Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-09
TARIFF BILL CONFERENCE.
Dcmocrats and Republicans Both
Prcsent-FOrmer soon Withdraw.

WASHINGTON. ID. c.. July S.-The
first meeting Of the conferrees of the SEN
ate and House on the tariff bill began at
2D r. M. to-day, in the room Of the
Senate Committee on Finance. The meet
ing was attended by both the Republicans
and the Democrats. constituting the COM
mittee from each of the houses, and was
a formal one.
The Democratic members of the confer
ence remained less than ten minutes.
They withdrew. upon the intimation of
the Republicans that they desired an
opportunity TO reconcile their differences
before consulting with the Democrats.
IT was recalled that this privilege had
been conceded TO the party in power in
1880 and 1894. and the Democrats did not
demur 10 the proposition.
With the departure of the Democrats.
the Republicans representing the Senate
and House entered upon general eX-
change Of views regarding the bill.
A PLUNGE INTO WORK.
The Republican members Of the con-
ference remained together until after 9
o'clock, devoting themselves assiduously
TO an adjustment Of the differences be-
tween the two houses. Contrary TO the
usual practice, which is to regard the
first meeting as informal. and not IN
tended for serious business, they plunged
into the work, and made excellent pro-
gress. The representatives, of the House
were found to be excellently well inform
ed upon all the changes made, and also
10 be so familiar with the reasons Tor
making them as to render detailed eX-
PLANTATION on the part Of the senators un-
necessary. This happy condition facili-
tated work to "A remarkable degree, ana
led to the conclusion that the conference
would be of comparatively brief dura-
tion.
The members of the House were also
found to be in the main willing 10 con-
cede much, owing to the peculiar condi-
tions existing in the Senate. but while
generally apparently willing 10 accept IN
creases made TO insure the passage OF
the bill through the Senate, they were not
so willing to concede the reductions.
The conference will reconvene at $50
tomorrow.
PROCEEDINGS SECRET.
The members of the conference re-
fused absolutely to give out the details
of the proceedings, having entered into
general pledge TO this end. This under
standing was reached because of the con-
viction that any revelation of the rates
agreed upon would add immeasurably TO
the work Of the conferrees, by bringing
down upon them the remonstrances OF
those whose wishes were not met In the
adjustment
Senator Jones of Nevada (Silver Re-
publicam, sat with the Republicans after
the Democrats left.
The conferrees will meet daily at $3.50
A. NJ. and continue in session until .
p. NJ. with an hour for lunch. They Will
reassemble after dinner, and continue i'm
session until II o'clock. 1t is expected
that this will enable them TO report the
bill back by Wednesday of next week.
II is understood that the agreements
reached as the conference progresses will
be considered as tentative and that 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 causing renewed pressure
from interests affected.