The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-05
Some Refused to Appear in the House
Yesterday and Lend Assistance To-
wards Taking Up the Tariff.
CAUCUS BOOKED FOR TONIGHT
When Lively Quarrel Over the
Measure Is Expected.
Senator HOar Wants to Know by What
Authority BlOunt Was Paid for
His Work in Hawaii.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.-There are Demo-
Gratis here tonight who predict that Con-
gress will never pass the Wilson BILL They
claim that many members of the House
majority are secretly conniving at it's de-
feat, and they point to the fact that al
though more than quorum of the party's
membership was in the city to-day not
enough appeared to break the deadlock and
take up the measure. Aside from the i'm
potency of the Democratic representation
in Congress and the division upon every
important question before them, the Demo-
Gratis are just now greatly exercised and
worried over their inability to proceed. No
one realizes better than the Democrats in
Congress that one of the principal causes
Of the business depression throughout the
country is the uncertainty and suspense
over the Wilson tariff bill. Better than al
most any one else Democratic member Of
Congress learns the responsibility that is
resting upon him. Thousands Of kilograms,
letters, memorials and petitions are pour
ing In upon Democratic Congressman every
day from all parts of the country, begging
for action. Action, relief from the sus-
pense, positive work, is what the country
demands.
Upon almost every street corner and in
the hotel corridors when Congress is not in
session, and clustered about on the floor of
the House and in the cloak rooms when
Congress is in session, can be seen groups
of Democratic congressman discussing the
outlook. They all agree that not until the
Wilson tariff bill has been disposed of by
adoption or defeat can there be any hope
for relief to the prostrated industries; not
until the fate Of this destroyer of COM
merce is known can the idle workingmen
get employment at any price. But while
realizing and conceding this fact there is
not a Democrat in Congress who can
point out a way to action. All coneede
that the party representatives cannot get
together. Some are in favor OF speedy ac-
ton and the adoption of the bill without
amendment. Some want speedy action,
but demand such amendments as will con-
sumo time in discussion. Some oppose the
bill as whole. and believe it should not
be passed at all, while others demand that
new features shall be added to it. Many
contend that the bill shall be perfected in
the House, while others believe it should be
left to the Senate for completion. Every
chump from the backwoods of Democracy
who has been sent to Congress is full of
impracticable ideas and suggestions, or,
HdNlilS UO SuSSeSIOHS, SluDDOIIly refuses
to proceed until certain indefinite conces-
sions are made. Altogether the Democrats
in either house of Congress are like a pack
of lorg-eared jacks, wise and conceited in
their own estimation. and stubborn to the
extreme All are ambitious to be leaders,
and half of them believe the eyes OF the
country are upon them, and that they must
show their leadership.
l<l.
month it was predicted that the Wilson
tariff bill would become law by the end
of February. A fortnight afterward the
date was deferred couple Of months.
Now that the Democrats have failed to
get together upon any line Of action and
all sorts Of amendments are proposed and
obstacles placed in the way of action 1t is
predicted by the most intelligent and hon.
est Democratic leaders that the bill will
not become law, If at ALL until the middle
Of next summer, while there are members
Of the ways and means and finance COM
mittees who believe the bill will not be
disposed Of before September or October
The Republicans, under similar circum-
stances, would have had the bill in posi-
ton to become law before the sod is broken
for corn planting. The Republicans would
have gotten together and rushed the work.
What will be the outcome of the caucus
tomorrow night cannot be foretold, but it
is certain lively row will occur.