Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-01-28
TO sTIFLE THE MINORITY.
The Republicans In Csucus Discussing the
New Code Of Buies.


WASHINGTON, January 27.-The Republi-
can caucus which was called to meet at
o'clock met promptly at that hour. Mr.:
Henderson, OF Illinois. as chairman, called
the caucus (which was fully attended TO
order. The first hour of the session was
devoted to discussion of the proposed
new code Of rules.
Speaker Reed entered into detailed ex-
PLANTATION Of the changes proposed TO be
made in the old code. From time to time
be was interrupted by questions as to the
probable effect of the particular rules. to
which in each case he fully replied. More
than an hour was consumed in this way
and the greatest harmony characterized the
proceedings. 1t was evident, however, &C
cording to Mr.. Reeds statement, that the
new code would not be made ready for the
action OF the House for several days to
come. even should II be desirable to report
it earlier. Moreover. there was an opin-
ion entertained by many members to
the effect that more positive progress
could be achieved in the disposition of the
contested-electIon cases without the rules
than with their aid. It was felt by some
Of these members that after q safe work.
ing majority had been secured under the
operations of the general parliamentary
law the rigidityof the new code might be
relaxed with benefit, aud the Republicans
might thus be relieved from the necessity
Of enacting code which in time might
perhaps be felt by themselves in its full Sc
verify. Having thus practically reached q
decision that the election cases shall be con-
sidered before the code of rules is adopted,
the question Of ways and means arose. and
there was a long discussion, which was
simply reflex of individual views as to
the possibility of securing and maintaining
quorum of Republicans to meet the
Democratic opposition, which was fully
expected would take the shape of re-
fusal 10 vote The fact that it was consid-
cred necessary to discuss this phase Of the
case is regarded as an indication that the
Speaker hardly contemplates adopting the
radical course of counting, IA atpresent, the
members not voting in order to secure
quorum. The list of Republican members
was carefully canvassed, and 1t was finally
determined that Mt least four members
could not be relied upon to answer to
their names if the Democrats come
to the conclusion to flibuster. Two
Of these members are absent on ac-.
count of sickness, one on account OF
sickness in his family, and the other is abb
sent without letting his whereabouts be
known. According TO this count, If every
thing favors majority, if no member falls
Ill, or is called away from the city, they
viii have q bare quOrun but nevertheless
the election case of Smith rs. Jackson will
be called up Wednesday and fully debated
from a double motiye-frst, to lay the
foundation for speedy disposition OF the
other contests and. second. to gain time in
which to secure the attendance of the alb
sent members. This resolution was adopted
by the caucus. offered by Mr. Rowell,
chairman of the Election Committee.
Resolued. That it is the sense of this cau-
Gus that every Republican member of the
House should remain in the city except in
case of sickness, and that all members
should remain in this hall during the time
the House is in session unless prevented
by sickness.
There was some show of opposition to
the proposed changes in the rules which
toad to stop fllibustering by Dir. Ander-
son, of Kansas. and Mr. Cheadle. OF Indl-
ana. Mr. Cheadle. however, signitied his
Intention to fall in line with his party and
there are indications that Mr. Anderson
will do likewise.