The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-02-28

WASHINGTON. Feb. 27.-Beyond the
tact that the Corbett case will be decided
on Monday, and that after its decision the
bill regulating the right of way OF rail-
roads in Alaska and for other purposes
viii probably be taken up, the programme
In the senate for this week Is quite in
definite
Inc Alaska bill is Of much wider scope
than its title indicates, and 1t will not be
voted upon without considerable discus
sion. There is no general disposition to
defeat the bill. but some senators are of
the opinion that 1t should be amended in
several particulars. and they will seek to
secure these changes before the vote is
taken. 1t is believed the bill will pass
after day or two talk upon it.
1t is probable that after the Alaskan
bill is disposed OF. some of the bills of
less general Importance on the calendar
will be considered. One of these Is the
bill for the payment of the claim of the
book agents OF the Southern Methodist
church for property destroyed at Nash
Vile during the civil war. This bill ap-
propriates s2ss.ooo and has aroused some
opposition.
1t 10 also understood to be- Sanator Da-
Wis intention to again move the consid-
GRAFTON OF the Hawaiian treaty, If oppor-
tunity offers. but there is no disposition
at present to unduiy press the treaty in
antagonism to other measures.
1t is possible the bill making appropria-
tions for the District of Columbia will be
reported by the committee on appropria-
tions during the week. There are only
five of the appropriation bills to be con-
sidered by the senate, which is record
far In advance of that usually made at
this date in long sessions OF congress
This fact is causing senators to begin to
talk about final adjournment at a far
earlier date than usual.
Three OF the bills which are yet uncon-
sidered are the District of Columbia. the
naval and the sundry civil bills. These
are all important measures, and each Is
liable to arouse debate, but senators gem
orally agree that unless there is some
other reasons for postponing adjourn
ment. 1t can be reached by May or June.
The friends of the Hawaiian treaty say,
however. that some OF the appropriation
bills will be held back until the question
of annexation is decided upon, and this
determination is one Of the circumstances
which may cause the postponement of an
adjournment
In the House.
The house leaders have been straining
all their energies TO expedite the appro-
priaton bills. with a view TO an early ad-
journment, and they are succeeding be-
yond their most sanguine expectations
Not In a quarter or century have the
appropriation bills been so far advanced
in the long session as they are at this
time. only three OF the thirteen regular
bills remain in committee. The other ten
have gone through one or more executive
stages. and one-the military academy bill
is in the hands Of the president await
ing 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 amend
ments 20 the diplomatic and consular bill
have been agreed upon by the house COM
mittee on foreign affairs. and the blli only
awaits confirmation OF this action by the
house before going % the president. the
Indian blH has passed the senate. and the
amendments placed on the ban there are
being considered by the house committee:
the District OF Columbia bill. which has
passed the house. is stu in the senate
committee. and the sundry civil bill Will
probably pass the house tomorrow.
OF the three bills still unrcported 20 the
house. both the naval and posfoffioe await
contingent developments before they can
BE- completed. The naval bill is practically
completed. save FOR the provisions of dry
docks and aew ships. On both these pro
posals the developmAnt of the next few
days are expected 10 eontroI the action o.
the committees II the board CT inquiry
Irto the Masne disaster should render a
fndfag which porteuds strained relations
w3th Spain. the most liberal provisions
viii De made hofh for dryeo1ks and ships.
II the disaster was not due 20 accidental
causes aboard ship. Il Is almost cs.;ala