The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-06-17
REPUBLICANS
 DODGE ISSUE
Afraid to Hold Caucus on Cuban
 Reef iprOcty Measure

Washington, June 16.-It is still the pur- pose of the Republican members of the committee on Cuban relations to hold a meeting tomorrow for the purpose of conferrng upon the question of Cuban reciprocity, and whether there shall be a caucus of Republican senators will de- pend upon the decision of the majority members of that committee. If they de- eide finally upon a bill and ask that a caucus be called to pass upon 1t the call will be issued and the caucus probably will be held Wednesday.
 There is some feeling against caucus on the part of the Republican senators, who support the reciprocity plan and in consequence of this sentiment there is growing possibility that no caucus will be held. No one doubts that the recipro- city advocates would be in the majority in Republican caucus but the minority would be sufficiently numerous to cause a serious division. IL is the wish of the leaders to avoid this exhibition if pos sible.
 The beet sugar men show no disposition to weaken. They held a conference last night and pledged. again among them selves to stand solidly against the Senate bill. They say as a result of that con ference that there are no fewer than nine teen Republicans who will announce In the caucus if one is held that they will vote against the bill for a reduction of the tariff. There are some who are not willing to vote for the House bill with the Morris amendment included, but oth- CTS say they will do so if pressed to that extremity. They continue to strongly urge the rebate proposition as a com promise and they claim that their com pact is firmer than ever before.
 To Begin July 1.
 Several Senators who have a knowledge of the condition of business in the Senate said today that Congress would adjourn by July 1. One of them, who has been an earnest advocate of reciprocity with Cuba, said:
 Whether we reach an agreement or not we will adjourn by the first, If there is no agreement by that time 1t will l useless for the Senate to remain here try ing to reach an agreement. If an agree ment Is reached we can pass a bill by the first"
 The advocates of reciprocity say the Republican conference on Wednesday will determine what can be done. The reciprocity advocates believe that the measure to be presented will command a majority of the Senate within the Re- publican party, after which there will be little or no opposition to its speedy adop- tion.
 The beet sugar men say that in the Republican conference eighteen or nine teen Senators will announce, each for himself, that he will not vote for the re- ciprocity bill and will vote for any amendments which will help to defeat it. They will vote against taking up the bill for reconsideration, thus forcing the friends of the measure to rely on Demo- cratic votes and make the first alliance with the Democrats, after which they Cthe beet sugar mem will vote with the Democrats to secure amendments to de- feat the bill
 Preparing Weapon.
 They say the French reciprocity treaty is being put in shape to be germane as an amendment to the reciprocity bill when brought forward.
 During the day talk has been revived about a treaty with the new Cuban gov ernment. Senator Foraker some days ago suggested this to the President as way out of the difficulty. It also was one of the propositions of the beet sugar men to the Republican members of the com mittee on relations with Cuba, and was rejected.
 The beet sugar men say that 52 Re- publicans would support such treaty. IA of f1aa4 ..rxIx TlAx.a Oruf1 would be secured to ratify it. But the leaders of the reciprocity movement say that a treaty would mean the defeat of legislation at this session; that there is not time enough to negotiate 1t and pass it before the adjournment