Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-05-27
CAUCUS ON POSTAL BANKS
Republicans in Lower House Fail to
Agree at First Session.
PLENTY OF VOTES, SAYS DWIGHT
Whip Bases Statement on Fact that
Temper of Members Indicates
HarmOny-Many Amend
ments Offered.

WASHINGTON Nay 26.-The caucus of
the republican members of the house of
representatives on the subject of the postal
savings bank bill, began last night in the
chamber OF the house 1t was soon appar-.
ent that no agreement could be reached
at the first session and 1t was predicted
that the caucus would extend over two or
three nights. ,,-r ---
Practically all of the changes considered
in the bill tonight related to phraseoiogy
None of them touched upon the contro-
versial matters connected with the dispo-
sition of deposits. The caucus will be re-
sumed tomorrbw evening. The total num-
Der of republican members who answered
to their names at tonight's session was
IA, out of total republican membership
of az. Among the absentees were both
"regulars' and Insurgents" but it was
claimed that majority of those not pres
ent had promised their support to the
caucus measure so that the republicans
would be assured Of sufficient vote on the
floor of the house to pass the bill
Dwight Hopeful.
There is no doubt that we will have
enough votes to pass the bill the caucus
will agree upon" said Representative John
Dwight of New York, the republican whip.
He based his statement on the fact that
the temper of those who attended the eau
Gus was an indication of harmony
1t is known, however, that a dozen Sr
more "insurgent' members, many Of
whom refused to sign the call for the
caucus, may not subscribe to the caucus
actions. 1t has been suggested that some
IF wi "a
sent themselves on the final vote In case
the bill does not suit them.
The 'insurgent" members absent were
Representatives Cooper, Lenroot, Nelson
and Carey of Wisconsin. Davis, Lindberg
Hinshaw of Nebraska, Hubbard and Woods
OF Iowa. Polndexter OF Washington, Fowler
OF New Jersey and GronnA OF North Da-
kota.
Some of these members. it was stated by
leaders OF the regulars" mad announced
that they were prepared to vote for a
postal savings bill and that the regulars
were counting on their support.
When the caucus convened tonight the
bill introduced by Representative Gardener
was taken AK basis on which to make a
caucus measure.
| CHAIRMAN weeks explained 10 the caucus
that the bill was no mans bill, bu
was the result OF the careful work anC
thought of many members. lie was fol
lowed by Representative Gardener In
half hours speech explaining the provisions
of his bill. His explanation was SAID I,
have proven satisfactory to a great man!
members OF the caucus and to have dom
much toward paving the way for an annie
able agreement
The bill was then taken up and read sec
ton by section. Many amendments wer
offered and accepted, but all OF them in
volved only changes of phraseology.
1t was not expected that any grea
amount of trouble would be encountere
until section was reached, which sectio
relates to depositing postal savings fund
and their final disposition. Upon this sec
ton 1t was expected that hard fight woul
occur. owing TO the great number OF mem
bers who believe that postal savings shoul
be kept. in large part, in the communlte
In which they are deposited. Many believe
that the 47h per cent prescribed by tn
committee bill should be increased to
per cent at least
Almost innumerable amendments al
ready to be offered on the bill. Represents
tive Madden of Illinois, II is stated. ma
twenty-five separate amendments which b
desires to submit and many other member
have almost an equally large number.