The Washington herald., 1906-12-07

to their side. say that the Senate will
accept the proposition. They rely upon
the Senate forcing the House to take ac-
ton by holding up House propositions, II
the House leaders fail to change their
position.
Indiana Delegation in Caucus.
One Of the important events Of the
day was q conference OF the Indiana dele
cation in Representative Charles b.
Lands committee room.
1t was attended by all Of the Republi-
can members from Indiana except Rep
resentahve Elias S Holiday Those
present We're Representatives Watson.
Foster, CLANCY. Brick, Cromer, Fred
lands. Charles B. Lands, Crumpacker.
Ovcrstreet, and Gilhams. Mr.. Watson
presided. All phrases of the ship-subsdy
question were discussed, and the Hoosier
Congressman were in substantial accord
IN their views throughout the conference.
They chose Mr Watson as their sp0kes-
man, and instructed him TO say to the
press representatives that they were a
unit in opposition to the present ship
subsidy blu that is pending; that ii can
not possibly pass the House.
This was the only formal announce
ment that was made but the informal
proceedings Of the conference were Of
more significance The trend of senti-
ment among the Indiana E.5mbers was IN
favor Of the modified subsidy. Repre-
sentative Crumpacker outlined the idea
which. he said. was advocated by Presi-
dent Harrison in one Of his messages to
Congress. The plan was for the govern
ment 10 contract on the best terms for
regular mail service between the princi-
pal ports Of the United States and the
principal ports Of South America. fixing
a maximum cost of carrying the mails.
similar service, not 10 exceed two
lines, to the Orient was proposed. The
voluntary enlistment Of the crews of the
several boats into the navy and the pro-
vision that those who volunteer for naval
service shall be paid the scale Of retain
ers mentioned in the pending bill. as il
passed the Senate, were retained. The
subsidized boats are to be subject to im-
pressment as auXiiaries 10 the navy in
time Of war The new plan eliminates
all bonuses and bounties. as well as all
subsidies TO interests which are already
making large profits.
Gen. Grosvenor, chairman of the Mer-
chant Marine Committee. when advised Of
the action Of the Indiana delegation. with
considerable reluctance relinquished his
position of insistence on the pending
measure. and informed the committee that
he had prepared important amendments
making II clear that the subsidies are TO
be applied only to lines TO South America
and TO the Orient. Next Thursday the
committee viii meet again 10 consider
the GrOsvenOr amendments Mr.. Watson.
who is member of the committee. did
not attend yesterdays session, but he
viii be present next Thursday and vote
to report the bill as amended.
In his capacity as whip" of the House.
Mr.. Watson VIII now seek 10 have the
Republican members from all of the
States hold CaucUses with a view TO de-
teTmining what course they will pursue as
10 ship subsidy.
Another significant phase Of the stua-
ti0n is that the House leaders will insist,
If the House passes the modified ship
subsidy bill. the Senate shall pass the
Philippine tariff bill reducing the rates
on tobacco and sugar imported from the
Philippines 10 y per cent Of the Dingley
rates, and admitting all other articles
free. The Philippine tariff bill has been
hung up in the Senate since 1t passed the
House.