The morning call., 1892-03-11
THE HOUSE.
The Debate on Tariff Reform Resumed
by Turner of Georgia.

The Debate Tariff Reform Resumed
by Turner of Georgia.
In the tariff discussion to-day there was
striking contrast to the scenes which char
acteriZed the debate on the Mckinley bill
two years ago. Then it was obvious that
whatever measure passed the House it
would be concurred in by the Senate and
signed by the President; therefore, every
successive step was bitterly contested by
the Democrats. This year the Republican
minority in the House are confronted with
no such probabilities. That the measures
reported by the Ways and Means Com
mttee will pass the House is conceded, but
that none will receive the sanction of the
Senate Is considered probable by the Re-
publlcans. Hence the improbability of the
tarff bills ever becoming laws naturally de-
tracts from the deep interest that would
otherwise be manifested by the House in
these measures. and makes their considera-
ton somewhat perfunctory proceeding.
After the naval appropriation bill was re-
ported and referred 10 the committee of the
whole the House went into committee Of the
Whole on the free-w0ot bill.
Dlngley concluded his speech in 0pposi-
tion to the measure, and Turner of Georgia
took the floor in advocacy of the bill.
In his opening remarks Turner blasted
discussions would appear i'm the Demo-
cratic ranks as to the Springer policy of
separate bills by stating that while he had
favored general bill he deferred to men
for whose Judgment he had the deepest re-
spect, and would urge with all his efforts
and ability the bills now pending before
the House. This delicate compliment to
Chairman Springer and colleagues on the
Ways and Means Committee from one who
was in the past such warm advocate of
the Mills tarlH policy was warmly appre-
ciated by the Democratic side and freely
applauded.
Turner then turned his attention to a
criticism of Speaker Reeds rulings in the
last Congress, denying that the recent de-
cision OF the supreme Court vindicated
those rulings. When Walker of Massa-
chusetts rose to defend the ex-Speaker.
Turner catechized him. to the manifest an
noyance OF Reed. who occupied seat at
some distance from Turner.
Reed intlmated to Walker that he would
reply 10 the criticisms at the proper time,
and suggesting that he be permitted to do
so. Reed, rising ta reply 10 the criticism,
expressed the opinion that his action had
been thoroughly vindicated by the decision
of the Supreme Court. The question was
whether he violated his duty in counting
the members present who were in the
chamber, Never before the decision of the
court had any admission been made that it
was present quorum and not an active
quorum that the constitution demanded
Turner replied that the gentleman from
Maine (Rsed) had occupied both sides of the
question ana oeen wrong on both sides.
democratic laughter.l
Reed retorted that he had been correct and
consistent.
Turner said he always had the highest
respect Tor the gentleman from Maine. He
differed from him in his administration of
the chair, but had no intention to offend the
gentleman in his criticism of his admnistra-
ton.
Reed had no doubt, he said, in regard to
the good will existing between the gentle
man (rurneD and himself. Continuing
Reed argued that under the constitution a
present quorum was sufficient for the trans
action Of business. The gentleman from
Georgia had seen fit TO refer to the last cleo
tion. How often in the history of the world
had the righteous gone temporarily to the
wall? lGreat laughter.]
Patterson OF tennessee made an argu-
meat In support of the bill and inveighed
against the protection policy of the Repub-
lican party, which he asserted was detri-
mental to the interests OF the negro laborers
of the South. He denounced the force bill
as the most Infamous Of all infamous meas
ures aud c0ngratulating the country that
the Republican party itself was now ashamed
OF having advocated it. The farmers of the
South and West were dissatisfied with the
present condition of affairs and were clam
Oring for a reduction of taxation.
At the conclusion Of Patterson'S speech
the committee arose and the House ad-
jOurned.