The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-20

Indication that he has, through Secretary
Lamont selfish interest in the sugar
trust To say that the Democrats are
angry is but mild statement. They are
wild.
The news of the reading of the Presi-
dents letter was not long in being trans
mitted from the House to the Senate. MIR.
Wilson had kept his secret of his possess
sion of the letter well guarded, and it
proved a decided sensation. Information
as to the contents of the document was
eagerly sought on both sides of the cham
Der. A copy was furnished the Associated
Press and was in great demand. 1t was
taken to the Democratic cloakroom and
read In turn by groups OF Senators of
four or five, one of them generally reading
1t aloud to the others, and in one instance
two of them looking over the shoulders
and reading with the Senator holding it.
After the Senators became familiar
with Its contents they again gathered in
groups to discuss the document. both
with reference to points made by the
President and the policy of the President
in writing it. So intense and general was
the interest that for two or three hours
very little attention was paid 10 routine
proceedings on the floor of the Senate.
While no Senator hesitated 10 express
his views privately. the Democratic Sem
aors were oath 10 submit to interviews
for publication. They said the clrcum-
stances were unusual. and that as to their
action as body In opposition to the posi-
ton taken by the President, they could not
give publicity to their opinions whatever
they might be.
Repu bican Senators were at first iu-
clined TO express themselves very freely
on the policy of the letter, but when they
discovered, as they soon did, that their
Democratic colleagues were inclined to
remain silent. they changed their policy
as if by common consent and announced.
when spoken to upon the subject, that
they preferred the Democrats should do
the talking, declaring it was time for
epublicanS to be silent.
The most common expression among
Senators was that the writing OF such
letter was very extraordinary" and in
many instances where the speaker was
sure Of not beng quoted stronger words
were used. These expressions were heard
with slight variations on both Democratic
and Republican sides of the chamber.
The proceedings in the Senate to morrow
are expected TO be of unusual interest. 1r
is hardly probable that many of. the Sen.
ators will express any personal resent
ment. but there are expected to be some
very emphatic declarations against a
change of front by the Senate. especially
from the conservative Senators, who are
regarded as responsible for the most pro-
M noh a6a N a
Ii was understood before the letter made
its appearance that several of these Sem
ators, including German, Smith and Bnce,
had announced purpose TO state to the
Senate that only the Senate bill could pass
and to say in giving their rea sons for this
view that the bill had been the result Of
most careful deliberation on the part of
members of the Senate. 1t had been found
to be the only bill that could pass when
the Jones amendments had been arranged
in the caucus, and that an attempt to
change it materially at this late day would
prove that there had been nc modification
of sentiment since that time.
Senator Hill has announced an intention
to take advantage of the Presidents posi-
ton and influence to make an effort to Sc
cure a recession by the Senate from its
amendments for duty on coal and iron,
and he is said to believe that he would
double the vote which his proposition re-
csived when first advanced.
During the afternoon there were several
conferences between the Democratic lead
ers, and at first there was disposition to
refuse further conference on the tariff
bill. This was advised by quite number
who felt much aggravated at the course
taken in the House.
The Republican steering committee has
held meeting. and the general opinion.
was expressed that il was good policy to
allow the Democrats to do most of the
talking on the subject.
On the House side the question as to
whether the tariff situation had been SIM
pIifed or further complicated by the Presi-
dents letter was the subject of such specu-
latiOn after the stirring proceedings of the
day. Members on both sides of the cham
Der agreed that it would have profound
impression on the situation, but there was
a disposition to wait until its effects on
the Senate had been seen before prophe-
sying the result it m ght accomplish. The
letter, together with Mr.. Wilson's speech.
constituted a declaration of policy which
was very SdtlSldCtOIy w tuO l0NoDu o It.
form element 10 the House. 1t was con-
strued to mean that the House would
never yield its principle of free raw ma
terials. and in this it had the strong sup
port and influence OF the President.
As to the effect of the latter on the sugar
conflict there was wide divergence of opin-
ion. The Louisiana members profess to
be we'll pleased with the Presidents letter,
and said that it clearly recognized and ap-
proved the policy of raising revenue from
sugar. On the other hand. those members
who have most persstently urged free
sugar expressed apprehension over the
letter. They said it seemed to make a
deadlock certain.
From the Republieanstandpoin the gen.
eral view was expressed by Representa-
tive Hopkins of Illinois, Republican
member of the Ways and Means Commit
tee: President Cleveland's letter is with
out precedent In the history of this coun-
try" said he. 'The Qnsen of England,
even the Georges in their most arbitrary
days, would not have dared to have ex-
pressed such views to a legislative branch
of the Government"