New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-02-14
AFFAIRS AT WASHINGTON.
MATTERS BEFORE CONGRESS.

~ MATIEHS BffOhE CONUhCco'
Why CERTAIN coNGREssMES ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT
TBE RIVER AND BARBoR BILIr-coSJECtohho
ABOUT AN EXTRA sEssIoN-wnY IT is LIKELY
TO BIZ HfLD-CAPTNN EADs NOT DISCOURAGED
The correspondent of THE TRIBUNE at
Washington points out some OF the pecunar
features of the River and Harbor Approprla-
tiop bill. and explains why some Southern
Congressman are so anxious for It's passage
There ia considerable talk of an extra spring
session of Congress among the representative
of both parties, since it is regarded as almost
impossible for Congress to hnish tne wolA
that is awaiting action before March f. Many
;mportant bills have hardly been referred to
as vet. Captain Eads says that he is not dis
couraced because the House laid the Ship
Railway bill upon the table, and thinks that
in time it will receive favorable consideration
..., TALKING OF AN EXTRA SESSION.
IE APPROPRIATION BILLS THAT MUST BE CoNsiD-
>ERED AND PASSED - PROBABILITY THAT THE
TINE REMAINING TO THIS CONGRESS WILL NOT
sCTFiCE. -
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-There is already co2sid-
trable talk among politicians in Washington re-
specting the probability of spring session OF the
XLVIlth Congress, and there are members OF both
uartles who not only think such an event PROBABLE
but who are in favor of it. The condition OF the
work before Congress is such as to justify some
auprehensions among members who do not desire an
extra session. There two of the large approprla-
tion bills which will not be reported to the
House in time for any action upon
them this week. Indeed it is some
what doubtful whether either the Sundry
Ciyilbil or the General Deficiency bill will be
brought into the House before a week from tO-m0r-
row. The Agricultural bill has been reported and
may be passed by the House this week. 1t Will be
likely TO evoke considerable discussion. as the
amount recommended ,O00-is abont $4,000
in excess of last years bill. Unless the River and
Harbor bill makes more rapid progress than II did
Yesterday. il will not pass the House before next
Saturday. Several features of 1t will undoubtedly
be debated thoroughly. and the opponents OF the
most vicious features of the express their
determination to make good many fvc-minute
speeches. and to offer various amendments. Mr.. Cox
Ia still hopeful ofthe passage of Reapportiontment
bill. but it is difficult to how it can be accom-
plished within the next fifteen days. Every day
after this week until March will be needed for the
consideration of the general appropriation biiIs
Probably every one of them will at last be shaped
by conference commit in the vsry last hours OF
the session. II the Refunding bill should come back
from the Senate as early as Thursday, which is not
very probable, it would be practtcaDe OF tne house
to discuss the Senate amendments in Committee OF
the Whole and perhaps TO reach q vote this week
Otherwise If the Rcfunding bill becomes a law at
all before March H. it will be as a compromise meas
ure framed by a conference committee.
Several Republican Senator'S have already openly
expressed the opinion that the failure of the Refund
irg bill would make necessary the calling of an
extra session. Mr.. Frye and some other Republican
members of the Hoase express a contrary opinion.
Neither do they agree with Senator Edmunds and
other Republicans who favor called session in
order that the House Committee Oh Elections may
be organized and Instructed to investigate the sup
preston of the Republican vote in number of Con-
gressionai districts in the Southern States Those
who advocate this course are impelled to do
80. because they believe that unless Southern
Republicans are reassured by some action of the
House of Representatives. it will be impossible for
apy Republican who has eeryed notice OF contest
In any Congressional district IN south Caronna
Alabama Mississippi, Louisiana, to procure the
testimony of witnesses to establish his claim now
ever lust it may be. The recent outrageous pro-
reedings in the lid Florida District are cited to
support this view of the matter and with consider
able effect There are Republican members or the
House too who in view of the political complexion
of tbe present State Legislatures are anxious that
The new apportiOnment of Representatives shall be
made before next winter. They think that Reap
pOrtiopmeut could be passed at an extra session
while they have nearly abandoned all hope of one
BY this Congress.