Birmingham age-herald., 1894-07-31
THE TARIFF CONFERENCE Seems to Remain a Puzzler to Both Sides.
COAL, IRON ORE AND SUGAR
Is a Toothsome Bone of Con- tention-The House Seems
 Beliigerent.

WASHINGTON, July 30 - me president aud Secretary Carlisle had an extended con ference after o'clock this evening, pre- sumably on the tariff situation. The dem ocratic conferees on the tariff bill were in session more than an hour this forenoon, but failed to reach an agreement on the three items of coal, iron ore and sugar.
 The house conferees maintained their previous position of standing by the house bill, and the senate members were equally firm in their attitude of loyalty to the sem ate bill.
 At o'clock the democratic and republi- can conferees met, and MT. Harris an nounced the situation to the full commit tee. The conferees then adjourned subject to the call of the chairman.
 MT. Voorhees and MT. Vest were not present, MT. Voorhees, is confined to his bed and the impression prevails that ms condition is worse than had been publicly acknowledged. MT. Vest was at the cap itol, but remained in his committee room: He has erysipelas and his face is painted up with iodine, so he remained away from the conference subject to call, if his presence there was required.
 When Mir. Harris made the statement that the democrats had been unable to agree and that they would consider the question further before they again called the conferees together, MT. Allison, speak, ing for the republicans, said that he hoped the democrats would get together and agree upon something as soon as possible, as the country was anXiously awaiting hnal ac' ton, and that such action should be had.
 On anticipation of such a result as has happened, MT. Springer has circulated call for a caucus of the house democrats to meet Tuesday, but this evening the date for the caucus was changed to Thurs day. None of the house conferees signed the call for this caucus and they are dis posed to regard it as a reflection upon them. This proposedscaucus was not, how ever, touched upon by the tariff conference this morning.
 It is apparent, even to casual observer, that the house democrats have determined not to accept the senate bill without some concession. Three of the four house con- ferees, Messrs. Wilson, Montgomery and Turner, are willing to remain in session until the 4th of next March rather than
 surrender to the senate.
 Mir, McMillin, the remaining member Of the house com uittee, is more liberal and IS willing to meet the senate conferees in more conciliatory spirit. The house con- fsrees know, however, that their position has the indorsement of the president and Speaker Crisp, as we'll as that of a majority of the leading members of the party upon the floor, and this IS an encouragement to them. . Last week there was considerable talk of l a recession on the part of the house, aud the acceptance of the senate bill as being | better than DO bill. These sentiments were l expressed again in the house today, but | not to the game extent as formerly, while 1t | was significant that those who insist upon | the house bill were more determined in | their position than ever.
 Notwithstanding the apparent hopeless | ness of the deadlock, there are plenty of | members in both houses who predict that | tariff will be agreed upon and passed. They are not, however, willing to be quoted as | to how it is to be done or what the bill will be like.