The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-01-23
He viii Take Ground In Opposition 10 The
Governments Present Policy
PASSAGE OF NICARAGUA CANAL BILL.
Cost Of It's Construction Must Not Exceed $1l5,
100000 Gives Government Lien on
Property 10 Secure Il For All Advances.

Washington. Jan. e3.-The fact tha
the anti-scalping bill was made the un-
finished business of the senate by Sat
urday's vote does not necessarily insure
it's immediate consideration. The gem
eral understanding is that this bill will
wait upon the peace treaty and the APP
preparation bills, and that the Indian
appropriation bill will he the first meas
ure to receive the attention of the SEN
ate during the week. The diplomatic
and pension appropriation bills, also,
may be considered during the week.
Several speeches on the subject of
expansion are expected 20 be made. one
OF these, by Senator White. in opposition
60 the governments policy, will be made
today. and Senator Lodge will follow
with a brief talk in support of the policy
and i'm advocacy of the early ratification
OF the peace treaty.
How much time will be given 10 the
treaty i'm executive session will be
pend upon whether the committee on
foreign relations considers ii In the in
terest of the treaty To press considera-
tion. There is an effort TO arrange n
compromise. which would permit speedy
action upon the treaty, but If this is not
successful the indications are for con-
siderable delay. Two compromises are
suggested. one of these is for n modih-
cation of the treaty, or the adoption o.
a resolution deslaratory against the per-
manent holding of the Philippine archi-
pelago. and the other is for modifica-
tion of the army reorganization bill, on
lines desired by the treaty opponents.
Il is not yet possible To state whether
either course will be pursued.
The time OF the house this week, ex
cept today. which was set aside for the
consideration OF District of Columbia
business, will be devoted TO the army re-
organization bill.
The consideration of this bill, which is
regarded as pre-eminently the most im-
portant general measure TO come before
congress at this session. has been de-
layed by the illness of Chairman Hull Of
the military affairs committee. He has
recovered sufficiently 60 pilot the meas
ure. however and the house has for
mally agreed TO take up it's consideration
tomorrow The general debate, not in
Guiding three night sessions. is 10 con
tinue 10 hours This is as fer as the
agreement goes. 1t includes no pro-
vision for a final vote.
The debate promises TO be both inter-
esting and important as IL will raise all
the questions involved i'm increasing our
standing army to 100. 600 men. as proposed
by the bill, together with our whole fu-
ture policy relative to the territory ac-
quired in the recent war with Spain
There exist a wide varis,y OF opinions
on the proposition 20 increase .he stand
ing army. 1T has strong majority OF
the Republicans behind il, and il comes
into the house with the Endorsement OF
the presidents message, practically as
an administration measure. The Demo-
Gratis and Populsts are intensely hostile
10 the whole proposition and intend to
fight IL to the last ditch. They will have
some support from the Republican side
The opposition, however, do not desire
TO embarrass the government and are
willing to provide for a temporary in
crease in the army OF $4,000 men In ac-
cordance with the provisions of the sub
,etitute bill offered by the minority Of the
committee Or they are willing to au-
thorize the continuance temporarily. Of
the present war strength of the regular
army (62O00; anything, In fact, to pre-
vent the creation of n permanent in
crease. Inthis they have the sympathy
OF many Of the Republicans.
The fate Of the bill Is in grave doubt.
The statements made on the floor of the
senate TO the effect that il was not the
intention Of the government TO hold the
Philippines Permanently. although their
authoritative character was denied. have
placed a wea 0on I'm the hands OF the op-
ponents of the measure, who will use the
statement that there is doubt as TO the
future of the Philippines as a strong
argument against permanent increase
OF the regul,r army. The bill may not
he completed this week. as the order
permits its consideration to be inter
Iupted by appropriation bills and con-
ference reports. one OF these, the milf
tary academy is on the calendar. The
river and harbor bill will be reported to-
day. and the naval bill probably before
the end Of the week.
The senate passed the Nicaragua canal
bill Saturday. a number OF amendments
were made TO the bill. and there were
many short speeches during the day
There was. however. no opposition 10 a
vote when the time came. and rullcaI
developed only six votes In opposition "a
final passage.
The Nicaragua bill. as II passed con.
tinues the name Of the Maritime Cana
company. II provides for the issuance %
u. 100000 shares of stock Of 800 each. Tn,
canal company is required 60 call In Al
the stock Issued except that held by the
Nicaraguan and Costa Rican govern
ments. The company is also REQUIRED 4,
redeem and cancel al bonds and scril
heretofore issued hy the company and {,
satisfy all cash liabilities no enabl,
the company to comply with this re-.
quircment. treasury Warrants to IN,
amount OF s. 600 900 are authorized. witt
provlso 90 the effect that only so muci
IL The nt,nnnI ahnn he rnll - shnn D.