The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-17

Washington, Feb. 1.-THE bill to re-
peal the war revenue taxes was passed
unanimously by the house 27S members
voting aye.
There was an unusually large
attendance upon the floor of the
house and in the galleries today in an
ticipation of the debate on the bill tc
repeal the war revenue taxes. Just pri-
or to the assembling of the house the
committee on rules met and agreed up
the form of a special rule for the
consideration of the bill by the terms of
which it would be brought to a vote at
4 o'clock tomorrow. The chaplain in
his invocation prayed that the life of
Representative Sheppard of Texas. who
is dangerously ill, might be spared.
After some minor business had been
cleared away, Mr.. Dalzeu (Pa.) from
the committee on rules, presented the
special order agreed upon by that COM
nittee.
Mr.. Dalzell explained the effect of the
rule This. measure, he said, was pre-
sented to redeem a pledge made when
the war revenue taxes were imposed
that when the necessity for them ceaS-
ed, they would be repealed.
This was measure on which he took
it, there was practically unanimlty OF
sentiment on both sides of the house. 1t
was a simple repeal measure and it was
deemed wise that it should be brought
to a vote without complication or eX
traneous issues. At the conclusion of
this brief statement, Mr.. Dalzell yielded
80 minutes to Mr. Underwood, (Ala.)
also of the committee on rules.
The Alabama member protested
against the adoption of the rule, not he
said, because it provided for the consid-
Grafton of bill to reduce taxation, but
because it prevented individual mem
larc hai illdQ-
ment or carrying out the wishes of their
constituents to what portion of the
excessive taxes should be repealed.
AS an instance of a tax, which it was
not advisable to repeal, he cited the in
heritance tax, a tax which he Saiu, was
levied on a class that was not reached
by other taxation. Mr.. Underwood said
he did not think general tarlH reVlS-
ion should be made because such a re
vision, whether good or bad would un-
settle present conditions and might lead
to disorder. He referred to the Stagna-
ton in business which existed pending
the enactment of both the Wilson and
the Dingley bill in support of that
thatement. He thought that the proper
method of reducing duties at this time
would be through reciprocity agreements
made in pursuance of congressional en-
actment and sent to the clerks desk
and had read an amendment presenting
his ideas in this particular.
Mr.. Ball (Texas) denounced the rule
as but another step in the parliament
tary evolution by which individualism
in the house was being crushed and a
few men were enthroned as the auto
Gratis to dominate its will.
Mr. Ball said it was reported in the
papers that the president had been con-
verted to the view that the Iron hand
revision of the tariff.
Mr. Babcock CWis.) said he did not
believe in complicating the repeal bill
with other tariff measures, but at the
would
measure to amend the steel schedule.
Mr.. Hay (Va) said the rule was such
display of cowardice as mad never
been seen in the house. The bill would
be debated and amended in the senate.
Mr.. Cannon Qll) argued in favor of
the adoption of the rule in order that
the war taxes might be repealed.
Mr.. Richardson CTenn.) said there
were many Republicans who were rest
i've under the demand of their con-
stituents for a revision of some of the
tariff schedules. Mr.. Babcock's excuse,
he said, was lame, and he could not go
back to his constituents and explain.
He lost his opportunity, continued Mr..
Richardson, after voting for this rule.
Mr.. Dalzell, closing the debate, said
that in 1894 the DEN ocrats of the house,
then in majority, under a rule swal-
lowed 649 amendments to the Wilson
tariff bill after two hours debate. Upon
his demand the previous question was
ordered.
Mr. Richardson offered motion to
recommit the rule After rather sharp
tilt between the speaker and Mr.. Rich
ardson, the speaker sustained a point of
order against the notion
Mr. Richardson appealed from the de-
cision, and upon a roll-call the chair
was sustained. 165 to 123
The rule was adopted, 158 to 120.
Thereupon Mr.. Richardson, the ninori-
ty leader. arose.
Il rise to make a request for unani-
nous consent said he.
I'm view of the fact that we are not
permitted to amend the pending bill
and in view of the fact that two days
debate is absolutely fruitless under this
rule L ask unanimous consent that the
bill be put upon its passage now Gap
plause on both sideS).
The speaker put the request. Mem
bers looked at each other with amaze
ment. Not a sound was heard.
There is no objection announced
the speaker as he brought his gavel
down. THE clerk will read the bill"
Both sides of the house Joined in the
ringing applause that followed. The
clerk then began to read the bill.
The verbal committee amendments to
the bill were agreed to and the yeas and
nays were taken on its passage
AT 2:50 p. m. the house adjourned.
DANISH TREATY RATIFIED.
Washington. Feb. 1.-THE senate to-