The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-02
And VIII Probably BE Chief Spokes-
man for His Party When Discus
sion in the House Begins.
SENATOR BEvERIDGE'S PLANS
HE WILL NOT FORCE HIMSELF INTO
THE PHILIPPINES DEBATE,
But May Be Compelled by Wish of
Senate to Tell What He Knows
The Presidents Message.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Representative
Overstreet has been selected by the Re-
publican House. caucus committee to report
the monetary bill to the caucus, and to
make an argument in explanation and sup
port of its provisions. He will probably
also represent the committee in the House
and be put to the front as its chief sp h, So
man in the debate when the measure comes
up for action. This is distinguished hon.
or for the member from Indiana, and is
recognition of his ability as we'll as the
hard work he has put in. Republican
House leaders have been for the last two
days running down reports of opposition to
the caucus Endorsement of the monetary
bill prepared by the committee. The re-
suits satisfy them that the reports have
been greatly exaggerated and that the
measure will be adopted by the caucus
without important amendment. Some
Western members honestly believe the bill
goes too far and that for reasons of policy
it would be better to soften two or three
of the propositions, but they have no no.
ton of carrying their opposition to the
point or revolt against the will Of the ma
jority. 1t is doubtful even if they go so
far as to make an open fight in caucus be-
yond expression of opinion in very mod
take this course by assurances that the
Senate will make changes in the House bill
very much as they would like, and they are
willing to pass that work up to the higher
branch Of Congress. This will remove all
threatened obstacles in the way of the,
prompt passage of the bill through the
House and 1T need occasion no surprise If
a vote is taken ~ the end of next week
The adjournment of the House on Monday,
in respect to the late Vice President Ho-
bart and the interposition of the Roberts
case, may defer action until the first part
of the following week, but it is quite sure
that within ten days after the meeting of
Congress the Senate will have the House
bill sss
Representative Overstreet will probably
live at the Hotel Normandie and Repre-
sentative Steele at the Hotel Dewey for the
session. $50
Senator Beveridge has not specifically au-
thorized the statement that he will make
a speech early in the session on the Philip
pines. Indeed, he has not said definitely
that he would speak at all on the subject
He has steadfastly refused to outline his
programme. maintaining scrupulous re-
serve on that point. The assumption that
he will take part in the debate on our
colonial policy is natural, in view of the
fact that he spent six months in the Phil
ippines, China and Japan, acquainting him.
self with actual conditions in the Orient,
but beyond that and his frequent confer
ences with the President there is really no
authority for the theory. There is no dis
position or purpose on his part to force
himself into the debate, but, in view of the
fact that he has accumulated vast fund
of solid information bearing on the ques-
ton, he cannot well keep out of the discus
sion. The Senate and the country will
want to hear him
Indiana's junior senator has made a re-
markably good impression on public men
since his arrival here. They have found
him dignified gentleman, under superb
self-control and sngularly free from ar
tifciality--a forceful character, in fact, and
they take to him
Senators Gallinger and Hansbrough, on
behalf of the Senate committee on pensions,
have been engaged for the past day or two
taking testimony under resolution passed
by the Senate last session at the instance
of Senator Hansbrough, instructing the
committee to inquire into the wisdom of
revising the pension laws. So far they have
heard Secretary Hitchcock and Assistant
Secretary Davis. of the Interior Depart
ment, and Commissioner Evans and AS
sistant Commissioner Davenport, and they
expect later 10 receive a statement from
tine commander of the Grand Army The
testimony of the officials examined favored
a general revision of the laws by a non
partisan commission.