Evening star., 1901-11-26
Both Political Parties to Decide on
Matters Of Policy.
DEMOCRATIC ISSUES I'm CONGRESS
Representative Richardson Gives
His Views on the Subject.
THE TARIFF QUESTION

Representative Richardson of Tennessee,
the democratic leader of sthe House and
the prospective nominee of the minority for
the speakership. is in the city comforting
with his colleagues upon the approaching
session. Mr.. Richardson has commit ee
room at the Metropolitan Hotel, where he
meets his fellow members-elect of the next
House.
What, in your opinion" asked a Star
reporter of Mr.. Richardson today, will be
the issues of the democratic party in this
Congress?'
Speaking for myself Alone answered
Mr.. Richardson, "and not attempting to
define the issues for my party, 1 should
think that the democrats would find sew
eral clearly defined issues upon which they
could meet the republicans.
First, think we should stand for reci-
procity and demand legislation upon this
subject that would be practical and of bene-
fit to American producers and American
consumers.
Second, that democrats should advocate
reduction of the tariff, the removal of the
prohibitive features, at least.
Third, we will certainly work for re-
trenchment in expenditures and endeavor
to prevent extravagant wastefulness in the
use of the peoples money.
To Suppress and Control Trusts.
Fourth, we will demand legislation for
the suppression and control of the trusts
The republicans of the House passed an
antitrust law last Congress, but it was
carefully pigeon-holed byf the republicans
in the Senate
do you look for any practical legislation
upon trusts?" Mr.. Richardson was asked
II do not was the laconic reply.
Fifth, in my opinion there should be re-
duction of the war taxes. A large surplus
has been piled up and 1t should be return
ed to the people through; curtailment of the
internal revenue taxation to which they are
now subjected. We arezready to join hands
with any party to do these things"
What will be the attitude of the demo-
Gratis toward the Philippine question: he
was asked
II should Judge it will be determined by
a democratic caucus when the time ar
rives," was the reply.
How do you feel toward possible Cuban
That is subject do pot care to dis
A Caucus Cnll.
Mr. Richardson conferred with Repre-
sentative Hay Of Virginia during the fore
noon as to the coming caucus for the NOM
ination of democratic candidates for House
offices. Later in the day, Mr.. Hay issued
the following call: g,
LAS chairman Of the democratic caucus
Of the Fifty-sixth Congress l do hereby
call caucus of democratic members-elect
to the Fifty-seventh Congress to meet in
the hall of the House at II am. Saturday,
November 80"
of short duration, and is not likely to take
up questions of party policy for discussion
1t Is thought that the old honorary nomi-
nees will be renominated. That list in
nj, Nv ptoLo
Kerr for clerk, Mr.. Hurt for doorkeeper,
Mr. Brookshire for sergeant t-arms and
Mr. Bagby for chaplain
The former silverite-populist members of
the House will meet with the democrats in
caucus. This year there will be no third
party in the House, as the populists and
silver democrats have gone into the demo-
cratic fold. The third party has also dis
integrated in the Senate, as Senators Stew
art and Jones Of Nevada are now asso-
ciated with the republicans in all things
and Senators Dubois, Heitfeld and Harris
are being slated with the democrats.
A Republican, Caucus.
Chairman Cannon and Secretary Louden-
slayer of the republican caucus this after
noon issued the following call:
"A caucus Of the republican members
elect of the Fifty-seyenth Congress will be
held in the hall of the House of Represen-
tatives at o'clock pm, Saturday, Novem-
ber 3O'
1t is stated on authority that the republi-
cans expect their caucus to continue in the
evening. after recess for dinner. This
announcement has caused considerable gcs-
sip and speculation as to probable strug-
giles within the party over the questions of
policy that are now yexing the factions of
the party.
Inasmuch as there will be no contest over
the nominations for House officers, the
only necessity for night session that any
one foresees will be a probable fight over
tariff and war tax reduction, or possible
discussion of the rules
It has been the general idea that these
questions would not be taken up until the
Presidents message had been read and
the recommendations of the executive upon
party policies laid before Congress.
1t Is said, however, that business is to
proceed with alacrity this session, and that
1t will be the purpose Of the leaders to get
Congress away from Washington as early
In the summer as possible in order, for one
thing, that the members of the House may
get ready for the congressional campaign
that will follow close supona the heels of
a6i0l1rpmppt