The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-01-17
ELECTIONS BILL RAISES A RUMpUS.
Republicans Trying To Match the
FiIibusters.
The House Clears the Calendar
Pension for General Banks.
Advocates Ct the Shipping Bill Are
JaWsmiths.
Especial to the Press.l

LOpcCldl W luo ITooSsl
WASHINGTON, January 16.-The elections
bill has occupied the Senate today, while its
indirect influence has paralyzed business In
the House. In some quarters today there
has been disposition to regard the passage
of the bill as possible, but those best In
formed have shaken their heads at the idea.
"The Senate dare neither to hold on to or let
60 Of that bill," said a veteran western Re-
publican of the House today. shut they will
have to let go of it. in my opinion" The de-
lection OF the six Republicans who are vot-
ing with the Democrats does not necessarily
imply the defeat of the bill, for with the
whole Republican side out there would still
be straight party majority of two, not
counting the Vice President. But more than
one of these who are standing In line with
their party cann0t probably be depended on
for a close contest. Meanwhile the bill for
the free coinage. OF silver is In the House,
and speculation Is rife there as 20 what be-
came Of it. The bill is now in the coinage
committee, where 1t was referred last night
without any contest. There was talk of an
other such contest over the reference as was
made last summer, but that bill was House
Dill coming back with Senate amendments
while this is Senate bill appearing In the
House for the first time. Even Democrats
conceded that the rule to refer 1t to the coin
age Committee was plain. There has been
some talk that this committee might pocket
the bill and thus defeat legislation, but it is
probable that they will make report In
proper time, and that the House will have
the opportunity to express its will, There is
little doubt that the free coinage majority In
the House Is large enough to secure the pas
sage OF Tree coinage bill, irrespective of
whatever report may be made by the CON-
L lad m N
ters that In some Way the Speaker might kill
the Tree coinage ill,tven If majority of the
House are I0r 1t. But it must be remarked
that last summer Mr.. Reed only held the
fort in three days fight until he could rally
the friends of sound money ana get ali tns.
members back. At that time a majority of
the Hou-e was not for re-coinage as against
the compromise bill, which was ultimately
passed. Now the situation is probably diff
Ierent, and on fun vote the House is re-
garded as surely favorable to free coinage.
Inus the situation Is radically different
from what it was last summer, and should
Mr. Reed be even as despotic IS his enemies
accuse him Of being, he could not long stop
the majority from their will. An executive
veto Is looked for as the only possible means
OF saving the honest dollar. There is a
strong Impression, however, that the Presi-
cent Is not sure to use the veto power. He
Is Well known to have aspirations to sue
ceed himself. and to veto silver bill would
pc bad for those aspirations; yet not to veto
IL would be as bad, or worse. The Washing
ton morning papers predicted today that he
might bestride the situation by signing the
OIL under protest. OF such course it doe
not require prophet TO discern that it would
De more disastrous than either of the other
Two courses, Really, no one knows what
Mr. Harrison will do. More people would
De surprised however. at failure to veto
tnan at veto.
Mr.. Window, Secretary of the Treasury, Is
considered an advocate of sound currency
ana tue advice of a Secretary of the Treasu-
~ usually goes a great way with Presi-
Tonight, in pursuance of the programme
announced by Mr.. Hoar yesterday, the Re-
publican members are endeavoring TO hold
tne Senate In continuous session. At this
nour I'll o'clock) the Republican Senators,
atnougn they have not a quorum by them
serves, are showing determination, and there
tore lore are arousing more sangnlne hopes that
tney really Intend to keep the Senate in ses-
sion until something is done. Every hour
tnat they hold out Is still stronger evidence
u determination, and of course a point iu
favor OF the bill. On the other hand, the
Democrats are flibustering without appar-
ent e1ort, by interspersing the efforts uf
their long-winded orators by submitting
amendments and having roll calls. Their
determination seems equal to that of the r.
puOlleans. and under tue regular rules of the
Senate they cah prolong the proceedings in
uennltely. IL Is known, however, that Sena-
tOr Aldflch has the clOture rule all ready for
introduction, which he may bring in when
ever those who favor ''sitting it OUT have
tfled thelr plan long enough. Whenever the
cioture rule may come In some change in the
the Democrats will seek in eyery way 10
prolong the debate and force an adjourn
ment.