New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-09
CUBAN FIGHT IN HOUSE.
VICTORY FOR RECIPROCITY
ON FIRST TEST VOTE.
PAYNE BILL TAKEN UP, III TO SCAT
TITUDE OF THE TWO PARTIES
TOWARD CUBA SHOWN.
rHr TELEGRAPH ID TIE TRIBUNE.l

rEY TELEGRAPH TRIBUNE.l
,,-,.b.,g+o- Anril S-When, on motion of Mr..
Mcclellan Democrat of New-York, vote by
os and noes was taken in the House this
f+ernoon on the question of consideration, 1t
was shown by convincing proof that, as The
Tribune all along has commended the Republicans
o,-erry helrningly indorse the principles enun-
ciated by the Ways and Means Committee III
,be PAYNE bill for reciprocity with Cuba inns
,-o+e also showed a fact Of even far greater
,o,rical significance. which is that the Demo
Gratis are looking longingly for an opportunity
: aeraat all legislation having for its object
the establishment of reciprocal trade relations
18th Cuba that will be mutually beneficial to
both countries The rnanHuvres of the Demo-
cratic minority in to-day's opening skirmish
=; the administrations fight for reciprocity with
C1ba demonstrated plainly that the policy OF
the Democrats Is to starve Cuba into begging
for annexation to the United States, or else 10
produce an economic and political SITUATION IN
the island that will cause more annoyance 10
the United States than was ever caused by
Cuha's oppression at the hands of Spain for
more than a hundred years
How long the debate on the bill for reciprocity
,ri-, Cuba which was begun to-day. will last
cannot now be said definitely, although II is gen
orally believed that ii will not be continued
senate il will probably he amended 80 as to
eliminate the hard conditions imposed by the
cihlev limitation proposition and those which
-eo11ire the Cuban Congress to adopt the imrni-
grafton and contract labor laws Of the United
States. It is also certain that the reduction OF
tariff rates will be increased from 20 to 20 per
cent In this shape 1t is confidently expected
the bill will become a law in time to permit the
President to negotiate a commercial treaty with
Cuba before June J.
CHIEF ACTORS IN THE ARENA
The chief feature Of to-day's debate was
Chairman Payne's two hours speech. The ses-
sion began with large attendance. MI. bao-
cock whose vote in the Ways and Means Com
rittee made favorable report possible. was In
his seat. He looked robust and sprightly as
though he had just returned from a two months
outing. Mr.. Tawney, who has borne most OF the
brunt of the opposition. sat in the rear row
on the central aisle. 1t had been agreed by his
followers that he should be manager Of the par
lamentary situation Mr.. Robertson. of Louis
iana Of similar views on the bill as Mr.. Taw
new was we'll down toward the front on the
Democratic side. surrounded by a company of
colleagues from his own State. Mr.. Moody. Of
Massachusetts,, soon to be Secretary of the
Navy was few seats back from Mr. Payne, and
stepped forward once twice to give sugges-
ton Further over on the Republican side a
word was audible from Mr.. Littlefeld, of Maine.
above the noise of conversation, as he spoke in a
heavy bass voice.
When Mr.. Payne stepped out into the aisle
with motion to take up the Cuban bill. Speaker
Henderson promptly put the motion to go into
the committee of the whole.
Under what rule is this done?'' inquired Mr..
Tswney.
The Speaker Immediately dived into the big
book Of rules for the question was complete
surprise.
ION the ground that it is a bin affecting the
revenue" suggested Mr.. Payne after pause.
The Speaker finally announced the number Of
the rule and the clause adding that it had been
held again and again that a measure affecting
the revenue came within the purview Of the
language Ito raise revenues"
II raise the point that this is not privileged
measure" spoke up Mr.. Robertson, as soon as
Mr.. Tawney, wearing air Of satisfaction. had
resumed his seat
Again the Speaker delved into the book of
rules. and after a wait declared that the ques-
lion perfectly clear. 1t was a privileged
question and a revenue bill
VIII amendments on revenue be In oroer.
them" inquired Mr.. Newlands. Democrat, Of
Nevada, who doomed above desk heaped high
with copies Of government documents.
THE Chair cannot decide questions TIL they
come before him. responded the Speaker with
spirit, and the pending motion was car
ried, 107 to 102. a rising vote.
HOW PARTY LINES WERE DRAWN.
Mr. Dayton, Republican, Of Wyoming; Mr.
Fordney Republican. of Michigan, and Mr.. I'm
derwood, Democrat, of Alabama, Joined in ask
ing record vote, which resulted Ia to so, with
sixteen answering present" In the division,
which is regarded practically test vote on
the BILL ia Republicans and 63 Democrats
ote5 +l,a nd Democrats and "a
Republicans against it The vote was more
embarrassing to the Democrats than to the
Republicans, the members Of the minority
had called a conference for tonight at which
they desired to get together course Of
action. The vote forced the hands Of the Demo-
Gratis as individuals before the caucus
Before Mr. Payne began his speech, fruitless
efforts made to fix time for general debate.
MIR. Shafroth, Democrat, of Colorado, asked
unanimous consent that Mr. Robertson control
the tine OF the Democratic side, but the chorus
of objections from the Democrats emphasized
the political dislike they have for the Louisiana
delegation.