The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-25
AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
Prominent Democrats Oppose the Proposed
Changes in the House Rules.

Prominent Democrats Oppose the Proposed
Changes in the House Rules.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-It leaked out tonight
that very significant meeting was held at the
private rooms of Speaker Carlisle on Saturday
evening last. Although the strictest secrecy was
enjoined upon those present, enough was learn
ed by the Journal correspondent to indicate that
the fear of the adoption of the proposed change
of the rules of the House, by which the commit
tee on appropriations would be deprived of its
great powers, has assumed quite serious proper
tions in the eyes of prominent Democratic states
men, including President Cleveland and at least
two members of his Cabinet-Secretaries Man
ming and Whitney. There were present at this
private conference Speaker Carlisle and Repre-
sentatives Morrison of Illinois, Randall, of
Pennsylvania and two or three others of about
equal prominence. Mr.. Randall was present by
request While it is we'll known that tariff re-
formers like Carlisle and Morrison would rejoice
in such blow at Randall as the proposed change
Of rules would deliver to him. they fear very
greatly the consequences of its effect upon the
whole party. 1t was argued that if the compila-
tion of appropriation bills were given to com
mittees representing the different branches of
the government, it would simply let down the
bars to jobbers so low that the party would be
wrecked before the end of the approaching ses-
sion.
Speaker Carlisle pointed out the dangers
which would be encountered by committees
forming combinations, by which almost any
scheme could be pulled through on appropria-
tion bills, and which would scandalize the party.
The manner in which the different sections
have prostituted river and harbor bills
was referred to. and it was added that stronger
combinations could be and would be formed
under the proposed change of rules; also by
committees joining their strength to help each
other in securing the passage of meritless appro
priations, the treasury would be pillaged and the
people continually robbed. 1t was plain, too
that unless the proposition was smothered be-
fore Congress convenes, it would be adopted;
enough Republican members wo6ld support it,
seeing the destruction to the party in power it
would work. 10 give it easy success in its pass
age. Mr.. Carlisle urged that the matter be
brought up at the caucus to be held one week
from Saturday night next and that it be so
effectually stfed that it would never be heard
of on floor of the House. He also called atten-
ton to the necessity of agreeing, at that caucus,
upon such changes in the rules as were really
necessary, and as were demanded by every one.
This was all agreed to. The meeting, it is
said, was suggested by the President, who is
alarmed lest the tariff reformers in their zeal to
cut short Chairman Randals political power
and ambition, also cut short the new lease of
life so recently given his party. So, however
offensive Mr.. Randall may be to the free traders,
and however much they wish to destroy him,
the administration, and the long headed in the
party generally, are determined that they shall
not destroy everything else at the same time.