Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-06
CARMACK SECRETARY
A STEERING COMMITTEE OF
NINE TO BE APPOINTED.
General Discussion Was Had, but No
Definite Policy Was Outlined as to
Canal or Cuban Reciprocity.

The democrats of the Senate met today
in caucus and chose their leader. By COM
mon consent and without the suggestion
of rivalry Senator German of Maryland
was made chairman of the caucus, which
constitutes him as chairman of the steer
ing committee of the democratic party of
the Senate The nomination of Senator
German for this position was made by
Senator Bacon and seconded by chorus
that indicated that the suggestion was ap-
proved by every one present. No other
name was suggested.
The caucus then renominated Mr.. car
mack (Tenn.) as secretary. These offices
having been filled a general running dis
cussion lasting for couple of hours took
place. but no policy on any subject before
the Senate was determined upon.
Senator German was authorized to ap-
point a steering committee consisting OF
nine members. The steering committee was
composed of that number of senators When
Mr. German was previously in the Senate
but since that time the number has been
cut down to seven 1t was at Mr.. Gorman's
suggestion today that the steering commit
tee should consist of nine senator's. Mr..
German expects to announce this commit
tee tomorrow morning.
Duties of Steering Committee.
Inc caucus tiutllOilLeu thc stCCiih6 Soih-
mittee to take up the matter of filling va
cancies OF democrats on committees that
will have work to do during the present ex-
traordnary session, and on all the commit
tees # it should happen that the republicans
decided upon a general rearrangement OF
committees. Unless a general reorganiza-
tion is effected and all committees are filled
in a permanent manner, the only commit
tees that will require attention at this time
m
oceanic canals. If a large number of nomi-
nations should be sent in it may be neces-
sary to fill out some of the other commit
tees. but If the work of the Senate is to be
confined to the matters now before it the
committees on foreign relations, interoce
anic canals and relations with Cuba will be
practically the only ones that will be called
upon to do any considerable amount of
work.
No effort was made at the caucus today
to adopt policy for the democratic party
dn relation to the questions to come before
the Senate. 1t will be the duty of the
steering committee to consider matters of
this kind. and, of course the action of the
steering committee will be approved by the
caucus before any move is made.
Large Number Present.
The discussion throughout the meeting
was of a very general nature. OF the 33
senators on the democratic side 20 were
present. Senator McLaurin (Miss.) was out
Of the City, having been telegraphed to re-
turn to his home on account of illness in his
family.
Senator Money (Miss) has been at home
Ill for long time. Senator Culberson
Crexas) and Senator Gibson (Montana) were
both out of the city. The attendance on
the caucus was regarded as one foreboding
good results for the party. In fact most
or the general talk that was INDUCED in
related in one way or another to the need
or the party for harmonious action and for
party organization which would allow the
democrats to act as body to a larger ex-
tent than'is generally the case Individual
ism has very often and almost constantly
made inroads on democratic party move
ments in the Senate. If Senator German
can manage to have definite policies for his
side OF the chamber adopted in caucus dis
cussions and then can go to the Senate back
ed up in the moves he takes by a solid dem
ocratic side. he will do more than even the
most sanguine of the democrats who look
forward to more compact Organization
anticipate. But there was evidence in the
~rneeting today of desire on the part of
many Of the democrats that they might get
together.
There was quite general expectation on
the part OF some of the democratic senator's
that when Senator German was made chair
man Of the caucus, and by that act acknowl-
edged as the leader of the democratic party
In the Senate. to some extent he might
outline his views on pending questions. But
the compliment was acknowledged by Mr..
German by gracious smile and In few
words OF thanks and with no further COM
ment. 1t will be for the steering commit
tee, of which he is chairman, to outline a
plan which In due time will be discussed by
the caucus.
The Canal Question.
So far as the canal treaty was concerned,
there was no attempt to in any way see
how the party as a whole would stand in
regard to that subject Senator Morgan
was present at The caucus. but he made
no effort to secure any special concession
from the caucus in regard to backing him
up in his talk on the treaty. 1t is very
well understood that Mr.. Morgan is likely
to treat the canal treaty as an entirely
new matter and to go on with his dis
cussion as If 1t had never been taken up
before. How far he will carry out this
policy is a matter to be seen. 1t is not
regarded as likely that the Senate will
undertake to press him too. much in The
matter of time by forcing sessions of great
length. For some time al least after the
treaty has been again reported from the
committee on foreign relations the Senate
will to a large extent accommodate itself
10 Mr.. Morgans ability to consume time.
Ii is not likely that at first sessions of
more than four or five hours a day will be
held.
II the discussion of the treaty. should he
prolonged beyond what some senator's re-
gard as reasonable time 1t is quite likely
that there will be an effort to hold night
sessions, but the democrats have so far
shown great opposition 10 any tendency to
press Mr.. Morgan in this matter beyond
what would be regarded as reasonable for
senator who wishes to state his views at
such length as he himself determines neces-
sary.
Cuban Reciprocity.
While the Cuban reciprocity treaty was
also referred TO, no effort was made to
have any policy adopted in that regard.
The meeting of the caucus today was held
in the committee room formerly occupied
by Senator Jones CArk.) and before his
time by Senator German. That committee
room has been turned over to Senator Cor
man. 1t is located on the gallery floor of
the Senate with windows facing the
east and is regarded as one Of the most de-
sirable of the rooms. and especially favor
able for the holding of caucuses of the
party.
Prof. CASTOR Paris Dead.