The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-08
THE DEMOCRATS CAUCUS
OUR SENATORS MEET AND DECIDE
UPON FUTURE PLANS.
Third Party Members Not United With the
Caucus-The Matter of Reorganization
Referred to a Committee.

WASHINGTON. March THE Demo
cratic caucus, which met in the Senate
chamber at 10 o'clock this morning. was
we'll attended Senator Ransom presided
Just what course the Democrats in
tended to pursue towards the Populists
has been a matter of interesting conjec-
ture, since Il was known that t&e Demo
Gratis had a clear majority Of their own.
The action to-day indicates that these
PopuIist senators are to be ignored
Kansas. the old Populists. and Mr.. Allen
the new POpulist elected by Nebraska,
were not invited to attend the caucus
and 10 this extent, at least, IL would seem
that they had been purposely neglected.
Mr. Martins case. however, was differ
ent. Mr.. Martin, Of Kansas. although
elected by fusion votes Is considered a
Democrat, and as such was invited by
Mr. German to attend the caucus, and he
was present and participated in the pro-
ceedngs. Mr.. Allen. IL is understood
will vote with the Democrats when IL
comes 10 the organization.
The caucus organized by re-eectlne
Mr.. German chairman. and Mr.. Faulkner
secretary. The session lasted four hours
the only actual business transacted
being 10 authorize the chairman to ap-
point a committee 10 devise a plan for
reorganization and report to the caucus
upon the call OF the chairman. Much OF
the time was consumed I'm a discussion
bearing upon the standing OF the Senators
who have been appointed by Governors
the case IN point being Beckwith. appoint
ed by the Governor Of Wyoming, and
Mantle, appointed by the Governor OF
Montana.
Speeches were made by Senators Voor-
hees Villas. Daniel and others. a spirit
OF opposition against seating these men
was manifested. and al support Of this
view a number Of the old decisions In
the Senate contested elections Were
quoted. The claim was made that mas
much as the Legislatures of these States
had not exercised the prerogative belong
ing 10 them. the Governors had no au-
thority to fill the places. and the States
should remain unrepresented. prece'
dent for such action was cited from an
early California case. II was finally de
cided, however. that these matters. to-
gether with the case Of Mr. Martin
should be referred 10 the Committee OF
Privileges and Elections.
1t Is understood that there was quite a
contest for the leading chairnldnshlps
and a disposition 10 set aside The tradi-
tions which give the ranking mem
hers Of the minority these places when
they come into the majority. II is un-
likely though that the usual custom VIII
be departed from Heretofore the party
coming into power has not TeorSanlzsd
elective officers at the extra session called
for the purpose OF confirming Presidential
appointments. although the Republicans
once attempted II. and whether this rule
should be departed from was a question
that came up for discussion number
Of Conservative senators favored post
poning action in this matter until Decem
| Der. but there was not lacking such ar
e.TTesfiOn of sentiment as indicated q
proposition to make complete change az
speedily as possible. This was also lef
to the committee appointed by Mr. Cor
man.
After the close OF the caucus, the Dem
ocratic steering committee" consisting
of Messrs German, Brice, Cockrell. Kan
som and Harris. remained in conference
| for more than three hours In Mr.. Kan
SONS committee-roOm AT the conclusion
of the conference at $50, Nr Gormar
announced the following reorganization
committee: Messrs Blackburn. Ransom
Cockrell Harris, Brice, White Loulsl
anal and German
This committee will probably begin lts
work tomorrow morning