The morning call., 1894-12-05
AR. VEST FAyORs CLOTURE.
Only to Head Off His Republican
Friends.
FREE SILVER IN THE WAY.
1t Will Be Impossible to Amend the
Currency System at the Short
Session.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4--The Democrats
of the Senate spent about three hours In
caucus to-day, and then adjourned without
taking action to meet again on Thursday
next. The entire time was devoted to
discussion of the situation and to the
wsest course of action for the Democratic
party during the present session of Con.
gress. The discussion was based on
series of resolutions presented By Senator
Daniel of Virginia, declaring for cloture,
committing the party to an abandonment
of all efforts to amend the tariff law and
to an effort to reform the currency IN ac-
cordance with the suggestions in the
Presidents message.
The resolution opened wide range OF
debate, In which many Senators partiei-
pated. Senator VOORHEES, opened the talk
with suggestion to the effect that the
wisest course lay in the abandonment OF
an effort to pass the free raw material
bills ESQ called, because of the evident
determination of the Republicans to pre-
vent any action. Senator Vest showed an
inclination toward cloture, contending
that if the Democrats did not adopt ii
the Republicans would when they should
come into power. Senator Morgan pre-
sented plea for liberal allowance OF
time for the consideration of the Ncara-
gua-canal bill.
While no action on any question was
taken by the caucus, the prevailing senti-
ment at the close of the caucus seemed TO
be that its ultimate decision would be a6-
verse to the entire series of resolutions
presented by Senator Daniel. The senti-
meut favorable to cloture seemed evenly
divided. There was also strong element
favorable to the passage of the sugar bill
as reported by the Finance Committee.
striking out all differentsls on sugar and
leaving straight revenue duty of 40 per
cent ad valorem, but it was pointed out
hat il the attempt should be made in this
direction it would open up the entire tariff
question.
The Senate Committee en- Finance was
in session an hour to-day. but did not agree
to any course of action on any of the i'm
portant financial or tariff bills. The meet
ing was devoted mainly 10 an exchange
of views on free raw material bills and the
Presidents currency recommendations.
Some of PETERS financial bills were taken
up and an adverse report unanimously
agreed upon. It is understood that
there was very free discussion
on the sugar tariff bill. The Dsm-
ocratic members expressed desire to
take the DILL up. The Republican men,
bers in;imated that majority of the Re-
publican members would stand against
any piecemeal amendments to the tariff.
Reference was also made to the free aleo-
hOl bill, with like result.
Representative Cox of Tennessee, of the
Banking and Currency Committee, and
Representative Bland, chairman of the
Coinage, Weights and Measures Commit
tee, held a conference to-day and dis
cussed financial measures. Mr.. Cox says
his com mittee will report some measure
during the session. Bland voices the SEN
timent of the free silver men in the House,
laying they will favor o financial measure
that does not include free coinage. In
every part of the House to-day there was
general expression that nothing more than
talk would come oIt of all financial propo-
o;t n