Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-03-13
WORK OF THE SENATE
REORGANIZATION OF. COMMITTEES.
Foreign Treaties Likely tn lie Discussed
Senators Anxious to Return Home
The Appointments to he made and
Members who will Probably
Receive Them.

WASHINGTON, Ma rch s.-No Trustworthy
opinion regarding the length of the session
can be formed at this time. a consider
able number of nominations are expected
tomorrow, and should the new Cabinet
ministers be able to determine the per
sonal of their stalls without delay the
work of the session may be brought to an
end within "a fortnight, but the probability
is recognized that they may require II few
days to become acquainted with the men
about them before making all the changes
they may desire. The intention which
was recently entertained by the members
OF the committee on foreign relations of
bringing forward the new treaties during
this session is now in suspension, owing
to the wish of many Senators to get away
as early as possible.
1t is thought, moreover, that the new ad-
ministration may, as it has the right to
do, recall for amendment some or all of
the more important treaties. On the 9TH
or hand it is said to he i'll contemplation
to bring up the Nicaragua treaty during
this session, not for the purpose of press
ing it to the point of ratification, but to
discuss in open session the relationship
of the CaytOn-Bulwer treaty to the
canal question. Should this be done
ii Will he with view to getting the judg-
ment of the country upon the whole mat
ter before the meeting of Congress in De
Cember. The reorganization of the Sen
ate committees engages the attention of
Senators at present 1t involves more
difficulties than usual and therefore may
not be decided for several days, although
caucus committees of both parties have
had the subject under discussion since last
Thursday.
There are five vacant chairmanships,
including those of the committees on edu-
cation and labor and military affairs,
heretofore filled respectively by Senators
Blair and Logan. Senator Blair it is I'M
derstood, Will temporarily be appointed
to fill the vacancy created by the
expiration of his term and it is
embarrassing until his successor is
elected. The chalrmanship of military
affairs, if filled at all, will probably be fill
ed cOndltiOnally so that Gen Logan may
return to the place, should he be re-elect-
ed to the Senate. senator flOar Is second
in the list OF the committee on claims, but
hold the more desirable position of chair
man OF the committee ON privileges and
elections and would hardly be willing to
make the exchange. Senator Pike, who
has no chalrmanship, stands next and
Senator Dolph fourth in the list The
offices and post roads is made vacant by
the retirement of Senator Hill senator
Sawyer, who is second on the list of this
committee, holds the craftsmanship of the
committee on railroads ana senator
Malone. who Is third, holds the
same position on the committee on
public buildings. Senator Palmer, whC
has no chalrmanship, and Senator Wilson,
who holds that OF the committee on eX-
penditure of public money, stand fourth
and fifth in membership of this committee.
Senator Palmer, it is said, prefers the
craftsmanship of the committee on fisher
les, made vacant by the retirement OF
Judge l4aphan. Senators Sewall and
Dawes stand above him upon the list, but
each holds other chairmanshipS which
are equally or more desirable.
Senators Hawley, Aldrich, Hale and
Conger, all experienced and influential
legislators, hold chairmanships of com
phratlveIy unmportant committees and il
willing TO assume the more responsible
positions now vacant, may be assigned tt
them. Senator Teller's experience as Il
Senator and member of the cab
met may secure for him Il chair
manship, though such would not
be in accordance with custom, and
senator Evarts 5 eminenCe as lawyer, has
given rise to the expectation that he vii
he made ii member of the judiciary com
mittee, should Gen. Logan not be re
turned. The more important vacancies Il
be filled by the minority, are three upon
the judiciary committee, created by til,
retirement of Messrs, Bayard, Garlanc
and Lamar, and one each upon commerce
finance, Indian affairs, naval affairs anG
privileges and elections.
Senators Discuss it With Fervor and Sena
tor Teller Defines His Position-Iiow
Applicants for Pensions are Treat
ed--Washington Notes
of Interest.
WASHINGTON, March 9.-After the read
ing of the journal the chair laid before tn,
Senate communication from the Score
tary of State being notice that he Mr.
Bayard) had forwarded to the legislator,
of Delaware his resignation as Senator
also communication from the SCCretar.
of the Interior and the Attorney-General
notifying the Senate of their acceptance o
Cabinet positions and requesting the Pres
ident of the Senate to so notify legislature
OF their respective States. Credentials o
Senator Blair, as Senator to fill Temporal,
vacancy, were laid before the Senate anC
read. senator Vest moved they he refer
red to the committee on privileges an'
elections Messrs. Edmunds and Iloa
objected. Senator Vests motion was los
Senator Blair he sworn in. Senator Yes
objected, Senator Hoar offered II forma
resolution that the oath be administered
to Senator Blair, senator Harris aske,
unanimous consent that it lay over unit
tomorrow. Granted. A resolution wa
offered ON Friday by Senator Van Wycl
making inquiry of the Secretary of the In
terror with regard to the issuance o
patents to the backbone road was laid be
fore the Senate
Senator Van Wyck denounced the issu,
of patents to the Backbone grant in thu
closing hours of the last administration
and assailed this action severely rejecting
upon the last administration. He con
cluded by saying WAS it dangerous Il
trust the new administration to do justiC
to the settlers Was there danger tina
the rights of the settlers would be recog
nized and the public domain protected b.
the incoming administration If so tn
new administration came in none too soon
Senator Teller contested with legal AM
historical statement of the case. He de