Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-25
TWO CENTS.
A LOT OF wIREPUIIlNG.
Probably Nothing VIII Result From To-
nights Democratic Caucus.

nights Democratic Caucus.
There is an awful lot Of wirepulling being
done today in connection with the democratic
caucus tonight. Those members and Senators
who are anxious TO get rid Of the silver ques-
ton are hard at work among their colleagues
urging the postpone ment of the question until
next session.
Few il any, and probably none, Of the
Senators will attend the caucus, but they are
trying to influence its action from without
Senator German was on the floor of the House
for time this morning talking with members
The silver men are worked up over the attitude
Of Mr.. German and OF Mr. Hill (through his
friends here). Both are said to be anxious to
prevent the Bland bill being sent TO the Senate.
The silver men are complaining that German
and Hill are afraid to face the question and that
to save themselves they want the House to take
the responsibility for the death of the bill
WHAT SOUTHERN men SAY.
Some Of the southern men declare that for
them to agree TO smother the bill would insure
their defeat at home, and that they cannot af-
ford to sacrifice themselves in the interest of
presidential candidates.
iAey s~y that If the bill goes to the Senate
both German and Hill will vote for it and that
they merely want to avoid that necessity.
NOTHING WILL coMK OF THE CAUCUS.
1t is apparent, however, that the fact that
German and Hill. as well as Mr.. Cleveland, are
urging that the silver question be set aside is
greatly perplexiug their followers in the House.
1t Is not likely that anything definite will come
OF the caucus, but the silver men are ready TO
yield so far as to accept very late
date for the consideration of the Bland bill. in
spite OF the fact that there Is a prospect OF a
hlibuster against the measure which might
q flo to no and at ha H.
out action unless the committee on rules will
interfere to secure a vote.
THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE.
Another question that will come up in the
caucus is the selection Of the democratic con.
gressional committee.
Mr.. Flower Of New York was chairman oi
the last congressional committee and his sue
cessor is now to be chosen. Mr.. Wilson o.
west Virginia. Mr.. Bynum and two or three
others are mentioned for the place.
ooRMAN's OLIVE BRANCH.
The first olive branch was rendered to the
SILVER men by Senator German of MARYLAND
this morning. but it vas by no means received
In spirit which gave hope to the east
ern democrats. Senator German came
over to the House and asked Mr..
Bland and his friends to consent to
the appointment Of joint caucus committee
by the democratic Representatives and Sena
tors, which should control party measures of
legislation during the present session and de-
eide what bill should have precedence in the
order Of consideration.
Mr. BLAND REJECTS IT.
Mr.. Bland rejected the suggestion almos,
with Indignation. He declared that nothing
would satisfy the free coinage men Of the
House but the passage of the free coinage
bill, and that, too. at an early day. He
served notice, so to speak, on Mr.. German and
the eastern democrats that no postponemeni
or dallylng with the question would be permit
ted by the free coinage men. He insisted that
the issue must be met and that so far as the
House Is concerned, a tree coinage bill must be
passed. Particular stress was laid by Mr.. Bland
upon the intention of the free silver people in
the House to pass a bill regardless of the senti.
ments Of the democratic Senator's and he asserts
that nc joint caucus or joint committee would
be allowed to exercise any dictation what
ever in the matter. 1t is the intention of the
free coinage men tonight to propose a resolu.
tlon In the caucus Of democratic Representa-.
tives declaring that the House must pass a free
coinage bill this session and naming a day for
its consideration. Lively opposition will be
made to any proposition by Mr.. Harter
or his friends that the Senators be given q
voice in the caucus. A number of the demo
cratic advocates of free coinage are absent from
the city, but Mr.. Bland and his friends feel
confident that they have sufficient strength tc
control the result in tonight's caucus
COUNTER PROPOSITION.
The opponents of Mr.. Bland and his col.
leagues are preparing counter proposition,
which they will present and upon which the
battle will be fought. This propo-
sitiol will name date or instruct
the committee on rules to name a date
upon which the free coinage bill shall be
taken up. for discussion. and shall be the
only subject OF discussion for one
week or longer. At the expiration of tina,
time, however. it shall be understood
that motion for postponement OF
final action shall be in order and that no vote
shall be taken on the Bland bill until Decem-
ber 10--after the presidential election.
This program, they contend. would en-
able all the free coinage men to de-
clare their position in the House and use
their speeches next fall for whatever practical
effect they might have in their respective dis
tricts. At the same time the democrats
as party would be spared the
necessity Of recording themselves upon
this precarious issue until after the
general elections when the Bland bill could be
taken up and considered without regard to its
political effect on the party.