The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-07-09
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
They Proceed to Work at Once-The
Prospects of Early Agreement are
Good.

IHey ITOCteu W VOIh at OHCe Lie
Prospects of Early Agreement are
Good.
Washington, D. c., July S.-The first
meeting of the cOnferees of the Senate
and House on the tariff bill began at 2:40
p. m. today in the room of the Senate
Committee on Finance. The meeting was
attended by both the Republicans and
the Democrats constituting the commit
tee from each of the Houses, and was O.
formal one.
The Democratic members of the con-
ference remained less than ten minutes
They withdrew upon the intimation of
the Republicans that they desired an op-
portunity to reconcile their differences
before consulting with the Democrats. 1t
was recalled that this privilege had been
conceded to the party in power in 1890
and in 1894, and the Democrats did not
demur to the proposition.
With the departure of the Democrats
the Republicans representing the Senate
and the House entered upon general ex-
change of views regarding the bill.
The Republican members of the
conference remained together until
after g o'clock devoting themselves
assiduously to an adjustment of
the difference between the two houses
members of the conference remained to-
gether until after 6 O'Clock devoting
themselves assiduously to an adjustment
of the differences between the two houses.
Contrary to the usual practice, which
is to regard the first meeting as informal
and not intended for serious business,
they plunged into the work and made
excellent progress. The representatives
of the House were found to be excellent
ly informed upon all the changes made
and also to be so familiar with the rea-
sons for making them as to render de-
tailed explanation ON the part of the
Senators unnecessary. This happy condi-
ton facilitated work to a remarkable
degree, and led to the conclusion that
the conference would be of comparatively
brief duration. The members of the
House were also found to be in the main
willing to concede much on account of
the peculiar conditions existing in the
Senate, but while generally apparently
willing to accept increases made to in
sure the passage of the bill through the
Senate they were not so willing to CON-
cede the reductions. The conference
will reconvene at $50 tomorrow.
The members of the conference refus-
ed absolutely to give out the details Of
the proceedings, having entered into n
general pledge to this end. This under
standing was reached because of the
conviction that any revelation Of the
rates agreed upon would add immeasur-
ably to the work of the conferees by
bring down upon them the remonstrances
of those whose wishes were not met IN
the adjustment.
Senator Jones, of Nevada, Silver Re
publican, sat with the Republicans after
the Democrats left.
The conferees will meet daily at $50
a. M, and continue in session until p:
m., with an hour for lunch. They will
re-assemble after dinner and continue
in session until II o'clock. 1t is ex-
pected that this will enable them ~ re-
port the bill back by Wednesday Of next
week. 1t is understood that the agree
ments reached as the conference pro-
gresses will be considered as tentative,
and then upon the last day they will be
punched and agreed to. This will be
done in order to prevent the action Of
the committee upon each amendment
from becoming public and probably caus-
ing renewed pressure from interests at
fected