The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-03-01
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OVER.
Now the Matter Is Referred Back
to the Committee.
NO CHANGES RECOMMENDED.
Republicans Say the Action Is Advan.
tageouS to Them and Disastrous
TO the Bill.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S-The Demo-
cratic special caucus on the tariff bill Is
over and both sides are claiming to have
made progress for the interests they REP
resent. The outcome is In the nature of a
victory for the Democratic mem bers of the
Finance Committee. VINO prepared the bill,
as it was returned 10 them without any in-
structions to make changes. Immediately
after the adjournment of the caucus, Sena-
Tors German, Brlce, Hill, Smith, Murphy,
Camden and one or two others, who had
been known TO be very much opposed to
the bill of the Finance Committee, held a
consultation and their attitude was in
direct contrast with the members Of the
Finance Committee.
When Senator Pugh of Alabama stated
be would not be bound by the action Of
the caucus several Senators at once de-
clared it would be useless TO take any
more votes. The opinion seems to be d.
yided as to whether the Finance Commit
tee will now make any change. The i'm
preston is some change of minor nature
will be made. as we'll as some concessions
granted where the demands have been
apparently just and where the changes
will not necesstate other changes in the
bill
1t is expected the bill will now be dis
posed of as soon as possible. One member
CT the committee said be expected the bill
to be reported to the full committee by
Saturday, and efforts will be made to get
1t into the Senate early next week.
The Republicans look at the result of
the caucus as one of distinct advantage to
them and possible disaster to the bill. 1t
ic ha f,,r, ,l,a
nents of the bill have shown indicates The
bill will be modified in the Senate or il
may be postponed to the first Monday in
December. The probabilities are the oppo-
sition may be very much like that in the
House. making a great show to secure a
concession, but in the end will melt away
and the bill be passed.
White of California occupied most of the
morning session with the discussion of the
fruit and wine schedules. He asked fer
only few changes which he said were
necessary. Brice attacked the methods of
the Finance Committee in shaping the bill.
The conference of the Democratic Sena-
tors while the Senate was 10 session to-
day was devoted TO the hearing of state
ments from Senators who desire changes
in the bill. Senators Hill, Brice, White,
Gallery and German were among those
present, and it is understood they ex-
pressed themselves quite fully as to the
changes they desire. The question of the
method of levyiDg duty was discussed,
and contest arose between those who
favored specific and those who advocated
ad valorem duties. Senator Hill led the
opposition to the system Of ad vaorem
duties. Senator Mills cOntended for the
ad valorem system. The caucus adjourned
at :45 O'Clock. The only vote taken was
on the proposition to put tax on iron
ore, which was lost by majority Of two
votes.
Senator Pugh announced that he would
not be bound by the action of the caucus
on the proposition. By general consent
the caucus concluded to recommit the bill
TO the Finance Committee without instruc.
lions, except so far as the wishes of
various Senators expressed in the caucus
may be considered as such.
The members of the Ways and Means
Committee of the House are watching with
keenest interest the action of the Sena-
torial caucus on the tariff bill. The ten
dency to put the Wilson bill under fire is
watched for ana the ultimate effect it will
have on the revision of the tariff The
statement made ia the caucus that the
Wilson bill was framed without any con-
sultstion with President Cleveland or
Secretary Carlisle is denied by member
of the committee. All the Democratic
members Of the committee in the city seen
to-day were apprehensive that the Sem
ate's action would materially change the
policy and schedules of the Wilson BILL