New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-10
EXTRA SESSION PROBABLE.
THE PRESIDENT STRONGLY INCLINED
TO CALL CONGRESS TOGETHER.
HE WANTS THE PHILIPPINE POLICY DE-
FINED AND THE CURRENCY QUES-
TIoN SETTLED BEFORE THE
NEXT NATIONAL CAM
PAIGN OPENS.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIPUyE.l
Washington, May 9-The revival OF the talk
Of an extra session Of Congress has more behind
1t than idle gossip The contingency OF such
session has been discussed at Cabinet meet
ing, and member Of that body who was present
at the time ia authority for the statement that
the Presidents mind is strongly inclined toward
such a move. Two reasons chiefly control the
President in this matter.
He wishes the policy OF the Government with
respect to the Philippines defined and the cur
rency question disposed OF before the party en-
ters the campaign Of 1900. The President has
declared his belief to his advisers that peace
Will be established In the Philippines within the
next thirty days, and that the ownership ana
possession Of those islands will no longer be dis
puted. This subject coming TO him so soon, he
does not care to formulate policy with respect
to their government. the degree OF home rule TO
be granted to them, etc, without the aid or
Congress. in whose hands he placed the whole
subject In his Message to that body.
The President is unwilling to do anything that
will lessen the present abundant prospects OF
success for his party in the coming campaign.
He fears that anything looking like delay or In
decision will have bad effect For this reason
he wants the whole country to know before 1900
exactly what the policy Of the Government will
be with respect to possessions in the Far East.
EARLY ACTION ON CURRENCY WANTED.
Another powerful controlling motive that is
actuating the President is his strong desire to
have early and positive 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 are unusually reticent It 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 so
called endless chain caused by the redemption
OF greenbacks with gold and consequent runs
upon the Treasury reserve Impossible
Second-That National banks be permitted 70
issue circulation up to the par value or the
bonds deposited TO secure that circulation IN
stead Of only 80 per cent, as at present:
Third-A reduction of the tax on National
bank circulation the present tax being i per
cent. .
Fourth-That National banks with capital
OF only S25 900 be authorized to be established
in small towns the minimum now being
SO, 900.
Not being satisfied that the measure formu-
lated by the House Committee meets the situa-
ton the President wishes the whole question
taken I'D and disposed Of as early as possible,
so that It may not be a factor In the coming
campaign This also appears to be the view OF
the leaders Mr. Aldrch. chairman Of the Sen
ate Committee on Finance, who has just re-
turned from Europe. in an interview In New
York IN The Tribune recently said he would
call his committee together as soon as possi-
ble and as he expressed 1t. get right down 10
business" This committee was authorized to
sit during the recess. but 1t was believed that
not until the cool months Of the fall season
would It really do any work on the subject The
declaration Of Chairman Aldrich evidently indi-
Gates a change of programme.
INVITATIONS TO CONGREssMEN.
In his talks with Senators and Representa-
tives. particularly those who intended spending
the summer abroad, the President has intimated
the possibility of legislative emergency that
would require their presence in Washington
earlier than was thought likely when the Lvth
Congress adjourned. The struggle over the
speal,ership will consume time that was not
anticipated. Although the President is extreme
ly cautious how he discusses even the possioili-
ty of a special session Of Congress. his advisers
who are closest TO him regard special session
as almost an assured fact. The man on whose
authority the above expressions are based Is of
the opinion that when the President returns
from Hot Springs. where he has gone for rest,
he will permit 1t to become semi-officially known
that Congress is to be convened some two or
three months earlier than the date for the regu-
lar meeting.
THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT LAUNCHED.