The evening times., 1899-05-10
GENERAL POLITICAL
NEWS AND GOSSIP.


weeks ago an extra session Of the Fifty
sixth Congress was among the remote pos
sibilities. 1t is now regarded as almost .
certainty. The matter has been the sub
ject of frequent discussions at Cabinet
meetings of late. and 1t can be stated on
the highest authority that the conclusion
arrived at was that an extra session was
advisable. 1t is understood that the an
nouncement OF the Presidents intention to
call an extra session will be made infor-
mally upon his return from his vacation
next week The date for the meeting OF
the extra session is yet to be determined.
1t will depend somewhat, II is understood.
on affairs in the Philippines. If the war
in the islands should be terminated within
the next thirty days. as seems quite like
ly, Congress will probably be in session
some time in August or by the 1st of Sep
tember. The President wishes to have
the Philippine problem solved by Congress
as soon as possible.
Said an Administration spokesman to-
day:
Another powerful controlling motive that is
actuating the President is his strong desire TO
have early and positve action taken with re-
spect to the currency question: He is said to be
not thoroughly satisfied with the results of the
deliberations of the Republican House Caucus
Committee, which recently formulated bill for
introduction in the House when it convenes
again Although the members Of that commit
tee unusually reticcnt. il is understood that
the committee has not in all respects followed
the suggestions Of the President. Four strong
points were brought out by the President, and
the committee was thoroughly acquainted with
his position. These recommendations were:
First-A provision that will make the
called endless chain used by the redemption
of greenbacks with gold. and consequent runs
upon the Treasury impossible
Second-That National Banks permitted to
issue circulation up to the BAR value Of the
bonds deposited TO secure that circulation. in
stead of only 90 per cent, as at present.
Third-A reduction Of the tax National
Bank circulation. the present tax being l per
cent.
Fourth-TIat National Banks with capital
OF only s25.ts0 be authorized to be established
in small towns, the minimum now being
$590OO
The Spenkernhip COntest.-There is
another Richmond In the field after the
Speakership OF the Fffty-sixt Congress.
Representative Harry H. Bingham. who
arrived in Washington last night. an
nounces that he is a candidate for Mr..
Reeds mantle. Bingham has been in
Congress for over twenty years. 1t the
matter OF the length of his continuous
service he is entitled to claim the dis
tinction of being the Father of the
House." but it is pointed out that that
does not necessarily give him a mortgage
on the Speakers gavel. However. Mr..
Bingham is popular. and il the Pennsyl-
vania delegation stands by him he may te-
come a factor in the contest. II is pretty
generally understood in political circles
that Mr. Bingham has been trutted out by
Quay in order TO head Of the aspirations
of Mr.. Dalzell of Pittsburg. Postmaster
rut Hhar Stpitt, hac hoo
, calling loudly in his Philadelphia news
paper upon the Pennsylvania delegation
TO present q candidate for Speaker. Mr..
Smiths object was to force the delegation
TO unite on Mr. Dalzell. but Quay has neat
ly forestailed him by bringing Bingham to
the front The latter has always been
loyal to the Beaver statesman. In an in
terview on his candidacy today. Mr.. Bing
ham said:
Ny great personal reere, Is that the Hon Jo-
seph G.. Cannon. chairman of the Committee
Appropriations for several Congresses. is not Il
candidate. the Illinois State delegation having
agreed to support Mr.. Hopkins Mr.. Cannon.
understand. accepts their conclusions. ard is.
therefore, ont Of the contest. would have voted
for him with confidence. feeling that ] was aid
ing To the Speakers chair one OF the abic-t and
wisest ct our members lie X AZ brave and hon
ct Speaker Reed. familiar with the rules. and
loves responsibility and work. | have been as
s,cated with him for number Of years in the
committee on appropriations, ana well KNOW
The value oil his good Judgment upon all public
questions
In view oi the sentiment that seems prevail
in State and very large Republican rep
reSentation. ! of the opinion thar pennsyi-
yania should have candidate. Grow, Mahon.
Dalzrll. and Brosius all experienced and ,apl-
be men. and could administer the office with
ability ami safety. Several Of my Pennsylvania
colleagues have written me concerning my avail
ability. and urged my serious consideration Of
contest. As they write. they regard me as tic
oniy member who could secure the united vote
of our delegation. While that is complimentary.
and perhaps generous. am not sure that their
conclusion is correct.
Whatever may be the determination of my col
leagues after full and free delibsrstion would
he satisfactory 10 me- !. of course will accept
any decision they may reach.
The great Office of speaker, in its dignity and
character is of serious responsibility, hard
labor. watrifulness, and neyerending annoy oysnccs.
One needs 10 bs a member OF the iiou>e but
few years clearly how onerous and eyIct-
ing are the dlily duties of the Speaker At the
time compensation is found in the nppor
tunities for good legislation for the people far
outweighing all the labors. and worthy the
hition of any Representative in the fifIy-siNth