New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-11
Sen. Hitchcock Protests Against
Framing a Monetary Meas
ure Along Political Lines.
"STICKS TO CONVICTIONS"
Would Not Change His Attitude
to Meet Views Of Presi-
dent, Nebraska Demo
crat Asserts.
IFrom The Tribune Bureau.l

Washington Nov. l0-The threat OF
Democratic caucus, which Is TO be car
ried out on Wednesday. instead of expe-
diting currency legislation. brought IT to
a standstill to-day.
The Banking and Currency Committee
practically suspended work on the Dill
Some of the administration members did
not even appear when the committee con-
vened. and the Republicans decided to
stand their ground until the caucus had
acted
Senator Hitchcock. Of Nebraska. the
one Democratic member who has opposed
the administration bill. protested dehantly
on the floor of the Senate against the
calling Of a caucus or conference ana TIE
framing Of currency legislation alonG
partisan or political lines lie declared
that he would not vote against his con-
victions to meet the views of the Presi-
dent OF the United States"
Senator Reed made milder and less
helligerent defence of his position The
Democratic leaders who are Immediately
responsible for the call for the caucus. IN
replying to the criticism of the two Sen
ators. showed a disposition TO minimize
the Importance inst had been attached To
the caucus action and explained that II
was merely "a conference" for the pur-
pose of talking over the situation and
taking counsel with one another, and that
IL would not in any way bind its members
TO any course of action,
Republicans Mark Time.
After the stormy debate in the Senate
the Banking and Currency Committee re-
sumed its meeting. but adjourned without
considering the bill. Several Of the ad
ministration members did not attend the
meeting and the Republicans were dis
posed to take no further action until it
was ascertained what kind Of manifesto
would be issued by the Democratic con-
ference.
The leaders of the movement for a eau
Gus were less bellgerent to-day and
sought to pacify the opposition it has
aroused by the explanation that II would
be. after all, a matter of very little con-
sequence As a matter of fact. there
were signs that the caucus advocates
were doubtful that much could be ac-
complshcd by holding caucus
There has been no caucus called" said
Senator Kern. land no caucus is contem-
plated. This is to be merely a confer
ence for the purpose of talking over the
situation. The Senator from Nebraska
will discover that there will be no at
tempt to bind his conscience"
The pacific attitude might have been
due to the discovery that the conference
probably will precipitate a long partisan
fight over the currency bill, and that
opinion as to the ACCESSIBILITY of the move
Is divided in the ranks Of the majority.
"RegrettabIe," Says o'Gorman.
Senator O'Gorman said to-day that "ir-
respective of the origin of the move
ment." which. Of course. is known to
have been the White House, il was Eek
tremely unfortunate and regrettable."
other Senators on the Democratic side
also look upon it as a grave tactical
blundeT.
Senator Hitchcock. after reviewing the
work done by the Banking and Currency
Committee said:
"At this juncture outside influences be-
gan to be felt upon the committee; the
reactionary period set in. We were TOLD
that the President could not accept the
decisions reached by the majority OF the
committee. and we were urged TO retract
our steps.
81 know full well the force of such al
appeal and / have no criticism for thos'
who yield TO it. Were the issue politica
should yield TO ii on proper occasion
In my opinion. however. the banking art