Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-21
WARM DEBATE CONSUMED
ENTIRE SESSION OF HOUSE

WASHINGTON. April 1S-When the
house met today az II O'Clock there was
prospect OF a memorable session ahead.
The general debate on the Cuban recip-
rocity bin was 20 close at o'clock ana Il
was the intention OF the leaders, II posi-
be. 10 hold the house in session until the
inal vote was taken
The action OF the Democratic caucus last
night which decided 10 vote solidly Tor
the removal OF the diTerential on refined
sugar. gave the leaders much concern. as
they were unable TO figure out exactly
what strength the proposition would com
mznd on the Republican side. The dis
closures OF Mr.. Underwood last night,
relative 20 overtures made to the Demo-
Gratis on the basis OF an abandonment OF
the Crumpacker resolution, added new
complication 70 the situation and there
seemed a likelihood that II might hgure
n the debate today In a sensational tasn-
son. The whole atmosphere OF the house.
In fact, was charged with electricity and
presaged the coming storm Mr.. Rich
ardson. OF Tennessee. the Democratic
leader. was the first speaker today.
he made a careful. dispassionate speech
explaining Wy he had voted in favor OF
reporting the bill He stated frankly that
he doubted whether the enactment OF the
bin would do much to bring about the
RECIPROCAL trade relations between CUBA
and the United States. which was earnest
II. 70 be desired. But he had voted for Il
n the hope that It might accomplish
something II would at least reduce by
. per cent the outrageousiy high rates
OF the Dingley law so far as Cuba was
concerned. These high rates could not
stand and he said Mr. Grosvenor's speech
> few days ago was a warning Of the COM
ing storm
He thought the time for a revision OF
the tariff was az hand and the fact that
the pending bill began IL IN a modest way,
commended the measure TO him. Mr..
Richardson called attention TO the action
OF the two counties in the district OF Mr..
Babcock. OF Wisconsin. endorsing the lat
fer's bills 70 remove the duties from
steel. and. amid Democratic applause. said
that the Democrats proposed to give Mr..
Bahcock an opportunity later on to vote
for the bill his constituents had endorsed.
He outlined also the Democratic program
relative 20 offering an amendment TO abol-
fsh the differential duty on refined sugar.
II this amendment carried, he said, hve
or SIX million dollars would be taken from
the sugar refners and given to the Amer
fean consumers OF sugar.
Just before Mr.. Richardson took his seat,
Nr Bromwell, OF Ohio. asked him this
question:
Does the gentleman from Tennessee
know anything Of a reported bargain be-
tween the leaders on THIS sl0G ana the
Democrats on that. by which the Crum-
packer resolution Is 10 be smothered in or
der to passage OF the pending bill7''
Absolutely nothing" replied Mr.. Rich
ardson.
Dir. Fordney. OF Michigan. opposed the
bin.
Mr.. Hepburn. OF Iowa. aroused consid-
erable excitement by bringing forward the
revelation made in the Democratic caucus
last night concerning the alleged over
sures made from the Republican side to
abandon the Crumpacker resolution. IL
the Democrats from the states threatened
would vote against Overruling the chair.
After reading the account OF the caucus in
a morning paper he proceeded with great
emphasis 70 declare that the charge Is
true or the statement. II made, was Of a
very serious character.
ct charges some members Of this house
with attempting 10 trafic with the legis-
1ation before this body" he said. 1T
charges them with a willingness 20 shelve
legislation which members here consider
very important in order 70 secure the ul-
innate triumph OF this bill.
I do not believe IT, I think the gen.
tieman from Alabama CAfr. UnderwOOd).
must have been mistaken or misinformed,
but. nevertheless. I think II his duty 70
this house 20 be more explicit and 20 To-
cate this Offense where II properly be-
longs"
NJ Hepburn continued 70 express his
doubt whether such allegations win be re-