Evening star., 1898-12-16
THE PEACE TREATY
Opposition to Its Ratification Will Evaporate
Before Action is Needed.
Feeling in the South Has Caused Mr..
Bryan to Change His
Plans.

1t looks now as if the opposition to the
ratification of the peace treaty which was
expected in the Senate will evaporate be-
fore the matter comes up for considerations
That it will be made the subject of consid-
cradle discussion bearing upon the question
of territorial expansion is a foregone con-
clusion, but it is almost certainty that no
attempt of any force will be made to defeat
the treaty. 1t is possible that there NAV be
no vote against ratification, the understand
ing being that settlement Of the question
of expansion will not be involved in the
treaty. This situation is likely to be
brought about by many considerations, but
chiefly by the fact that Mr.. Bryan advises
his friends against making this fight on the
treaty. The fact that in the sou,h a cele-
bratlon OF the signing of the treaty is being
held, which is being made the occasion of
the loftiest patriotism, also contributes
greatly to the Sitting Of the opposition to
the treaty.
the opposition in the Senate comes
chiehy from supporters of Mr.. Bryan.
largely soutern men. A canvass of the
Senate discloses that up to a few days ago
mere was nearly, but not quite. two
third vote in favor of ratification, and that
lhe opposition Oh the republican side was
confined to probably not more than three
men. The most determined opponents were
men who are the closest TO Mr.. Bryan of
all men in Congress.
Against Expansion
1t is understood that presentation of the
case in favor of ratification made by Mr.
Bryan, who at the same time argues
against expansion, together with the DEM
onstration Of joy in the south over the
signing of the treaty, has made an impress
sion upon this opposition. The chances now
seem to be that the fight against eXpan-
sion Will he postponed until after the treaty
has been ratified. 1t will come up when
legislation for the government of the is
land is proposed. and that will not be be-
fore next Congress Meanwhile the opposi-
ton is likely to be confined chiefly to de-
bate
Both parties at this time to some eX-
tent divided on the question of expansion,
but it is generally regarded as certain that
the republicans almost to a man will sup
port whatever policy is finally adopted by
the administration. The democrats have
been much more seriously divided, but it is
very strongly indicated now that they are
trying to get together in an agreement on
definite policy, and that this will include
the REIMBURSEMENT of opposition to the rat
hcation of the treaty. With respect to the
question of expansion they will probably
very generally unite upon d op 81 ion that
the Philippines should be treated in the
same manner as Cuba is treated.
Bryan at the Capitol.
Mr.. Bryan today. after conferences with
many democrats at his hotel, visited the
the cloak room nearly the entire democratic
membership of the House. This morning
Mir. Bailey of Texas took breakfast with
Mr.. Bryan in his private room and was
with him for a long while.
1t is evident that some very important
political plans are being laid out by the
Bryan-Chicago platform combination.