The National tribune., 1892-03-03

NAHUM AL IhlDO ~ u W hiDll
only few months can scarcely be sufficient.
II is only by large number Of tests, with ac-
cnrRte noting Of conditions and occurrences,
that definite conclusions can be reached as 10
whether or not rainfall can be induced BY ex-
plosons, and whether such production Of rain
fall can be reduced 20 au art so as to effect pre-
cipitation at Predetermined place. What has
been done so far is altogether preliminary. but
with the benefit Of the experience gained /
hope that the subject will be pursued" In the
prosecution OF these investigations there has
been expended about $1,000, but OF this
amount the Government only furnished about
5000, the rest being furnished by outside par
ties who were much interested in the prosecu-
ton Of the investigation. IL is quite probable
that Congress will make n further appropriation
TO continue this highly -iuterestng investiga
ton.
The Democrats Of the House OF Representa-
tivcs held q caucus on Thursday evening in
the hall OF the House. at which there was a
great deal Of talk and no action. no question be-
ing voted upon except the motion 20 adjourn.
/ The Democratic Senators were invited TO par
ticipate, but did not avail themselves of the
/ opportunity. only one Senator Butler OF South
I Carolina) being present and he did not take
part in the proceedings. There were l35 mem
bers present despite the heavy rainstorm
which prevailed all evening, which shows that
an interest not usually felt in most subjects is
I felt on the free coinage question. discussion
Of that subject being the purpose for which the
] IA NJ ~.
the originator OF the caucus call. The follow
ing resolutions were read TO the caucus:
Resolved, That we nre in favor of the continued
! use Of both gold and silver money, aud that we
are unalterably opposed TO any legislation which
viii drive either metal ont of general circulation
Resored, That Ia justice To- The Democratic party,
and "Iih due consideration for the general bust
Il ness, industrial, aud financial interests Of the
4 Nation, We deem II the duty OF the Democratic
/ members of the 52d Congress to defer amy action
/ on the subject of free coinage until the question
OF ats wisdom Rnd justice is distinctly made 10 the
election q 1892
Alter the resolutions were read, Mr.. Bland, Of
Missouri, offered a substitute. which directed
the Committee on Rules TO report a rule fixing
a day for the consideration of the Silver bill
which was recently reported TO the House
from the Committee on Coinage, Weights and
Measures and expressing a sense OF the caucus
that that measure should speedily be passed,
and naming March % as the day upon which
consideration Of the bill should be commenced.
Mr.. Warner, Of New York, raised a point OF
order against this substitute, saying it could
not properly be considered, as it had not been
embraced i'm the call for the caucus. The
point Of order was, however, oyorruled by Mr..
Holman, the presiding officer of the caucus.
A discussion then ensued rs 10 whether any ac-
l. a..
ing upon those members who attended il, and
the anti-slver men were plainly asked if they
| would be bound 10y the caucus action. Repre-
sentative Williams Of Massachusetts, said very
frankly that he would not if the caucus de-
clared in favor OF free coinage. But Dir. Hol-
man came to the rescue at this juncture, aud
stated that lie had never during his legislative
| experience known Of a caucus being called for
any other purpose than as an advisor for the
party in power in regard 20 legislation, and lie
did not see how members could expect 20 bind
each other at the caucus then in session. At
ter this statement the members considered that
they were free 10 vote as they pleased. Mr..
IIarter explained the purpose Of the call for
the caucus and made an anti-free-silFer speech.
He was followed by Mr.. Bland, the champion
Of free coinage. who made a very temperate
argument Mr.. Williams, OF Massachusetts
declared that IL the free coinage measure was
passed by Congress. every Democrat from the
New England States would be certain Of defeat
at the next election. Quite number Of mem
bers argued both for and against the freedom
age bill, Mr. Herbert, OF Alabama. basing his
opposition TO the measure upon the ground
I that silver legislation was unnecessary ut
present. and that even IL a bill passed the
House IL would not result in actual legislation.
When the hour OF ii o'clock arrived, Mr..
Oates, Of Alabama, arose and said that as the
Democratic National Convention would frame
a party platform, and as there appeared to be a
division Of sentiment in the caucus, aud there
being no possibility Of reaching a definite
agreement, he moved that the caucus adjourn.
This proposition was carried by a vote Of 50
yeas to s. nays. A demand was then made for
a roll-call, which was finally withdrawn, and
the caucas adjourned without taking action on
the measure for which it was called together.
s5s
The Special Committee appointed by the
House Of Representatives TO investigate the
methods OF the Pension Bureau began its task
on Thursday. Feb. 25. 1t was decided to hold
sessions on Monday and Thursday Of each week,
beginning at 10 o'clock a. m. Representative
Enloc, Of Tennessee, who introduced the reso-
luton asking for the investigation aud who,
with representative Cooper, Of Indiana, is con-