The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-26

As result Of a four hours conference
last night the Republican leaders in
charge Ct the Porto Riean Tariff bill won
over one member Of the opposition, Repre-
sentative Powers Of Vermont A confer
ence was called at the house Of Represen-
tative Mccall. ct which representatives Of
the two factions we're to be present They
met at ociock and remained in consuiia-
tion until nearly midnight They then
parted with an agreement as remote as
ever. Neither side would yield an inch on
the principles Of the bill. ~
The Ways and Means Committee was
represented by Messrs PAYNE Chairman of
the committee. DalzcIl. Hopkins. Russell,
and Doliver. and the opposition by Messrs.
Mccall. LIttehcld. Crumpacker. Lorimer,
and Powers. Representative Weeks OF
Michigan vas also present
A compromise was offered by Mr. Payne
and his associates in the nature Of an
amendment to the bill by which it should
be distinctly declared that the measure
was purely a temporary one. and that it
was passed for the benefit Of Porto Rico, to
raise money for the needs Of the island.
This amendment seemed to meet the views
OF Representative Powers, who expressed
himself as willing to accept it, as an evi-
dence to the Porto Ricans that this coun-
try was not breaking faith with them. The
majority evidently hope by this move to
capture enough Of the wavering members
to pass the bill.
This suggestion was rejected by the
Others however, as they declared 1t in
no manner changed the principle involved,
either Of the application OF the Consutu-
tion or OF the breech Of faith. Powerful
arguments were brought 20 bear 20 alter
their determination. It was represented TO
them that they were engaged in move
ment which would disrspt the party in
Congress and endanger its success in the
November elections.
Mr.. Iituefeld was Feprehended for his
attack on the members Of the Ways and
Means Committee To these arguments
= opposition replied by saying it was the
side which was threatening the vel
s- the party by passing measure
ah denounced by the press Of the
th scarceiy an exception. They
u1l1fed aar that the sentiment Of the
country as FAR as il has been expressed,
sas ore u opposition to the bill Several
nszahera had declared they could not be
etr-ued from their districts If the bill
were passed
Dir Psrne and his friends said the press
not informed on the subject, and that
..hen me people realized the Justice OF
the measure they would be reconciled TO I
ars pssssge.
l. was pointed out. also. that Congress !
did not pass on constitutional questions; |
that matters OF that kind rested with the !
Court. and whether Congress !
passed the bill or not. Il would have no
effect on the ccnstitutionality Of the ques-
ton Mr. Payne and his colleagues de-
bsted the matter at considerable length,
but at every point they were met with the
firm opposition OF the others, until they
gave up any attempt looking to an agree
ment.
As result. It will be proposed at the /
conference tonight that an amendment 1
shall be offered containing the statement 4
hat the bill is purely a temporary measure, /
and vote will probably be taken to as /
certain if this will enable the majority to /
carry the bill. II It is found that they !
.annot muster enough votes. a motion will 4
be made to recommit the bill and thus 4
avoid the sting Of defeat on the roll 1
tall.
II was claimed by the minority last night 4
that they had gained recruits during the |
iay and that twenU-siX Republicans
would vote against the bill. They expect /
other additions today. It is possible an
other conference viii be held this after
noon between the same Representatives
who met last night
Mr. Mccall entertained the Representa-
lives OF the opposition at dinner last night
PRIOR 20 she conference. bnt nothing de-
ysIoped OF importance as q result Il the
meeting