The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-03-29
A SPLITON THE TARIFF.
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ON THE BILL.
Randall Boldly Declares that He VIII up
pose MorrIson's Measure - Harmony
Not Obtainable--Three Notable APP
pointments--N National Notes.
STILL DIVIDED.

N the way of harmony. The discussion
was quiet one, as the differences declared
at the outset were plainly seen to be TOO IL
reconcilable 10 overcome. Morrison and
Randall made the opening speeches.
These were the keynotes Of the
discussion Morrison made . PLAIN,
straightforward speech. lie as
claimed any intention of bulldo1ing any
one and particularly denounced the foolish
talk about reading Democrats out OF the
party who happened To be opposed TO hlm
The majority of the House had been elected
on the basis Of a reduction OF lie TAX Tor
revenue. and to fail ~ accomplish TINS duty
xould show the party was recreant to its
trust and unworthy of further confidence.
The bill reported by the Ways ami
Means Committee was not what the
tariff relormers had expected to accom-
plish. II was in itself a compromise. lie
thought il but fair that this bill should be
taken up and discussed. Ii would be open
To amendment, There was no disposition
TO gag debate or 10 choke oil suggestions.
The bill, he believed, was the best one At
tainabe under the circumstances. lie
thought the ucus could not ID differently
than indorse this bill. The members who
should atterwari desire to oppose the ma
iority Of the caucus would do so on their
own responsibility. United the party has a
certain chance for success IL was grave
responsibility for the minority TO take upon
itself to say that it would oppose the ma
jority of the party and thereby insure Ma
tional defeat
Mr.. Randall followed. He offered no
substitute as il had eelpromise! he would,
as he had learned that Ills proposition
would not be accepted. He announced at
the outset that he would not vote for the
Morrison bill under any circumstances, no
matter what was the action OF the caucus.
He should oppose the measure. lie
represented constituency that was
solidly opposed to the bill. He
alone was responsible to his con-
s,ituency for his acts, lie did not intend
to oppose consideration OF the bill OF TO
place any faction bars in its path, hit he
would oppose II in every legitimate way.
This speech showed the uselessness OF all
attempts at compromise, as Randall plainly
said that he would not support the bill IL
the whole internal-reyenue system should
be tackled on as an amendment
A free discussion followed Randalrs talk.
the debate continuing at great length.
incidentally number of propositions were
suggested, among them one to refer the
whole subject to committee consisting OF
one Democratic member from each State.
Soon after ten clock the Morrison resO-
luton was put upon Its passage. 1t was
first amended, however. by an amendment
from Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, which pro-
l.l Int tba ~
binding upon the individual member
against his own convictions beyond the in
fiuence that naturally resulted from formal
party action in caucus. The resolution as
amended was passed by vote of ia to 81.
The resolution of Morrison as adopted is
as follows:
the Morrison Tariff bill shall be taken up for
consideration ut the earliest practicable day.
and a reasonable time for debate allowed
thereon, and after such Debate that bill be
passed for the reduction OF duties ana the
war tariff taxes.
b Resolved, further That the adoption of this
resolution shall not be considered binding in
controlling the individual action OF the Dem
ocrats, except to the extent that each member
may feel he ought to be influenced by the
expressed opinion of the majority OF his asso'
ciates. ...
Carlisle offered the following resolution,
when was auOpteu--oo W Or
Resolved, That in order to reconcile conflict
ing opinions and secure Legislation reducing
taxation, the plan for the reduction of taxes
ut the present session of Congress shall EN-.
brace provision repeating all internal
revenue taxes on tOcaccO, snuH ana cigars.
and special taxes connected herewith; and
also reducing the tax on brandy distilled from
fruit TO ten cents per gallon; provided, that
such repeal and reduction shall not be made
except in connection with reduction in
tariff duties.
SARGENT TRANSFERRED.
WASHINGTON, March ~. The nominal
ton OF Sargent as Minister to Russia was
total surprise to most persons at the capi-
tai. 1t was not delivered to the Senate I'M
ill Secretary Frelnghuysen had spent an
hour or more at the capitol for the purpose,
il is conjectured, OF preparing leading m EN-
bers of that body for ito reception. When
il was laid before the Senate In ex-
ecutiye session, a few questions were
asked and briefly answered to the effect
that the transfer, though not re-
quested, or even suggested by Minister Sar-
gent would doubtless be agreeable to him,
and would also undoubtedly be productive
OF good results as matter of National
policy, although in what manner was not
stated nor asked, rs the Senate thereupon
accepting inc assurances OF tine members OF
the Foreign Relations Committee confirmed
the nomination by unanimous consent.
There is reason for believing that the ac-
ton OF the Senate was based not only upon
the belief that Sargent transfer (Which, In
European estimation, is diplomatic pro-
mOtiOn) would be agreeable to him and
avert the possibility of further unpleasant
ness arising from personal hostilties, but
also upon the prevalent impression that the
position of American Minister at the Court of
Berlin would significantly and for an lndef
mite time be left vacant
Secretary Frelinghuysen sent the follow
ing telegram to Minister Sargent last even
ing.
Sargent, Minister, Berlin:
The President approves entirely of your
course in the Lasker matter. You have done
nothing but obey the Instructions of this
ing il may be agreeable to You, has nom
mated you TO be MINISTER at st. Petersburg.
and your nomination, without reference to
any committee. was Immediately aud unani-
mousy confirmed by the American Senate.
This action manifests the appreciation of
your worth, and does you an honor OF which
any citizen may well be proud.
FRELINGHuysEN.
To SUCCEED JUDGE M'CRARY.
David }. Brewer, of Kansas, has been APP
pointed United States Judge of the Eighth
Judicial Circuit, to succeed Judge McCrary.
The nomination was confirmed by the Sen
ate. Brewer was born I'm SMYRNA Asia