New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-04
THE ELECTIONS BILL.
PROBABLE ACTION ON THE MEASURE in
THE SENATE.

PUBLICAN DlFFERENCE VI W A-'AO-'
cERN1NG PROCEDURE, BUT ALL AGREED
AS TO THE MERIT OF THE MEASURE
INV TELEGRAPH THE TRIpusE:I ,,,
Washington July 3.-The Federa hie'uo- 49,
passed Yesterday by the House OF hepresei'e''>''.
was not taken over to the Senate to-day, because Oh
tho absence from, Washington of Mr.. spooner, OF WIS
oonsin who has been chosen by the senate Ooi'
mittee on Privileges and Elections TO take charge vi
the fortunes Of the measure at the norm eno Vi o
Capitol Mr.. Spooner will be back again MonuaS' "'
Senate having adjourned over until Una. Gay "nu
the bill will then be formally delivered into the
custody OF tho acting VicePresdent Inc oehaoc
Committee has practically decided to omit all iorniau
ties that might DELAY the consideration OF the DILL
and will probably ask to have the measure lie on
the table, whence 1t be called up, whenever con-
venent, by a vote Of the Senate Usually such
bill coming from the House, would be rfcrred I'd
the Senate Committee having jurisdiction over tne
subject and that committee would then report the
measure and have 1t placed the calendar. But
as the Committee on Privileges and Elections mas
already reported, through Mr.. Hoar, It's chalrmah
bill similar in its provisions TO the LodgeRowen DILL
Il Is believed that no further consideration OF the
matter in committee will be necessary. The Senate
Committee Privileges and Elections has been in
thorough harmony all along with the action taken by
the House, and will now make every effort to bring
the proposed law 10 insure fair elections for Repre-
sentatives to a prompt and successful issue In the
Senate
Mr.. Spooner has been selected to conduct the fight
which is anticipated with desperate and factious
minority because he the youngest and perhaps the
most active and aggressive Of the members Of the
committee, and because he has also been a specially
steadst and vigorous advocate Of some such guarantee
to every legal voter In the country OF his right TO
cast-in National elections, at least-a free ballot,
and have II fairly counted when It is cast. On the
Republican side Of the committee with Messrs. Hoar
and spooner, are Senators Evsrts. Teller and Frye.
They will probably all take an active part in pushing
the House bill 70 its passage over whatever OBJ
structions flibustering opposition may offer
Some pains have been taken during the last week
by Democratic newspapers to spread the impression
that many Republican Senators really hostile TO
the National Election bill. and 1t has been fatty as
serted-by the same authorities. however, who
,ophcsied that the Senate Finance Committee would
nanglc the Mckinley Tariff bill beyond recognition
that the Republicans in the less numerous branch Of
Congress about consicn the Elections scheme TO
committee pgeonhole. where 1t will sumber for
the rest Of the session. There are, OF course. no
understanding among the Republican Senator's that the
m G Is to cone up IN h a a @
that point TO adjournment If necessary There Is no
division OF opinion as TO the merit Of the proposed
You'd be T RGHRs a its f s' ooa
be had tomorrow. 30 caucus has been held on the
measure, however, ana mere mas been no dcnnllo
agreement on the means to be employed in pushing
the bill through the Senate.
With the previous question:" a decision could be
had in ten days. But some OF the older Republican
senators reluctant to sanction any restriction
discussion and with the "feedom Of debate" to hide
behind the minority can block business almost at will
The hesitation which observers think they on
s from sGe ong ss aH' Sn neets TGn
Of rules TO more modern parliamentary methods. The
only difference Of opinion among the Senate Repub-
cans is really OF procedure and does not involve
al all the merit or dement, Of the House bill The only
question. therefore to be settled by caucus would be
whether the fight should be made under the present
rules shortened and smpned by the adoption Of Mr.
Chambers proposition 10 limit debate
II the freedom Of debate Is maintained. the bir Of
course, NAV fail in the end. But II can fail only
through the almost incredible indispositon OF the
Senate amend It's rules 10 allow the majority 70
pass legislation which II is solemnly pledged. and
for which the party IL represents has always made.
and is now making. an almost unanimous demand.