Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-01


Confidence. wherever il exits in the ability
of the republicans to pass the national election
law in the House, rests largely on the fact that
the Speaker directed the taking up of the bill
Mr.. Reed but seldom reckons without his host
and so far, as Speaker. has shown an intimate
knowledge of the temper Of the majority on
every proposition before calling for action on
1t. He has not in every case found the major
ity in exact agreement with his own views, but
in every instance. by one means or another. he
has in the end had his way and secured the
passage Of the measure to which he had
given his Endorsement There was what
appeared to be an exception to this rule in the
case Of the silver bill, but even in that case
his triumph. though delayed a few days. came
IN the end. He knew before that bill was
taken up that certain members on his own side
were against him, but as was afterward shown,
he had canvassed the ranks of the other side
and there found more than enough democrats
willing to support him on that particular prop
osition to offset the detection among his legitI-
matefollowers. And so in the present case Ii il
assumed that the Speaker has made a seat-to-
seat canvass Of the House and allowing for de-
fectlons and absentees finds himself with
votes enough to pass the bill
WHAT REPUBLICANS EXPECT
are expecting majority Of at least eight on
the first vote tomorrow. This confidence is
largely the fruit of the DEVELOPMENTS of the
past twenty-four hours Yesterday morning
talk OF formidable republican bolt during the
day was rife. list OF names of members al
legged to be in doubt on the subject was printed
and this. as the days debate proceeded, was
closely scanned. The list, however. Was a dis
appointment to the democrats Mr.. Waddill
OF Virginia proved not only not to be in doubt,
put came out as an enthusiastic advocate of
the bill, while Mr.. Frank of Missouri who was
also on the list, had criticism to offer only to
certain features of the bill likely to be
amended. Mr.. Brewer of North Carolina,
another man classed as doubtful. has been
supporter of the bill from the outset and his
colleague, Mr.. Cheatham, holds similar views
SO today the pronounced republican opponents
OF the measure numbering only three-Lehl-
bach. Ewart and Coieman-the republican
leaders are feeling easier and hope now TO be
able to hold their line against the utmost that
the opposition may be able to do
THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE.
But the democratic fight goes bravely on.
The leaders on that side are handling them
selves with much adroitness and have maneu-
vered well for position. They have disap-
pointed the republicans in the matter of fiery
defamation. There has been very little of
that and even less is to follow. The speeches
on that side have been vigorous and pointed,
but IN the main not such as TO weaken the logi-
cal strength OF the protest. There is still the
hope. too, on that side of adding to the trio OF
republican seceders, and thus cutting the
Speakers comb.
WHAT MAY OCCUR IN THE SENATE.
As the fight in the House draws TO a close
the probabilities of what the Senate will do
should the bill reach that body are freely can
vassed. There have been threats that the
der acra IA 20 IL I
death, and on the other hand threats that in
order to prevent such thing the rules of the
Senate would be amended SO as to provide for
the moving of the previous question: something
unheard OF in that body up to the present
time. Only this much is a certainty that Mr.
Chandler has introduced resolution pro-
vlding for cutting off extended debate. and the
means are thus at hand If the republicans
care to adopt them. to enable them to pass the
national election bill over democratic oppo-
sltlon. The resolution Is still i'll the hands of
the Senate committee on rules, but can, of
course. be reached at any time. and extended
debate on Its adoption would not be III order.
REPUBLICANS MAY PREFER TO WAIT.
An entirely new point was suggested to the
representative of The STAR today by WE'LL
informed republican politician, whose intimate
relations with the leaders of his party in Con-
gross entitle his views to consideration. Said
he: 1T may be that the republicans will not
care 10 put the Dill through the Senate at this
session. 1t may be that the House will pass it
and send it to the Senate, where it will be held
i'll order to give the democrats an opportunity
to redeem their promises of fair play at
next falls elections. They insist thar elections
in the south are fair. and we'll acceptn next falls
results as test, putting aside their past WELL
known record. IT, however. the same old
democratic msjorities are rolled up in repubIi-
can districts and by the same old means, then
the Senate next winter can pass the bill"
THE CONTEST OF 1892.
"But that would not be in time to influence
the complexion Of the next House," was sug-
gested.
'Well, there are things more important to
the party than to control the next House." was
the reply. I'm times past il has been profitable
to have the opposition in power in the House
the year Of the presidential election. 1t is an
unparalleled opportunity for committing poll
tical folly, and our democratic friends are
famous for doing that sort of thing. We can
afford to let the next House go if only we can
get good stiff election law on the books for
use in 1882, and the passage of the national
election bill by the Senate next winter would
be In time for that great contest"
PUTTING ICE UP.
One Of the Large Companies Advances