The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-12-12
POLITICS AT WASHINGTON.


actual probability of such war.
In fact, unless the situation is mis-
understood in Washington, there
has got to be fiph or backd0wn,
and it is certain that even If the
administration wished TO back
down that Congress will not allow
1t to do so. The Monroe doctrine
has always been believed In by the
republican party, and the republi
cans In Congress can not only be
depended upon to stand by the
administration in maintaining that
doctrine, but to force 1t to maintain
1t If such Il course be necessary.
The only portion Of Mr.. Cleveland's
message that struck a responsive
chord in Congress was that clause
dealing with the communication
sent to the British government last
July demanding y specific answer
US to whether it proposed to sub.
init to arbitration the disputed
boundary line between British
Guiana and Venezuela, and giving
notice that this government would
not allow England to forclbly take
any territory claimed BY Vene-
zuela. England has answered that
demand, and although the full text
Of that answer has not yet been
received it Is now on the way by
mail it IL understood that it con-
taines a more or less positive re-
fusal to arbitrate the dispute.
Should that understanding prove
correct there is nothing left but to
inform England that the United
States will not allow her to steal
Venezuela's territory, and in order
to give that information force 1t Is
probable that it will be sent by
Congress, which alone has power
to declare war, in the shape of a
joint resolution.
Mr.. Cleveland this week sent for
Speaker Reed aud the two held a
lengthy conference. 1t is notpositiv
ly known that the subject Of this
conference wss the Monroe doc
trine, but it is believed that it was,
and that Mr.. Cleveland sent for Mr.
Reed in order to ascertain just
where the republicans stood and to
arrange as to how the matter
should be dealt with by Congress.
As soon as England's answer is
received it will be sent to Congress
accompanied by special message
FROM the President, and If it be of
the nature expected England
would just as we'll prepare to
choose between backing down and
fighting, for in the present humor
of Congress she will be allowed
no alternative.
Mr.. Cteveland's message, so far
asst related to financial matters had
just as we'll never have been writ
ten, as there isn't the slightest
probability that Congress will even
consider the retirement of the
greenbacks at this time. His ig-
oiing of the Treasure deficit, in
order to escape recommending legis-
lation for increasing the revenues,
was plainly done for the purpose of
throwing the responsibility of
amending the tariff laws upon the
republicans. The republican party
has never shirked Il responsibility
and 1t will not do SO. Congress
will provide in its own way the
money needed by the governments
and leave the responsibility of ac-
cepting or vetoing that legislation
upon Mr.. Cleveland.
The republican Senators have
held several conferences since
Congress met to deal with the
question of reorganizing the Sem
ate, and, although no programme has
actually been agreed upon there is
little doubt that the republicans
will in due time re0rganize the
Senate. There are not enough re-
publicans to make a majority, but
it is believed that the populist Sen.
ators, who have agreed to vote
together for II time on the organi-
zation question, will eventually
divide and that enough of them
will vote with the republicans to
make a majority, but no induce
ments will be offered them to do so.
Among the food of bills introduced
in the House this week was one
presented by Representative John
son, of California, which ought to
become law. 1t provides for the
amending of the naturalization
laws so that no slien shall become
a citizen who has not for Ave years
proceeding his application resided