The herald., 1897-05-23
MINORITY
SENATORS
Lay Out Plans for Tariff
Campaign
IT IS UNANIMOUSLY AGREED
THAT BUsINBss INTERESTS
WANT ACTION
IT IS UNANIMOUSLY AGREED
UnconscionabIe 1atss Will Be On.
posed, But the opposition will
Be Briefly Made
Associated Press Special wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, May 22.-The Demo.
cratic members Of the senate held 6
caucus today and decided to inaugural,
a fight on the tariff bill as soon as it /.
taken up in the senate, by a motion te
strike out the internal revenue feature,
relating to beer and tobacco.
At the conclusion Of the caucus, SEN
ator German gave out the following
statement concerning it:
The conference OF the Democratic SEN
ators was held today and it was unani-
mously agreed by them that notwith-
standing the delay In furnishing the
competitive statements. which would
enable them intelligently to consider tn :
bill. there would be no opposition to
proceeding Immediately with the consid-
Grafton Of the same on Tuesday, they
recognized the business interests of the
Grafton Of the same on Tuesday, as they
Of the question as is consistent with an
intelligent consideration of the meas
ure. They were further unanimously of
the opinion that the excessive increase
in rates on imported articles, provides
for by Dingley's bill and as reported 10
the senate, should be antagonized only
to the extent of exposing their enormi-
ties.
Recognizing, however, that the Re-
publican party is committed to these in
creases, the Democrats will be content
with only fair discussion upon these
propositions. The Democrats were fur
ther unanimously Of the opinion that
they would oppose the increased tax on
beer. tobacco, cigars and the other items
embraced in the internal revenue sched-
ules. Neither party was committed to
such increases and there is no govern
mental necessity for such increased bur-
dens upon those articles.
sa THE CIVIL SERVICE
The civil service committee OF the.
senate continued it's session today.
The first witness of the day. was Mr.
Almont e. Barnes Of the agricultural
department. He said there were en-
ployes in the agricultural department
who came in as temporary per diem en-
ployes, and have remained there as
clerks without passing the civil service
examinations.
Albert Baker, who was private Sec
retary of Public Printer Benedict dur
ing his term of office, said that the civil
service had proved more desirable
means Of securing employment than the
cid system of appointment on the ad-
vice Of congressman.
Harold Benedict of the printing Of
fee. brother of the recent public print
er, also expressed the opinion that the
results under the present system were
30 per cent better than under the ''spoils'
system.
Senator Elxins was desirous Of know
ing how many appointments had been
secured by one member Of congress, and
the witness answered that about sew
enty-five were credited to Representa-.
tive Richs rdson of Tennessee, chairman
OF the house committee on printing, and
about 200 to Senator German, chairman
CT the senate committee.
Mr. Machen, superintendent Of the
free delivery service Of the postof1ice
department, appeared to deny state
ments recently made by witness, Mr..
Hill, that the secret service force had
been used as a political instrument. He
denied that the agents had been assess
ed for Governor Campbells Ohio cam
paigr of 1895. asserting that about half
Of them had held meeting and agreed
to contribute of their own accord.
The committee then adjourned for one
week.