The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-29
TIE GAG LAW DOWNED.
DEMOCRATS 10 NOT rAKE TO II.
The Southern Members OF the House Re
fuse TO sign n Petition Asking for IL.
Nashinxton Matters.


WASHINGTON. ID. c.. March 9s. Special. l.
The Silver bill is again the one topic of dis
cussion and agitation. but tits a Quiet and
bus.uess-li1e agitation ono that promises
well for the future Of the Democratic party.
Instead OF standing on the floor Of tho House
and practically before the whole country and
sovagely denouncing each other the Demo
cratic members are working quietly and ELI
ciently. though not yet with entire har-
mony. TO agree upon and follow a course con-
duciye 70 the best interests OF the whole
party.
Alter the Silver bill had been sent to the
calendar, on motion Of Mr. Bland 10 adjourn,
which thus terminated the three days fixed
for consideration of that bin. it was given
out that the Committee on Rules would at
once report another resolution not only Civ
ing the Bland bill another day. or several
days IN court, but so binding the House as TO
practically force the bill through. In other
words. that the proposed resolution would
have gog-ruie attachment. 1t would hx
time for consideration of the Bland bill. and
also prescribe an hour at which the previous
question should be considered as ordered
thus cutting oil all opportunity for ODpo-
sitiOn aud absolutely preventing I'LL
clustering. Mr. Bland asserted most posi-
lively that such resolution would be re-
ported. stating that he had teegrams from
the Rules Committee stating that he would
sustain tho free silver leaders in their demand
for clOture. Meantime Speaker Crisp lndl-
Gated that he would unite IN reporting reso-
luton for the further consideration Of silver.
lnder these circumstances the antl-sllYeT
men. as The TlMEs has stated. relied upon
McMillin 20 contend for granting them at
least some parliamentary rights IN the debate.
To-day q new phase has developed and one
that promises TO leave the Silver bill just
where 10 is.
In the Democratic caucus held soon after
the organization of the House to discuss the
code of rules proposed very strong oppOsi-
tiOn was manifested % the rule or any phase
OF II proposing 10 vest the Committee on
Rules with power to recommend or report IN
favor Of cloture. Democrats in earnest
speeches declared that after the denunciation
of Reed because of his course in the last
Congress the party could not afford TO adopt
any rule which would directly or indirectly
fasten cloture or gag-rule upon the House.
Speaker Crisp made a half-hOurs speech
20 the caucus. chiefly devoted to this one
provision Of the rules. He asserted in the
most emphatic manner that the proposed rule
would never be enforced nor sought TO be
enforced. except upon the written request OF
majority OF the Democratic members With
this distinct understanding the rule was
aAOlNI4t many AtIAADNAot' 'Rh+-o N-.%-A~N 49,
Mr.. BLAND QUERED.
To-day Mr. Bland was advised by Speaker
Crisp that in order 10 get the resolution he
proposed adopted by the Rules Committee
lie must present petition in Its favor signed
by a majority Of Democratic members of the
House. Mr.. Bland essayed 10 get up such
petition, but soon gave up the attempt IN
disgust. Then several other free silver
Democrats undertook to get the petition.
apparently regarding 10 as an easy task They
were surprised at the refusal Of numerous
Democrats. who had supported Bland
throughout. to sign the petition.
The Virginia delegation, 10y an informal
exchange of opinion. Developed decided
disnclination to sustain cloture. To form
ally settle the matter a meeting of the dele
CATION was held to-day. In that meeting the
question of clOture was the one OF import
ance 1t was unanimously agreed that
Southern Democrats, Of least, could not az
ford 70 support cloturo that when the Force
bill was before the Senate OF the last Con-
cress and Senator HOar urged cloture
some Republicans joined the Democrats
in opposing It on the ground
that there was no precedent for It and that
the policy was contrary 10 the principles of
this Government. The Virginia members
agreed that they would not support any pro-
position coming from the Committee on Rules
or elsewhere tending to gag the House; that
il would never do for the Democratic House
peace of the South. IL was suggested that
should this House adopt the gag rule. the
next House. in the event OF its being hepub-
lcan. might use tnat as precedent for tie
use of clOture TO push through force Olll.
Ia this position many Democrats agree with
the Nirginians. There seems 70 be geuu-
inc reaction going on IN the South with
regard 10 silver. Mr.. Tucker is receiving
many letters from his constituents advising
that il the passage OF free silver Dill endan-
gers Democratic success ID the coming presl-
Dental election, il 90 over for the present.
Other Democratic members are receiving
many such letters. Southern Democrats
write that they have not yet considered the
silver question from both sides and they
are willing 10 have il postponed for more
light.
wHAT CRISP AND BLAND SAY.
When the Speaker was asked concerning
the matter by reporter he said: "lt Is true
j have taken the position that unless as
surances are given me that majority of the
Democratic members will vote for cloture
rule i will vote in the Committee on Rules
against its adoption. ] think | am right in
assuming this position. 1 stated IN caucus
that would not make changes in the rules or
bring in any new form OF procedure unless |
received the support OF my party, and 1t Is
this position that am assuming now"
Mr. Bland said this afternoon that he had
,,iyen up the fight and would make no further
attenut 10 bring the bill to d vote.
Speaking for Mr. Bland and the free silver
men Mr.. Pierce. OF Tenn, said: We viii not
nnsh tie matter further, but Will lot the Com
r'ittee on Rules assume the responsibility for
tie defeat OF the bill before the people OF the
country" ,.
Alta meeting Of the Virginia delegation to
dsv all the members except Mr.. Epes voted
e@5inst the petition 10 the Rules Committee.
Nv Ines as a member of the Coinage Com
mittee voted 10 sustain Bland as a matter of
lovaltv This evening Bland had heated
controversy with the Speaker. but the latter
adhered TO his decision to be governed by a
majority petition.
SPEAKER CRISP CRITICISED.
There il much ill-will expressed by the
silver men on account of Speaker Crisp's
stand to-day and claim that by deciding
against reporting cloture rule unless sup
ported by a majority OF his party be has
broken his word 10 Mr. Bland. Mr.. Pierce,
5lr Stone. of Kentucky. and others.
blr. Bland said this afternoon tnat lhurs-
day night Just before he moved to adjourn
the House and THUG lost the support OF the
special order for voting on his bill, he had a
consultation with Speaker Crisp on the best
course to pursue In order u save
the bill from defeat. and that Mr.
Crisp assured him that If he moved an ad-
iournment the Committee on Rules would