Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1897-02-27
REEDS POLICY IS FIXED.
Special Session VIII BE b Tariff
Work Only.

Washington, Feb. 2O.-Much feeling Is
manifested among members of the house
over che proposition to confine the WORK
II the extra session to tarin l~esisiauon
exclusively. What has been suggested
IS possibillty-that the only committees
announced at the outset would be the
Nays and means, rules, mileage ana ac-
.ounts-has been practically decioed
% as a fixed policy. The suggestion
Of this policy excited ~antagonism and
led to talk OF combining against the
power of the speaker 10 Tx the policy Oh
The house, without reference TO party
caucus. But now that 1t is understood
that Mr.. Reed intends to adopt the pol
icy indicated, the spirit of resistance is
growing very weak. The TACT that
whenever the committee assignments
are made Mr.. Reed will have their max
ing Is sufficient 10 make ambitious meH-
5ers hesitate about antagonizing hlm'
II the matter lay in the discretion OF
the republican members Of the present
house they might make q combination
sufficiently strong to control the next
speaker, but IL Is too well UNDERSTOOD
that the new members Of the next mouse
could not be got into such a compihd-
ion. The policy contemplated IS 10 ap-
point but the four committees naIneu'
10 have the tariff bill reported lmmeui-
ately and passed by the house as quick
ly as possible, and then TO have the
mousse adjourn from time to time, pAho-
ing action by the nat Three reasons
are given for this.
First, 1t will save time. IL the speak
er had to revise the whole committee
list before appointing the ways anu
means committee. considerable lime
would nave to be consumed before the
tariff bill could be reported 10 the
house.
Another reason is that II will be easier
TO control the house 10 the carrying our
Of a definite policy as to tariff legislation
IL the bill is acted on while the commit
tee assignments are still pending. How
ever important il may be to the party
In power to put through a tariff bill con-
structed on definite lines, IL ia a very
difficult matter TO hold representatives
In the house back from pressing GER
tain things OF local interest, which may
conflict with the general plan. AS near
ly perfect as the bill may be when re-
ported, It can't be entirely satisfactory
TO every one, and there might be enough
malcontents to combine and break down
the work Of the committee in some par
ticular.
The success of the present scheme of
tariff legislation at the extra session
will depend largely upon the power OF
the committee TO preserve the integrity
Of this bill after IL is reported to the
house. II there are any discontenteu
members, they will be less apt TO indulge
In bushwacking II they have to go to
the speaker for favors. 1t Is a plain
proposition that the tariff bill can be
passed more easily before the general
committee assignments are made.
Their again, Reed has a crow to pick
with Mark Hanna, and Reed can hold
his gang in line better when the boys
have yet to be assigned to committee
places.
Another reason for not organizing the
committees at once is that II they are
organized there will be a restless desire
to get the house To work on a lot of
things as soon as the tariff has been sent
over to the senate.
One thing is suggested that may In
terfere a little with the general design.
1t is feared that the general deficiency
bill may fail to become a law at this
session and that 1t will have to go over
to the extra session. There is positive
danger of this, and it would necessitate
the appointment OF the appropriations
committee.
The situation in the senate is shaping
up 50 that it can be fairly well calcu'
lated what treatment may be antici
pated there for the tariff bill. Its adop
ton is assured, but the general tendency
there probably will be 10 increase TN
house rates. 1t will not be the policy
of the opposition to make a fight for re
duction of rates Of duty, and increases
may be necessary here and there to sc
cure votes. 1t is not probable hat any
vote can be secured by a reduction o
any protective feature.