The record-union., 1892-02-26
Special to the REcoRD-UN1oN.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-The result OF
the Democratic caucus tonight, called by
Harper and other anti-silver men, seems
to be that the silver question is about
where it was before the caucus. The free
silver men are evidently in the majority,
but the minority are unwilling to be
bound by caucus action. A resolution
submitted to the caucus by the ants de-
clared in favor of the continued use OF
gold and silver as money and unalterable
opposition to any legislation which would
drive either metal out of general circula-
ton; further, that in justice to the Demo-
cratic party, and with due consideration
for the general business, industrial and
financial interests of the nation, it is
deemed the duty of the Democratic MEM
bers to defer definite action on the sub
ject of free coinage until its wisdom and
justice are distinctly made in the elections
in 1892.
Although the Democratic Senators were
invited to attend the conference, Butler of
South Carolina was the only one that
came.
The proceedings were opened with a
speech by Harter. In accordance with
the programme, the free silver men put
the question to the anIi's whether or not
they would agree to be bound by the
caucus proceedings. After some discus
sion it was agreed that the conference
was free to vote as they choose.
Bland offered resolution instructing
the Committee on Rules to bring in a
special order fixing March 25th as the
date that the silver bill would be taken
up. Warner of New Y ork raised point
of order, but was overruled. Bland,
! Bryan, Fowler and Hooker spoke in
favor of the resolution.
Williams of Massachusetts, opposed it,
predicting disaster to the Democrats in
the East.
Fowler of New Jersey, in advocating
the resolution, said that the assertion that
New Jersey couldn't be carried on free
! silver platform, was untrue. New Jer-
Sey was Democratic State regardless OF
the silver question.
Herbert of Alabama urged delay, and
thought that the interests OF the party
would be served by not passing the bill
now.
Pierce of Tennessee maintained that
free coinage was strong with the people,
and would gain the party votes. West
! Virginia, y forth Carolina and Virginia
were close States, in which the party
stands chance of losing the Presidential
| election if the peoples demand for free
coinage is not met.
| Wilcox OF Connecticut, Lynch of Wis
! consin, English of New Jersey, and Nc
! Kinney of New Hampshire spoke against
the bill and resolution.
! The debate grew tireSome, and Oates OF
! Alabama said he had assurances that the
Committee on Rules would, if the bill
and resolution were not adopted, bring in
a rule making the Bland bill a special
order. He saw no advantage in row
| among the Democrats.
! The caucus finally adjourned, and this
! leaves the matter with the Rules Com
mittee to decide whether or not a special
order will be brought in.
Senator German came over TO the
| House to-day and asked Bland and his
friends to consent to the appointment OF
"a joint caucus committee by the Dem
ocratic Representative and the Senators
! which should control party measures OF
! legislation during the present session
and decide which bills should have pre-
cedence in the order of consideration.
| Bland rejected the suggestion and de-
coinage men of the House but the pas
| sage of d free-coinage bill, and that, too.
at an early day. Particular stress was
| laid upon the intention of the free-Silver
people in the House to pass the bill re-
| CARELESS of the sentiments OF the Demo-
cratic members, and Bland asserted that
no joint caucus or joint committee would
! be allowed to exercise any dictation what
| ever in the matter.
UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
Agreement Reached on Several Impor-
tant Questions.
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-One of the
! questions settled at the recent conference
between the Canadian Commissioners and
| Secretary Blaine was in regard TO the es-
| adjustment Of the boundary line between
Alaska and British Columbia. The pre-
liminary survey had already been made
| by the United States Coast Survey, but
| hitherto no joint action was had. The
| decision reached at the conference was
for joint international prosecution OF
! the work.
An agreement was also reached for the
more definite marking of the water
| boundaries in front of and adjacent to the
city of Eastport. Me.
| The international commission to be APP
pointed will consider and report regula-
lions which may be adopted by the United
| States and Canada for the prevention OF
| destructive methods of fishing and the
pollution of streams, and establishing a
uniformity of close seasons and other
means for the preservation and increase
of fish.
| An amicable understanding was also
| reached for reciprocity OF services in
cases Of wreck and salvage on the lakes.
Rain Experiments.
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-Secretary Rusk
| to-day, in answer to Senate resolution,
communicated to the Senate report OF
the Special Agent of the Department OF
A hn