The times., 1898-07-07

Now that Hawaiian annexation is set
tied in accordance with the desire and
demand OF the American people, there is
no apparent reason why Congress should
not adjourn Immediately. All the appro-
priation and war bills have been passed.
The only measure remaining that may
provoke debate and delay adjournment is
the House bill to enable volunteer sol
dieEs TO vote in the field. The Democrats
of the Senate are determined TO defeat
this bin If it be within their power. They
{ re so much opposed TO il that they re-
gard any means as justifiable in COM
passing its defeat. They say il embodies
a policy against which Democracy mas
always arrayed itself; that the party has
strenuously and consistently fought
against Federal control of elections and
that the pending bill goes far beyond
any of the enactments OF the reconstruc-
tion period in its recognition of the power
OF Congress TO control congressional cleo
tions
II is complained that the bill defies
and sets at naught provisions of State
constitutions prescribing the qualifica-
tions of voters. For instance. some of
the State constitutions distnctNely ex-
clude soldiers of the United States from
the privilege OF the franchise.
Senator Hoar is exceedingly anxious TO
get the bill up, and the Democrats do
not intend that it shall be taken up il
they can find methoSis. parliamentary or
unDarliamentary. TO prevent it.
A disposition 10 hlibuster on this meas
ure to prevent its consideration devel
n o "a
diately after the passage of the Hawaiian
annexation treaty Mr.. Hoar asked that
this bill be laid before the Senate, so
that il could be acted on today. Mr..
Jones of Arkansas Immediately moved TO
adjourn This created vigorous protests
from Senators HawIey and Carter. who
had conference reports which they want
ed To get through.
Mr. Hoar said that as there seemed to
be disposition to hlibuster on this bill.
he would withdraw his request
Mr.. Jones replied hotly that the charge
was wholly unwarranted as the hour
was late. lie. however withdrew his mo-
tiOn 10 adjourn. and Mr.. Hoar. with the
remark that he would see whether il was
a filibuster or not, renewed his request.
Mr.. Jones Immediately renewed his ad-
journment motion and Mr. Hoar again
withdrew his request saying that his
surmises We're justified. Mr.. Jones also
withdrew his adjournment motion and
! the conference reports were disposed of.
The President may possibly have reas-
ons for preferring that Congress shall not
adjourn al present. There may be a
phase of international complications not
known To the public or TO Congress that
might render ii eXpedient for the session
10 be continued.
OF course this is simply speculation. If
the President has any reason for desiring
! Congress to remainin in session he will. when
the usual joint committee calls to inform
him that Congress is ready TO adjourn
unless he has some further communica-
ton. make his wishes known.
It is reasonable to assume however
that there is nothing within the knowl-
edge of the Executive rendering II desir-
able for Congress to prolOng its sitting
and that adjournment will speedily fol-
low.
1t is not unlikely that the necessary
steps for prompt adjournment will be
taken today.