Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-25
THEY ARE WITHOUT POWER.
House Democrats Declare They Are Unable to
Make Platform Of Principles.

Washington, JAN 24.-The Democratic
members of the House of Representatives
in caucus, this evening, after short but
spirited contest adopted resolutions de-
ciaring that they were without power to
prOmulgate a platform of principles for
the party, owing to the binding character
of the party platform heretofore regular
ly made at national convention. The
contest occurred over sub-resolution
proposed by Representative Henry of
Texas, more specifically declaring 1t TO be
the duty of every Democratic represent
alive to adhere to the national Demo-
cratic platform until another Democrat
ic convention shall have adopted new
platform.
The caucus was the outgrowth of ami
mated discussion among the Democratic
members ever since the present session of
Congress began. the chief issue being as
to the extent the Kansas City platform
should be reaffirrned or superseded by a
new declaration Of policy. The move
form early in the session in resolutions
by Representati, Mcclellan of New
York. These set forth numerous planks
but omitted the financial declarations Of
the Kansas City platform.
Mr.. Fitzgerald. also of New York. pro-
posed a resolution declaring against any
interference with the existing standard
Of values. On the other hand Represent
reafiirmation of the Kansas City plat
form. These and several other resolutions
OF policy were referred to special com
mittee Of IL leading Democratic men,
bers headed by Representative Richard
son of Tennessee. the Democratic floor
leader.
1t was to receive the report of this COM
mittee that the caucus of tonight was
held. There was a large ATTENDANCE. E9
Democrats out of the total Of 1853 being
Mr.. Richardson presented the majority
report concurred in by all Of the mem
hers of the special Gl, GO. committee except MT
nittee and closed with the following Icc-
I'VE are Of opinion that as representa-
tives Of bur various constituencies and
as members of the caucus made up o.
such representatives, we have no power
or authority to construct or promulgate
platform of principles Of our party,
that we cann I n ,',, or minimize inc
heretofore regularly made and adopted
by the people In convention assembled for
that purpose.
members we should vigorously and ag-
excessively battle for Democratic princi-
|cles and with equal vigor and aggressive
mess we should oppose everything CONTRA
ry in substance or method, to those prin-
!, cirles and should meet each question as
II arises with full confidence and a
solid and undivided front.
The minority report OF Mr. Henry OF
Texas, proposed the IoiiowHg QeclaTdtIcL
in place of the Mcclellan and Fitzgerald
Resolutions heretofore referred to-:
1t is not within the province of Dem
ocratic caucus to promulgate or reverse
a Democratic platform. but It is the duty
| of every Democrat representative to adj
here to the national Democratic platform
until the succee 1ing convention adopts
another platform.
Mr.. Henry proposed also that the cau-
Gus action should govern every repre-
sentative when the same accorded with
the declarations Ct the last naqonaf plat
form. Il
The first vote was taken on M Henry
minority proposition. They we've defeat
ed II to 90. The majority declaration
voice. Il