The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-04-12
MINORITY HOLDS
open CAUCUS
House Republican Regulars
Permit Press to Hear De-
nunciation Of Democrats.
WILSON PLAN ENDORSED
Nonpartisan Tariff Commission Fa-
vored-Meeinss May Become
Mere Conferences.

For the first time in the history Of
the party, the Republicans of the House
of Representatives held an open caucus
last night. On motion of Representative
James r. Mann of Illinois, leader, the
press was invited to attend the caucus.
which was called for the purpose of con-
demning the Democratic tariff bill pre-
scented on Monday by Representative
Oscar W. Underwood Of Alabama, the
majority leader. Last week the Bull
Moose members held an open confer
ence," at which a legislative programme
was projected and Victor Murdoch. OF
Kansas, was named as the party's can
didate for Speaker. On Monday the
Democrats met in caucus following an
informal announcement made by Presi-
dent Wilson that in his opinion all such
meetings in the future should be open
to the press and the public.
The open caucus plan was debated
for hours by the Democrats, with the
result that a resolution, strongly advo-
Gated by Representative Underwood
and other Democratic leaders, putting
the party on record favorable to the
holding of party conferences behind
closed doors, was adopted by a vote or
161 to 81. Mr.. Underwood argued that
the open caucus was without merit,
and that if adopted * would undoubt-
eddy in every instance be preceded by
secret conferences"
Mann Offers Resolution.
With the rejection by the Democrats
of the open caucus plan advocated by
President Wilson, Republicans and
near Republicans began beating the
tom-toms on the proposition within
their own ranks. They argued that 1t
would be good politics to adopt the idea
as a means of presenting a contrast to
the decision of the Democrats. Repub-
lican Leader Mann knew that some or
his followers were FESTIVE on the ques-
tion, and accordingly, when the meet
ing was called, he offered a resolution
providing that the press should be in
vited TO attend. After a debate OF an
hour, Mr. Mann's resolution was adopt
ed. No decision was reached as to the
policy that should be followed in the
future. The Mann resolution applied
only to last nights session.
At another meeting to be held later. the
Republicans will decide whether all OF
their caucuses shall be open to the press
Sentiment is strong for such a REFORM
and the general impression is that IL
will be adopted. Another question that
will have consideration at the next meet
ing of the Republicans is presented in
resolution introduced by Representative
Dillon of South Dakota, a Progressive
This resolution provides that no mem
Der shall at any time be bound by any
resolution that may be adopted py the
marty caucus Mr.. Dillon seeks to Abolish
the old-time caucus which promulgated
party law that was formerly observed
by every member of the party ana 10
substitute a system whereby Republicans
shall meet in conference solely for an
INTERCHANGE of views. Nearly all the
Progressives approve the Dillon resoiu-
ton, and il is Endorsed by some of the
old regulars who believe that the time
has arrived when some concessions
should be made to the Progressive ele-
ment of the party.
Custom LAW Inquiry.
When the doors were opened last night
REPRESENTATIVE Gardner of Massachn-
sets, presented a resolution setting iortn
that the Republicans favored the ere
alton of q tariff commission to inquire
into all questions relating to the GUS
toms laws. This provoked a long drawn
out debate Nearly all the speakers
took occasion to denounce the Under
wood tariff law, declaring that 1t would
disturb business conditions and result In
the ruination of many industries that
had been fostered by the policy OF Pro-
lection.
The Gardner resolution was finally
adopted with an amendment offered oy
Representative Good of Iowa, stating
that the commission should be non
partisan in character. In the course
of the debate Representative Towner of
Iowa made an attack upon President
Wilson for his alleged interference with
the House in the preparation Of the
Underwood tariff bill. Mr.. Towner de-
clared that under the Constitution the
House had the authority to originate
revenue bills. He objected to the fresl-
dent, with the tremendous power OF
PATRONAGE i'm his hands, suggesting or
making recommendations to the House
relative TO a revenue measure.