The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-31
TIE LENGTH or THE EXTRA SESSION.

WASHINGTON May 3O.-Both sides appear
10 no anxious to get away from here. and tho
length Of the session will depend very much on
tho turn tho Silver bill may take in the Senate.
Tho Committee on Finance will not meet until
Tuesday next to consider tho subject. As is
we'll known. Mr.. Ferry Of Michigan holds the
balance OF power between the opposing inter-
ests on that Committee. Although his speeches.
his votes aud whatever influence no may pos
sese, have hitherto beon on tho side OF imitation.
OF soft money. and Of other heresies he is first
Of all party man, and will do whatever the Re-
publican leaders direct.
Therefore. II those leaders should decide that
il is most polite from their standpoint to stran-
gle tho bill In committee. he will vote for the
bowstrinR II. on the other hand, they feel
strong enough to kill II In the Senate the report
will be allowed. Just here comes in the dues-
ton OF strength between the two sides. Clasei-
fed according to their known preferences the
number OF Democrats against the general pol
icy which the Silver bill may be said to repre-
sent is about eight. and the number OF Republi-
cans in favor Of 1t is also about eight There
may DO one or two trlmmers in this estimate.
But the discipline on tho Republican side IL
better than on that Of their opponents. When
n party Issue is made. no matter what II may
be. the rank and file Of the former fall into limo
for that purpose. With few EXCEPTIONS. such as
the dread Of public sentiment at home. they
have no will OF their own. Now. there are
strong indications that four Of the eight silver
Republicans will follow the main body and for
the time being vote against their own record.
II the bill should be reported to the Senate
One other is perhaps undetermined. having
the fear OF his constituency in view.
On tho other hand. tho eight anti silver
Democrats show no sign OF giving in. though
half OF them are from the South. Perhaps they
may even gain one vote beyond this estimate
Taking tho majority in the Senate as basis OF
calculation. and allowing eight Democrats
against the bill and four Republicans for It,
with the addition Of Judge Davis Independent
and the division would stand in q full Senate
or relatively. thirtynino for the bill and thirty
seven against it. This narrow margin leaves
little room for speculation on either side.
II there had been no detection ON the Repub-
lican side and IL the Finance Committee showed
a disposition to hold the bill back the intention
was TO instruct them to report 1t forthwith.
But that experiment cannot be tried with con-
hdence now. because even silver Republicans
could easily find an excuse for opposing such
an unusual course. There may possibly be
some shifting before the Committee shall meet
on Tuesday. but II the present status should DO
preserved. MIR. Ferry will be instructed either
to entomb the bill or to allow It to come before
the Senate. as tho Republican managers may
deem most advantageous to their party in
tercst.
This question out OF the way. Congress might
easily adjourn on the day suggested in the reso-
luton from the Committee OF Ways and Means.
Some delay will necessarily occur in the conflict
between Congress and tho Fraudulent Presi-
dent upon the Legislative. Executive. and Jul
dicial bill. The issue will DO made so clear that
Mr.. Hayes must either refuse tho money voted
to carry on those departments absolutely. or
accept II with condition that an unlimited
number OF electioneerinR partisans. known as
supervisors. general deputy marshals. and
special deputy marshals. shall not be paid So
day out OF the taxes collected from the body Of
the people
Upon this point there Is no difference Of
opinion on the majority side, while there is n
want Of unanimty about tho plain course that
ought to be pursued on the Army bill Patriots
with weak spinal columns and short sagacity.
who tremble at their own shadows. were not
made for n crisis like this.