The herald., 1898-03-21
DEFENSE PREPARATIONS
WILL BE RAPIDLY PUSHED IN
EVERY EVENT
WORK IN CONGRESS
Depends Largely Upon the Presenta-
ton of the Maine Report and
Presidential Message
Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON. March a.-Whether the
report of the naval board OF inquiry on the
Maine disaster goes to congress this week
with a special message from the president
calling for congressional action on rela-
tions with Spain and the proximity of war
as viewed from the standpoint of emers-
ency. preparations now going on to place
the country in state of defense probably
will be eXhausuively debated in the house
in connection with the naval appropriation
bill, the consideration Of which will begin
on Tuesday. The many emergency items
in the bill. the large increase in the enlist
ed force. the liberal provision for battle
ships, torpedo boats and dry docks will
bring the whole subject Of the necessity
for the preparations directly before the
house. While conservative leaders doubt
less will seek to prevent inflammatory ex-
presTons under the recent ruling of the
speaker. which practically places no limit
upon the latitude of debate in committee
of the whole on the state Of the union, the
leaders. except by their example. probably
will be unable to repress sensational
speeches.
An effort is likely upon the part Of some
of the radicals to force from those in the
confidence of the administration decara-
ton Of the policy of the administration re-
gardng Cuba. This they hope to do by
taunting them with some of the rumors
which have been floating about in the
newspapers during the past few days. Al
together, 1t is likely there will be a gen.
eral expression of the sentiments of the
house on this question before the bill is
passed. Should the president transmit the
report of the board of inquiry with a re-
quest for congressional action during the
week, everything else will give way to it,
any action that might be decided upon
would be In complete control OF the Re
publican leaders, as no limit is to be put
upon debate. If the report of the board
does not go to congress this week, the
naval bill will probably consume all the
time after tomorrow. But II It should be
passed before Saturday, which seems un-
likely, the bill for the reorganization Of the
army and authorization for recruiting 1t to
footing aggregeting 10000 men in time
of war, will be taken UP. Tomorrow the
bill for the relief Of the victims Of the
Maine will be called up Immediately after
the reading of the journal, under the ar
rangement made last week. 1t is not ex-
pected to consume much time. but proba
bly, will be made the occasion of several
patriotic speeches in eulogy Of the hero
ism of the sailors who went down to their
tragic death. The rest OF the day will be
occupied in the consideration of private
bills. in pursuance of the order OF last
Friday.
Altogether, 1t promises 20 be an exceed
ingly eventful, If not sensational, week in
the house.
IN THE SENATE
WASHINGTON, March 20.-No program
has been prepared for the senate for. the
present week, and the course of events is
liable to be influenced largely by the de-
velopments from the outside. The quaran-
tine bill is the unfinished business on the
senate calendar, and II opportunity offers
Senator Pettigrew will get up his public
land bill. 1t is expected the sundry civil
appropriation bill will be reported On
Wednesday or Thursday and If it should be
it may be taken later in the week.
The senate committee is making many
changes in the bill, and it will consume
several days of the time of the senate when