The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-14
REPUBLICANS HELD A CAUCUS.
BUT NO VOTE WAS TAKEN ON POR-
TO RICAN MEASURE.


Much Opposition to the Tariff Fea-
ture in the Republican Ranks
Which May EndanGer the Bill If
1t is Not PIacated-Senators From
the West Say the Measure WIZ
Injure the Republican Party In
Their States.
Washington, March 13.-The Republican
senators were in conference for two and
one-half hours on the Porto Rican bill
this afternoon, and at 6 clock adjourned
until o'clock tomorrow, when the dis
cussion will be resumed.
No vote was taken on any of the vari-
Gus propositions laid before the caucus,
but as a result of the caucus talk the
impression prevailed that there was a
great deal of opposition to the bill, which
opposition, if 1t was not placated, might
endanger its passage.
1t was also apparent that "A number Of
other senator's thought the legislation was
ill advised, but, while opposed to the bill.
nevertheless would vote for it as a party
measure.
Deep feeling was displayed over the
question by a number of senators, ana
.
some of whom did not hesitate to affirm
that any effort to place a tariff upon the
exchange of business between the United
States and Porto Rico probably would
nave an injurious effect upon the Repub-
lican party in those states.
There were some sharp passages at arms.
1t was generally agreed, however, that
from party standpoint almost any bill
was better than none, and this feeling
gave the friends of the measure hope, de-
spite the apparently unyielding attitude
of the opposing factions. They are still
holding to the bill as originally intro
duced, and express the belief that 1t will
form the basis Of whatever settlement is
agreed upon This opinion is based upon
what was said in a general way and not
upon any poll of the caucus, for there
was nothing approaching a vote during
the meeting.
Those senators who favored the propo-
sitiol for a tariff on Porto Rican goods
coming into this country and free trade
for goods going to Porto Rico said this
course would be humane in principle. since
it would afford free entry of food and sup
plies needed by the Porto Ricans, while
the tariff on goods coming into this coun-
try would supply revenue for the island
and also retain the principle of protection.
Several times during the debate the
course of the administration was mention
ed and the statement made that the coun-
try was aroused because it had seemed
that Congress was acting contrary to the
wishes of the President. Several senators
asserted that the President was now anx-
ious for the proposed tariff of Is per cent.
Senator Foraker vigorously supported
the bill and was especially determined
that the governmental features should
not be abandoned. He also defended the
tariff provisions did Senator Hanna,
whose speech was principally an appeal to
Republicans to stand together and NOT
turn control of legislation over to the
Democrats.
Senators Proctor, Fairbanks, Davis, Ma
son and Simon all spoke for free trade
with Porto Rico, saying the people were
strongly in favor of it. The last two SEN
ators declared themselves against treat
ing any island dependencies different from
any Of the territories of the United States
Senator Davis on the other hand, de-
clared what we did as to Porto Rico
y ould not commit us as TO the Philip