The evening times., 1899-10-30

! city ptcpdliu6 iOi thc tohhhc se'SAoA1
Of Congress. Scores OF bills have been
! prepared for introduction covering finan-
| cial legislation, the Philippine question,
/ the increase Of the army and navy. and
about every other subject that is liable
/ to be considered. Ali of the authors. how
| ever. declined today to discuss legislation
! except in a general way. The general
opinion expressed, however was that at no
| time since the reconstruction days has
| there been SO much important legislation
! to be disposed OF as that which will con-
front the Congress at this session. During
the last session much needed legislation
was ignored for political and other reasons.
which the incoming Congress must meet
and attend to.
There can be no longer an evasion OF
currency reform measure. SO called" said
one CT the Representatives today, al
though il is said that great doubt exists
if the programme mapped out for this leg
islative enactment will be reform.
Two Congresses have dallied with this
matter without accomplishing anything
further than to succeed in designating a
committee during the closing hours OF the
session to prepare bill for currency re-
FORM The House committee held its ses-
sions during the heated term at a seashore
resort, and after much secret discussion
finally decided to recommend the passage
of bill which will provide for bank cur
rency up to the par value of bonds; to
reduce the minimum amount required by
banks to do business to 5000 OF bonds;
to declare for gold standard, and to pre-
vent the reissue of greenbacks that are re-
deemed in gold unless the reissue be made
redeemable only in gold.
1T is known for a certainty that the
Senate committee will not accept this pro-
posed bill, as it will be presented by the
House. The Senate committee will meet
about two weeks before Congress convenes
for the purpose of taking up this matter
and the notifications that the Senate COM
mittee will insist upon will necessitate
conference As to the outcome of the
conference nothing but conjecture can be
INDUCED in.
THE banks and corporations made an
earnest effort last year to secure legisla-
tion on the lines mentioned, but for politi-
cal reasons the Administration secured a
postponement of action until Congress as
sembles. The Administration is under
pledge to provide for the banks. trusts,
and other corporations. and it must do so
during the approaching session. or meet
with a pronounced disapprobaticn from
them that may have its effect in the
election in 1900.
Other legislation, which when the
nearness OF the Presidential election is
contemplated is Of great political import
ance, will be respecting trusts. Ii is known
for a certainty that the Industrial Com
mission will make recommendations TO
Congress having in view the restriction
or control of these monopolies. and much
wire pulling may be anticipated. That it
will be extremely difficult. however. 10 OBJ
tain legislation affecting the interests OF
trusts is very probable. but when it is re-
membered that the Republicans in the
House will have but twelve majority. and
that many Republicans have placed them
selves on record as being antagonistic to
aEgregaticns of capital. coalition with the
minority may be threatened or effected
which will pass bill.
''lt is not expected that the easy-work-
ing majority in the Senate will permit the
Republicans of that branch of Congress to
ignore any bill the House may pass which
will restrict trusts.
The recently acquired colonial posses
sons have, in the opinion of many of the
ahlest men in either of the great parties,
made it necessary TO adj a new depart
ment TO the Cabinet, and there is a grow
ing belief that the President will in his
message to Congress call attention to this
matter. and recommend that colonial de-
partment be created. Reasons for such a
department are apparent, and ii is believed
that the Republican majority will gladly
create it, for the establishment of new
and great department means patronage to
dispose of. 1t is thought that recommended
tions looking to the creation of colonial
department will be opposed by the Demo-
cratic leaders, who will claim it to be
another evidence of Imperialism and Re-
publican desire for political aggrandise-
ment.
Aside from the new Cabinet portfolio,
there is much legislation required respect |
ing Cuba and Porto Rico. The Philippines |
viii probably not be the subject of legis- |
lation. because of the unsettled condition |
of affairs there. Hawaii, too must be |
legisIated for"
A prominent Republican said yesterday |
that. in his opinion. the Republicans would |
pursue a dilatory policy respecting colo |
nial legislation, for fear of antagonizing |
public opinion and supplying weapons to |
those who call themselves anti-imperial- |
sts.
THE usual appropriation bills will be
passed as soon as possible continued the |
1T is understood that the |
Republican majority will try to pass them
all before taking up any other legislation,
so that if it should be deemed polite an
early adjournment might be had. At pres
ant there is nothing to indicate that the
session will be a short one. The evi-
ience is all the other way, and it
is a certainty that if all of the
great measures that should be disposed
Of are permitted TO come up for action
he session will extend into July or August
although it has been an established prece-
lent to adjourn very early when a general
election is at hand.
For a number of years a determined
effort has been made TO place greater re-
itrictions upon immigration. A bill embody-
ng the educational test very nearly became
law during the Fifty-fifth Congress. This
,in will be resurrected, and it is thought
will be endorsed by the United States In
lustrial Commission. II is believed to be
mong the probabilities that bill having
EDUCATIONAL qualifications for immigrants
will pass.
Another important matter to be legs-
ated upon is the Isthmian Canal. A COM
mission is now making a final examination
IS to the cost, etc., OF this great improve
reut. If the Commission can end its la
,ors in time to make to the President full
nd final report, the President WILL it is
,alieved. dwell particularly upon this mat
er and urge that the necessary Legislation
e granted to enable the construction of the
anal 1t will be shown that canal now.
5 of almost as great national need as
avy is owing to the necessity of proyid-
ng protection for the Pacific Slope, Hawaii,
nd the Philippines.
While it has not been determined upon