The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-02-03
evening"

"Resolved. that a committee Of ii MEM
bers OF the present house of representa-
tiyes who are members OF the Fifty-siXth
congress shall be appointed by the chair
man OF this caucus, for the purpose OF
considering monetary legislation and
submitting their recommendations TO
Republican caucus at the first session or
the Fifty-sixth congress, with authority
TO confer with like committee from the
senate"
The discussion on this resolution pro-
ceeded with much animation for more
than an hour There was but little diff
ference Of opinion on the main point that
IL would be futile to attempt financial
legislation al this late day in the present
session Mr.. Henderson made strong
speech in support OF the plan embodied
In his resolution and pointed out the ad-
vantage of having this important sub
ject committed to body serving both
in this congress and the next, and repre-
sentinr the various sections OF the coun-
try, and as far as possible its diverse
business and economic interests.
Mr. Cannon OF Illinois questioned the
wisdom OF the resolution, although he
raid he would not oppose it with his vote.
that the present prosperity Of the coun-
try made it inexpedient to enter upon
financial discussions. He particularly
referred to the enormous exports within
recenl months and the great money bal
ance in our favor. This, he thought
showed such a healthy economic condi-
ton that IL should be left alone. MT.
Cannon said he did not think any
financial legislation could be carried
through until after the next presidential
election.
Mr.. Payne, the recently appointed
chairman Of the ways and means COM
mittee. did not coincide with Mr.. can
mons objections, and strongly Favored
| the proposed plan of committing the en-
| tire financial question 10 caucus com
mittee. 1t would he said. permit care
| full consideration of the question during
| the coming months and the preparation
| OF such n well matured plan as would
| commend Itself on all hands Mr.. Payne
| expressed the belief that such n meas
ure. conservative and intelligent. could
he passed very early In the next session
! OF congress, and probably during the
| winter months.
The other speeches were substantially
/ along the same line. general adherence
being given to the plan Of caucus COM
mittee representing all sections ana In
terests This. II was pointed out would
he no reflection on the regular house
committees which deal with banking and
currency and the coinage as such com
mittees end with the session. while the
caucus committee, being made up OF re-
elected members, could pursue its labors
! without reference 90 the close or the ses-
sion Moreover. II was shown that the
subject would be relieved from such en-
barrassments as arise between the sew
eral house committees having cognizanc'
OF different branches OF the financial
ouestlon.
When the vote was taken IL was little
short OF unanimous. viz: Yeas, e2; nays
4. The chairman announced that th'
names OF the members Of the new finance
committee would not be announced a
present. as some time would be con
sumed TO learn the wishes OF member
concerning the hard work likely TO b
involved in this service. and also to make
m strong organization. thoroughly rep
resentative in character. At 10 o'clocl
the caucus adjourned.