The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-14
Lodges immigration Bill
Has II in the Senate.
Will Come Up as Unfinished
Business Every Day
Until Finally Disposed of-Recess
May Begin Next Friday.

Washington, Dec. 1i.-The Lodge I'M
migration bill, as the unfinished busi-
ness" will have the right OF way in the
senate each day after o'clock until dis
posed OF. and the friends of the measure
! have announced their determination not
to cease their labors in its behalf until
vote shall be secured upon it, 1t is
| impossible to say how much time will
be required on the bill. but Senator Lodge
Is hopeful that he will get il through this
week
Senator Gibson of Maryland has an
nounced his purpose TO talk in opposi-
ton TO the bill, but he declines TO state
whether he will resort to other tactics
TO defeat it, Those who oppose. concede
that the bill will pass If 1t should reach a
vote.
After the immigration bin comes that
providing for free homesteads on lands
formerly occupied by Indians as reser-
Vations The present homestead law
does not apply TO these lands, and IL Is
claimed that the fact that il does not
has cost many settlers their homestead
rights. The question is a vital one in
many portions of the west, and has been
particularly prominent in Oklahoma.
Senator Pettigrew is the especial cham
pion of the bill. and he will show that 1t
was endorsed by the national conven-
tons of all the parties last summer. The
bill VIII be vigorously opposed, as IL is
claimed that its enactment into law
would cost the government no less than
$4,000, ,000
1t is probable that these two measures
Will consume the greater part of the
time OF the senate this week, and II is
quite possible that they may not be dis
posed OF. The bill providing for the elec-
ton or the senator's by the direct vote of
the people is special order for today,
but II may go over TO future date.
Senator Allen of Nebraska probably
Will occupy the floor for short time to-
day In speech on his resolutions con-
cerning the validity of contracts. He is
expected TO say something in this speech
about the policy of western states which
have elected Populist state administra-
tiens, and to pay his respects to some of
the critics OF those states The Nebraska
senator Is also likely to call up the Ding
ley bill at any time.
IL has not yet been decided when the
holiday recess shall begin but at the
of the Republican members
of the ways and means committee n
date as early as Friday OF this week was
Ii is more probable. how
ever. that the recess will begin about
Wednesday OF next week. and continue
until the Monday after New Year.
This week, except today which is Dis
trict OF Columbia day, and an hour of
tuesday. which has been set aside for
he consideration of the bill to transfer |
The present rights of the Atlantic and |
Pacific railroad under its government |
charter to the mortgages when they re-
will be devoted to the consid- |
'ration of the army and legislative ap-
bills. The former Ia COM
oleted, and the latter will be put in final
shape today.
1t is the expectation Of the leaders
hat both these bills can be passed be-
ore the recess Should any time remain.
t will probably be given TO the commit
ees to Gallup such bills as they have on
he calendar.