New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-07
REPUBLICANS IN CAUCUS.
DISCUSSING THE EXISTING SITUATION
IN THE SENATE
. DISPOSITION MANIFESTED TO PROCEED eau
TloUsLY IN REoRGANIZING THE COMMIT
rEEs-No ANXIETY ABOUT THE PAS

SAGE OF A TARIFF BILL
Washington March ga caucus of Republican
Senators was held this afternoon 1t was not pro-
ductiye of results. After discussion of an hour
and half during which Senator Allison. OF Iowa.
was made the caucus chairman. and Senator Will
son Of Washington. reelected caucus secretary a
resolution was adopted authorizing the chairman TO
anpoint committee Of seven. of which he himself
Is 10 be the head This committee is known as the
Committee the situation.
The discussion this afternoon. while largely in
formal in character developed the fact that Repuo-
Iicans are not agreed TO how they Will stand
when the membership of the Senate is completed
ty the election Of Senators 70 I'll existing vacancies
in OREGON and Kentucky. Senator Aldrich. a mem
her Of the Steering Committee Of the last Senate.
started the discussion with the statement that the
caucus should decide whether 1t would at this time
appoint a committee 10 All the vacancies In the
Senate committees whether it would appoint a
political committee similar TO the Steering Commit
Tee Of the last session. Senator Aldrich, who had
given careful consideration TO the situation In the
Senate was inclined to go slow. and suggested that
II would be wise for the Republicans TO know their
strength before asserting it, This suggestion APP
peared TO meet with the commentator of the other
leaders in the Senate. Senator Proctor said that
there could he no doubt that the Republicans would
have majority ir the Senate with the casting vote
Of the Vice-President He asserted that Repuo-
lcan would he sent from each OF the States OF ORE
eon and Kentucky.
lnasnluch as this makes a total of only forty-four
votes anad forty-ive are necessary 10 tie the Sen
ate on a full vote Mr. Proctor asked where
he proposed get that one vote. Mr. Proctor
evaded the question. and the conversation became
general. II Is said that names were mentioned,
hut the intimation was strongly conveyed that MIR.
Kyle would supply that vote. Mr.. Kyle Is the
Populist recently reelected from South Dakota by
the solid Republican vote after the greater part OF
his own party had forsaken him. Should he vote
with the Republicans and should they get the two
votes from Kentucky and Oregon vice-President
Hobart would be in position 10 cast the deciding
vote on all contested questions.
The action OF Governor Bradley. ot Kentucky in
appointing Mr.. Wood 10 succeed Mr. Blackburn.
was commented upon. Il conceded that this
appointment would be contested. and that the
credentials Of Mr. Wood would he sent 10 the Com
mttee on Privileges and Elections. where fight
against him will be made.
The decision Of the Senate in the Mantle case was
also alluded TO. and the prediction made that In
view OF this decision Mr. Wood would hardly he
permitted 10 take his seat. Senator Hoar took the
ground that the Kentucky controlled by
the decision in the Blair and Bell cases from New
Hampshire a decision which. he observed paren-
the;icaiy ought have been respected in the con-
sderation Of the Mantle For this reason II
was believed by many that Senator from Ken
lucky would be permitted 10 take his seat until
elected by the Legislature.
Senator Proctor making the statement that the Gov
ernor Of that State would also appoint Senator
In view Of all these facts 1t agreed that 1t
would be the part Of wisdom TO move slowly, and
resolution offered by Mr.. Cullom. and modified at
the suggestion Of Mr. Hoar agreed 10 provid-
ing for the committee heretofore indicated. This
committee Will confer with the Democratic leaders
in an endeavor 10 ascertain the situation and will
report to another caucus. which will be held Tues
day
Senator Pa,t Of Connecticut. suggested that the
conditions H. the Senate such that political
advisory committee was absolutely essential. and.
Committee will be performed by Inc COMMITTEES
which Mr.. Allison authorized TO appoint
Mr.. Pitts suggestion doubtless grew out OF the
rumor that has been going the rounds for several
days that the Democrats, both sound-money ana
ncsfns ana Popuiists in an attempt TO capture
committees and organization Of the senate. ms
noon in specific language but was hinted at IN me
numerous references 10 existing conditions" and
phrases Of similar import.
uneasiness WAS manifested on that score and the
statement was made that there would be no serious
opposition 10 the passage Of tariff ill constructed
hv Republcans after a reasonable time had been
given 10 debate. No other questions We're discussed
'rhe sneakers were Senators Frye Hale Pritchard
Aldrich and Carter The latter gave every evidence
OF working in perfect harmony with his Republican
associates regardless Of his prediction for silver.
He advised the caucus that there was no need to
hurry in this matter, and suggested, had several
others. that better results MINT be obtained by
Senate was. Mr. Plat. of New-York, did not at
tend. Mr. Hanna and Mr.. Foraker. Of Ohio
present and took part in the roceedinRs only as
Intensely interested spectators. Neither of them
Ii is probable that. after Mr.. Alson's committee
has had conference with the Democratic Steering
Committee, a Democratic caucus Will be called.