Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-05-22
Result of the Senatorial Caucus on
the Tariff Bill.
OPPOSE INTERNAL REVENUE FEATURE
Mr.. German Proposes a Substitute
But is Not Supported.
WANT FAIR DISCUSSION

The democratic senators held caucus
today and decided to inaugurate their fight
upon the tariff bill as soon as the bill is
taken up in the Senate by a motion to
strike out the internal revenue features of
the bill relating to beer and tobacco.
This result was reached after a discussion
in which practically all the senators pres
ent participated. The conclusion was unani-
nous that this was the wise and polite
course to pursue. The talk was based large
ly upon the proposition to increase the tax
upon beer, which was generally criticised
as an effort to increase the price Of "the
poor mans beverage" which was pro-
nounced wholly unjustifiable in time Of
peace and with s12O,OO0OO0 of idle money
in the treasury. The proposed beer tax was
condemned as a war tax.
The discussion Of other features OF the
tariff bill was only desultory and no con-
clusion beyond that stated was reach
ed. The sugar schedule was the subject
of frequent remark and there was dis
cussion of the advisability of Offering
substitute for it, but no conclusion to that
effect was arrived at. 1t was made ap-
pare ent that every democratic senator pres
ent would probably vote against It,
MIR. German FavOrs a Substitute.
Senator German urged the advisability OF
the Introduction of substitute for the
entire bill, and made a speech in support
of the proposition, but it was soon made
apparent that the sentiment of the caucus
was almost unanimous in opposition to this
course, and the proposition was not press
ed to a vote.
MIR German gave only a brief outline of
a substitute. He said he thought bill
could be prepared which would levy reve-
nue. duty on tea and coffee and other arti-
cles which would increase the government
customs receipts sufficiently to make the
Wilson bill satisfactory, and thus score a
point of Importance.
The general sentiment of the caucus was
opposed to any policy of delay. No set
speeches will be made in opening the de-
bate, and there probably will be no effort
to prevent the taking up of the schedules
Immediately after Mr. Aldrich's prelimi-
nary statement is concluded.
The democrats expect that disagreements
will develop among the republicans, and
for this reason no general opinion was ex-
pressed in the caucus as to the time that
will be consumed by the debate.
Mr.. GOrman's Statement.
At the conclusion of the caucus Senator
German, chairman, gave out the following
statement concerning it:
The conference of democratic senators
was held today, and it was unanimously
agreed by them that notwithstanding the
delay in furnishing the comparative state
ments, which would enable them intelli-
gently to consider the bill there would be
no opposition to Immediately proceeding
with the consideration of the same on
Tuesday, as they recognized the business
interests of the country require as speedy a
disposition Of the question as is consistent
with an intelligent consideration of the
measure.
They were further unanimously of the
opinion that the excessive increases in
rates on imported articles provided for
both in the Dingley bill, and as reported to
the Senate should be antagonized only to
the extent of exposing their enormities.
Recognizing, however, that the republican
party is committed to these increases. the
democrats will be content with only fair
discussion upon these propositions.
1.-The democrats were further unanimous
ly of the opinion that they would oppose
the increased tax on beer, tobacco. cigars
and the other items embraced in the in
was committed to such increases, and there
is no governmental necessity for such in
creased burdens upon those articles"
No Needless Obstruction.
The caucus was not largely attended, but
1t lasted practically all the afternoon. 1t
is we'll understood that they will decide not
to unnecessarily delay action on the tariff,
and 1t is believed that they will place them
selves in a position to agree upon a time
when a vote may be taken If the republi-
cans press 1t upon them and are reason
able in their requests.
1t Is probable that they will decide to
vote for the Pettigrew antitrust resolution.
Senator Aldrich's Criticism.
Senator Aldrich of the republican side of
the Senate. finance committee expressed
the opinion today, when informed of the
decision OF the democrats to move to strike
out the internal revenue part of the BILL
that the motion would fail.
He said 1t was most unusual not to say
unprecedented" to attack the last part of
the Dill first. He said he had heard no
criticism from any source of the provision
to Increase the beer lax.
TN REpR r. INIT rryU Anru