The Washington times., 1902-04-16
Rumors of an Agreement
to Hang Up the Cuban
Reciprocity Bill.
Mr.. SWANSON'S PROPOSITION
Suggests That the Sugar Insurgents
Unite With Democrats TO Eradicate
Differential on Refined Sugar-William
Alden Smith Rejects Proposition.

continued in the House yesterday without
result, save that it gave number of
members on both sides an opportunity 10
deliver speeches for the edidcation OF their
constituents.
At the opening of the session yester-
day Mr.. Payne sought to nave general
debate upon the measure close on Friday
His plan 10 accomplish this was to have
the House meet at Il o'clock IN the morn
ing. and in addition hold night sessions.
This was a most unpopular suggestion
Mr.. Richardson, the Democratic leader,
demanded the regular order.
Mr.. Payre will renew his efforts today
to reach an agreement 10 close 'he dis
cussion on Friday. The Democrats are
expected to oppose the proposition, hut if
all Of the beet sugar Republicans who de-
sire TO speak upon the measure can be
accommodated before Friday evening, they
will probably vote with the Republican
majority.
Vote Possibly Saturday or Monday.
This will probably bring the bill to
vote eli her Saturday or Monday.
1t was reported last night that the
Democrats had agreed to join with the
beet sugar Republicans in opposing de-
mand for the previous question on the
bill. and would vote with them on any
proposition which would hang up the
Cuban reciprocity bill, without taking
vote upon it. thus keeping the matter IN
acted upon indefinitely.
In exchange for this assistance, it is
said that the insurgents" have agreed
TO vote with the Democrats against the
adoption of the Crumpacker resolutions
should they be reported from the COM
mittce en- Rules.
At a conference of Republican leaders
yesterday canvass of the House was sub
mitted. which would indicate that the
tariff bill will pass the House without
amendment. and by Republican votes
alone.
The opponents of the measure are en-
deavoring to create the impression that
the bill is in danger of being amended
by propositions from the Democrats and
the beet sugar Republicans.
The leaders now claim that there is no
danger from this direction, however, as
enough Republican votes are now pledged
to put the organization in complete con-
troll of the situation.
The chief feature of the discussion yes
terday was the declaration of purpose of
the Democrats made by Mr.. Swanson, who
is a member of the Ways and Means Com
mittee, and a supporter of th7 bill
In the course of a lively little colloquy
with Mr. william Alden Smith, the. Vir-
giniar stated that all of the Democrats
would support an amendment which they
would offer 10 take off the diiferentiai GU
the refined sugars of the world. This, he
said, would strike a blow at the Sugar
Trust, against which the beet gugar men
had been complaining.
An Invitation to Insurgents.
Addressing Mr. Smith, he invited the
beet sugar insurgents to vote with the
Democrats and thus they would be able TO
carry the amendment.
During the early part of the discussion
of the Cuban bill, Mr. Underwood init
mated that this move would be made by
the Democrats Mr. Swanson asserted it
with positiveness.
Mr.. Smith begged the question. and
lodged behind the statement that Mr..
Swanson was free trader, while he
(Smith) was protectionist, and that the
beet sugar industry lad its own re-
limerick.
To this Mr.. Swanson replied that the
beet sugar men did great deal of talk
ing but when the time for action came
they ran.
Mr.. Swanson was the first speaker yes
terday. During the first part of his re-
marks Mr.. Swanson was frequently inter
rupted by his Democratic colleagues and
piled with questions. but in nearly every
instance his replies were more than suffl-
Client answers to his interrogators.
A Democratic Principle.
Mr.. Swanson said the bill proceeded
upon the Democratic theory for relieving
distress, and he did not see how any of his
political colleagues could oppose it. He
was bombarded with questions by Messrs.
Wheeler Dem, KY, Bartlett dem, Ga.).
and others as TO how the operations of
the bill would confer a benefit upon the
Cuban planters, how it would increase
trade with Cuba, and what assurances
there were that the proposition would he
accepted by the Cuban government.
Mr.. Swanson discussed at length rates
and schedules to show that the sugar in
dustry in this country would not be in
turcd by the proposed reduction. Refer
ring to the differential on refined sugar he
said that he would vote to strike it out
and IL the DeeI sugar men JOIN Inc
Democrats it would go off.
The Proposition Rejected.
William Alden Smith. of Michigan, said
the beet sugar men were protectionists
and would not vote for that proposition.
The beet sugar men, he said refined their
own product. and did not propose to open
the markets of the United States to for
eign refined sugar to their own detriment
Mr.. Swanson-You say that If this bill
PASSES you viii be ruined anyhow? Why
don't you, like Samson, strike final blow
at the Sugar Trust and pull down its tenn
pie about its head?
Mr.. Smith, didn't say ruined / said
would be crippled.
Mr.. Swanson said he expected to stand
by the proposition to strike off the differ
entiai through all the ups and downs of
the bill TO its final passage. The measure,
he sad, was movement in the direction |
Of tariff reform which General Grosyenor
had warned the House was coming and he |
intended to array himself with the forces |
that were making for that greatly-to- be- |
desired end. |
las a Republican and a protectionist,"
said Mr.. Dayton (Rep.. w. Va.) / have |
no apology TO make for any opposition to |
this bill after listening to the remarks OF |
The gentleman who has just taken his |
seat"
General Grosvenor Arraigned
Continuing. Mr. Dayton devoted consid-
srable attention to General Grosvenor, |
his recent speech upon the |
Cuban bill with his statements and in
eryiews no longer than q year ago when |