The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-11-30
both the Cleveland and Hill people who
call IN his rooms during the remainder of
the speakership contest.
WILL EMBARRAss LEGISLATION.

Democrats and Alliance Men Will Do Little
That Is Not Absolutely Necessary.
Special 70 the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. Nov. 29.-It is very true
that. with House largely Democratic and
containing "sprinklipg" of the Alliance
element to the extent of over forty men,
bers. and Senate fully within the control
of Republican majority. having little pa
tience with the political schemes which
will be put forward by the spirits of the
lower branch OF Congress, little in
the way Of legislation can be ex-
pected at the approaching session.
At the same time there will be some
popular measures introduced which will
likely become laws. There are periods in
the political history of the country when
the masses rise up and demand something
from all factions, and it looks now as If
the time had come when certain measures
must become law, despite the political ten
denotes of the various parties The people
as whole expect certain changes IN pres
ent laws, and certain laws to be created. 1t
Is. therefore pro BILE that some bills will
reach President Harrison which Will be
more or less political. simply because the
opposition dare not defeat them.
will be introduced. and which may go
through on their popularity, is c0dltic a
tion OF the pension laws. Ii ls proposed
not TO broaden the pension laws especially.
but rather simplify them in such o manner
that any one can understand them and do
away with all possible delays in adjudica-
tion and expense In prosecution. The lats
Governor HOvey, OF Indiana, had plan OF
cOdiication which 1T IS believed would
have won. 1t was intended to simplify the
10 fhov 1av,i laa
ing their scope, but eliminating all unDec-
essary verblage and conflicts.
If the proposition to establish parcel
post business In connection with the post
Office service be set forward in q bill it will
succeed. AT present packages in the mails
are limited to four pounds. and the tariffs
or postage amount to as much as for ex-
press carriage. 1t Is proposed to increase
the weights which may be carried IN the
mails to ten or fifteen pounds and to cut
the rates IN half. In other words, 1t is the
idea TO establish parcel post similar to
tina in England. This will of course be in
competition with the express companies
but it is as legitimate az the regular mail
business. In the same connection may
be mentioned the proposition to extend the
interstate-commerce laws to the express
business. II it is fair to apply IL to freight
and passenger traffic. it is held that II is as
fair and just to make it include the express
business which is controlled by two CON-
w
road companies. The extension of the
free-dellvery service to include smaller
cities will be adopted unless it be the pol
icy of tho Democrats to be niggardly.
However when 1T is proposed to make free
delivery for all cities of five thousand in
habitants. for instance. the constituencies
OF the Democratic members in those ps ces.
it is surmised, will speak in such q way as
to be convincing.
There is q division on the subject of
postal telegrapby, SO that Legislation on
that IS not at all probable. Both parties
are divided upon Its advisability. At pres
ent there are many who believe 1t IS too far
in advance of the times.
Something radical on the question of i'm
migration will be attempted, but whether
anything will be done cannot be forecasted
at present The law passed al the last SEES
sion IS not adequate. By those who have
tried it there is an almost unanimous
opinion that 1t is nearly useless.
1t only prohibits in slight degree
the importation IF contract 4labor.
The system of attempted sitting of the
good from the Objectionable classes before
they start for these parts is an absolute
failure. Upon no subject however. is there
so much ignorance. No one has a fixed
idea; no one suggestion worth cOnsldera-
tion. While many favor greater restrIc-
tiOn, almost a cessation of Immigration in
fact, many others want more liberality in
that direction. All, however. want unde-
sirable imm grants kept out at all hazards.
The question Is closely associated with
delicate political issues. and when it comes
up will be the object OF bitter debate and
prolonged discussion.