The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-07-25
Views of Senator Faulkner of the
Territories Committee.
A STATEHOOD BILL SOON.
The Committee on Territories May
Visit Utah This Fall.
Eenator PIatt Has Modified His Views
Very Much, and He viii No Longer
Oppose a Statehood Measure Va
rious Washington Matters.

riUOries in conversation with The HER |
AID correspondent, said that he re-
GREETED more than words could express
that the special subcommittee Will not
be able to make the proposed trip to the
west to investigate the condition OF the
territories and make report to Congress,
as was the original intention. The sena-
tor went on to explain that there would
have been no hitch in the programme but
for the fact that when he fixed June the
18th as the time for starting, it was I'M
possible for Senator Platt of Connecticut,
to make his arrangements for the journey.
Then it was not positively known that
the president would call an extra session
OF Congress. Those who were positive
that Congress would assemble before the
regular meeting time, did not believe
that the extra session would be called be-
fore the LIST of September, and many pre-
sumed that it would be October / before
the statesmen would be called upon to
legislate. When the financial situation
became so serious that the president was
compelled to name the 9TH OF August as
the day for the meeting OF Congress,
Senator Faulkner realized that it would
be impossible for his committee to make
the desired trip.
Speaking with THE HERALD cores
pondent on the subject he remarked that
he was disappointed that the plans had
been changed, for he added that he was
very anxious that Senator Platt and SEN
ator Hill should see and talk with the
people of Utah. 1t had been many years
since Senator Platt was in Utah. When
he made his first and only visit, Utah was
nothing in comparison with what 1t is to-
day. The development was mere drop
in the bucket with what can be exhibited
at present in the way of commercially,
industrialIy and socially. The people of
Utah are fortunate in having as chairman
of this important Senate committee gen.
tieman of such broad views as Senator
Faulkner. Two years ago he visited
Utah, and he says that from what he saw
and from all he has learned on the subject,
he has no hesitancy in declaring that
never in the history of the country was
territory asking for admission into the
union of states in a better condition than
Utah. He thinks that Utah ought to
come in, and in spite of the fact that he
holds his present high position in which
he viii have much to say and do in pass
ing upon the claims, he is not backward
in expressing his opinion.
Mr.. Faulkner was asked If he thought
there was possibility of his committee
making the contemplated trip, and his
reply was substantially as follows:
'sThere is a possibility that Congress
may take a recess in the month of Sep
TENDER until the regular session in De-
cember, or it may occur as late as the 1st
or middle of October. In that event
Will endeavor to have the committee start
on the western tour for the purpose of
loo king into matters affecting the terri
tories and their admission into the Union
Ny own opinion, however, is that there
will be no recess. 1 do not see how we
can take a recess. As soon as the
currency question is disposed OF there is
quite apt 20 be a disposition on the part
OF the Democratic leaders to go ahead
with the tariff question. 1t will neces-
sarily require many months to frame and
pass bill to correct the abuses of the
present Mckinley bill, and when we
take into consideration the many other
questions that will come before the
\ Fifty third congress do not see how we
i will be able to adjourn inside of ten OF
twelve months.''
This appears to be the prevailing i'm
preston in Washington, that Congress
will have its hands full for the next veal
to come. Further on, in conversation,
Senator Faulkner, in abiding to Utah
matters, seemed to feel the utmost conf
dence in the passage of bill admitting
the territory. He is well posted concern.
ing the issues in the territory, and he in.
timated strongly that from the talks hs
had had with the president and Secretary
Hoke Smith, that both of these gentle.
men look for the passage of the admission
bill at the next session of congress-
This is thoroughly in keeping with al
the information that has been sent TIL
HERALD within the pass few months.
The Tuscaroras may snort and teal
around, and their organ in Salt Lake
may attempt to stuff the people as to th,
sentiment in Washington, but every.
tn ng points to the passage of the admis.
sion bill before the roses bloom in June
next. Word reached Salt Lake severa
moons ago that Senator Faulkner wa
most favorably inclined to helping tn,
people of Utah on to statehood, and il
consequence there have been slaps at thu
West Virginia senator, but, of course
they have had no effect on his mind, al
he is determined to go ahead and do wha
he believes to be the right thing. H,
knows a good deal more about Utal
affairs than some of the opponents O
statehood imagine he does. To use
! slang phrase he is son to'' Boss Power
U and the entire outfit.
When the Utah admission bill in tn,
last congress apparently had smooth sail
ing, it will be remembered that Senate
PIatt was one of the chief obstacles in tn,
way OF its passage. 1t can now be stateS
on good authority that Senator Platt ha,
modified his views very much. The de
feat of his party has not caused thi
change of heart either, for not even hi!
worst enemy would charge that Mr.. Plat
was SO narrow minded as to want to dem
to Utah what the territory iustly de
serves. The last congress at its close has
such an accumulation of business tina
the Connecticut senator did not have a
much time as he thought he should hav,
to investigate all of the leading question
that came up.
Within the past few months Mr.. Plat