The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-01-25
CAUCUS OF SENATORS.
Republicans Favor the Admission of Okla
homa, Ctah and New Mexico.

Republicans Favor the Admission of Okla
homa, Ctah and New Mexico
WASHINGTON, Jan. A.-The Republican
senatorial caucus this afternoon decided by
a majority vote to take favorable action
upon the admission of the Territories OF
Oklahoma, Utah and New Mexico. but left
Arizona out in the cold. This result was
not attained until after q prolonged dis
Cussion. A great deal of opposition was
manifested on the part of some Eastern
Senators. who pointed to what they called
the manifest evidences of the inability of
these Territories To take up the cares and
burdens of Statehood. Objection was
made TO the admission Of New Mexico on
account of its great preponderance OF citi-
Zens who could not speak or write the
English language; to Arizona because OF It's
immense debt and the poverty OF the Terri
tory; to Utah on account of the prevalence
Of poly gamy. and to Oklahoma by reason
OF it's newness and the absence of the es-
sentials which 60 TO make up successful
Territory ready for the more advanced pos
ltion of Statehood
The caucus developed into a contest be-
tween the extreme West and the East. aud
the result appears to be victory for the
younger mem bers of the Senate. 1t Is con-
sidered a victory, however, in name only,
for the subsequent action or the caucus
nexatIved the result of the caucus. 1t was
agreed that the question Of the admission
should be made the order Of business to
follow The discussion of the Nicaragua
canal After the present matter of the
Cherokee Strip is disposed of, the Senate
will take mp the various interstate-com.
merce bills that have been, or will be, re-
ported, and will then begin the discussion
of the Nicaragua-csnal bill. In the mean
time the appropriation bills, which have
right of way. will begin to make their
appearance. and will command the
attention of the Senate. 1t will thus
be seen that the chances for the discussion
of the bills to admit these Territories is
very slim. and the Eastern Senators who
gave their assent to the caucus programme
very reluctantly have no hesltancy In say
ing that no action will be taken during this
session of Congress whatever. On the
other hand, the friends of the Territories
assert the Republicans stand committed TO
favorable vote regardless of whether it
comes up this session or during the next
Congress. The House has already passed
the bills for the admission of New Mexico
and Arizona, but no action mas been taken
on Utah. Of the three Territories it is
said that one only-that of Oklahoma--is
probably Republican. but the Re-
their admission, regardless OF politics.
for the reason that they will nevor advance
or become improved until they are given
statehood, and thnt their improvement
new States in the West. There was a
quorum present at all times during the two
hours of the caucus.
When the Senate finance committee met
to-day Senator Mcpherson asked poin tedly
what the majority of the committee pro-
posed to do relative to tho bill to repeal tn Q
sllver-purchase act, reported from the COM
Ditteo week ago. Senator sherman. who
has the matter in charge. replied that he
would call the bill up In the Soma just as
soon as he ascertalned that his motion to
do SO would command the support OF ma
jOrity. The committee did nothing of gen.
eral interest during the session.