The record-union., 1894-03-01
DISCUSSING THE TARIFF.
ANOTHER CAUCUS OF THE DEMO
CRATIC SENATORS.
The Proposition to Put Tax on Iron
Ore Lost by a Majority of Two
Animated Debate.
Special to the RECoRD-UNToN.

Special to the RECORD-UNIoN.
WASHINGTON, Feb 2S.-The Demo-
cratic Senators caucused on the tariff bill
this morning till it was time for the SEN
ate to go into session, without settling
any of the questions at issue or reaching
vote on any point.
White of California occupied most of
the morning session with discussion of
the fruit and wine schedules. He asked
for only a few changes, which he said
were necessary.
Mr.. Brice attacked the methods of the
Finance Committee in shaping the bill,
The caucus reassembled at 2:30 o'clock.
There was no effort to take a vote on
Martins resolution to instruct the COM
mittee but by general consent the caucus
concluded to reCOmmit the bill to the FL
nance Committee without instructions,
except as far as the wishes of the various
Senators expressed in caucus may be con-
sdered as such.
The only vote taken was on the propo-
sition to put a tax on iron ore, which was
lost by a majority of two.
Pugh announced he would not be
bound by the action OF the caucus on this
proposition.
At 4:45 o'clock the caucus adjourned.
subject to the call of the Chairman.
1t is recognized that there is no further
chance to change votes by argument.
ANIMATED DEBATE.
New YORK, Feb. 2S.-ThelIa5J and E:c-
press Washington special says: The
longer the Democratic Senators remain in
caucus the more interesting and exciting
grow the attempts to harmOnize the Vari-
Gus factions on The tariff bill. The caucus
this morning was one OF the most ami
mated yet held and plainly developed
that the politicians of the party are fight
ing the battle OF the Sugar Trust to the
bitter end. There were charges and cOun-
ter-charges made behind the closed doors
of the marble room, and at one time the
remarkable statement was made that it
was the duty of the Democratic party to
stand by its friends, and plain Justice
that something must be done to support
the Sugar Trust. 1t was openly stated
that the trust or its stockholders had
helped the Democratic party in the last
campaign by the contribution OF sos, 600,
and discriminating duty must be put
upon sugar to save the party'S honor.
The friends of the trust fought like tigers
in their efforts to induce the caucus to ia
vor their views. At one time the fight
looked so close that the friends of the
trust were confident OF success, but were
afraid to force a test vote
The chances are about even on the
sugar duty, and probably two to one
against discriminating duty in favor of
refinerS.
The POSTS Washington special says:
No confirmation can be obtained OF the
report that Senator White, just appointed
to seat on the Supreme Bench, will de-
cline his judicial honors, unless the sugar
schedule is settled before the court meets
Monday next.
HOUSE MEMBERS INTERESTED.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 2S-Members of
the Ways and Means Committee Of the
House are watching with keenest inter
est the action of the Senatorial caucus on
the tariff bill. The tendency TO put the
Wilson bill under fire is watched for the
ultimate effect it will have on revision
of the tariff. The statement made III the
caucus that the Wilson bill was framed
without any consultation with President
Cleveland or Secretary Carlisle is denied
by members of the committee.
An Associated Press representative
talked to-day with all the Democratic
members of the committee in the city. 1t
disclosed that they were not apprehensive
that Senate action would materially
change the policy and schedules of the
Wilson bill.