The herald., 1894-08-18
A REPUBLICAN, CAUCUS.

Oppoaft.on to White Abandoned-Tarif II
Bills to Be Txikoh to Death.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1.-THE Repubil-
can senators decided to hold caucus
after the adjournment OF the senate. to
consider the question of party action
with reference to the appointment Of
member Of the finance committee ard OF
the policy to be pursued generally with
reference to the free sugar bill and other
supplemental tariff bills.
Before going into caucus there was
great deal OF discussion as to what course
the Republicans should pursue. Among
Q number of them there was dlspoai-
tion to enter the fight and name
some other Democrat in the place
OF Mr.. White for membership on
the finance committee. 1t was under
stood that Senator Murphy OF New YORK
was to be pushed by some oil the COR
servative senators. Most OF the sena-
tors expressed themselves as against IN
terfering with the Democrats In making
up committees, and also said they
would not want to see an anti'eilver
man selected for the place, ana would
no doubt oppose Murphy for the posi-
tion. 1t is probable, however, that tne
Republicans will take decided grounos
against any further Legislation at TINS
time, and may try to prevent the hihns
OF the vacancy during this session. 1t
is believed that before an important
vote can be reached the quorum wiil
have disappeared.
The caucus lasted until p. M, when
plished q great deal.
Senator Aldrich brought up the ques-
tion OF Republican interference with the
selection OF q Democrat on the finance
committee, when Senator Pestigrew
stated that there was no need of discus.
sing the subject, as there were eight
Republicans who would not agree to it,
"a it would result in breaking up all
party discipline in the senate. That
matter was then dropped.
As to taking action on the filing OF
the vacancy, the general feeling was that
no party action was necessary.
The resolution of Senator Murphy WAS
discussed. and it WAS decided that tho
Republicans would support 1t in mod
itied form. which would not specify the
tariff legislation, but would state that
In view Of tho fact that the eession was
30 near the end, that it is impracticaDle
to attempt to pass any contested legis-
lation during the remainder of the aes-
sion, and that il is the duty OF congress
to adjourn as soon as possible.
1t IL probable that If vote could be
had upon this resolution it would secure
enough Democratic votes to pasn. The
Republicans claim that any separate
tariff bill to which there is an objection
will be debated until it is defeated by
lack OF q quorum, and it is useless to
make any attempt to secure the passage
OF any OF those now before the senate.
Some OF the Republicans present ex-
pressed the opinion that in view OF the
position taken by Mr.. Hill on the ap-
pointment to fill the vacancy ON the
finance committed, it would be proper
return for the Republicans to support
any resolution that he msy offer to
them in regard to the appoin tment,
thinking it probable that he might de
sire to secure the name OF come other
senator instead OF that OF Mr.. White.
When Mr.. Hill was ap2rised of this
action he said that he should not at
tempt to substitute some one elae. be-
cause he had no personal objection to
Mr. White.
Republican senators expressed the
opinion that the Murphy resolution.
amended as they are willing to accept,
will pass by majority OF 10 or IL.
The resolution will probably be 90
amended as to etrike out all reference to
Secretary Carlisle's letter, and to put
the reason for no further legislation on
the ground that nome is practicable, in
stead of, % the original resolution has
it, that none is desirable.
Prominent conservative Democratic
senators were appraised of the action OF
the caucus, and it is understood that
they scquissce in the present modifcs-
tion of the Murphy resolution.