The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-31
THE MILLS TARIFF BILL.

Another Democratic Caucus Reveals Further
Discussions Concerning the Measure.
WASHINGTON, May 30.-Ths attendance Of
members at the Democratic House caucus. to-
night. was even thinner than on Monday night.
not more than ninety persons being present half
an hour after the caucus had been called to or
der. Dir. McCreary again presided. but Speaker
Carlisle and Mr.. Randall were not on hand.
Before the proceedings had run along far, Mr..
Springer woke up the caucus by the presenta-
ton of q resolution binding ali the Democrats
to vote in the House for the bill as it comes
from the caucus, and only for such
amendments as are presented in the
House by the Democratic members Of the
ways and means committee. The internal rev.
enue sections of the bill have been only lightly
touched upon 30 far. and this resolution stirred
up the North Carolina Members to a bitter on
slaughs upon the bill. They declared that their
people wanted an unconditional repeal OF the to-
bacco tax instead of the compromise reduction
made by the on ways and means, and
they also served notice upon the caucus that the
California members, as we'll as themselves,
would have to vote for q proposition to remove
the revenue tax on fruit brandy-let it com
from the Republican or Democratic side-if the
caucus refused to include that provision in the
bill.
lnis orougnt Mr. Scobt 20 the 'front.' In CeIonSo
Of the bill, and . lively debate followed. A
vote was taken on the Springer resolution.
which indicated but . small opposition, but in
Difference to the wishes OF the North Carolina
members. the resolution was withdrawn in or
der to allow them TO hear the expression OF
sentiment by their State convention, which met
to-day.
Mr. Bacon, of New York. offered q resolution,
which was adopted, pledging the caucus to pro-
cesd with the consideration Of the tariff bill in
the House Immediately after disposition OF the
legislative appropriation bill.
Another resolution, offered by Mr.. Springer,
was also adopted, requiring all Democratic MEM
bers 10 be present or secure pairs during the
fve-minute debate in the House.
Mr.. Stone, of Missouri. offered . proposition
to restore the duty on lead ore to within 5 per
cent Of the existing rate. and he pointed out
the Importance OF this industry to his people.
The amendment was discussed and referred
to the ratic members OF the ways and
means committee for report
Paris green has been placed on the free list.
Two hours hard work resulted in much progress,
and the caucus then discussed tho pottery
clauses, which are obnoxious to the New Jersey
people. The proposition took the shape of an
amendment fixing the duties on pottery about )
which was referred TO the ways and means COM
mittee. In the matter OF rice, -four and rice
meal the classification fixed in the bill was
wiped out, and the present duty was reduced
from 20 to Is per cent ad vslorem.
At this. point Mr.. Springer renewed his mo-
ton to bind the Democratic members to sup
port in the House only such amendments as
the ways and meas committee (who are placed
in charge of the bilD or the caucus. The mo-
ton was adopted without division. Adjourned
without date.