Middletown transcript., 1902-01-25
WASHINGTON LETTER.

weary hours in the minority caucus room
Of the Capitol on Friday afternoon en-
deavoring to bring order out of chaos, bu1
without result. With all the secrecy of &
high degree Mason, Representative Rich
ardson, chairman of the committee or
resolutions appointed by the Democratic
caucus, had "passed the word" to Iii:
colleagues that meeting would be held
promptly at noon and, while Mr. Under
wood, of Alabama entertained his news
papermen with one of his inimitah.e
stories in the House lobby, his ele, er
conferres gained the minority room by
davious paths. So great was the attempt
at secrecy that ten minutes before noon
some of the committee denied all know.
ledge of the meeting. However, nc
sooner had Mr.. Richardson called the
meeting to order than the cacophonious
oratory, SO characteristic of Democratic
"love FEAST" penetrated to the uttermost
chamber of the Capitol and corps ol
Correspondents thronged the corridor
while ever and anon some catapult OF
Democratic wisdom would thunder
through the mahogany doors and be
eagerly recorded by the representatives
of the press. Free silver, reciprocity
with Cuba, Tammanyism and the Philip
pine tariff bill all contributed their share
to the interest of the discussion, and the
vigor and asoerbity which predominated
the original caucus was not lacking.
Just as the sound money faction promised
to overwhelm the Texas Bryanites, Mr..
Henry cast bomb into the caucus in the
shape of resolution declaring that no
Democratic caucus had the power to
overthrow national platform. I'm
mediately Representative Ball moved to
substitute the Chicago platform for the
Mcclellan resolution and again the merry
war waged fast and furious.
~
Fin ally, a resolution was introduced
binding the committee to report that in
its judgment all resolutions should be
laid on the table, it being argued that
would be non-debatable and, therefore, a
caucus, at least specifically harmonious,
might be held, but sufficient votes could
not be obtained to carry it and Represen-
sative Robertson again started the ball
rolling by resolution binding the mi
nority to oppose all reciprocity with
Cuba. Worn out with their labors' the
committee then adjourned, every mem
Der having been pledged by Mr.. Richard
son, who imagines himself a modern
to the most absolute secrecy.
Another meeting will be held but in the
meantime Mr.. Richardson will work
with the members Individually to secure
harmony.
~
Out Of courtesy to the Democratic mem
Ders Of the Philippines Committee, Sena-
,or Lodge did not submit the report of
that committee on the Philippine tariff
bill last Thursday, as he had intended,
out will probably do so tomorrow.
Speaking on the subject last week, the
Senator told me that he believed the
recommendation of a 25 per cent. reduc-
ion of the Dingiey rates would meet with
ihe approval of the Senate and that there
would be but little trouble. in securing
he passage of the bill as amended. SEN
stor Mitchell said yesterday that he was
more than eyer determined to stand out
or the so per cent. reduction embodied
n his amendment as the business men on
he Pacific coast believe that such a re-
luction is essential to their interests.
~
A mem ber of the Senate Committee on
-nter-oceanic canals said Saturday: 1.-THE
anal question is decidedly up in the air.
t is impossible at this time to predict
low it will end but / begin to fear that
here will be no definite canal legislation
his year. The Walker commission is
gain in session and while nothing is
known, it is said that the Com
mission will recommend the Panama
Route. That would necessarily delay
egislation very seriously. Senator Nor
.an had an unsatisfactory interview with
he President on Thursday. The Senator
s firmly convinced that the Nicaraguan
cute is by far the better, but Mr.. Roose-
relt does not seem to be convinced and
opposes acting with what he calls pre-
ipitation. Senator Hanna seems to have
ONE leanings in favor Of the Darien
QUITE and that if true, means a new
obstacle to contend with.
#x*
The beet sugar men determined on |
lew move recently and decided to go to
headquarters, as they expressed it, in
rider to prevent any reciprocal arrange
nent. with Cuba. Accordingly they
allied at the White House and had
onference with the President. They
opposed that they could bring sufficient
influence upon him to induce him to
hange his views but they found him
cry strongly entrenched in his opinion
nd very difficult man to change. They
we're confronted by a. letter from Mr..
Tohn D. spreckels Of California, in which |
lie said that the beet sugar interest
.lready had more consideration than it |
deserved and Mr.. Spreckle's letter seemed
o have more weight than their
rguments.
-
The campaign of the beet sugar men in |
be House is producing results more
avorable, however, as they have led
ome Of the members to believe that a
tote for Cuban reciprocity will lose them
heir seats. The lobby is also engaged,
Ind with some success it is feared, in
itirring up an animosity between the
House and the Senate. There are some
members and Senators who actually be-