New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25
COMPROMISE PROBABLE.
REPUBLICAN, CONFERENCE ON
PUERTO RICAN BILL.
TARIFFS OPERATION MAY BE LIMITED
TO TWO EARS-COMNIITTEE OF
TEN To REPORT A PLAN

washington Feb. 24-The Republicans OF the
House of Representatives met I'm conference at
o'clock tonight in the hall OF the House TO con-
slider the situation the Puerto Rican Tarfn
bill Unusual interest attached to the meeting.
owing TO the division OF sentiment which has
developed on the bill. About one hundred Re-
publican members were present, which was re-
garded a good attendance in view OF the IN
clement weather. Those present included Speaker
Henderson, Chairman Payne Of the Ways ana
Means Committee Representatives Grosvenor.
Dolliver, Hopkins Dalzel Russell, Tawney.
Hepburn Steele, Cannon, Hit and other well
known figures in the House. The opposition
element was represented by Messrs, Mccall,
Littlehel6. Powers, Lorimer and others. Mr..
Cannon acted chairman and Mr. Louden-
slayer Of New-Jersey. as secretary.
Speaker Henderson took active part in the
conference and made the first speech of the
evening. He spoke in a conciliatory spirit, urg-
ing that the differences be reconciled by the ex-
ercise Of tolerance on both sides. The first def
mite proposition came from Mr.. Pearre, of
Maryland, who suggested compromise fixing
two years as the limit OF the operation of the
proposed tariff. Mr. Pearre supported this in
q speech indicating purpose to make issue
against the bill, but rather disposition to Sc
cure united action by compromise.
DESIRE FOR HARMONY SHOWN.
voice 10 the opposition sentiment. He said,
however, that he had come to the conference in
the hope and expectation that differences would
be adjusted. His remarks regarded as
tending toward a harmonious adjustment.
Chairman Payne spoke at considerable length.
and, while always in good temper, he manifested
much feeling at times. He disavowed any pride
Of opinion in the bill, he had not drawn 1t,
although as chairman of the committee. 1t had
fallen to his lot to present It. Members gath
cred from what Mr.. Payne said that the Secre-
tary of War and War Department officials
most familiar with Puerto Rican affairs had
drawn the bill. Mr.. Payne also conveyed the
impression that the President not opposed
10 the bill, certainly not the constitutional
question involved, although he carefully re-
Trained from any direct statement TO the at
titude wishes of the President.
Mr. Grosvenor of Ohio expected to make
q statement more directly indicating the Presi-
dents desires. but he carefully refrained from
so doing. He said that he had recently attended
a dinner where he was expected TO speak from
the throne" but he had a prepared speech.
which wholly omitted any authoritative state
ment. So tonight, he said, he did not intend
10 speak from the throne" He said that the
proposition limiting the operation OF the bill TO
TWO years was as far the measure should be
changed
The speeckmaking became general. Repre-
sentatives Hit. Cannon. sperry. Mccall. Brown
(Ohio). Fletcher, Lacey. Tompkins and Little
field succeeding each other. Mr.. Lacey brought
forward compromise giving'to the President
fun authority 20 act. For time the discussion
turned on this proposition, but it failed to de-
velop much strength.
McALL AND LITTLEFIELD FIRM
The speeches of Mr.. Mccall and Mr.. Little
aeld attracted much interest because Of the
positive attitude they have taken. Mr.. Mccall
spoke calmly but did not abate any Of his
opposition TO the bill as a whole. and showed no
disposition to accept anw of the compromises
suggested Mr.. Littlefeld was more vehement
declaring that he could not surrender his views
against the bill a whole, although he felt
disposed 10 turn the subject over to the Presi-
dent as had been proposed. Mr.. Lttlef1eld also
suggested that free trade be given to Puerto
Rico. with a distinct declaration that this
should not operate as a precedent applicable to
other insular possessions.
This met with a counter proposition from
Mr. Throop of Pennsylvania. that the 25 per
cent provided by the original bill be re-
tanned, with declaration that this should not
operate as a precedent. Neither proposition was
favorably entertained. and they were not
pressed.
Up to midnight none of the propositions had
been voted upon, and members began leaving
the hall The feeling prevailed, however, that
the two year Limitation would be agreed on as
basis OF compromise, and that with this
change the bill would receive pretty general al.
though not unanimous, support.
AZ the attendance was rapidly diminishing II
became apparent that final action could be
reached tonight, and the plan OF a committee
of ten-fve from each side-to go over the SUBJ
ject and report some middle ground was unani-
mously accepted by all present
Chairman Cannon authorized to make
public the results and at 1915 O'Clock the con-
ference adjourned until Monday night when the
report Of the committee Of ten will be received
Mr.. CANNON STATES RESULTS
Representative Cannon, after the conference
made the following statement:
The conference was in good temper and a
real effort was made TO harmonic differences