The times., 1899-12-11
FIRST WEEK IN CONGRESS.
Senators HAVE Worked Five Hour
in Four Days.

Senators Have Worked Five Hours
in Four Days.
Five and oue-haIf hours distributed over
a period Of four days. marks the actual
time spent iu session by the Senate during
The first week Of the FifJy-sixth Congress
The week has been void of tangible re-
suits from legislative standpoint. The
realization that the political complexion OF
The BODY has changed since its last meeting
is doubtless a cause for the shortness Of
the daily sessions and has necessitate5 con
siderable caucus work By members OF the
different political parties The work that
has been accomplished in the way Of re-
organization. although considerable in the
way Of tentative plans, has, As yet, not been
announced.
The Republican Committee on Commit
tees under the Craftsmanship Of Senator
Allison, has bzen making a careful canvass
10 ascertain the desires Of the members OF
their party as to appointments on commit
tees. This has been done by correspond
ence. each Republican Senator having had
sent 10 him a plan Of the reorganization,
showing the changes that are contemplated
in the various committees, together with
a request that he indicate his choice OF the
places 70 be fixed. Many answers have
bsen made 10 this request, and it is believed
that the committee Will today practically
settle the question of the personnel OF
the Senate committees.
The Democratic Caucus Committee, with
Senator James X Jones as chairman. has
not been idle. While it is known that
Democratic committee representation is to
be cut down. nevertheless, every encroach-
ment by the Republicans in this direction
is 10 be stUbkOrnly contested. the Demo-
Gratis being determined TO maintain their
former committee representation where
ever possible.
The actual work Of reorganization viii
undoubtedly be accomplished early in the
present week. Very little is being made
public respecting changes in the offering
Of the Senate Whether the clerk and
sergeant-st-arms. and other minor officers
are 10 be replaced by appOintees Of the
party Of the majority. OF the present in
cumbsnts allowed to continue in their posi-
tf0ns is stiu a matter or speculation. Nc
charges OF any character have been prefer
red against any Of the old officers and
there seems TO be no great political pres
sure being brought 70 bear for these places
The large number OF bills that have been
introduced and referred 20 committees viii
OF course not receive attention until the
committees are reCrganiZed, and until this
IS accomplished the most that can be done
viii be the Introduction OF more bills.
There Is a large number Of Presidential ap-
F0intmeats awaiting confirmation by the
Senate. The consideration Of these ap-
p0inments vii doubtless be begun immC-
diately and viii result in executive ses-
sicns being held AT the close OF the open
session each day.
on Saturday the question Of the seating
of Matthew :. Quay viii be argued before
the Committee on Privileges and Elections
which has been temporarily reorgauized.
Subcommittee OF this committee viii alsi
take up the contests IN the cases Of Sen.
at0r Clark OF Montana and Senator Scot
Of West Virginia
Local legislation is 10 be taken up b.
the Committee on the District Of Columbii
as soon as the reorganization process i
accomplished The regular meeting da
Of this committee is Friday and Chairman
Mcmillan has indicated that the first meet
ing Of the committee viii take place ol
the first Friday after the reorganization
There are twO vacancies in this committe
caused by the retirement OF former Sena
tors German and Faulkner and il is ais
understood that Senator Bacon wishes L
be relieved from further service on tn
District Committee. II has been Indicate
that 0ulY one Democrat will be appointe
aud that Republicans viii be given u
other vacant places.
The Senate viii meet today at noon.