The Wichita daily eagle., 1894-03-01

WASHINGTON, Feb 2s.-The Democratic
special caucus on a tariff bill is oyer, and
both sides are claiming to have made pro-
gress. The outcome is in the nature OF IA
victory for the Democratic members OF the
finance committee who prepared the Dill,
as it was returned to them without any
instructions to make any changes. I'M
mediately after the adjournment
of the caucus, Senators German,
Brice. Hill. Smith, Murphy, Camden
and one or two others, who have
been known to be very mnch opposed to
the bill of the finance committee, held a
consultation, and their attitude was In dl-
rect contrast with the members OF the
finance committee. During the three
days ended last night but one vote was ta-
ken, and that but few minutes before ad-
tournament. This was on proposition to
instruct the finance committee 10 put iron
ore on the dutiable list. without any rate
mentioned whatever, and this was lost by
Il vote of 10 to II.
Senator Pugh of Alabama stated that he
would not be bound by the action of the
caucus, and reserved the right to support
his motion in the senate. Several senators
at once declared that it would useless TO
take any more votes if senators did not in
tend TO abide by the action OF the caucus
Then Senator VOORHEES,, chairman OF the
finance committee, moved that the CAUCUS
adjourn, to meet at the call of the chair
man, with the understanding that the
finance committee should continue It's
work and report as soon as possible.
Senator Brice said tonight that the re-
suit could not be considered in the light of
defeat for those who were Instrumental
in bringing about the caucus. He claim
ed that a great deal had been accomplish
ed, in presenting to the committee the
ideas and wishes of individuals upon the
tariff 1t has been demonstrated 10 them
that certain schedules did not meet the
approval of a large number of senator's.
There had been a full hearing for every
senator, and every Democratic senator be-
tween now and the time when the bill Is
reported will be accorded a hearing by the
finance COMMITTEES.
While the members of the finance COM
mittee are reticent, what they say in
dicates that they feel that the caucus has
resulted in vindication of the bill which
they bave prepared, and, instead of being
Instructed by the caucus, they are free to
present such bill as they think Is best
suited to the principles of the party and
the necessities of the revenue. 1t is
claimed that those who brought about the
caucus expected to secure votes enough to
place a duty on wool, iron ore, sugar,
Sdlb anu uuLlDbT VI
articles, and increase the duty on other
articles, and yet. upon the test, the
/ roposition fell short OF votes.
Opinion seems to be divided as to
whether the committee will now make
any change. The impression is that some
changes of minor nature will be made.
ns well as some concessions granted where
the demands have been apparently justi-
fled, and where the changes will not neces-
state changes in the bill.
The afternoon session OF the caucus pre-
sented some interesting features. AL
though it was expected that there would
be more voting and not very much talk, it
turned out that ii was devoted almost ex-
elusively to talk Senators Gormran, Ran
som, Jones, Morgan, Pugh aud Berry
spoke The latter spoke in support of the
bill rs framed. Senator Pugh's motion
for duty on iron ore had been made the
day before, and he was anxious for a vote,
bur, at the request of Senator Brice, he
withdrew it.
The pending question was the resolution
Of Senator Martin, instructing the finance
committee to make a number of changes in
The bill. In order to get vote on the iron
ore proposition, Senator Martin withdrew
his resolution, and the vote was taken,
with the result above noted, which prac
ncally put an end to the caucus.
HOUSE OPINIONS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S-rhe members of
;he ways and means committee of the
a0uss are watching with the keenest iu-
lerest the action of the senate caucus on
The tariff bill. For the time being, the
Bland silver bill has scant attention
smoDg the tariff leaders The ways and
means committee room is again the CEN
ter OF activity, where the course of the
senate caucus Is pretty IulIy understood
and discussed. The tendency to put the
Wilson bill under fire is watched for the
ultimate effect il will have on revision
Of the tariff. The statement made in the
caucus that tha Wilson bill had been
framed without any consultation with
President Cleveland or Secretary CARLISLE
Is denied by members of the committee
An Associated Press representative
talked today with oil the Democratic
members of the committee in tine city,
1t disclosed that they are not apprehen-
sive that the Senate's action will materi-
ally change the policy and the schedules
IF the Wilson bill
Representative McMillin of the commit
zee said; The public sentiment of the
country Is 80 great for tariff reform that
40 man or set of men can stand in the
way of il. ! have no fear that the cause
Of tariff reduction will be seriously en-
barrassed or delayed by the action of the
-fuCus. ShauSeS III TIE W llSO0 DlIl VIII
undoubtedly be made. but ali will come
right, for tariff bill necessarily repre-
sents Il compromise of various views"
Representative Bryan of the committee
said The statement that the president
and Secretary Carlisle were not consulted
On the Wilson bill is erronius. The menu
bers of the committee frequently con-
terred with Mr.. Carlisle. They had his
advice and help, aud, as | understood. his
assent WAS given to the measure. The
.ariff bill is not jeopsrdized by the action
,f the senate. There will be changes. hut
broad and substantial revenues revision
viii surely be accomplished"
Representative Breckjuridge Of Arkan-
sas, who has been closely allied with Mr..
Wilson IN framing the tariff bill. and who
has been of late comforting with the SEN
ate finance committee as 10 the changes
proposed, said: Il have no doubt that
our friends In the senate will come
together on some common ground, and
that the senate and the house, ultimately,
Will agree on q com prehensive ami Just re-
vision of the tariff"