The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-19
1t May Be Shelved by the Coin.
age Committee.
SPEAKER REED MAY OPPOSE.
Some Say the President Will Veto the
Measure If 1t Passes.
White Metal Has More Friends Than
Ever In the House-Disposition or the
Elections Bill Uncertain-Fight on
Cloture at Hand.

WASHINGTON CRY, Jan. 1s.--TSpecial. -
Democrats are trying to frighten off legis.
iation on every important matter by
threats and by promising to expose all
sorts OF scandals. In talking OF silver they
point to the farcical Investigations of the
silver pool now IN progress, and solemnly
aver that all silver legislation is intended
to benefit pools, rings and spectators.
Absurd claims are being made use of gene
orally by both Democrats and Republics
ans who favor the single standard. but for
all that free coinage is undoubtedly far
stronger in the House than il was last ses-
sion, when under the operations of the
caucus the former Senate bill was amended
iii committre and rushed through by the
House without debate by the committee
on rules.
There are very evident signs of revolt on
the administration silver programme,
and several Republican members who
voted last session against free coinage have
intimated their purpose TO vote for the
Senate bill. The Democratic members
who voted against the Senate bill last
session will all vote against the present
bill, it is said, although there is talk os
calling a Democratic caucus. There is an
element of doubt, however, growing out OF
the strong disposition in the West and
Southwest to give the silver question:
political prominence. This may change
the contemplated action of both the presis
dent and representatives.
The opposition that exists against the
proposed government aid for the Nicaragua
canal is based principally on the ground
that the canal company, when it first
asked for its privileges, let it be under~
stood that nothing further would be asked
of the United States.
An Eastern representative who has not
yet made up his mind how he will vote
when the bill comes up in the House, said
today:
'sIf we are to furnish means for the construcs
tion OF this canal and have the right TO do so,
then we ought to disburse money directly
through our own agents and know exactly
where every dollar goes that we appropriate.
am opposed to the principle OF loaning govern.
ment mouey to private individuals or cornora-
tions. have no idea that the guarantee v
made, still ii it is made party measure ii
House there is no knowing what may rcsul
There has been decided change
front during the past few days with res
to the shipping bill, and while its pass
was considered impossible week ago.
opponents concede victor now fos
q slight majority. As q fast fesufE, Z u
perate effort will be made to frighten
lukew arm friends the bill may have
threatened investigation into the alleg@
work of the lobby, and the result of til
Pacific Mails inquiries are mentioned AMI
made to serve as warnings against bein
mixed up with any corruption tha
may exist. There have been no chargos
nor have there been indications of corrup-
tion or bribery in any way, but an effort is
being made to create the impression that
vast sums of money are being used with
signal effect by INSCRIPTIONS lobbyists,
who are represented as infesting every
nook and corner of the capital from Wash-
ington's crypt to the top of the dome.
This lobby exists only in the minds of the
opposition, and the arguments used are
stirring up no hostility to the measure
Representative Wheeler, of Alabama,
was formerly warm advocate of all propo-
sitions to increase and benefit American
shipping, but the old Confederate cavalry
leader has experienced change of heart
since last session and leads the fight
against the bill. He is not encouraged by
recent signs of defections among his fol-
lowers, and in an interview today he nc
knowledged impending defeat, but at tho
same brought up the Pacific Mail bugaboO
in an effort to turn the tide.
at looks now" he said, ''as If the subsidy bill
will go through, but il may be that at tho last
moment the men who active advocating
the measures will have q little regard for public
opinion, and in that event the treasury will NOS
be despoiled. / doubt If any one can tell cx-
actly how many millions OF dollars 10 would
take to carry the bills into effect. The papers
OF the country denoHnee the subsidy bills as u
mammoth steal, and charge in so many words
that powerful lobby is swarming around the
corridors of the capitol, working like beavers in
the interest of the bills. / hear il
said that the days OF the Pacific Mail jobbcry ara
being re-enaeted in those subsidy bills. You
know an investigation OF the Pacific Mail ssib-
sidy resulted in purifying legislation and for q
time the lobby. kept very dark. Now,
l there 10 no IoDDying benfnd these sub
sidy bills and no barrel on tap.
as is alleged, why does not some one ask for an
investigation? have heard some talk OF a reso-
luton OF inquiry that is to be introduced, but
have not seen a copy OF IT, / agree with Mr..
Mills that investigation viii follow the passage
OF the subsidy bills"