The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-02-14
Several Plans for Strangling the VEN
cradle Senatorial Courtesy" and
Limiting Tariff Talk Discussed.
WORK OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE
Conference with VOORHEES, on the
Whisky Tax Question.
None Of the Important Schedules Yet
Agreed TO-Judge Jenkins's Decis-
ions Likely TO BE Investigated.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l3.-Beyond ques-
ton the Democratic leaders in the Senate
have Matched a scheme by which they pro-
pose TO have the benefits OF practical
cloture when the tariff bill comes UP for
discussion. They propose 10 revive some
obsolete ruling OF a Republican presiding
officer which gives the majority power 10
abruptly take a vote on the proposition TO
limit debate. without allowing any debate
on the proposition. or they propose to have
a ruling from the Chair on a clause in the
standing rules OF the Senate which will
give cloture. limit debate on the tariff bill.
and fix a day when a final vote shall be
taken. Without this the majority fear that
the debate on the tariff bill would be al
most interminable. A majority Of the com-
mittee on rules stand with their chairman.
Senator Blackburn, of Kentucky, in OPP
position to a cloture rule, I'm the face OF
party necessity for such a provision, and.
under the existing conditions, IL would
take a long time TO wear out the minority
and force a vote on a cloture proposition,
even though one could be reported from
the rules committee There would be little
opposition to cloture IL there was no Inn
minent party necessity for its application;
but so long as the necessity for IL is at
hand and party advantage is to be gained
by II the minority. of course would fight
II TO the bitter end.
without a limit TO the debate IL would
take several months to fix a time when a
final vote would be taken on the tarif bill
I'm the Senate, because that time would
practically come by default or unanimous
consent. and only after the minority had
exhausted itself in debate. so that the sit
uation would resolve itself into one re-
curing an arbitrary ruling OF the Chair or
permission 10 let the discussion drift along
until the minority is willing to come TO n
vote. Even after the main discussion or
primary consideration Of the bill had end
ed there would yet remain opportunities for
the minority TO defer final action, as there
will be at least one, and may be a dozen.
impression prevails that the majority VIII
take the bit in its mouth ard determine
how long the debate on the tariff bill shall
last by suggesting a certain number OF
weeks, and then the Chair will rule In
favor OF cloture.
The thing most desired now by the ma
tority in Congress is speedy action on the
tariff. When the hard times came a part
of the Democratic party In Congress, the
~''cuckoos," held that commercial depression
was due to silver purchases, while the other
portion contended that IL was all due 20
overproduction. There has for a year now
been a cessation of anything intended 10
maintain an overproduction. IL such a thing
was prior to the business depression. 1t is
now believed by the majority in Congress
mills and factories would start up, resume
business upon some basis or other. IL IL
believed that employees will receive smaller
wages than they have heretofore enjoyed,
but IL is confidently believed by the ma
tority that there VIII be employment, and
this what they desire most of all.