The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-12-04
Meeting Of Congress.

The Fifty sixth Congress, which
eonvenes to-day, promises to be the
most important in Disappointing in
the annals of the country since the
time OF Washington. Extraordinary
conditions have arisen out of the war
with Spain, presenting problems never
before encountered in the life Of the
Nation. The policies of the Republican
party have been growing stronger in
public favor day by day against the
unreasonIng. cavllllng factions of the
Democratic party, and, we regret to
say, some dIssentlent voices within It's
own ranks. 1t is believed. however,
that the Republican party will present
a solid front to the enemies Of the adj
ADMINISTRATION and meet all the respon-
sIbillties that have been thrust upon It
with the same fearless and conscien-
tious performance Of its duty
that has always characterized
its acts, guiding the Nation
to Its manifest destiny as the
leader of the family of nations Of the
world. We are confident, too. that It
viii make sood use Of the opportuni-
ties which Providence in His wisdom
has set before 1t for the uplifting Of an
oppressed people. and that 1t viii carry
the torch Of civilization to the darkest
corners of the globe giving them the
widest liberty consistent with safety to
themselves, and bestow upon them the
blessings OF government uneqaaled
for justice and elevatlng In its minis
tratlons.
The most important matter that Will
be presented for solution will be the
Philippines and their final disposition.
whether ultimate self-government
shall be their fate cannot be decided
at present under the conditions that
now prevail in the archipelago. but
there will undoubtedly be some definl-
ton of the attitude of this government
towards the Islands which will serve
TO compose peace and allow fair trial
OF American ideas with regard to law
and order and exact Justice to all.
The Cuban question will be another
problem, but one much easier of solu-
ton for Congress. as lntimated in the
report OF the secretary Of war By
April next the census of Cuba Will have
been completed, and this government
shall then be ready to provide for mu-
nlcipal elections, placing local govern
ment in the hands of the citizens, and
these local governments will form
representative convention to frame a
constitution and provide for a general
Eoyarnment of the island. to which the
United States will surrender the reIns
Of government.
A government for Porto Rico has
been suggested. and as there is no ques-
ton Of our rights there under the treaty
Of peace with Spain there is not likely
to be any serious differences in estab-
fishing a wholesome state Of affairs on
that island.
Financial legislation in the line Of
carrying out the pledges made by the
Republican party in"its platform will
engage a great deal of the time of
both houses The house, we believe.
Will pass the caucus bill putting the
gold standard into the law Of the land,
and forever settling that vexed ques-
ton, in short time, but the more delib-
crate senate will require longer sea-
son for It's discussion. and in which
body 1t viii meet with the most serious
opposition. It's final passage, though.
is assured in all its essential details.
The case Of the Mormon member
elect will be new question with the
house OF representatives in passing
upon the qualifications OF It's members.
There is no doubt about the sentiment
of the country In regard to Mr.. Rob
erts. but It remains to be seen whether
sentiment and the law and the facts
agree in this matter. II they do Mr..
Roberts Will not be allowed to partici-
pate in the deliberations Of that body.
Otherwise he will take and retain his
seat.