The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-02-03
NO RESURRECTION.
Caucus Fails to Resusci
tate the Money Question.

Washington, Feb. S-The Republican
mem bers of the house of representatives
met in caucus at o'clock last night to
determine upon a course of action an
regard to the framing of financial legis-
lation. The meeting was well attended,
most of the prominent figures on the
Republican side of the chamber being
present. Speaker Reed did not attend,
having previously made another en-
gagement.
General Grosvenor, chairman of the
caucus, presided, and Mr.. Bennett On.
W was chosen as secretary to succeed
Mr.. Hooker, resigned. Representative
Henderson of Iowa presented the fol-
lowing resolution, which served as a
text for all the discussion of the even
ing:
Resolved, That a committee of eleven
members of the present house of repre-
sentatives who are members or the
F'ifty-sixth congress shall be appointed
by the chairman of this caucus for the
purpose of considering monetary leg1s-
IatiOn and submitting their recommen-
dations to a Republican caucus at the
first session of the Fifty-sixth congress,
with authority to confer with a 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 it would be futile to attempt fnan-
cial legislation at this late day In the
present session.
Mr.. Cannon GID questioned the wis
dom of the resolution, although he said
he would not oppose it with his vote.
He expressed the strong belief, however,
that the present prosperity of the coun-
try made it inexpedient to enter upon
financial discussions. He particularly
in recent months and the great money
balance in our favor. This, he thought,
showed such a healthy economic con-
dition that it should be left alone.
Cai a
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
entire financial subject to a caucus
committee. 1t would permit careful
consideration of the question during the
coming months and the preparation OF
such well natured plan as would COM
mend itself on all hands. Mr.. Payne
expressed the belief that such a meas
ure, conservative and intelligent, could
be passed very early in the next session
of congress.
The other speeches were substantially
along the same line, general adherence
being given to the plan of a caucus
committee representing all sections and
interests. This, it was pointed out,
would be reflection on the regular
house committees which deal with
banking and currency and with coinage,
as such committees end with the seS-
sion while the caucus committee, being
made up of reelected members, could
pursue it's 1abors without reference to
the close of the session.
When the vote was taken it was lit
tie short of unanimous, viz: Yeas 81;
nays 4.
The chairman announced that the
names of the members of the new
finance committee would not be an
nounced at present as some time would
be required to learn the wishes of mem
bers concerning the hard work likely to
be involved in this service, and also to
make up a strong organization thor
oughly representative in character.