The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-01-25
THE NEW TERRITORIES.
The Peace Trenfy and the Army Re
organization Bill.

organization Bill.
Washington, Jan. 22.-The fact that tht
anti.scaping bill was made the unfinished
business Of the senate by Saturdays vote
consideration. The general understanding II
that this bill will walt upon the peace treaty
and the appropriation bills, and the lndiar
appropriation bill will be the first measure Il
receive the attention OF the senate during tht
week. The diplomatic and pension appropri
alton bills also may be considered during The
week. Several speeches on the general SUB
ject of expansion are expected 10 be made
TO the governments policy will be made 10
morrow, and Senator Lodge will follow Tues
day with brief talk in support OF the policy
and in advocacy OF the early ratification o
the peace treaty.
How much time will be given to the treaty
In executive session will depend upon wheth
er The committee on foreign relations con
siders IL in the Interest OF the treaty TO press
consideration. There Is an effort to arrange
compromise which would permit SPEEDY
action upon the treaty, but " not successiu
the Indications are for considerable delay
Two compromises are suggested. One of these
IL for a modification Of the treaty or the adop
tion of a resolution declaratorv against tht
permanent holding OF the Philippine archi
pelago, and the other is for mouincntion o.
the army reorganization bill on lines desired
by the treaty opponents. 1t Is not possible
TO state whether either course will be pursued
ARMY REORGANIZATION IN THE HOUSE.
Washington, Jan. 22-The time OF the
house this week, excepting tomorrow which
has been set aside for the consideration o.
District of Columbia business Will be devoted
to the army reorganization bill. The consid
Grafton of this bill, which is regarded as pre-
eminently the most important general meas
ure to come before congress at this session
has been delayed by the illness OF Chairman
has recoved sufficiently to pilot the measure
however, and the house has formally agreed
TO take UP It's consideration op Tuesday: The
general debate, not including three night ses
far as the agreement goes. 1t includes nc
provision for final vote. The debate prom,
ises to be interesting and important, as 1t Will
raise all the questions involved In increasing
our standing army TO 100000 men as proposed
by the bill. together with our whole future
policy relative to the territory acquired In the
recent war with Spain.
There exists a wide variety Of opinions
upon the proposition 70 increase the standing
army. IL has strong majority Of the Repub
licans behind 1t and IL comes into the house
with the endorsement OF the presidents mes
sage, practically as an administration meas
ure.
The Democrats and Populists are intensely
hostile TO the whole proposition and intend
TO fight IL TO the last ditch. They Will have
some support from the Republican side. The
rass the government and are willing to pro
vide for y temporary Increase In the army o.
so 900 men, In accordance with the provisions
OF the sub-Oill offered by the minority OF the
committee. Or they are willing to authorize
the continu uance. tenn porarily, Of the presen
war strength Of the regular army.6O,O0o-
anything, iE fact. to prevent the creation OF .
permanent increase. In this they have the
sympathy Of many OF the Republicans.
The fate Of the bill ia In grave doubt. The
statements made on the floor Of the senate 10
the effect that 1t was not the intention OF the
government to hold the Philippines perma
nentIy, although their authorative character
was denied, have. placed weapon In the
hands of the opponents Of the measure who
will use the statement that there is doubt az
TO the future OF the Philippines as strong
argument against a permanent increase o.
the regular army.
The bill may not be completed this week
as the order permits its consideration to be
Interrupted ny appropriation bills and con
ference reports. One OF these, the military
academy IL on the calendar. The river and
harbor bill will be reported tomorrow and the
naval bill probably before the end OF the
week.