New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-28
CONGRESS- TO ADJOURN EARLY
GOOD PROGRESS OF THE APPRoPRIA-
TON BILLS.
rrp NAVAL BILL TO PROVIDE FOR TWO NEW
BATTLE SHIPS IF THE MAINE WAS NOT
WRECKED By AcCTDENT-THE LOUD
prrr-pAWAukN ANNEXATION.


BIII-HAwAIrAN ANNEXATION
WASHINGTON Feb 1.-THE House leaders have
been straning all their energies to expedite the ap-
preparation bills with a view to an early hna ad-
iournment and they are succeeding beyond their
most sanguine expectations. Not In quarter OF
century have the appropriation bills been so iar ad-
vanced In the long session they are at this time
Only three OF the thirteen regular bills remain IN
committee. The other ten have gone through one
or more legislative stages. and one-1he Military
Academy-is In the hands Of the President awaiting
his signature.
The condition OF the other nine bills Is as follows:
The Pension bill has passed both houses and the
differences have been agreed upon In conference.
The legislative Executive and Judicial; the Army.
the Fortihcations and the Agricultural bills have
passed both houses, and the differences are being
adjusted in conference. The Senate amendments to
the Diplomatic and Consular bill have been agreed
upon by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
and the bill only awaits confirmation OF this action
by the House before going to the President The
Indian bill has passed the Senate. and the amend
ments placed on the bill are being considered by tho
House committee. The District OF Columbia bill.
which has passed the House. is still in the Senate
committee. and the Sundry Civil bill will probably
pass the House tomorrow. OF the three bills still
unreported to the House both the Naval and Post
Office await contingent developments before they
can be completed
the provisions for drydocks and ships. On
both these propositions the developments OF the
next few days are expected TO control the action
OF the committee II the Board Of Inquiry into the
Maine disaster should render a finding which por-
tends strained relations with Spain. the most lib
eral provisions will be made both for drydocks
and ships. II the disaster not due to acct
dental aboard ship. II is almost certain that
battle-ships will be provided for, one rec
commended by the Secretary OF the Navy and ono
to replace the Maine and that least one. and the
new drydock recommended will be authorized. In
case the Maine disaster is found to have been
caused by accident T. is probable no provision for
battle-ships will be made In the new bill.
The completion Of the Postofice bill depends upon
the action the House takes upon the Loud bill.
lating TO second-class mall matter which is 10 be
acted upon this week. The General Deficiency bill
is always the last OF the bills to be reported as IL
includes such deficiencies and other items as must
be provided for at the close OF every session With
the appropriation bills and the immigration bill,
the consideration of which has been set for March
l5 out OF the way. nothing remains to proong this
session Of Congress the question OF the an
nexaton OF Hawaii war. The leaders on both
sides looking ahead. eliminating both these sub
jecs probabilities or possibilities OF delay agree
that the appropriation bills should be passed. and
that Congress should be ready to adjourn early In
pAiay. II such contingency as war should arise
II would be necessary for Congress to act, both In
the formal declaration OF war and In furnishing
ways and means for Its prosecution
With regard to Hawaiian annexation there is no
doubt that, II the present treaty is abandoned in
the Senate move for annexation by legislative
enactment will be initiated by the House. The
sentiment. both among the friends and opponents
OF annexation in the House, Is that, after the long
contest at the other end OF the Capitol the Senate
should retain Jurisdiction Of the subject Action
by the Senate upon resolution OF annexation
would. therefore, precede any action by the House.
and It is this which gives color to the general my
preston in the House that action upon a resolu-
ton In the Senate be delayed until both houses
have completed their other work. and that then an
effort will be made to adjourn and leave the ques-
Speaker Reed gives concealment Of his per
sonal opposition to annexation and several other
very prominent Republican members. like Cannon,
OF illinois: Walker. Of Massachusetts. and Johnson,
OF Indiana, outspoken. Some Of the others. like
mittee have made public declarations upon this
subject but are believed to be In sympathy with
the opponents OF annexation large majority OK
the Republicans, however, are, OF course, In FAVOR
thusa stically So Chairman Hill Of the Foreign
Affairs Committe. is placed among the supporters;
brunt OF the battle II the contest is transferred to
the House at this session 0s VII be borne by Cen
of Iowa. both Of whom are enthusiastic In their
As stated the indications all point to a concen-
trated plan on the part Of the enemies Of annex
alton at both ends OF the Capitol to hurry through
can be had on the joint resolution in the Senate.
This It is pointed out, would be the easier way to
defeat. at least postpone. action, as once the
Republican ranks would be uncovered and the
leaders would be found on opposite sides. Some Of
the Republicans who are opposed to annexation do
not care TO be placed In a position OF public an
tagonsm to the Administration II 1t can be avoid
ed They would OF course; prefer 70 see me cues,
issue In the House. The Democrats with compare
! lively few exceptions are hostile to annexation