The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-12-25
PAR7F POLICY IN THE HOUSE
IL win he Decided In Caucus and Not by
the Speaker nnd Hts Lieutennnta.

Il VIII he Decided In Caucus and Not by
the Speaker and Hts Lieutennnts.
WARRINGTON. Dec. 24.-The Star tonight
prints On article headed Party Policy in the
House," which for various reasons Is UNDER
stood to reflect the views and intentions Of
Speaker Crisp and the lieutenants whom he
hns placed at the head Of the several commit
tees. For that reason the article has attracted
much attention. II is in part as follows:
The party policy OF the House is regulated
In one OF two ways. and the plan once laid
down is seldom departed from rs to any
great question. One method is for the
Speaker and three or four gentlemen who
have his confidence to determine among them
selves what Is to be DONE aud then. by the ex-
ercise OF extraordinary power. to shape things
to that end-flrst by constructing committees
for or against certain measures. regardless Of
the sentiment OF the majority OF tho party
they are supposed to represent. and. secondly.
by discriminating In the recognition Of men,
bcrs to make motions and by adopting special
rules to promote or to retard legislation. Tho
other method Of planning the party policy is to
meet In caucus and to reach conclusion after
full discussion. in which every section
and every theory may DO given q fair hearing,
such course to be followed "a majority repre-
senting the whole party shall decide to be
wise. In such o caucus the ablest men having
ths s pest s side OF the question and disposition
Toward c43nservatism looking always to the Iu-
strongest Influence The policy they adopt Us is
very apt to be the true policy Of the party they
It is probable that the latter method viii viii be
followed to considerable extent In the pres
Of 1.-THE Speaker and his friends viii Be exerted
to hold the party to those questions as to
wh hch there Is least division Of opinion and
have Kept to the front in tho next Presidential
CONTEXT cont They. beleye however. that to &C.
gress equally with themselves t9 repre-
Is not yery
th he send soas. The ts
rather than BY arbitrary methods based upon
th Tss RGsy tnes sf bs
lex S that It will 1T least represent the wisdom
There Is no Acknowledged difference o,
opinion among the Democrats on the subject of
retrenchmsnt and reform; It is said by ali that
expenditures. Therefore the Appropriations
Committee Is made as strong rs possible with
dereSee OF opinion on the tar a@estioR IN
the House is that between the two parties.
The De%ocratie members Of the Ways and
q the most ST. radical tSre.
Tiers Is u opnea aons ehe
Democrats as to the best method OF accom-
plishing a REDUCTION Of the tariff under the
HsPf eSas aod .ha face 81
this. the difference Is not pronounced enough
to promise any serious friction. and has not
been SO much an issue as it has been BY
many supposed. Probably the first mporfant
thing that the Democratic caucus will DO called
a general tariff bill or the reduction shall be
attempted By the passage Of bills carrying
stnSs tem this The and
might be more effective at this time. will de-
fer to the decision OF a majority of tho party.
both parties. and in this respect II is predicted
that It will he found that the House is fairly
the Republicans are men who have always
favored free coinage OF silver. A majority OF
the Democrats are OF the same faith. so that
sentative COMMITTEES, with majority disposed