Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-06-26

WASHINGTON, D. c., June 25.-Gen-
eral Catchings, of Mississippi, who was
a member of the last House Committee
on rules in speaking of the legislation,
which will occupy the attention OF Con-
gress at the special session this autumn,
said:
1.-THE repeal OF the Sherman law and
the reform Of the tariff are the two
great subjects with which we will have
to deal, The numerical strength OF the
free silver vote is not certain. 1t is cer-
tain, however, that many members will
oppose repeal unless something nearer
to free coinage is offered.
"When the tariff debate springs up
every protected industry in the coun-
try will have it's representative on the
floor. With the opposition so strong IT
will be absolutely necessary to modify
the rules, else nothing can be done.
Every one remembers the scenes
which marked the closing days of the
last Congress. Days were wasted in
senseless motions which had no object
save delay. With these rules again in
force no vote could be reached. think
that the committee on rules thoroughly
understands this. l am mistaken If,
when Congress meets, different order
of things does not obtain. IL is as near
ly certain as anything can be that quite
a considerable change will be the result
OF conference and past experience.
'tLast winter the committee on rules
formulated a provision which should
meet the case. 1t wos to the effect that
it shall always be in order to call up for
consideration a report from the COM
mIttee on rules.
1.-The working Of it will be this:
Suppose that after month of debate
the committee on rules reports that the
next Thursday shall be set apart for a
vote upon the repeal of the Sherman
act and moves the previous question.
Setting aside the day will be OF little
effect, as that day might be wasted in
filhbustering, but If the majority wishes
10 UO OuSlucSS IL Cdu NObc uOMu buO
motion for the previous question which
shall leave IL open TO amendment. An
amendment can then be offered setting
the vote for certain hour, and II car
ried by the majority dilatory motions
will be crushed. The rule declares
that after the committee is made but
one motion-to adjourn-shall be en-
tertained. 1t will be as direct and
strong method OF closure as
can be devised, and have little
doubt Of its adoption. BY this course
the conduct of the business OF the House
will be placed entirely in the hands OF
the majority and upon the majority will
follow the praise or blame. do not
suppose that there is member OF the
last House who does not appreciate the
necessity Of change ia the rules
With regard to the sentiment OF the
south concerning the repeal OF the Sher-
man act l believe that it is in forma-
tive state. The people not only there
but in all sections OF the country are
doing more thinking upon this subject
than ever before.
Eighteen months ago the South was
strongly in favor Of free coinage, but 1t
is not so to-day. Sentiment is chang
ing. Ifasked to hazard guess should
say that 1t is now about half and nalf.
The cause oi sound money has gained
ground very rapidly. Personally ia
vor the repeal of the Sherman law. l
would like TO see something in its place
to benefit the couDtry-some legisla-
tion more wise and more conservative,
but it should be wiped out, If needs be,
uncondtionally."