Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-01-23
HOUSE READY FOR MOST IMPORT
ANT MEASURE OF SESSION.
ITS FATE IS IN GRAVE DOUBT
DEMOCRATS AND POPS TO FIGHT
PERMANENT INCREASE.
Are Ready to Agree to Almost Any
Kind of Temporary Expedient
-Bill to he Called Up To-
day-WOrk of the
Senate.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 22.-The time of the
house this week, excepting tomorrow
which has been set aside for the considera-
tion of District of Columbia business, will
be devoted TO the army reorganization bill
The consideration of this bill, which is
regarded as pre-eminently the most impor-
tant general measure to come before con-
Sress at this session, has been delayed by
the illness of Chairman Hull, of the mill
tary affairs committee. He has recovered
sufficiently to pilot the measure. however.
aud the house has formally agreed to take
up its consideration on Tuesday. The gen.
eral debate. not including three night ses-
sions, is to continue fifteen hours. This is
as far as the agreement goes. 1t includes
no provision for a final vote.
The debate promises to be both interest
ing and important, as it will raise all the
questions involved in increasing our stand
ing army to 100000 men as proposed by the
bill. together with our whole future policy
relative to the territory acquired in the re-
cent war with Spain.
There exists wide variety of opinions
upon the proposition to increase the stand
,ing army. 1t has strong majority of the
Republicans behind it and it comes into
the house with the Endorsement OF the
presidents message practically as an ad-
ministration measure. The Democrats and
Populists are intensely hostile TO the whole
proposition, and intend to fight 1t to the
last ditch. They will have some support
from the Republican side.
The opposition. however do not desire 10
embarrass the government, and are willing
to provide for temporary increase IN the
army of $1,000 men, in accordance with the
provisions of the substitute bill offered by
the minority Of the committee. Or they are
| willing to authorize the continuance, tenn
porarily, of the present war strength of the
regular army co.. .000)-anything. in fact, to
prevent the creation Of a permanent in
crease. In this 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 it was not the
intention of the government to hold the
Philippines permanently, although their
authoritative character was denied. have
placed a weapon in 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 argu-
| ment against permanent increase of the
regular army. The bill may not be COM
pleted this week, as the order permits Its
consideration to be interrupted by appro-
priation bills and conference reports. One
of these, the military academy is on the
calendar. The river and harbor bill will
be reported tomorrow. and the naval bill
probably before the end of the week.
The fact that the anti-scalping bill was
made the unfinished business of the SEN
ate by Saturdays vote does not necessar-
lily insure it's immediate consideration. The
general understanding is that this bill will
wait upon the peace treaty and the ap-
| preparation bills. and that the Indian ap-
| preparation bill will be the first measure
to receive the attention of the senate dur
ing the week. The diplomatic and pen
sion appropriation bills. also. may be con-
sidered during the week.
Several speeches on the general subject
of expansion are expected to be made One
Of these. by Senator White. in opposition
to the governments policy. will be made
| tomorrow and Senator Lodge will follow
Tuesday with brief talk in support of
the policy and in advocacy of the early
ratification OF the peace treaty
How much time will be gwen to the
| treaty in executive session vii depend upon
whether the committee on foreign rela-
treaty to press consideration. There is an
effort to arrange compromise which
would permit speedy action upon the
treaty, but If this is not successful the in
dications are for considerable delay. Two
| compromises are suggested. One Of these
| Is for modification of the treaty or the
adoption of resolution declaring against
| the permanent holding of the Philippine
cation OF the army reorganization bill On
| lines desired by the treaty Opponents II
| is not yet possible to state whether either
course will be pursued.
giles of the late Representative Cook of
| Illinois.