The Washington times., 1902-03-11
MI. Moody Eot Surprised.

if, indeed, it is possible to meet the issue
without a further postponement.
Then If the leaders can get the mat
ter before a caucus and have the strength
10 force through their propositions they
will doubtless propose a rule for adop-
tion by the House which will prevent
any amendments being offered to the
Cuban reduction bill.
AS the case now stands no one can say
definitely what the compromise PROPOSE
tion will be. Neither side has won
victory as yet. but the tide is now set
ting in toward the Ways and Means Com
mittee more strongly than at any time
since the proposition was made.
Every possible argument is being used
by the Administration and the leaders in
the Senate and House to demonstrate
the absolute necessity of united party
action in lire with the policy of the Gov
ernment, and in emphasizing the import
ance OF unanimity of action in any agree
ment that is reached.
Special Message Wanted.
Some of the more radical Republicans
insist that the President should send to
Congress a special message embodying
his views. in holding this view they lose
sight of the situation as It exists in the
House.
There are now 200 Republican Repre-
sentatives, and they constitute a ma
jority OF forty-four of the whole House.
The plan of the Ways and Means Commit
tee comprises the adoption of a special
rule for the consideration of their pend
ing proposition. under which no amend
anfn h. nfT tn ha Cft;n
and no debate will be allowed.
The Democrats, large number of whom
are ready to vote for a tariff reduction,
would never vote for such a rule as that.
They would offer amendments to any plan
that might be brought in TO the House
from the Ways and Means Committee.
Then II Speaker Henderson should de-
eide that amendments providing for a
change in the general tariff laws were not
germane to the subject, twenty-three beet
sugar members voting with the Demo-
Gratis would destroy the Republican major
ity of forty-four in the House, and upset
the whole plan.
An Evident Necessity.
In view. therefore, OF the situation, the
necessity is plain Of having n unanimous
agreement among Republicans before any
programme is adopted
The list in the possession of those in
charge of the canvass yesterday shows
the progress that is being made toward
getting a majority for any proposition
of the Ways and Means Committee But
it is not a majority that is wanted; it
is unanimous agreement. This is what
the Republican leaders confidently ex-
poet TO get within day or two.
The latest proposition submitted by the
leaders of both Houses as a compromise
agreement, should one become necessary
provides for the gradual decrease OF the
amount OF tariff reduction to Cuba each
year for three or four years. until 1t
cease altogether.
Representative William Alden Smith of
one of the beet sugar men OF
the House, yesterday submitted a possi- !
BILE solution of the sugar question to the I
Secretary OF the Treasury.
He pointed out that under section of |
the Dingley Law the Secretary has the |
right TO declare a countcrvailing duty on |
The sugar OF the EuropeaS cartel. Cuba !
would profit by this ] cert a pound more |
than 1t would b. fl 20 per cent tariff re- /
iuction.
The countervailing duty would be in es- |
ect only until September OF next year.
Thereafter, by the agreement at the |
Brussels conference, there Will be no