The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-12
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.
The House to Adjourn To-day and the Bill I'd
BE Postponed Till December.


The House to Adjourn To-day and the Bill To
BE Postponed Till December.
WASHINGTON, April 1l--Although the an
nourceraent of the fact that Democratic caucus
would be held tonight was made when but few
members were in attendance, runners were sent
ont to notify absentees. and about 125 Demo-
ratio members were present when the caucus
was called to order A good deal of apprehsn-
sion had bsen felt lest the call would not result
in a full meeting, and rumore were current that
Mr.. Randall and other prominent Democrats
had declared against . caucus, but these fears
were allayed when that gentleman put in an
early appearance The proceedings
smoothly, and no bad feeling was devel-
oped A number of motions were proposed as
. basis of compromise, the majority of them
looking to a postponement of the tax bill to
more or less distant date. After many motions
had been offered, proposition was made by Mr..
O'Ferrall. of Virginia representing what he said
was the extreme limit of the concessions that
would be made by the friends of the bill. This
proposal provided that the drect-tax bill should
be postponed until Dec. next, with condition
that when 10 was taken mp q reasonable time
will be allowed for debate, and vote taken
It. Speaker Carlisle is said TO have strongly adj
vocated the acceptance of this proffered eompro-
mise. Mr. Holman made q speech, in which he
declared that the present proceedings were of
the most extraordinary character ever witnessed
ia legislative body; exhibiting the spectacle of
o great majority retreAting before small
minority. He called on Mr.. Oates to state his
position in the matter
Mr.. Oates replied that he had come into the
caucus with the expectation of making some
concessions If he followed mis- own views he
would consent to measure that did not in
volve the absolute defeat Of the bill But he
Democrat. and If the caucus decided
against him he would abide by it's decision and
support il with his vote. This declaration was
received with applause by the caucus. Mr. Oates
H. 49, x-111
ment of tax bill, but would regret to see the
caucus agree to the condition that vote should
be taken upon it at q fixed date.
Much debate followed, and the caucus finally
adopted the following resolution:
Resolved. That. on reassembling tomorrow. the
House shall adjourn. with the understanding that the
apart Thursday. Dec 6. 1885, immediately after the
reading of the Journal for the consideration of Senate
levedlin 1861, which order reasonable time not
to exceed three days, viz, Thursday Saturday and
Tuesday shall be allowed for debate and amendment,
and the time for vote its final passage shall be
fixed at o'clock. Tuesday
Mr.. Cox, on calling the caucus to ORDER made
short speech in which he appealed to his
Democratic colleagues to present united front
and sacrifice their individual feelings for the
sake of party harmony, which sentiment was
vociferously applauded The caucus adjourned
ut ll:20.
There has been, Of course, no conference
among the Republicans as to the course they
will adopt IN view of the decision of the Demo
cratic caucus to postpone until next December
further consideration OF the bill : Ii is nSt be-
ieved, however that they will resort to any un-
usual tactics to prevent the Democrats carrying
out the caucus decision. Representative Cam
non, of Illinois, who is chairman of the Repub-
lcan caucus committee, said tonight that while
be did not feel warranted in speaking for his
colleagues. he personally thought other Repub-
icans would not resort to revolutionary proceed
ings to prevent adjournment tomorrow.
such course would be utterly at variance with
Republican policy in the past The Democratic
party was in the majority and he was willing
20 go before the country on the question whether
the methods OF the past week should be approved
not If the country willing 10 be demi-
mated by small, determined faction from the
South, well end good.
It is the general understanding that the Demo-
cratic members will abide by the decision of the
caucus.