The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-26
Republicans in Conference
Fai. to Reach a Con-
clusion. III
THREE AND-A-HALF HOUR SESSION
Payne, Grosvenor and Taw-
ney Against Concession.
CLOUDS CLEARED AWAY
Discussion Does Much to Line Up
Party on Main Question Differ
ences of Opinion Not Eliminated
One Side. Only "Reminiscences
encc Again Monday.

The conference of the Republican men,
bers of the House of REPRESENTATIVES. in
the Hall OF the House last night, for the
purpose of discussing reciprocal trade re-
lations with the Island of Cuba, attracted
an attendance of 125 members Of that
party.
The conference failed to arrive at any
conclusion, after a session lasting three
and a half hours. and adjourned until
next Monday night.
Delay in Arriving.
Eight o'clock was the hour set for as
semblng, but the inclement weather de-
layed a sufficient number of members to
prevent quorum being in attendance I'M
til halt hour later.
When the meeting was called to order
Mr.. Payne Of New York explained at great
length the position held by himself and
some of his associates on the Ways and
Means Committee. tending to convince
the conference that the granting of con-
cessions to Cuba would be i'll advised, and.
under present conditions. practically i'm
possible.
Z.
Payne, and gave his arguments for the
proper course this country should pursue.
He in turn gave way to General Grosvenor
of Ohio. who was the last speaker.
Fire of Questions.
These three prominent members Of
the House, who occupied the whole
of the session. were kept busy at tines
answering the questions propounded
by diligent seekers after knowledge on
the Cuban situation. 1t was evident from
the number and character Of the queries
that all the members were not by any
means of one mind, but that last nights
conference did much to line up the party
more solidly on the main question, was
likewise well understood. : z
The speeches of the three members men
toned represented practically but shades
of the same general view, and did much to
bring wavering members into camp, it
was generally admitted.
One Side Presented.
One point which was not overlooked last
night by those opposed to the plan of the
Ways and Means Committee leaders was
that but one side Of the question received
a full presentation, and the other has get
to be brought fully to the attention of
the conference. The question therefore
of how the differences of opinion can be
most delicately erased is not regarded by
them as being any more definitely set
tied than before. though the probable cf-
feet of last nights speeches in removing
causes Of opposition was very generally
admitted.
When the conference ended at half-past
eleven o'clock many OF the members pres
ent gave evidence of having been so great
ly engrossed in the proceedings as to
have missed the date to which adjourn
ment was taken. A number of them
stated another meeting would be held
Friday night but General Grosvenor and
others said the time for reassembling the
conference had been fixed for Monday
next.
No Progress Made.
Practically no progress was made to-
ward reaching a conclusion on the recip-
rocal trade concession question, but the
effect of last nights speeches in clearing
up misunderstanding in the minds of Re-
publican members of the House is count
ed on to have its effect when the final
decision is reached.