The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-01-16
NO CAUCUS LIKELY
REPUBLICAN LEADERS HARDLY
ABLE TO PUT THEIR SCHEME
THROUGH
TAXATION THE ONLY QUESTION
Other Matters Will Be Passed Up
Gov. Van SAINT Much Pleased
Over Reception of
Report.

It is the consensus of pinion at the
present time that the Republican lead
ers will not be able to pull off their
scheme to hold a party caucus the night
before the assembling of the legislature
to decide on line of action with regard
to the tax law. Within the past few
days a sentiment against the caucus
proposition has been worked up, and the
rank and file of the Republican members
of the legislature believe that such a
caucus might render great harm to the
chances of the party in the coming cam
paign. Gov. Van SAINT, who was at first
disposed to favor the caucus idea, is
now in favor of the most open proceed
ure throughout, being. convinced that a
caucus might be a serious political blum
der should it in any way Interfere with
the free and fair discussion of the tax
law and the consideration of that law
in a spirit of honest Judgment.
A we'll known Republican member
said yesterday: 'I do not believe the
caucus idea viii prevail. If the leaders
should issue a call for the caucus very
caucus, as they hope to, in the interests
of party economy, It is folly to talk of
setting a time limit on the session. The
entire matter may be settled satisfac-
torily in thirty days, and it may be in a
tangled condition at the end of two
months That cannot be decided in ad-
vance The people demand that this
important measure receive the fullest
consideration of the legislature, and that
every person interested in any phase OF
the subject of taxation have an oppor-
tunity to express himself through his
representative in the legislature I do
not believe it possible for any three men,
however faithful to frame tax law
that cannot possibly be improved upon.
7 do not doubt that this law is all that
is claimed for it, but close study and
complete consideration of all it's bear
ings will, no doubt, develop little weak
nesses here and there that can be easily
remedied, and the legislature should be
absolutely free to make these changes
wherever necessary.
'"There have been many hints that cur
ruptlng influences will be at work dur
ing the session to undo the work or the
commission and thWart the will and wish
of the people. It. is most essential that
the discussion and settlement of this
question be SO open and above board that
no odium attach to the legislature as q
result of these charges. A caucus would
give more or less excuse for these III
situations.
"A caucus is wholly a negative quanti-
ty. 1t can do no good at all under any
Gil cumstances, and it may do unlimited
harm Furthermore, although am a
Republican, I do not forget that We are
acting on this law not for the Repub-
lioan party, or its future interests, but
FIR the people of this state. The eau
Gus idea is wholly wrong. 1t has no place
in this extra session.
1t is said that the Republican leaders
may decide to pass up the caucus idea
on the main proposition, but hold the
caucus to determine whether or not the
session shall take up other matters than
taxation. All those members of the leg
islature interviewed on the question thus
far are of the opinion that nothing save
the tax law should be considered. Pub
lie sentiment is unquestionably behind
this opinion. There seems to be no
doubt at all that the session will devote
itself wholly to the tax law, and quit
when this matter is disposed of.
Gov. Van SAINT is very much pleased at
the reception accorded the report of tile
tax commission-..Van SAINTS tax com
mission"-as he figures it. If the legis-
lature leaves the bill in as good shape
as it is now, the governor counts on
making it play very leading part in
his campaign for reelection. He could
not conceal his pleasure when he read
John Lind's approval of the tax bill. He
figures that he has here an issue popular
with the people, and which cannot be be-
Titled by the opposition.