The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-22
RUSH TO BEGIN TO-DAY.
Fifty-FOurth Congress About to Enter
the Home stretch.

WASHINGTON, Feb 2l.-Congress ad-
journs sine die a week from Thursday and
the rush and jostling which marks the
closing days Of session will begin to-
morrow Washington's birthday will be cell
ebrated by hard work Members with pet
measures, the passage Of which have more
or less bearing on their political fortunes,
will begin their clamor for recognition. but
they will appeal i'm vain long appro-
priation bills and conference reports are
before the House for action, as these. by
the rules have the right of way. Besides
the House managers are anxious to put
through with the least possible delay the
last two budgets so that the decks may be
cleared for the final struggle with the Sen
ate over the latter's amendments to the
appropriation bills. Speaker Reed and the
House managers are using all their power
and influence 10 keep down the appropria-
tions to the lowest limit. as they already
promise TO exceed those of the Fifty-frst
Congress, and the increases which the Sem
ate makes will be fought 10 the bitter end.
The influence OF this purpose To keep down
appropriations 10 the minimum was ap-
parent Yesterday when the naval commit
tee after agreeing to recommend an appro-
priation for "A new battle ship and train
ing ship for the Annapolis cadets. on con-
sultation with the leaders rescinded its ac-
ton and decided to report the bill without
any recommendation for an increase of the
new navy.
under consideration for two days in the
House will probably be completed to-mor-
row. An effort VIII be made TO strike out
the appropriation OF xl,3lO.Vo0 for the South
ern Pacific being the amount withheld by
the government pending "A determination OF
the liability OF that road 10 the Union and
Central roads. II probably viii fail. how
ever. The naval appropriation bin will fol-
low. Owing TO The controversy over tSs
price TO be paid for armor plate ana the
numerous accidents TO the vessels OF the
new navy this bill may lead 70 protracted
discussion. but If IL hangs fire until Friday
in can be put through under suspension OF
the rules as the last six days OF the ses-
sion are suspension days.
Conference reports probably viii begin TO
apnear with "A rush before the middle OF
the week and be sandwichcd in at every
snare moment. II Is likely that before the
week is over the House viii ind the pres
sure for time SO great that night sessions
will be entered on and the daily sessions
may also be extended at the other end by
fixing an earlier hour for meeting. Two
contested election cases still remain undis-
posed of and as these are matters OF the
highest privilege. all else must give way
N their consideration * Insisted on. But
as both of them are unanimous reports
(tne committees recommendation being In
Black case and the BennOit- Boatner easel
they should not require much time for dis
The only measure of considerable further
importance which seems 10 have a chance
of running the gantlet during the closing
days Is the Senate joint resolution Tor an
international monetary conference looking
10 the adoption OF International bimetal-
fsm. The resolution WAS unanimously re-
ported to the House yesterday and
its friends are very anxious 10 have n
passed Speaker Reed is said 10 be friend
iy 10 IL and special order may be brought