The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-08-08
LEFT To CONFERREES
The House Caucus Decided to
Take No Action.
The Conferrees Are to Use Their
Own Judgment.
CRISP AND WILSON.
The Two Democratic Leaders
Address the Caucus.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8. - Chairman
Wilson and his associate house tariff
conferrees scored a victory yesterday
when the house Democratic caucus
called with a view of terminating the
tariff struggle by instructing or ad-
vising the house conferrees adjourned
without taking any action The effect
of this was to leave the house confer
rees to proceed as they saw best, and
to show conspicuously that the effort
to advise them had failed The friends
Of Mr.. Wilson found that they
had the caucus SO well in hand
that they could have passed the Liv-
inoston resolution expressing con-
fdence, but there was no desire on
the part of the supporters OF the con-
ferrees to take this course.
Speaker Crisp and Chairman Wilson
expressed themselves as gratified with
this conclusion, and among the rank
and file of the house the sentiments
was general that the movement in
augurated to bring about an accept
ance of the senate bill had resulted in
materially strengthening the oppOsi-
ton to the senate bill
The caucus was called to order by
Chairman Holman. The roll call dis
closed the presence of I66 members
Speaker Crisp sat among the mem bers
on the floor of the house. Near him
was Chairman Wilson and Repre-
sentative McMillin, Messrs. Bynum
and Springer. who had urged the eau
Gus, together in conference throughout
the meeting.
Mr. Bvnum at once offered a resolu-
ton reciting the fact of disagreement
on a tariff bill and declaring that the
cOnferres should meet in a spirit of
1iberality and. by mutual concessions,
agree upon d measure that will NEE
with the approval of both bodies
The resolution further provides for
the adjournment until o'clock Fri
dav next. If no agreement is mean
while reached, and that the Demo
cratic senators shall be invited to
meet on that day in joint caucus
Speaker Crisp, Chairman Wilson.
Representatives McMillin, Catchings
and Cultivate and those who were
expected to fight the resolution were
Cd hand when the caucus was called
to order.
Chairman Wilson replied to Mr..
Bynum. He deprecated the adoption
of the Bynum resolution, and was fol-
lowed by Mr.. Livingston of Georgia.
who offered a substitute express ng
confidence in the house cOnferees and
leaving all action to their judgment
After Mr.. Livingston had offered the
house substitute Mr.. Bynum made a
point of order against it He said he
the key to the situation and they
b ad assured him that nothing but the
Sc nate bill could pass and that there
was no chance of an agreement.
Speaker Crisp spoke with much
earnestness for ten minutes, counsel
ing the caucus to take no action
which would embarrass the
house tariff conferrees.
The speakers speech was received
with manifestations of approval, and
in conclusion he suggested that the
caucus should adjourn
Mr.. Bvnum evidently realized that
the caucus had slipped out of his
hands lie therefore suggested that
he would be glad to withdraw his res
Olution. if Mr. Wilson would rise and
say that agreement was in sight.
He paused for a reply. Mr. Wilson
made no move He gave no apparent
recognition to Mr.. Bynum.
The action of the chairman excited
no little comment. as it was taken to
mean a declinatiOn to have any con-
were made regarding the status of
negotiations upon sugar. coal and iron.
but no definite Information was forth
coming.
Speaker Crisp said that the senate
bill was more highly protective in
most Of its schedules than the house
bill and that there were many points
of difference to be settled and inti-
mated that they were being settled,
but that was as much enlightenme as
the inquiring Democrats obtained
Finally Mr.. Bynum withdrew his resO-
luton, explaining that he was salts
fed with the representations made,
and on motion of Speaker Crisp the
caucus ad iourned