The Saint Paul globe., 1902-01-25
HOUSE DEMOCRATS so DECIDE
AFTER A SPIRITED CON
TEST IN CAUCUS
THE MINORITY PUTS IN A PLEA
Report of the Majority, Short, Sue.
cinct and Sensible, Is Adopt
ed by Vote of Ninety
Two to Seventeen.
THREE NEW STATES FAVORED

WASHINGTON, Jan 24-The Demo-
cratic members of the house Of repre-
sentatives met in caucus in the hall of
the house at o'clock this evening, and,
after a short but spirited contest~adopt-
ed resolutions declaring that they were
without power to promulgate a platform
of principles for the party owing to the
binding character of the party platform
heretofore regularly made at a national
convention.
The caucus was the outgrowth of an
animated discussion among Democratic
members ever since the present session
of congress began, the chief issue being
as to the extent to which the Kansas
City platform should be reaffirmed, or
should be superseded by a new declara-
tion of policy.
Eastern Democrats Restless.
The plan of an entirely new declara-
ton took form early in the session in
resolutions presented by Representative
Mcclellan, Of New York, setting forth
numerous planks, but omitting the finan-
cial declarations OF the kansas City plat
form. Mr.. Fitzgerald of New York, also
proposed a resolution declaring against
any interference with the existing stand
ard of values
On the other hand, Representative Ball,
of Texas, proposed a specific reaffirma-
ton Of the Kansas City platform.
The interest taken was shown in the
large attendance, 139 Democrats out Of
the total Of 153 being present. Repre-
sentative Hay, of Virginia, occupied the
chair and by his rulings endeavored to
allay the friction which has occurred at
times during the discussions.
Text of Majority Report.
Mr. Richardson presented the major
tt1ll q m
bers of the special committee except
Mr.. Henry. It rested the work Of the
committee and closed with the following
recommendation:
I'VE are of opinion that as representa-
tives Of our various constituencies ana as
members of the caucus made up OF sucn
representatives, we have no power or au-
thority to construct or pTomulgate q
platform of principles for our parry Ina I
we cannot increase or minimize the p1nd"
ing effect of platforms Of the party
heretofore regularly made and adopted
by the people in convention assembled
for that purpose
'That in the house of which we are
members we should vigorously and ag-
gressively battle for Democratic prin-
ciples and with equal vigor and aggres-
siveness we should oppose everything
contrary, in substance or method, to
those principles, and should meet each
question as it arises with full confer.
ence and solid and undivided front T"
Minority Proposition.
The minority report of Mr.. Henry, of
Texas, proposed the following declara-
ton in place of the Mcclellan and Fitz-
gerald resolutions, heretofore referred
to:
1T is not within the province of a
Democratic caucus to promulgate or re-
verse a Democratic PLATFORM; but It is
the duty of every Democratic representa-
tive to adhere to the national Democratic
platform until the succeeding convention
adopts another platform
Mr. Henry also proposed that the caucus
action should govern every representa-
tive when the same accorded with the
declarations of the last national plat
form.