Daily Texarkana Democrat., 1893-12-06
CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS.
Busy Beginning of the Regular ses-
sion Of the Fifty Third Congress.

of President Cleveland's message, to
the exclusion of all other subjects.
1t is generally conceded that the mes
sage is an able one from the admins
tration point of view and carries
torcibly forward the Presidents well
known ideas, on public affairs. This
time devoted to the Presidents mes
sage is only the calm before the legis-
latiVe storm, which breaks forth in a
rush OF business, almost unprecedent-
ed in the history of the Federal Con-
gress.
Indeed it is already settled that this
is gong to be an extraordinary con-
gress, in the true acceptation of the
term. The extra session which last
ed from August 9TH to November 3
was only an interlude-a dress rehear-
sal. Now the actual work will begin.
There will be 10 preliminary work to
delay business, no speaker to choose,
no committees to appoint. The cur
tain can ring up at once for action.
For the first time since 1860 the
House can resume the consideration
of unfinished business Immediately
upon meeting. Little, if anything, it
is thought, will be accomplished in
the senate during the first week of the
session--not so much because there
will be nothing to do, but for the
reason that there appears to be dis
position ou the part of the Senators
to take things easy at first, and to
await the trend of the House, and the
result of suggestions thrown out by
the President in his message.
This latter may, however, precipi-
tate an unexpected debate. 1t is
well known that there are Senators
anXiously awaiting the affray. This
may lead to an animated discussion
at the very start, and especially as
prominent Senators are known to en-
terrain views antagonistiC to the poll
cy Of the Administration and to de-
sire the immediate passage of resolu-
ton of inquiry relative to the Hawa-
iian question.
The Senate Calendar is full of busi-
ness. There are 56 bills, seven mis-
cellaneous documents and one resolu-
tion awaiting action, and there are q
number of other measures lying on
the table subject to call.
Not much headway will be made in
the Senate, at least until after the
Christmas holidays is over. The most
important bill on the calendar is Sen
ate bill No. 81, introduced by Mr..
Voorheeo August Is, and referred to
the Committee on Finance, which pro-
vides for the national bank circulation
up to their par value of the bonds,
deposited to secure such circulation.
1t is doubtful whether or not this bill
will be called up again. Mr.. Voorhees,
stated this afternoon that he would
take no steps in regard to any matters
before his committee until there had
been a meeting of the committee, and
this meeting vii. be held Thursday
morning at the usual hour of IL
O'Clock.
In the House on Thursday Repre-
sentative Oates, of Alabama, will call
up the bankruptcy bill (Which was
under consideration at the conclusion
of the first session. as unfinished bus
mess. General debate on this meas
ure has lasted for some time. and Mr..
Oates will ask that it close in two
DAYS .Afterward amendments will be-
gin. Mr.. Oates hopes to bring the
measure to vote in eight or ten days.
He thinks it will pass and he VIII en-
deayor to have it voted on before
other measures of more urgency get
tho attention of the House,
The WAYS aud Means Committee
are anxious to get the Tariff bill up
as soon as possible, and expect to do
so before the holiday recess. All the
other measures will then retire in the
House and give the tariff the right of
way.
Mr.. Bland, of Missouri, who now
contests with Mr.. Holman, of Indiana,
the right to be called the oldest men,
Der of the House, will endeavor to
bring up the silver question at the
earliest day. A majority on coinage,
Weights and Measures are in favor of
free SILVER and will report bill to re-
enact the coinage Of 1887
At some time during the session,
and as early as possible, Mr.. Wheeler
of Alabama, Chairman Of the House
Committee on Territories, will ask the
House to consider the advisability of
admitting to the Union as States
Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Prairie Holocaust.