The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-17
WILL THERE BE AN EXTRA sEs-
STnNs

SION:
An interest ting question in Washington
at the present time is. will there be an
extra session of Congress? It was stated
in our dispatches yesterday that the Pres
ident had told some of the leading mem
bers of Congress that unless the army re-
organization bill were passed by this Con-
gress an extra session would be called.
And what are the prospects for the pas
sage of the bill before the adjournment of
Congress? 1t must be admitted that they
are not very promising. Only about two
weeks Of he life of the prs sent Congress re-
main, and there is great opposition to the
bill. There are senators VINO intend to use
all the means in their power TO prevent
its passa ge-at least that is the report
from Washington. They seem TO think
that if they can prevent the passage of
the bill al this session their opposition TO
the course the administration is pursu-
ing ia the Philippines will be emphasized.
Then, again, there are senators who are
sincere ia the belief ahat an army of 10o,-
800 men, for which the bill provides is en-
tirely too large. and will impose an unnec-
essary burden on the country.
The bill was reported to the Senate We'd
nesday by the committee which has it in
charge. The committee made no changes
in 1t. 1t reported it just as it passed the
House. Evidently that was done with the
hope of Fastening its passage in the Sen
ate. But there viii be amendments Of
fered. There is no doubt about that. And
the bill will be the subject of a great deal
of discussion.
1t Is not known what position those Re
publican senators who opposed the ratih-
cation of the treaty will take on it. 1t may
be they will try to defeat it with the hope
of preventing further efforts 10 establish
our authority in the Philippines. They are
against the war with the Filipinos,
thinking that il is unnecessary to conquer
them before coming 40 an understanding
with them. The President, however, has
evidently made up his mind that the bill
must become a law. The administration
would be left IN a rather embarrassing
position If the bill should not be passed.
The volunteers, who enlisted for two years
VI udiAA4S tiAC wal arc ~ 10
mustered out of thu service. They claim
that the war is practically at an end.
1t will be at an end just as soon as Spain
signs the treaty of peace 1t is probable
that she will do that within the next
two or three weeks. The President Will
not be able to hold the volunteers after
the treaty is signed, and there are thous-
- - bo
who occupy a position similar to that of
the volunteers. They enlisted for the war.
If all of those entitled to a discharge on
the signing of the peace treaty should be
mustered out at that time, the govern
ment would not be in a position to carry
on the war against the Philippine insur-
gents. II is clear therefore why the Pres
ident Is so anxious for the passage Of the
| army reorganization bill. 1t may be that
he will be able to rally all of the Repub-
Bcan senators to the support of It. In
that event il is probable it viii get through
the Senate and become a law at this ses-
sion. The threat of an extra session may
also have some effect. Congressman don
want an extra session. They want TO so
| to their homes at the end of the present
| session.
The proposition to continue until the
next Congress the regular army al its
present strength of 62,OO0 men by a joint
resolution, does not meet with favor from
he President. lie wants the army reorgani-
cation bill passed-no compromise measure
will be acceptable, if those who speak ior
| him are to be credited.