The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-06-18

In Caucuss Discuss the Hawaiin Treaty,
Bounty on Beet Sugar and Antitrust
Amendments to the Tariff Bill.

Washington, June 14.-The republi-
can senators were in ucu for more
than three hours tonight and when ad-
jOurnment was reached, not very much
progress had been made. The Hawaiian
treaty proposition was passed e to
be considered at another caucus. as
several senators expressed the opinion
that if it was true that a treaty Of an
nexation was TO be sent in. it would be
absurd to enact legislation looking to
the abrOgatiOn Of the treaty of reel
proci.y. Senators who We're aware of
the progress of the annexation treaty
did not feel at liberty to give the eau
Gus full information. Although there
was much reticenca observed, it was
believed the president would be con-
suited tomorrow on the subject Of the
pr0pOsd treaty.
The caucus was in session from 8
until 1870 o'clock and three PROPOSE
tons only were under consideration.
These were:
The question of what to do with the
Hawaiian reciprocity treaty, the ad-
visibility of giving a bounty on beet
sugar, anu the QUESTION VI dill dILll-
trust amendment"
TIL Hawaiian treaty question was
passed over. the sugar bounty PROPOSE
ton was Withdrawn and the anti
trust amendment was referred to the
republican members of the judiciary
committee.
The Hawaiian question vas the first
matter taken up after the caucus open
ed. This subject had been referred to
the finance committee, and Senate AL
Iison, speaking on behalf of the COM
mittee, said that it had been deemed
advisable to pass the matter on ac-
count of the strong probability of more
important happenings in connection
with Hawaii. He did not speak in terms
| of an annexation treaty, but he said
that it was to be presumed that sem
atOrs had read the afternoon report of
the Associated Press. He was under
! stood by all the senators present to
! refer to the reports that a treaty of
annexation had been negotiated, and
Senator Frye, speaking in behalf of the
friends of the reciprocity treaty, SAD
that in view of these developments,
they were satisfied to have the subject
postponed until further developments
in connection with the general ques-
ton of our future relations to Hawaii.
The proposition of a beet sugar bOun-
ty was then preached by Senator Gear,
of Iowa, who proposed that a bounty
be given of u cent per pound per an
' nun decreasing at the rate Of L cent
a year for five years, when the bounty
should cease.
The suggestion was opposed by sew
eral eastern senator's, as being based
upon an Objectionable system. 1t was
supported by Senators Gear, ThurstOn
and ShOup.
There was such determined opposi-
ton to the bounty plan that Senator
Gear first reduced the figure to "a cent
a pound and then Withdrew it entirely
without risking a vote on it.
The principal speech on the question
Of the advise bility of an antitrust
amendment az -cting the entire bill,
which was the next matter taken up,
was made by Senator Carter, Of Mon
tana, who moved that the subject be
referred to the republican members OF
thu judiciary committee with instruc-
tiGns to investigate the question thor
Oughly with the view of deciding what
action could be taken to limit trusts
within the bounds of the federal con-
stitutiOnal limitations. The Pettigrew
amendment and the Nelson amend
mentS, the latter senator having two
on the trusts, were before the caucus
and there was an evident desire on the
part of some of the senator's, especially
Senator Nelson, to have Immediate &C
t1on.