The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-04-03
THE TARIFF.
The Question Considered by the
Democratic House Caucus
at Washington.
A Large Majority Pledged to Support
the Morrison or Some Similar
Bill.
Mr.. Carhsle's Proposal Relative TO Inter
nal Revenue Taxes-The Minori-
TVS Position.

Democratic members of the House, called for
the purpose of outlining some action upon
the tariff question, are 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 abse nee from
the city. Carlisle moved that the rules Of
tho present Congress be adopted as the rules
or the caucus, except that the debate be
carried on under iive-minute Limitation for
speeches. This was agreed to. 1t was
also decided, before 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 ated the OBJ ect of the caucus.
He said IL was for the purpose OF com ng 70
an understanding, II possible, on tariff legis-
latson. The democratic members OF the
Ways and Means Committee, who believed in
a reduction of the war tariff, had presented
measure on which they desired to have
an expression OF opinion of the Democratic
members of the House. 1t has been an
nounced i'm the press, he said, that those who
were not successful in controlling the Organ
ization of the House OF Representatives
would oppose any measure for reduc ng
war taxes or the discussion of such a meas
ure by this Congress. He stated that the war
taxes derived from internal revenue, which
at one time yielded the Government $780,
000, 900 n year, had been from tine to time
reduced until only the revenue on tobacco,
malt liquo 8, and distilled spirits remain d.
lie said he did not believe in any further re-
duction OF the Internal revenue as matter
OF principle, but as Democrat desiring har-
mony in the party, and for the sake OF
harmoniZing conflicting views, he would
aeree to repeal the tobacco tax and to reduce
the tax on brandy distil Cd from fruits, pro-
vided such action could be had in connection
with the reduction OF customs duties. For
the purpose of testing the sense of the eau
Gus, Mr.. Morrison said he would offer n res
olution which he did, in effect providing
that the Ways and Means Committee bill
should be taken up, and that after reasonable
time for discussion IA bill should be passed.
MIR. Hopkins offered an amendment TO the
effect that the caucus should not DO binding
upon individual members. long discussion
followed the offering of the resolution, which
was participated in by Messrs. Morrison.
Eaton, Converse, Blackburn, Randall Hop
kins, King, Morse, Cabell, Reagan, Rose
Grams, Tully, O'Neill, OF Missouri, McAdoo,
Wilson OF West Virginia, Warren, Dorsheim.
err. Hutchins, Hoblitzell, Holman, Nichols,
Hardeman, Beach, Sprggs, 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 for which oil Democratic members
could yote--a bill that would provide for q
moderate reduction of customs duties and al
the same time of a partial reduction OF the
tnternal-revenue taxation. AS TO making tpe
tariff bill a subject of caucus action in the
sense of controlling a members vote, he said
il was contrary To Democratic principles, and
contrary 10 the pr nciples OF representative
government to attempt TO bind any one on a
0INta IN
compel a representative 10 vote against the
known opinions and interests Of his constitu
ents.
Mr. Carlisle said he was deslrous of having
the caucus come to some agreement If posi-
BILE, on the reduction of the tariff. In order
to do so AMI secure such reduction, he would
agree to repeal the tobacco tax and all licenses
connected W tn the same, and to a reduction
on brandy distilled from fruits to 10 cents prr
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 as mefely persuasive
Several members announced emphatically
that they ere opposed to the Morrison bill
hut the predominating sentiment was largely
in favor OF considering the bill and agreeing
TO n measure that would receive the sanction
of the House. Besides Mr.. Randall, Messrs
Tully and Eaton opposed the measure. Mr.
King offered n resolution to the elect that q
committee consisting of seven members OF
tie House and six Senator'S be appointed 10
consider and report at future eau
Gus, on the pending proposition. The
resolution was voted down. Mr.
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 ority of his associates
This amendment was adopted. He then called
the previous question upon Mr.. Hopkins
amendment as modified, which was carried
ia to 81. The resolution was then adopted
by yea aud nay vote-1l4 to 81. The follow
ing is the resolution as amended and adopted
ResOiUpd, That the bill commonly known as
the Morrison tariff bill shall be taken up fol
consideration at the earliest practicable day, and
reasonable time for debate allowed thereon, and
after such debate that bill be passed for re-
duction of duties and war tariff taxes. Tha,
the adoption of this resolution shall not be con-
sidered binding in controlling the individual
action of Democrats except to the extent that
each member may feel that he ought to be in
| fuenced by the expressed opinion OF the ma
| jority OF his associates.
Mr.. Carlisle then offered tho following res
oluton, which was adopted-SS to 81:
Resolred, That, in order TO reconcile conflict
ing opinions and secure legislation reuucinl
taxation, a plan fer the reduc ion OF taxes al
the present session of Congress shall embrace q
prov sion repealinx all int nal revenue taxes on
tobacco, snuff, and cigars, and special taxes
connected therewith; and also reducing the lax
on brandy distilled from fruit to 10 cents pei
gallon: ProDided, such repeal and resolution
shall not be made except In connection with a
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
Gus. Opponents OF the bill assert unhesitat
ingly that the ffty-seven Democratic votes
cast against the caucls Ieso 'utlon, together
with nearly every solid Republican vote In
the III use, will certainly dc eat the bill when
ovar ~ ca ,nea nm for action.