The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-26
4 Compromise OFFERED
Another Republican Conference on
The Porte Rican Bill.
Mr. Payne Proposes an Amendment
Declaring the Measure to he Purely
Temperary-Nr. Powers Won Over.
hut the Rest of the Opposition Re
main Firm-Au Agreement Remote.

As a result of a four hours conference
last night the Republican leaders in
charge Of the Porto Rican 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. at which representatives, OF
the two factions were TO be present, They
met at o'ciock and remained in consulta-
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; Dalzell, Hopkins, Russell.
and Dolliver. and the opposition by Messrs.
Mccall. Littleheld, Crumpacker. Lorimer.
and Powers. Representative Weeks of
Michigan was 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 il
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 it in
no manner changed the principle involved,
either of the application of the Consutu-
ton or of the breech of faith. Powerful
arguments were brought to bear 20 alter
their determination. 1t wes represented TO
them that they were engaged in move
ment which would disrupt the party in
Congress and endanger its success in the
November elections.
Mr.. Lttlefeld was Feprehended for his
attack on the members of the Ways and
Means Committee. To these arguments
= opposition replied by saying it was the
,th- side which was threatening the well
far- af the party by passing a measure
Vsirh ssls denounced by the press of the
t5rn,ry wsth scarcely an exception. They
pointed out that the sentiment of the
country as far as it has been expressed,
vas one u opposition to the bill. Several
members had declared they could not be
sturned from their districts If the bill
were passed.
ar Pavne and his friends said the press
was not informed on the subject. and that
when the people realized the justice OF
the measure they would be reconciled to
It's rassage.
IL was pointed out, also, that Congress
did not pass on constitutional questions;
that matters OF that kind rested with the
Supreme Court, and whether Congress
passed the bill or not. it would have no
effect on the constitutionality Of the ques-
ton Mr. Payne and his colleagues de-
bated 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 a result. It will be proposed at the
conference tonight that an amendment
shall be offered containing the statement
that the bill is purely temporary measure.
and vote will probably be taken TO as
certain il this will enable the majority to
carry the bill II II is found that they
cannot muster enough votes, motion VIII
be made to recommit the bill and thus
avoid the sting of a defeat on the roll
call.
1t was claimed by the minority last night
that they had gained recruits during the
day, and that twenty-six Republicans
would vote against the bill. They expect
other additions today. 1t Is possible an
other conference will be held this after
noon between the same Representatives
who met last night.
Mr.. Mccall entertained the Representa-
tives of the opposition at dinner last night
prior TO the conference. but nothing de-
yeioped OF importance as result Of the
Ineefiug