The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-12-17
RECEIVED BY THE PRESIDENT.
REPUBLICAN COMNITTEEMEN VS.
TIED WHITE HOUSE.

Mr.. Payne withdrew His Resolution
to Change the Basis of Represen-
tntion-said lie Did So in Defer
ence to the Opinion of Other Mem
bers, Particularly of the Chair
man, Senator Hannn-Hanna Says
II Is a Convention Matter.
Washington, Dec 16.-The members Of
the Republican National Committee were
received by President Mckinley to-day at
the White House. There was no speech
making, the party simply passing through
the room and shaking hands with the
President.
Later the committee held a session at
the Arlington. Mr.. Payne of Wisconsin,
who had prepared a resolution to change
the basis of representation in subsequent
conventions, said that he would not offer
it, but would make a statement to the
committee. Referring to his resolution,
he said:
Briefly stated, it proposed to make the
National convention, which dominates Re
publican tickets and formulates Republi-
can platforms. fairly representa-
tive of those who vote for
the Republican platform and prin-
ciples. The proposition has received
the support of almost the entire Repubh-
can press of the country. and have rea-
as upon grounds Of expediency, it has
the support of large number of this COM
mittee.
Il have not in the slightest degree
changed my conviction as to it's justice,
nor have 1 the slightest doubt as to its
expediency. Within day or two it has
encountered opposition which / had no rea-
son TO anticipate, including that of the
chairman of this committee. 1t is suffi
cient for me to say that out OF my regard
for his opinion, and the opinions and
wishes of others high in the councils of
the party, to which as a loyal Republican
I feel bound TO defer, am constrained not
to offer the resolution.
Il thank the committee for its indul-
gence and have made this statement
only in obvious justice TO myself"
Senator Hanna's Views.
Senator Hanna took the floor and brief
ly discussed the Payne proposition, al
though it was not formally before the
committee. He said that he did not be-
Ileve it was the province of the National
Committee to inaugurate such radical
changes. The committee was appointed
for the purpose of assisting in every hon
orable way the election of the ticket nom
mated and TO arrange the preliminaries
for the next convention. Changes in the
basis of representation, he thought, should
be left for the convention to deal with.
He did not believe that the committee
should make recommendations to Congress
as to legislation. The committee, he
thought, should maintain it's position as
an organza ton to conduct the affairs of
the party under the convention. If it as
sumed more, it would be charged with die
tation.
Mr.. Hanna's remarks were cheered by
the committee.
None of the other propositions on che
subject were brought forward.
The subcommittee on arrangements for
the convention was announced as followss
Marley of Maine, chairman; Payne of
Wisconsin, Scott of West Virginia, Ker-
ems of Missouri Kean of New Jersey, with
Hanna and Dick, chairman and secretary
of the National Committee ex-officio mem
bers.
The selection of delegates from the Dis
trict of Columbia was referred to an cleo
ton board.
There was some talk about the large
representation from territories, but no ac-
ton was taken.
The committee adjourned, subject to the
CAN of the chairman, 1t being expected
that IL will assemble a few days before
the convention meets to make up the pre-
liminary roll of delegates.