New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-06

NECESSITY FOR THE MEASURE REAL
IZED AT LAST.

OPPOSITION ABANDONED By BOTH MAJORITY
AND MINORITY LEADERS IN THE HOUSE
AN ORDER FOR CONSIDERATION 10
BE BROUGHT IN THIS WEEK
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE raIBuNE.1
Washington, March 5.-Much satisfaction is
expressed In official circles here over the semi
authoritative announcement that the Commit
tee on Rules Of the House of Representatives
will bring In IA special order next week to expe-
dite the passage Of the Senate bill for the in
crease by two regiments Of the artillery branch
of the Army Much perplexity has been caused
In the last week or ten days by the curious at
titude taken toward this necessary and desfra-
BILE piece Of proposed legislation by the respon-
sible leaders of the House. and their apparent
inclination to throw obstacles Of one sort or an
other in the path Of the Artillery bill has stood
out in curious and puzzling contrast to the zeal
and unanmity with which the Senate responded
to the reasonable and timely request made by
the Administration for men with which to man
the new Notifications now ready for occupation
along the seacoast
1t will be recalled that the Senate promptly
authorized the enlistment OF 1000 additional
artillerymen when the necessity for such an
Increase in that arm Of the military service was
made plain to It by Secretary Alger and General
Miles But in the House for the last week or
two an unexpected resistance to the proposed
increase has been encountered. which has some
what mystifed those who have counted on the
responsible leaders Of that body for display
Of broad liberal and patriotic craftsmanship
That the policy Of the popular branch mas peeh
distinguished for some time past for conserva-
tism and economy may be admitted; but In the
face Of emergencies such as this countrys reia-
lions with Spain may at any moment uncover IL
has been felt that a failure to cooperate freely
and heartily with the Executive branch in max
ing the harbor defences Of the country effective
savored too pointedly of narrowness or views
and penny wisdom OF economy
II Ia gratifying to discover that the political
influences which control the House have par
TALLY awakened TO the political imprudence OF
their policy Of lethargy and are preparing TO
allow the Senate bill increasing the artillery
quota to be put on It's passage
II ia also plea ing 20 note that the minority
leaders In the House. from whom. rather IMAM
from certain Of the majority leaders. tho pres
sure against immediate action for the strength
ening OF the military and naval forces was 20
have been anticipated. have within the last re"
days openly come TO the support or the Artii-
lery bill. and are now exertng all their influence
to prevent anything like a show OF party op
position to the legislation asked for by the
Administration. Although radical foe OF all
legislation for the increase Of the Army or
Navy Mr.. Bailey Of Texas, the Democratic
loader ia understood to have pledged himself
to make no opposition to the passage OF the
Artillery bill, and most OF the Southern ana
Southwestern Democrats will follow his example
Indeed. 80 trivial is the opposition to the
senate measure now expected to BE- that It's
enactment into law Will be attended By no spe-
cial excitement or incident