The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-08
Republican sTnxurgents" Also May
Worry "ReguIars," but Latter
Hope TO Pass the Bill.
MINORITY TO CONFER TONIGHT
MIR. WATSON, THE REPUBLICAN
WHIP, FULL OF CONFIDENCE.
War Revenue Tax Repeal Approved
by Both Houses and Ready for
the Presidents Signature.

Special to the indianapolis journal.
WASHINGTON, April 7.-Debate in. tho
House on the Cuban reciprocity measure,
which will begin tomorrow. will be con-
Quoted under what amounts TO Senate
rules That is, vote will not be taken
until unanimous consent to end the debate
is reached. The result will be watched
with grave interest by the Republican
leaders One of the reasons usually ad-
vanced for cloture in the House is that
a party policy cannot be followed IL long
debate is admitted with the privilege OF
amendments. In this case amendments
will not be allowed but there is no restric-
ion of debate. The leaders hope that
party lines will be maintained in the debate
as well as when the votes are taken.
There is no question as to the result of the
votes. but the speeches OF Insurgents
may prove demoralizing. Many OF the
Northwestern members are expected TO
conduct sort of guerrilla warfare. re-
gardless of party lines. Some such demon
stration may be expected from Michigan.
These diversions i'm the debate will force
the party leaders to be watchful while IL is
in progress to prevent big breaks at crit
ical times.
The Democrats have called conference
for tomorrow night to discuss the Cuban
question. There was a movement for a
caucus, but many Of the Democrats re-
fused TO be bound by the results OF the
meeting and IL was changed TO a confer
ence. II is not expected there will be
unity of action. Perhaps the most impoT-
tanr thing TO be decided will be the length
of debate. The Democrats now tbs
opportunity OF making campaign speeches
without end and are not disposed to neglect
it. The partisan debate which they will
offer doubtless will have a tendency to
solidify the Republicans. When the enemy
unites for a party advantage many Of the
"guerrillas" will come in from the woods
and line up with the party leaders. II
promises to be the most interesting session
in the House for a long time.
Representative Hay. OF Virginia, chair
man of the Democratic House caucus, to-
day issued a call for conference Of DEM
ocratic members on the subject OF Cuban
reciprocity at o'clock tomorrow night
The call followed petition signed by more
than twenty-five Democratic members. re-
questing the conference. The move caused
some agitation on both sides OF the cham
Der. in connection with the opening of the
debate on the Cuban bill tomorrow, as IL
was thought 10 introduce a new element OF
doubt as to the final vote on that measure.
The movement for a conference was under
stood to have been initiated by those op-
posed 10 the bill with view TO concentrat-
ing the minority in opposition. It was con-
ceded by the supporters OF the Payne bill
that a combination between the minority
and the Republicans who oppose reciprocity
n.
resentative Watson. of Indiana. who is
acting as the Republican whip" on the
Cuban bill, expresses confidence that the
bill viii pass.
The Navy Department has announced its
conclusion to require Havana the naval
base which the United States will MAIN
tain in Cuba under the Platt amendment.
President-elect Palma has already an
nounced that such a selection will be very
offensive TO the Cubans, and he suggested
that the Americans use Guantanamo.
which is as good harbor and perhaps
better stragetically from his viewpoint.
There will be little conflict over this
question and in the end the compromise
most likely is that the United States will
select point across the harbOr from Ha-
vana, possibly Casa Blanca. and give tie
IL is expected this Will dispose OF the Oppo-
sltion Of the Cubans, who do not want the
slightest semblance OF military authority
over Havana
The President has left word that when nc
returns he will do what he properly can in
the way Of suggestions for the confrma-
ton Of Captain Crozier by the Senate. even
though the Senate committee on military
affairs rejected the nomination. Sen
-aNn
conference with Secretary Root about the
matter to-day. 4 hurried canvass OF the
Senate shows II strongly against Crozier.
Even Senator Lodge. the very close friend
OF the President. is opposed 10 the con-
firmatiOn
The conferses OF the two houses
on the war revenue repeal bill to-day
reached an agreement. the Senate reced-
irg from its amendment which retained
the tax on ''bucket-shops" IL was stated
that. taken in consideration with the re-
pealed sections Of the law. II was doubt
ful whether the Senate provision would
stand and also that il was quite likely
that the provisions would permit members
OF stock exchanges engaging Ia the busi-
ness which the amendment would prove
among sO-called bucket-shOp dealers. The
conference report was passed by both
houses later In the day and nov goes 10 the
President
u is understood that Mr.. Corea. the Mica
raguan minister here. has forwarded TO his
government proposition as 20 the price
the United States would be likely 20 pay
for Nicaraguan canal rights. the PROPOSE
tion having been submitted 10 the minister
by Secretary Hay. Mr.. Hays proposition
Is stated 10 be- in the nature of counter
proposal 10 that set out in The canal pro-
tocol drafted by United States Minister
last fufa