The Portland daily press., 1885-03-09
SENATE COMMITTEES.
Their Reorganization Attracting Atten-
-tiOn PrObnIe Length of the Session.

WASHINGTON March 8.--No trustworthy
opinion regarding the length of the session can
be formed at this time. A considerable num-
Der OF nominations are expected tomorrow,
and should the new cabinet ministers be able
to determine the personnel OF their stats with
out delay the work of the session may be
brought TO an end within fortnight. But the
probability is recognized that they may re-
qnire few days to become acquainted with
men about them before making all changes
they may desire. The intention which was re-
Gently entertained by the members of the COM
mittee on foreign relations Of bringing forward
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 administration may as
it has right to do recall for amendment some
or all of the more important treaties On the
other hand it is said to be in contemplation to
bring mp the Nicaragua treaty during this
session. not for the purpose of pressing it to the
point Of ratification, but to discuss it in open
session.
Reorganization of the Senate committees
engages the attention OF the Senators at pres
ent, 1t involves more difficulties than usual,
and therefore may not be decided for several
days, although the caucus committees of both
parties have had the subject under discussion
since last Thursday. There are five vacant
chairmanships, including those OF the COM
mittees on education and labor and military
affairs, heretofore filed respectively by Sem
ators Blair and Logan. Senator Blair, il is
understood, will temporarily be appointed to
fill the vacancy created by the expiration of
his term, and it is probable that he will retain
his Craftsmanship until his successor is elected.
The chairmanship of the military affairs COM
mittee, il filed at all, will probably be filed
conditionally, so that Gen. Logan may return
to his place shoRld he be reelected to the
Senate. Senator Hoar is second in the list
of the committee on claims, but holds the
more desirable position of chairman of the
committee on privileges and elections, and
would hardly be willing to make an exchange.
Senator Pike, who has no chairmanship, stands
next, and Senator Dolph fourth in the
list. The chairmanship Of the com.
mlttee on post-offices and post roads 10
made vacant by the retirement of
Senator Hill. Senator Sawyer, who is second
on the list OF this committee, holds the chair
manshlp OF the committee on railroads, and
Senator Malone, who is third, holds the same
position on tho committee on public buildings.
Senator Palmer, who has no chairmanship, and
Senator Wilson, who holds that of the COM
mittee on expenditure of public money, stand
fourth and fifth in membership of this COM
mittee. Senator Palmer, it is said, prefers the
Craftsmanship OF the committee ON fisheries
made vacant by the retirement of Judge Lap
ham. Senators Sewall and Dawes stood abo7e
him upon the list, but each holds other chair
manships which are equally or more desirable
Senators Hawley, Aldrich, Hale and COnger,
all experienced and influential legislators,
hold chairmanships OF comparatively unim-
portant committees, and If willing to assume
them more responsible positions now vacant
may be assigned to them. Senator Teller's ex-
perience as a Senator aud member OF the cab
met may secure for him craftsmanship,
though such would not be in accordance with
custom, and Senator Evarts' eminence as a
lawyer has given rise to an expectation that
he will be made a member of the judiciary
committee should General Logan not be re-
turned. The more important vacancies to be
filed by the minority are these, upon the ju-
dietary committee created by the retirement of
Measrs. Bayard, Garland and Lamar, and one
each upon commerce, finance, Indian affairs,