Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-02-17
REPUBLICAN HOUSE CAUCUS.
The Drift of Opinion Against Action on
siIver--A Whipping-in.
AZ teIegraph % the Dlspatoh.

by Telegraph 70 tue btHpdbSh.J
WASHINGTON, February 16.-The caucus
of Republican members OF the House To-
nipht was somwhat better attended than
had been anticipated, perhaps seventy-tve
members being present. There were not
enough members present, however, to
make any decisive action probable, and 1t
was seen soon after proceedings opened
that the drift Of opinion was against any
action on the silver question at this time.
Neither Reed nor Mckinley was present.
The silver bill was the principal measure
of discussion, and various members pre-
seuted their individual views as TO the
course TO be pursued. MIR. Perkins, OF
Kansas, was the first speaker IN behalf OF
the silver-men, and he urged the enact
meut of the free-coinage bill into law
while the Republican party had full con:
troll of the Government. MIR. Walker, OF
Massachusetts, made vigorous speech on
the other side of the question. de urged
that the agitation Of the subject was IN
settling business confidence and disturb
ing commercial values and should De aDso-
lutely put TO rest.
Messrs. Henderson of Illinois, Kerr of
Iowa, and Anderson of Kansas represent
ed those who. although inclined TO be ia
yorable towards more liberal SILVER pol
lev. believe additional SILVER legislation at
this time TO be unwise and inexpedient Tor
urged that the Republican party had al
ready at this session by the passage OF
law more liberal than had heretofore been
enacted demonstrated its friendly feeling
for the cause of bfmetallism and insist
ed that the present law should be well
tried and the settlement of the question
LETT as a legacy to the Democratic, House OF
Representatives. Mr., Cannon also spoke
against further silver legislation.
90 asked hear
ing for silver on the floor of the House.
He desired the Senate bill reported from
committee and an opportunity given In the
House for discussion of thequestlon ottree
coinage. He would not, he said, insist that
the bill be fayorablY endorsed by the eau
Gus, but he urged that chance be gwen
for free and full discussion.
Speeches were also made by Messrs. Men;
nedy and Boothman of Ohio, Carter OF
Montana, and Others. the discussion being
carried on under the fve-minute rule.
No conclusion whatever was reached on
the silver question, except as q failure 10
take any action and the evidently prepon-
dersting sentiment in the caucus against
the consideration of further silver iegisia-
ton during this Congress may be said 70 be
a quasi conclusion. After o time the as
cussion broadened somewhat and took
in the policy 70 be pursued gene
rally during the remainder OF Congress,
Nessrs. Cannon, Henderson, and Others
urging the necessity Of full attendance
of Republican members from now unth
the 4th of March, in order that before Con-
gress expires the party may enact legisla-
ton Of special Importance and may not be
thwarted By the Democratic minority; IN
cidentally the shipping bill ana Dl,l LOT
10 as measures which the party should
pass before adjournment.
The only tangible result of the caucus
was the adoption of the following resoiu-
Resoloed That il is the sense of this eau
ems that the Chairman and Secretary be IN
structed 10 request the immediate
presence and continued attendance OF az
ser,t Republican representatives during
o. .annninder OF this CONGRESS.