock Mr.. Eaton moved to
adjourn. This motion was defeated by a
large majority.
Mr.. Morrisons resolution was adopted
-ll6 to 81. 1t provides that the Ways
and Means bill to reduce the war taxes
should be considered in Committee of the
Whole, subject to amendment for rea-
sOnable time, and then a bill should be
reported to the House and passed.
Mr.. Hopkins offered an amendment
that the action should not be binding.
Mr.. Morrison offered a proviso, except
so far as individual members should feel
bound by the action of the majority of
the caucus.
The amendment and proviso were
adopted.
Mr.. Carlisle then offered a resolution
providing for the repeal of the tax on to-
bacco, cigars and snuff, and a reduction of
the tax on fruit brandy to ten cents a gal
Ion. Mr.. Carlisle's resolution was carried
SIS to q.
The resolution offered by Mr. Morrison,
which was adopted by ayote of Ia to 81,
is as follows:
Resoired, That the bill commonly known as
the Morrison tariff bill shall be taken up foTscon
sideration mt the earliest practicable day, and that
reasonable time for debate be allowed thereon,
and after such debate that bill be passed for
The reduction Of duties and war tariff taxes,
This, before adoption, was amended by
Hopkins and Morrison, by adding the fol-
lowing:
Resolred ftpthcr, That the adoption of this reso-
luton shall not be considered as binding or con-
trolling the individual action of Democrats ex-
eept 10 the extent each Esmhey may feel hs ought
TO be infineneed By the expressed opinion of the
majority of his associates.
Mr. Carlisle offered the following reso-
luton, which vas adopted-yeas, IS;
nays, 81:
Resoired. That in order to reconcile conflicting
opinions and secure legislation reducing taxa
tion the plan for reduction Of taxes at the pres
ent session of Congress shall embrace provision
repeating all informal revenue taxes on tobacco,
snuff and cigars and special taxes connected
herewith, and also reducing the tax on brandy
distilled from fruit to ten cents per gallon; pro-
Sided such repeal and reduction shall not he
mase e~cspt in c-nLecticn With reduction OF
tariff duties.