The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-03-24
A WHITE HOUSE CAUCUS.

Senators sud Representative See
the President About Porto Rico
There was an unusually large gathering
Of prominent Republican leaders OF both
houses or Congress at the White House
this morning. The Porto Rican Tarin baI
occupied the Presidents attention through
out the morning. Singly and in pairs the
Representative and Senators came during
the two hours from 10 until j O'Clock. set
aside for Congressional visitors. and upon
their arrival were usbered into the pres
ence Of the President The meeting might
be appropriately called q caucus Of the
leaders. one thing Of significance about
the conference was the absence Of the
Senators known 10 favor free trade for the
new American possessions. Not one Of
than put IN an appearance.
The situation as it affects the Porto Ri
can bill i'm the Senate was discussed thor
OuEbly. with such men as Senators Hanna.
Spoouer. Thurs;on. EIkins Lodge Depcw.
Scott. Stewart, Kean. Clark Of Wyoming
Cullom. Bard. and Perkins Of California
and Representatives Grosvenor. Hopkins.
Mercer March. and Lacey. All OF the fore
going with toe exception Cf Mr.. Marsh are
strongly in favor of the Is per cent tariff
E
20 a settlement Of the difficulty were nu-
meTous. but SO far as known no agree
mcnt was reached. The stand Of the free
trade Senstors was fully explained TO the
President and a way for securing their CO.
operation was especially considered. To
was said that several new ideas were
brought forth and considered. but their ez-
act nature could not be learned.
The absence from the conference Of the
advocates OF free trade for Porto Rico Is
regarded as significant.
The President did net express his views
10 any great extent: but continued 10 urge
harmony. Mr.. Mckinley is said 10 be
watching the situation with a view Of dis
covering the means o. ehectiug an agree
uenJ and then bringing his influence "a
bear in that direction.
The House Republicans, IL IS said wer,
urgent IN demanding the passage Cf theiI
bill without amendment, as they feared
their inability To maintain the 15 per cen
duty provision should the hill be returned
10 the House amended. They maintained
with considerable vigor the stand taker
by them yesterday when approached by
the members Of the Senate Peace Com
mittee-
Senator Kean admitted this morning that
the situation is tangled, but hopefully sad,
As long as something has &c be done fcI
Porto Rico. as long as the necessity fOI
doing something is so great, some means
OF etecting a settlement will be found
When things are the darkest yoa know
We are sometimes nearest the solution oi
q difficulty" The Peace Committee. ht
said, has no new proposition 20 make.
Senator Scott said he had just returned
from West Virginia. and that he had
found conditions favorable 10 a Bspubli-
can victory in that state this fail Th,
tariff Of 15 per cent for Porto Rio, ht
said, was generally favored among his COZ.
stituents. Resolutions 10 such an effec
have been passed by iebCr organizations iT
the State. Laboring men throughout The
country, said he, are favorable to II,
tariff.
Several Representatives repeated the old
statement that the bill is not understood
in the country at large They we're al q
loss 10 know how 10 account for the fact
that it has not been explained
Senator CulbeTsOn called to urge the sp.
pointments Of Col. L. r. Hare OF the
Thirty third Volunteers. and Lieut. Col
Robert L. Howe. Of the Thlrty-fourth Vol
unteers. now serving in the Philippines
as brigadieT generals. for meritorious serv-
ice. The request has the sanction Of ;hs
entire Texas delegation and Is recommend
ed by General Wheaton. The Presideu.
promised 10 consider the matter