The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-27
HARMONY COMMITTEE FAILED.
RELIEVED FROM FURTHER WORN
ON PORTO RICAN BILL.

Republican Caucus Found 1t Could
Reach No Agreement on Account
of the Free Trade FeeIing-senate
VIII Proceed With the House Bin
Providing for n Tariff-SeveraI Re-
publicans will StrenuOusIy Oppose
the Tariff Feature
Washington. March 26.-The Republican
members of the Senate spent two and
half hours in caucus to-day, In an effort
to reach an agreement upon the Porto
Rican legislation now pending In the
Senate.
Apparently, however, all that was ac-
complished was decision to proceed with
the general bill as it now stands, without
separating the tariff feature and to dis
charge the harmony committee from fur
ther efforts.
About twenty speeches were made.
While all senators expressed desire to
reach an amicable understanding there
was but little or no disposition manifest
ed 10 yield point which would produce
that result.
Senator Allison, as chairman of the eau
Gus, declared at the close of the meeting
that there was no necessity for putting
motion to continue on past lines, as it was
very evident that no other course was
practical.
Senator Foraker was instructed to press
the Porto Rican bill as it now stood. the
governmental bill incorporated with tariff
measure, to as speedy vote as possible.
The understanding al the time instruction
was given was that Senator Foraker
would offer an amendment to the tariff
feature of the bill. adding the free list
named by the President in an executive
order to the exports going from the United
States to Porto Rico duty free, but that
the Is per cent. of the Dingley law carried
in the House bill upon goods coming from
Porto Rico to the United States would be
retained.
Republicans Who Oppose 1t.
Through a viva voce it was evident that
a substantial majority approved the prop
osition. A number of senators will OPP
pose the BILL even with the amendment
recommended. They are, it is stated,
Senators Davis, Beveridge, Hoar, Well
ington. Mason, Simon. Proctor and Will
son. 1t is also said that Senators Kyle,
who heretofore has acted with the Re-
publicans, and McCumber, of North Da
kota, win not vote for the House bill un-
amended, but ii is believed they will vote
for the amended proposition.
Two senator's named in the list of eight
first given, are claimed by the friends of
| the tariff measure as almost sure to vote
for the amended bill, leaving. six Repub>
leans who will vote finally against the
measure.
1t is claimed that two or three votes
will be secured for the tariff measure
from the ranks of the opposition parties
in the Senate, and that in this way q
majority will be secured.
Senators have decided that the Senate
must act as seems best under the cir
cumstances, and the bill, if it passes,
must take its chances in the House. Some
members of the Ways and Means Com
mittee advised this course to-day, at the
same time urging speedy action, and this
view found expression in the caucus, the
statement being made that delay was
more dangerous than anything else and
the country and Porto Rico ought to know
soon what to expect. Apparently there
was no disposition among the free trade
senators present at the caucus to delay
a vote upon the bill, though no agree
ment was reached for an immediate vote.
Senator FOrakeF's Efforts.
Among the senator's who addressed the
caucus were Messrs. Foraker, Allison,
Cullom, Chandler Gallinger, Quarles
Senator Foraker reviewed the efforts of
the harmony committee. After pointing
out how irreconcilable were the several
elements in both houses. Mr. Foraker urged
the passage of the House bill without
modification and he appealed eloquenuy TO
all elements to unite 10 pass the civil gov
ernment bill as separate measure and
with such amendments as would colcede
much that the free traders sought 10 Sc
cure, mentioning among amendments pos
sible of enactment one for the continual
tion of the Presidents free list, which
would practically secure the admission of
all necessaries, such as breadstufs and
clothing into Porto Rico free of duty.
Mr.. Foraker also suggested the possibl-
ity of an amendment leaving the Porto
Rican authorities to be constituted by the
civil government bill, TO say when any
duty which might be imposed should be
removed.
Senator Gallnger offered a resolution
directing the separation OF the House
tariff bill from the Senate governmental
bill. and supported the resolution with a
speech. This move was met by a counter
resolution offered by Senator Wellington
providing for the passage of the civil
government bill with free trade pro-
vision instead Of the tariff provision of the
House.
The discussion proceeded on the basis
of these two motions.
Feeling Is for Free Trade.
Senator Davis read and explained at
length the amendment he introduced in
the Senate to-day. He said there was a
feeling throughout the country for free
trade with Porto Rico, which was not a
mere ephemeral sentiment, but was bas-
ed upon a proper demand for right and
justice.
Senator Cullom spoke in a conciliatory
manner indicating a personal leaning to-
wards the free trade sentiment, but sold
an agreement should be reached upon
some basis which would present a solid
front. Senator Quarles made an impas-
stoned appeal for the enactment of tar
iff law, saying that only by this course
could the best traditions of the Republi-
can party be maintained. Both resolu-
tons were ultimately withdrawn, Senator
Wellington's because Of the impossibility
of passing II, and Senator Ghllingers in
view of the determined opposition Of the
free traders.
a..