The Portland daily press., 1899-03-02

| Washington, March |. - The last linger-
| ing possibility of a extra session Of Con-
gress disappeared today when the House
passed the Senate army re. organization
| bill. Very considerable and vigorous OPP
position to the acceptance of the Senate
| bill was voiced on both sides of the hall
and for time it appeared possible that
the bill would not secure the necessary
wo-thirds to pass 1t under suspension of
the rules But the Republican leaders,
| Al essrs Henderson, Grosvenor and Can
non, came to Its support on the Republi-
can side and Mr.. Bailey, the Democratic
leader. threw the weight OF mis- influence
| In favor of it on the Democratic side.
arguing that 1t provided for only tenn
porary increase of the army which would
be made permanent IL Congress were con-
yened in extra session. Another big ele-
ment In the vote was MIR. Hull's recital
of a statement made by the PRESIDENT to
him that he would not coDstrue section IL
as authority to consoript the minority In
| volunteer organizations which should
| elect to remain in the service. The bill
passed 203 to 32. 1t now goes to the Presi.
dent. The decks were also cleared of
many important matters. The general
deficiency appropriation bill, carrying
SCI ,Os9. 900 was passed under suspension
OF the rules without a word of criticism.
This is the last of the appropriation bills.
The Senate amendments to the river and
harbor bill were non .concurred in and 1t
was sent to conference, the friends of the
Nicaragua canal amendment having fe-
cided to postpone their tight until the
conferees report. The conference reports
on the omnibus claims bills, the naval
personnel and many other less important
measures were agreed to. The Senate bill
making Dewey full admiral was passed.
The bill now goes to the President for his
signature
SENATE CLEARING ITS DECKS.
The Naval BIn was Passed Yester-
washington, March /. One of the tirst
acts of the Senate today was the oousid-
Grafton Of the bill carrying $4,000, 600
with which to pay Spain for relinquish-
ing the Philippines, in accordance with
the treaty of Paris.
Mr.. Allison of Iowa, reported the meas
ure from the committed on appropriations
and asked for its immediate considera-
ton. The bill was laid before the Senate
and in half minute without word of
debate.
MIR. Cullom of Illinois, addressed the
Senate upon the bill creating a form Of
government for the territory of Hawaii.
He did not expect, he said, to secure
the passage of the bill at this session of
Congress. MIR. Perkins inquired of Mr..
Cullom whether any provision existed
regarding the allen contract laws applica.
ble to the states and territories OF the
United States?
None whatever" replied Mr.. Cullom.
"Unless we take action before the close
of the present session." suggested MIR.
Perkins las many contract laborers as
desired may be imported into Hawaii.
'Doubtiess that Is true" replied Mr..
Cullom."
MIR. Cullom discussed at length the
acquisition of territory of the United
States at various times. In this connec-
tion he referred to Mir. Hoar of MassRchu-
setts as a gentle representative OF the
anti-materialists of former days.
In conclusion MIR. Cullom said 1t might
be that the counsel of some who were
halting patriots could prevail in some
way and that our flag should be luwered
in Porto Rico and the Philippines; but,
however, that may be. nobody however
stapnant. would prevail the United
States flag from floating in the sunlight
air of Hawaii.
MIR. Allen called up the resolution OF
Mr.. Vest in relation to the acquisition
OF foreign territory by the United states
and delivered upon 1t his valedictory;
Six years ago, he said, he had entered
the Senate chamber as the single mem
ber. in this body, of q new political par,
ty. $40 be "a pioneer of new political
party" said he, was by no means an
easy task" but he would retire from tne
Senate with the consciousness OF having
done his duty as best he could and OF not
having committed an act or said woru
that he would not repeat in like cirouns.
stances. He had formed many pleasant
friendships during his mem bership OF
the Senate, and he acknowledged oeot
of gratitude to many Of his colleagues
and to Vice-Presideuts Stevenson ana no
bart for their uniform and courteous