The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-19
CAUCUS OF REPUBLICANS
Ways and Means Plan Wins
 by Decisive Vote.
Some of the Opponents of the 20 Per Cent Reduction Scheme Left the Hall When Ballot
 Was Taken.

Washington, March 1S-The advocates cf Cuban reciprocity scored decision victory tonight at the conference or he- publican members of the House or Rep- resentatives, the proposition of Chairman Payne of the Ways and Means Commit tee for a 20 per cent reduction or duty' with the Sibley amendment, limiting the duration of the reduced rates to Decem- Der i. 1903. being adopted by a vote of s5 years to S1 nays. This result was reached at 80 o'clock after a protract- ed debate followed by series of exciting roll calls. The first test was when MT Payne concluded the speech-making w'h a motion for the previous question on aii nending propositions. This motion pre- yailed-7s to 56. A vote was then taken on a substitute offered by Representative Dick tohio), in behalf of those opposing the reciprocity plan. offering in Its stead a plan of direct payment to CuDa cover ing several years. This was defeated RI to 7s. An amendment by MT. ,Morris (Minno to take off the diferentiai on refined sugar was defeated-oO to 7Z.
 The Ways and Means proposition TOT reciprocity, with the Slbley amenomeh. limiting its duration, was then agreeo toss to s1. While the voting was m progress, quite number or those wno opposed the Ways and Means plan ieil the chamber. of Representatives met in general con- ference tonight to consider the Cuban 1ariff question, this being the fifth gather ing held for the purpose of reconcihng the differences existing on this supJeca' About 1so members were in attendance, in- cluding Speaker Henderson, Chairman Payne of the Ways and Means Commil- tee. and others who have ngureo prein- inentiy in the contest.
 Tshairroan Payne made a statement of inc fifrculties encountered by the afbi- trating conference, confessing that noun ing had been accomplished, as eacn side had adhered firmly to its original posi- tfon. MT. Payne said the position or the Ways and Means Committee now was m effect that presented by MT. Sibley at the last conference. namely. for 20 per cent reciprocity, limited to December. 1903.
 Reuresentative Dick (Ohio), one of the conferees of the element opposing the Ways and Means Committee, while con- curing with MT. Payne that no progress had been made by the arbltrating body toward reaching a solution. said ne was still hopeful of an ultimate agreement and he urged deliberate action In order that harmony might prevail. MT. DICK closed by presenting the following reso- lutions representing the views of those conferees with whom he was allied:
 Resolved. That it Is the sense Of this conference that the Committee on Ways and Means be directed to report to the House bill for the relief of Cuba sub stantially embodying the following pro visions:
 "rhat the President be authorized to enter into a commercial agreement with the Government of Cuba, when the same shall have been organized and established. whereby on account of the relations which have existed between the United States and Cuba since 1898. and in con- sideration of such reduction Of duties, as shall be satisfactory to the PresidentI on goods. wares and merchandise, the growth ol product of the United States imported into Cuba, he shall agree to pay each wear for three years to the Government of Cuba A sum of money equivalent to 20 per cent of the duties collected and paid into the treasury of the United States on goods wares and merchandise. the growth of or the product of the island of Cuba imported into this country.
 In support of these resolutions. MT Dick submitted the following formal statement for his side:
 "Adhering to the statement We have heretofore made to this conference, ex- pressing our reasons for opposing re- auction Of the duties on the products of Cuba, and in the interest of harmony. and for the purpose of affordng relief to Cuba if such relief is needed; and, mind full of the fact recently developed that during the last fiscal year there was deficit in the public treasury of the island of Cuba of nearly $500,OO0, We submit the foregoing resolution with the following additional statement of our reasons there for:
 "FIrst-It will afford relief to the gov ernment and people of Cuba
 ..Second-It makes certain that Cuba and her people. and no one else. will be the benefciaries of our action.
 "Third-By its adoption we keep faith with the people of this country and with the people of Cuba.
 'Fourth-It does not violate our nation al party platforms of 1896 and 1900.
 "Flfth-It does not disturb existing conditions in this country.
 sixth--It does not alter or modify any schedule of the present tariff law.
 "seventh-It does not injure or discouf- age any domestic industry or prevent its further development.
 .'Eighth--It avoids an inopportune agi- tation of questions affecting industrial conditions of unparalleled prosperity.
 "Ninth-It would secure reciprocal trade concessions from Cuba and give time m ascertain the value of such trade rela- lions between the two republics under existing conditions
 ..Tenth--Its reciprocal features fur r,shcs a consideration which makes the rronosed measure of undoubted consti- ,,tionauty. It is as competent for Con- sress to purchase trade concessions from foreign countries as to purchase naval or coaiing stations
 "Eleventh-It is sustained by precedent s,nce the establishment of our govern ,asrt and particularly by the legislation