The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-12-15
A CLEAR-CUT CAUCUS
Democratic Members Ring
True and Together.
BAlLEYS RESOLUTIONS
AGAINST RETIREMENT OF PA
PER CURRENCY.
AGAINST EXTENDING NATIONAL BANKS
In Favor Of Recognizing State of War IN
Cuba, and of lust and Wise Bank
rupt Law. The Congressional
Committee.

Washington, ID. c., Dec. 14.-The
caucus of the Democratic members OF
the House of Representatives tonight
resulted in the adoption of resolutions
defining the party policy on the ques.
tions of Cuba, finance and bankruptcy.
The caucus was largely attended, 101 OF
125 democratic members being present
despite the stormy weather.
Representative Richardson, of Ten
nesSee, acted as chairman, and Repre-
sentative Cummings, of New York, and
Cowherd, of Missouri, as secretaries.
Representative Bailey, of Texas, took
the initiative by presenting the follow
ing resolutions:
Resolved, That it is the sense of this
caucus that the Democratic members OF
the House of Representatives ought to
resist all efforts, direct or indirect, to
retire the green-backs and treasury
notes.
Resolved second, That we are opposed
to, and will resist all attempts to ex-
tend the privileges of national banks, OF
to reduce the taxes which they now
pay.
Resolved, third, That we favor the
early consideration and passage of the
Senate resolution recognizing that a con
dition of war exists in the island OF
Cuba between the government of Spain
and the Cuban people.
Resolved, fourth, That we favor the
early enactment of a just and wise
bankruptcy law.
The first three features of the resolu'
tions, on finance and Cuba, were con-
sidered separately, the discussion being
vigorous and unanimously favorable
Mr.. Bailey made the main speech, urg-
ing that Democratic members should
take their position promptly against those
financial movements, now assuming
formidable dimensions, owing to the
recommendations given to them by the
President and the Secretary of the
Treasury. He also spoke for clear cut
position in favor of the recognition OF
Cuban bellgerency, as embodied in the
Morgan resolution, which passed the
Senate during the extra session. There
was not a dissenting voice to Mr.
Bailey's propositions, and the first three
resolutions were carried by unanimous
vote, the result being received with
nearly cheers.
The fourth feature of the resolutions
declaring for just and wise bank
ruptcy law, met with some opposition
Mr.. De Almond, of Missouri, argued
that it was not expedient for the party
to take a position favorable to bank
ruptcy bill at this time. The resolution
was supported by Messrs. Bailey, Simms
of Tennessee, and Swanson, of Virginia
The resolution finally prevailed by a
large majority, although Mr.. De Ar
mond and about a dozen others register
ed their votes in opposition to this
course.
On motion of Mr.. Maddox, of Georgia
arrangements were made for the usual
congressional committee to conduct the
congressional campaign of 1898. The
committee is to consist of one member
from each State, Territory and the Dis
trict of Columbia, and nine senators tc
be chosen by the Senate Democratic
caucus.
The caucus adjourned at O'Clock
having been in session just an hour.