The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-02-28
DETAILS OF THE CAUCUS.
Roll Called by States and All Senators
Permitted to Speak.

WASHINGTON, Feb 27.-The Democrats
of the Senate spent as much of this day in
caucus as yesterday The proceedings were
not marked by as many interesting Incl
dents, and the discussion to-day was more
of the character of argument in favor of the
interests which the various Senator's par
ticularly represented. Yesterday Senators
Vest, Brice and White made rather vigor-
Gus speeches, while to-day some OF the same
Senators made speeches that were not quite
so strong in terms. In order that all Sena-
tors might have opportunity to say
something the roll was called by States,
and nearly every man in the Senate had an
opportunity to express his views. Some of
the States asked TO be passed over. Senator
White, of California, the Alabama Senators
and Senator German reserving themselves
for tomorrow, when 1t is expected they
will close the general debate. The pro-
gramme then is that the bill shall be gone
over by schedule and the finance committee
instructed by suggestion or votes of the
caucus IS to what changes shall be made
That was the understanding when the eau
Gus adjourned this evening, though 1t may
be upset and some new programme sprung
after the closing speeches.
The general tone of the caucus was
dicated that II any Of the present duties or
proposed duties favored the trusts that the
committee would be instructed TO make al
terations This was only an expressed sem
timent by some of the Senator's which
seemed to meet the approba ton OF those
who listened. This sentiment indicated a
disposition 10 allow revenue duty on
sugar, but nothing in the way of discrim-
nation or protection for the refined article.
There was talk for coal and iron ore "a and d
could be shown as to how the senators
viewed these matters During the day the
Senators from New York, New Jersey and
Delaware took occasion to oppose the In
come tax feature of the bill, Senator Hill
declaring that Ii was very unpopular in his
Senators Mcpherson. Smith and Gray. The
impression seemed to be, however, that
there would not even be a demand for a
vote on the proposition to strike out the
Senator Mills made one of the conciiia-
tory speeches of the day. He said that the
bill was not wholly satisfactory TO him,
but that he would vote for any measure
that would reduce the rates of taxation
below the Mckinley law. Senator's from
the States having representatives on the
finance committee did not have much 20
say, but what was said was mostly in
favor of the bill The fight for coal was
Senator Camden, of that State, also urged
a duty upon lumber. Senator Villas was in
favor Of the bin; although he said that the
interests OF his State would be affected by
1t TO a considerable extent He referred
especially to lumber. iron ore and lead
He urged the Importance of party har-
mony.
Senator Roach, of North Dakota said he
spoke for that vast region west of Wiscon-
sin and through to the Pacific coast which
was not represented in the caucus. He made
a plea for a duty on wool. barley and lead
He asserted that the West was greatly in
terested in lead, and IL something could be
done for the miners, who had practically
lost everything on account Of the depression
OF silver he would like to see such protec-
ton incidental to the revenue as might be
raised on these articles. While the Alaba ma
Senators spoke briefly, they said they would
the bill. Senator White, of California, is
quite we'll satisfied with the bill as il was
prepared by the committee, and will speak
only briefly on some minor details. The
fruits and wine schedules, IL is understood
are as good he could expect, and he is
Senator German has maintained a con-
ciliatory tone throughout the caucus AS
presiding officer he has not been called on
to say a great deal. and what he has said
cut. His speech tomorrow is looked for
ward TO with considerable interest, as il
Is believed that he will make a general
summing up of the situation and give his
views with considerable force
Senator Hill made a vigorous attack upon
the income tax, saying that he considered
il poor policy to reduce the customs duties
so as to create deficit, as was con-
templated by the Wilson bill and then TO
make this deficit good by the imposition OF
before been levied In this country. excapt
as a war measure, and has been the first
of the laws enacted on account OF the war
to be re0e9led.
The Democratic Senators from New York.
New Jersey and Ohio are contending among