The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-15
CONGRESS KILLING TIME.
Republican Leaders Skiliully Steering
Away From General Legislation.
NO IMPORTANT MEASURES PASSED
II Is Evident That There l. n Desire to
Hold or Every Bill of Importance I'm
ill Mckinley Comes in--Change of
Front on the Cuban Resolutions.

WASHINGTON, Jan. H-Speclal.-The
manner I'm which the proceedings in both
Houses o. Congress drag along from day
to Cay without resulting in the accom-
plishiuent OF anything worthy Of note.
shows how skiIfully anI certainly the
Republican leaders are steering the mem
bers away from general legislation. With
the exception Of the Pacific railroads fund
ins bill. and the appropriations BILL there
has hardly been considered IN either
House a measure Of general interest.
Private bills. bills providing for local
improvements ina various States and
amendments 10 existing laws, relating to
a variety Of unimpOrtant subjects have
alone been discussed by the House, while
in the Senate the only important measure
seriously considered. was the immigration
bill which passed tho House at the last
session.
Make BELIEVE LEGISLATION.
There is an appearance OF activity in
both Houses. but, as a fact, nothing
is boing done. and nothing is intended.
Even the public building bills. in which
members are vitality Interested. have lit
tie show Of passing and the numerous
favorable reports which have been made
by tho Public Buildings Committee, VIII
probably amount to nothing moro than
recommendations % the next committee,
that will pass upon the bills. Many OF
the committees OF the House have held
no meetings. and several or them VIII
probably not meet.
The Foreign Affairs Committee, regard
ed as one OF the most important, has not
d nd .lf.i .iw srfI np
\ PASSIVE POLICY.
The theory OF the leaders seems 10 be
that less harm can be caused by this Con-
gress if it does nothing than Will result
from activity. As a result the Appropra-
tions Committee and those committees
OF the House which have 10 deal with ap-
preparation bills. are alone accomplishing
anything i'm the way Of general legislation.
strong pressure is being brought 20 bear
upon the House leaders 10 give time for
the consideration OF the Nicaragua canal
bin. and 10 is thought probable some meas
IRE relating 10 the canal may pass the
House. But If it does there is little prob
ability that IL can pass the Senate during
tho present Congress.
CUBAN RESOLUTIONS.
II seems TO be also probable now that
the Senate Cuban resolutions mHy not be
called up in that body.
Senators Mills and Morgan alone seem
particularly anxious for Immediate ac-
ton Senator Bacon. who made am oA-
haustive address yesterday I'm support OF
the proposition lhat Congress can recos-
nize the independence Of Cuba. said 10 the
representative of Tho Times that he had
no idea that the Republicans would per
init any action prior to Mr.. Mckinley s
inauguration
The apDarent certainty that senator
sherman Will he Secretary OF state IN
1rr McKinlcy's Cabinet has changed the
opinion Of that gentleman regarding the
advlsabillty Of passing the Cameron res
olutions.
4 CONSIDERABLE CHANGE.
Tho absence Of Senator Cameron from
the city is now given ass the reason Why
no effort has been made TO call up Use
resolutions. but when &c is remembered
tbat tho entire Foreign Relations Com
mittee REGARDED immediate action con-
corning cuba as so imperative that thoy
insisted upon reporting the resolutions
before tho holidays recess, II can be
soon what change has come over the
suirlt of tho committee.
Concerning Senator Mills. Of Texas.
his position in tho Senate has become
almost gr0tcsque. lie has been mem
tally stampedcd by his desire for re-elec-
tion. and is jumping az anything which
Dee fancies Will help him TO secure his
object Starting out as "a sound-monoy
man, and supporter OF the President 8
nnarcial policy. during tho fight for tho
repeal OF the sherman law. Mr. Mills
low arl haas been for the past year,
ono of the widest advocates OF free
coinage.
4 WEATHER-COCK.
Now he has seized upon tho Cuban
question as means Of Strengthening
! himself at home. Ills opinions are. there
| fore treated with slight consideration.
and the sincerity OF his expressions is
seriously doubted.