The Cape Girardeau Democrat., 1897-06-12
CONGRESSIONAL FORECAST.

The Probable Programme of the weel
in COngress-The Senate VIII Continue tc
Wrestle with the Tariff Bill, But There
Is an Element of Unce rtainty as to Which
Portion VIII Receive Attention - The
Sugar Schedule a Sort of Bette Noir.
WASHINGTON, June 7.-While the
tariff will continue to be the topic of
discussion in the senate during the
present week, there is no certainty as
to what portion of it will receive es-
pecial attention. This uncertainty is
due largely to the difficulty OF deter
mining when the sugar schedule will
be taken up. 1t is SD generally under
stood that this schedule will consume
considerable time that there is no ef-
fort to outline beyond it the course of
| proceedings. The wood schedule will
! afford a brief respite Monday before
reaching the sugar question, as that
subject was left undisposed of when
the senate adjourned on Saturday.
Senator Allen, probably, will enter a
motion to strike out the entire para
gragh relating to sawed lumber, and
the motion may lead to other speeches
than his own.
Whether the sugar schedule will be
taken up in order is still undetermined.
There are many differences of opinion
on the subject, but the prevailing desire
is to get the schedule out of the way as
soon as possible. This is the case on
both sides of the chamber, but it is
especially true of the republicans, as
the responsibility for action rests
there. Still there is a desire among
republican senators that there should
be absolute agreement among them
selves on the rates of this sched-
ule before entering upon its dis
cuSsion in the senate, and it is
realized that this may be difficult
of attainment without further ex-
change of opinions than has yet been
permitted. There is no doubt in any
event of postponement until Senator
Aldrich's return to the senate. He is
still confined to his room, but is ex-
peCted to be out early in the week.
That the Hawaiian treaty will be
protected by the finance committee is
considered settled, but caucus may
be necessary to determine whether
other changes should be made. Sena-
tor Pettigrew has decided definitely to
offer his antitrust amendment in con-
nection with this schedule, but beyond
the fact that it will lead to a number
of speeches, there is no certainty as to
is course or its fate.
The tobacco schedule Immediately
follows the sugar schedule; but if it
should be reached to-day, it will be
necessary also temporarily to pass it
over, as the committee has promised
the tobacco men a hearing tonight.
They will ask for two dollars on wrap
per and 35 cents on filler tobacco.
There is also an inclination to return
to the language of the Wilson law on
this subject. This is understood to be
the wish of both the importers and the
tobacco growers.
There are many sharp contests ahead
on the paragraphs of the agricultural
schedule, which is next after tobacco,
including those on rice, on which there
will be an effort to secure a return to
the house rates; on cattle, on which it
will be claimed there should be an ad
valorem rather than specific duty;
and on fish, fruits, chicory and salt.
The innovation of duty on tea is alsa
proposed in this schedule, but it is
practically certain that this provision
will be withdrawn by the committee.
Thus, what would have been one Of
the severest contests over the bill will
be averted. The cotton and spirit
schedules, will, it is now thought, ex-
cite comparatively little debate.
The house has no work ahead of II |
this week, and it is the intention of |
majority leaders to adjourn to-day un-
til Thursday, and from T thursday until
Monday.
Mr.. Simpson and other members OF
the minority doubtless will essay the |
usual maneuvers with the purpose OF |
embarrassing the republicans, but in
the present condition of the house
their latitude is narrow, and they can
easily be overborne by their adver-
saries.