The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-04-27

Washington. April 26.-The Democratic
members of the financial committee will
not accept the proposition made by their
Republican colleagues, to allow the tar
if bill to be reported direct TO the senate
without passing through the hands of
| the full committee. and have so notified
the Republican members. Senator White.
member of the finance committee, was
asked his views regarding the matter.
and is believed TO have voiced the views
of all the Democratic members in his re-
ply. He said:
Il would be glad to crafty the per-
sonal inclinations of any senator, but,
speaking for myself only. l am unable
to perceive the propriety of such a course
and cannot acquiesce in it.
When the bill is reported to the SEN
ate. the Democratic members ought to
be able to Immediately lay before their
colleagues comparatively full state
ment of the infirmities of the proposed
measure. This cannot be done unless the
subject is properly discussed in commit
tee. and. if examined there with care,
much labor will be saved when the
proposition is submitted to the senate:
Il the Democratic members are TO be OF
any use on the committee, il must be be-
cause they will be able to give this in
formation Besides, fair presentation
of the views of the minority may LEAD
to immediate changes in Improvement OF
the bill. IL we consent to the adoption of
the plan outlined, by the Republican men,
bers. it will be said that we have given
away our case and are representing but
half hearted opposition Such scheme
would be novel, would require eXDlana-
ton and cannot result favorably to pub
lie interests Ii our Republican brethren
passably digestibie. they can afford TO
submit it to careful and conservative
criticism in the committee room Ine
cou-t-,y. of course. understands that the
Republican members of the finance COM
n..ttee have had the bill since 1t passed
the house, and the minority have inter-
posed no obstruction and have not been
In a position to inteiligentiy examine
single schedule, and the situation VIII
not be altered until the details of the
measure are disclosed. do not complain
of the delay The subject Is of grave i'm
port and the gentlemen who have been
preparing amendments have worked as
s:duousiy and are no doubt troubled be-
cause OF the extraordinary burden I'M
nosed lIpon them by the house. Thus
far there has been no real debate on lhe
bill. and while | am most anxious 70 see
this session closed. know that quite
time will he necessarily consumed IN le-
Ultimate discussion.
II have been frequently asked whether
the retroactive clause VIII be eirinated-
I can only say that ! thoroughly agree
with the criticisms made uDon THIS Pc
c1liar provision by Senator Vest. and 90
not think that ii can be retained. nor
do I believe that it was ever 1rtended 10
mass ? b:u containing such a restriction.
It's insertion b. the house was designed
to scare importers. have no reason 70
suppose that any Democratic me1hpSr u
the finance committee favors the dlrect
report of the measure to the senate we
have had 70 formal meeting yet.
The Democrats have not yet DECIDED
how much time they may want Tor the
consideration of the bill in committee. ard
will not be able to decide untii they see
the emended bill and ascertain the posi-,
ton that Senator Jones Of Neveda Will
assume toward the measure he VIII
bear the balance of power IN the com
r1fttee and if he throws his influence
with the Democrats they can hoid the
bill in committee for an indefinite length
of time He has told the ReDubhcan
members of the committee that ne sun
holds views favorable to protection. ana
has given them to understand that he
will support the bill if it conforms TO MS
ideas. He has asked in general way
for increased protection on the pIouucts
IF these concessions are made. it is not
believed that ne would assist in holding
the bill - committee for any length of
time, e-en Il the Democrats shouiu 81
TIE Republican members of the com
mittee express surprise at the retusal OF
the Democrats to allow the tarlh Dill
to go direct to the senate instead of pass
ing through the committee Ihey say
the Democratic members have indicated
no desire TO suggest amendments: tnai
II would be Unusual if they should at
telnDt TO modify the bill in committee.
and that the proceeding of putting IL
through the full committee will be purely
perflnctory. They show confidence in
being able to secure an early report. even
though there IS opposition to immediate
presentation. and they count confidently
ilDon the assistance of Senator Jones OF
Nevada IN getting the measure out of
committee.
The Republican members now expect TO
he able TO send the bill to the printer
Wednesday night. and to present it TO
the full committee Thursday.