The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-22
And Ii Is Probable the Much-Dfs-
cussed Arbitration Agreement VIII
De Sanctioned This Week.
MANY SENATORS WANT PLUMS
AND ARE UNWILLING TO OFFEND
THE OWNER OF A GOOD TREE.
Indications that congressman VIII Bs
Kept Busy from Now Till the End
of the Session Next Week.
special to the Indianarolis journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2l.-The arbitration
treaty is not as dead as il looks. II would
have been killed ten days ago but for one
thing and that one thing has developed
into a factor of first Importance in this
matter. The Republican colleagues Of Sem
ator Sherman were not sure ten days ago
whether he wanted the treaty ratified or
carried over into the next session IN order
that he might have the honor of its adop-
ton during his administration of the office
of secretary of state. They have since
learned that he really is desirous that the
treaty should be ratified by the Senate this
session. He is understood TO be of the Sc
cret opinion that il does not amount 10
much in practical way and is quite willing
TO let Mr.. Olney have the undivided credit
of putting it through. To put 1t in a
broader way. he has no desire to see his
predecessor despoiled of glory to which he
may consider himself rlghtfully entitled.
and is working hard for the treaty In a
spirit of fair play. Anyhow, it is now per-
fectly clear that the gentleman who is So
ing to be President McKinley's secretary OF
state is earnestly desirous of having the
treaty promptly ratified, which fact has
a vitally important bearing on the case.
have the distribution of numerous CONSUL
ships and other positions in the diplomatic
service. Being men of at least average
political intelligence. senators realize that
they will not be adding TO their influence
with the incoming administration by OBJ
stinately opposing proposition on which
he has set his heart. Besides" remarked
a distinguished senator. who has been
identified with the opposition. I'VE all
rather like John Sherman. and now that
we find out that he is genuinely in earnest
we may be disposed To crafty him in this
matter The treaty is important only in
a sentimental way. in the opinion of trained
diplomats with whom / have talked = q
mere academic expression, as ii were-and
L should not be surprised TO see the Sen
ate go into executive session some day this
week and settle the business in thirty min
utes. When the Senate makes up its mind
to do thing it acts with a suddenness
that is oftentimes startling. Besides, you
know each senator will have two or three
friends he would like TO see well placed in
the diplomatic service for the next four
years. and we may need the good offices
of our distinguished brother, who is soon
to be promoted to the lofty position OF Sec
retary OF state. Don't overlook that ele-
ment in the situation
An Associated Press reporter says: Sch
ator sherman has announced his purpose
rot again to bring up the arbitration treaty
for debate so long as the appropriation
bills are pressing for consideration, but IL
there should be lull i'm this work he may
renew his efforts TO secure ratification.
There is no probability. however. that this
result can be accomplished. Senator Hoar
is waiting anxiously TO get up the bank
ruptcy bill. He said to-day that he believed
the Senate could be brought to pass the bill
after a few hours debate If it could be
got up, but admitted that for the present
the appropriation bills would probably
monopolize the attention OF the Senate"