The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-12-09

The Caucus Refers the Measure to Its
Steering eommIttee-The Cuban Ques-
tion TO be Pushed In Both Houses-A
Joint Resolution Probable.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-The action OF the
silver Republican senator's in refraining
from attendance upon the Republican
caucus yesterday has led to no little specu-
lation as to whether the course pursued Is
forerupner of the future or whether
they will not at some time return to the
party. Some Republicans think 1t pos
sible the reousant senator's regard yester-
days meeting as merely preliminary, and
win come back into the fold after time
This supposition is apparently without
foundation or justification.
The silver senators are very chary about
discussing their motives or Intentions for
the future. They decline to talk on the
subject for publication, but from re-
marks dropped there can be no doubt they
consider that they have attended their last
Republican caucus, They say without ex-
ception, however, that in taking the posi-
ton they have they do not mean to place
themselves in the attitude of opponents of
protective tariff policy, but rather that
they desire to be in an entirely indepen-
| dent position, where they can accept or
reject any tariff proposition presented by
their former party associates.
When asked for statements they de-
clined to say anything specific. There is
nothing to say except that 1 did not at
| tend" said Senator Pettigrew. II failed
| TO be there, but it was not the first Repub-
lican caucus from which had been alb
sent. My action cannot be construed as
an intention on my part to enter a Demo-
cratic or Populist caucus. Nor does it
necessarily mean that shall never again
1 cooperate with the Republicans. 1t sim
| ply means that did not consider 1t worth
| while to be there yesterday. AS for the
| Dingley bill, L should not oppose its being
| taken up. In fact, should vote for con-
sideration. 1t would give us thirty days
discussion of the silver question, in which
we could give attention to the late cam
paign in a way that may not be otherwise
offered"
Many overtures by personal friends were
made to silver men to induce them TO at
tend the meeting 1t is considered that
Senator Dubois made an especial sacrifice
in severing his relations with the party
caucus. He had been honored by being
chosen secretary of the caucus and a MEM
ber of the advisory committee, both posi-
tions of honor, and both of which it be-
came necessary for him to resign.
The notice of the opening of Cuban
discussion was about the only feature of
interest developed yesterday at the brief
session of the senate, which lasted only
twenty-five minutes. Senator Cullom
gave notice of a speech on Cuba tomor-
row. The senators had expected to start
the wheels of actual business, but the ap-
pearance of a house resolution relative to
the death of cx-Spcaker Crisp led to the
customary adjournment as mark of re-
spect. A large number of bureau reports
were received, including that of the gov
ernment directors of the Pacific railway.
The action of the Republican senatorial
caucus in referring the Dingley tariff bill
to its steering committee and the circum-
stances under which this action was taken
are accepted in the senate MS practically
the end of the agitation in the interest of
this measure.
The senate committee on foreign re-
lations meets today. 1t Is understood that
the Cuban question will be at once con-
sidered. Some of the most conservative
senators, who opposed recognition in the
last session, are now of the opinion that
the time for action has arrived.
The Cuban question will be forced upon
the aGt0nUlOn OF the mouse COlnlnlJtee on
foreign affairs again this session. Several
of the most enthusiastic friends of the in
surgent cause, who were disappointed by
the failure of the president to take action,
are drafting resolutions, which will be re-
ferred to the committee, and must be dis
posed of in one way or another A move
mont is on foot to bring joint resolutions
before the house if the committee can be
inducad to renort tham
The house proceeded to business, and
before the session closed had passed three
bills of considerable Importance and the
first of tho regular supply bills-that for
pensions. Three of the bills passed related
to POSTAL matters Ono provided for the
use Of private mailing cards of the same
general size and character rs tho present
postal cards when one cent stamps are af-
fixed Another provided for a limited in
demnity of $40 for the loss of registered
mail matter, and the third provided for a
private carrier service in cities, towns and
villages where no free delivery exists.
Liability of Steamboat Company.