New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-08-21
OPPOSITION TO MR.. RANDALL.
PLANS FOR LEsSENING HIS POWER IN THE
HOUSE.
WY THE PROPOSED CRUSADE AGAINST THE AP.
PREPARATIONS COMMITTEES WILL ATTRACT SUP
pORTEps
lar TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

NAI IHE FhOfOcED ChUoADE AGA1NbI ale Ar
PREPARATIONS COMMITTEES WILL ATTRACT SUP
PoRTERs.
TBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.1
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20.-The proposition to
abolish the Appropriations Committee Of the House and
transfer it's work TO the Committee Ways and Means
Is provoking discussion Ia the Democratic
papers, but there Is probability that 1t win be Sc
rionsy considered by the House long the tariff
system remains. The Appropriations Committee was
created twenty years ago for the good and sufficient rea
son that the Ways and Means Committee. az then
composed-with Thaddeus Stevens chairman, and
justin s. Morrill, Reuben L. Fenton Samuel Hooper,
Robert Mallory Henry T. Blair. John A. Kasson.
end Henry G. stebbns among its members-was unable
TO me immense burden and the innumeraDe
details thrust upon It, Since 1865 the work Of the Ways
and Means Committee and Of the Appropriations Com
mittee hos steadily increased volume well in
number and complexity OF details, ana pile the entire
load upon one committee would simply result in
hotchpOch legislation and inextrcable confusion. No
Congressman with experience in legislation will be
likely favor It, 1t IL fact, however, that there is
strong IN the House in favor Of relieving the
Appropriations Committee Of portion OF its burden
and that strong and well concerted effort in that drec
ton VIII be made next winter. A great many Free
Trade Democrats will favor 1t because they desire 10
punish Mr. Randall not only Tor his treason but also
manner aud conduct toward inexperienced members OF
the House. Others will do 40 In the hope OF enhancing
their own Importance and dignity.
Congressman rot long IN making the discovery that
the hold the Dursestrings and control the ap-
preparations for great department Of the Governments
possers advantages which denied to their less
fortunate colleagues. There Is stu another esBsidera
ton which Will be likely To influence many Represent
atyes In favor OF tho proposition TO divide the approp
alton bills. It Is the fact that under the
present rules OF the House 1t Is al
ways dilicult, and in majority OF cases
pass any general legislation Whatever except by attach
Ing 1t general approximation bill. The committees
Post Roads and Naval Affairs for example are con
PEELED 10 apply tho Appropriations Committee for per-
mission engraft upon the post office naval appro
pirate bill any general provision which they may have
considered and agreed upon, and the Appropriations
Committee may accept reject ~ IL sees 1T IL such
provision will Increase public expenditure by single
dollar IL liable he thrown ont pOint of ORDER
although IT has received ths approval OF the APP
propriations Committee. or course whenever pro-
vision accepted by that committee and the House the
Committee on Appropriations. and not the members
OF the committee which framed and perfected
it, receives credit for 1t II IL he good and ia held
spousibe n it"be bad This condition OF affairs for
which rules Of the House responsible, viii III
duce many Representatives TO favor she proposition
primarily designed by the Free Trade Democrats to
humble Mr.. Randall II the effort succeeds one result
VIII probably be mora liberal appropriations Tor the
several branches or the public service aHd upon that
ground the opponents OF tho proposition viii make
their strongest stand.