The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-05-07
AN EXTRA SESSION PROBABLE.

AN EXTRA SESSION PROBABLE.
Some of the Republican leaders who
have talked with the President within
the last few days are Of the opinion that
Congress will be called together early In
October. They don't base this opinion
on any direct statement the President
has made In respect TO the matter. but
upon some questions which he has asked
and suggestions which he has made.
The impression is sought to be created
that the President is anxious that there
shall be financial legisla ton in accord
ance with the declarations of the Repub-
llcan platform before the meeting of the
national conventions next year. The Re
publican caucus committee. appointed to
make recommendations for financial leg
islauon, met at Atlantic City several
weeks ago II completed its work last
week and will be ready to make It's re-
port to the Republicans of the House
when Congress meets. 1t is said that it
viii recommend that the financial sugges-
lions made In the Presidents last mes
sage be closely adhered to In framing a
currency reform bill
1t is probable that there will be an ex-
ira session of Congress. but not for the
purpose of Fastening the passage of a
currency reform bill. The Republicans
have no intention of passing a bill of that
kind on the eve of a presidential election.
They may pretend that they want to pass
IT, but they will find a way for prevent
ing any such legislation while appearing
to be anxious for it.
No currency bill that could be passed
would give satisfaction. Indeed, it would
be difficult matter to get the Republi-
cans to agree upon a currency bill. 1t
would not be good politics 10 enact finan-
cial legislation which could not be given
a trial before the presidential election
legislation which would meet with great
deal of opposition, whatever its features
might be. The Republican leaders
are much too shrewd to do anything of
that kind. They will permit efforts In be-
half of financial legislation-in fact they
will take the lead in such efforts-but they
will take care that they are not success
full.
Congress will have a great deal to do,
and 1t is probable that there will be some
things the President will want done be-
fore the end of the present year. That
Is the reason probably why he is thinking
of calling Congress together in October.
In view of the fact that Mr.. Reed win
not be a candidate for speaker it may
take week or two to elect speaker.
And 1t will take a month to organize the
committees. Therefore, IL Congress should
be called together early in October 1t
would be well along towards December be-
before the House would be ready for bust
ness. If Congress should not meet until
the time for its regular session, the
House would not be ready for business
before some time in January. Under
such circumstances 1t would be a very
difficult matter to get any legislation of
importance enacted before the meeting of
the national conventions of the great
political parties.
If Congress Is called In extra session
therefore 1t will be for the purpose of set
Ting upon a policy for the Philippines,
and to determine upon a course of action
| In respect to Cuba and Porto Rico. There
are signs of restlessness In Cuba and 1t
may be necessary, for the good Of the
island, for Congress to make a clearly
| defined declaration of the purpose of the
! government in regard to it. There is no
doubt there ought to be financial legisla-
ton of some sort, but the country will
have to wait for 1t until after the presi-
dental election.