Evening star., 1900-11-29
OF FIRST IMPORTANCE
SENATOR BURROWS ON THE ARMY
AND SHIPPING BILLS.
Need of Aid to Our Merchant Marine
Construction of the Canal
Assured.

Senator J. G. Burrows of Michigan, IN
conversation this morning with Star re-
porter. said that the ensuing session or
Congress would be remarkable for the great
amount of business which would be trans
acted and the many extremely important
measures which would be considered and
passed.
There is a general consensus of opinion
that certain measures must be considered
at this session." said the senator, land, In
my opinion, the army bill Is one Of the
most urgent.
'The reorganization of the army becomes
necessity by reason of its going back on
July l to it's original proportions. A meas
ure for its reorganization must be passed
or an extra session of the Fifty-seventh
Congress will follow. While believe there
will be some debate, l do not anticipate
pronounced or serious dispute from the OPP
position. The democrats will inquire the
necessity for the proposed increase, and the
policy of the government as to the Phlllp-
pines must, of necessity, be discussed. IL
is impossible at this time to state in figures
the dimensions Of the army the government
may consider necessary to MAINTAIN the
sovereignty Of the United States In our Pa
cific possessions until we know more def
nitely the probable conditions existing there
at the time such measure is up for con-
sideration. If the insurgents recognize and
make public acknowledgment of the SOW
ereignty of this country and the rebellion
collapses it will have material erect
upon any proposed measure for army reor-
ganzation-should, for instance. the re-
bellion be at an end within sixty days.
Should the rebellion continue, an army
of less proportions than we now have would
hardly be adequate. l apprehend 1t will be
necessary to maintain quite force in the
Philippines for some time to come. could
not therefore. at this time give an est-
mate in figures of what would be an ade-
ouate army to meet future existing con-
ditiens:' --e:..t
The Shipping Bill.
In referring to the canal and the shipping
bills, Senator Burrows said:
II believe that laws affecting our mer-
chant marine and the construction Of
canal connecting the Atlantic and the Pa
citic will be passed at this session; that
these measures will In some form be en-
acted into law. On the canal bill I should
judge that there would not be very serious
opposition. There may. be some contro-
versy arising as to the conditions surround
ing the construction, location and various
incidental questions which may delay the
ultimate consideration Of such an impor
tant measure but the work of constructing
a canal to be authorized by this govern
ment will be entered upon at an early day.
LAS to the bill commonly called the ship
ping bill. / think that something ought to
be done by Congress to build up our mer-
chant marine. 1t is unauestionable that
abroad in it's own ships. We ought to have
"A merchant marine large enough to carry
American commerce under the American
flag to every foreign port. What plan may
prove the WiSest and best calculated to con-
summate this purpose is to be carefully
considered. but there is no reasonable doubt
as to the ultimate result.
The Cuban Question.
1T seems to me that our course is very
clear in regard to the disposition of the
Cuban question" continued Mr. Burrows
I'VE have thus far kept faith with not
only the Cubans, but with the nations as
we'll. in our attitude. and a convention of
delegates chosen by the Cuban people is
now framing a constitution for the island
AS soon as the work of that convention Is
finished, the constitution ratified and a sta
ble government established and maintained
then the mission of the United States will
be 70 put forth the hand of friendship to
the island and introduce it to the family Of
nations
The Congress will probably pass the
Spooner bill in relation to the Philippines,
authorizing the President to do about as he
pleases In the Philippines for the time be-
ing. | am hopeful that the Taft commits
sion and the beneficient instrumentalities
being employed through that commission
Will restore peace and confidence to the in
hab!tants of LuZOn. showing the Ueople
there that we are their friends and not
their enemies l hope for speedy conclu-
sion of the war there, 50 that civil govern
inent may be established. We can best tell
later on what the outcome of the Philippine
matter Will be when more decisive events
nave happened to shape affairs in the
islands, ~
senator burrows is extremely gratified at
the splendid republican majority rolled up
IN MS state. and at the Endorsement Nv tha
people OF the policies of his party. He took
very active interest In the Campaign
speaking In the east and spending
nlfS in,
speaking. as well as taking an active mart
In the campaign in his own state. Despite
his arduous work he appears in fine health
and spirits. ie"i'n
1T was great fight and a great victory
for our party" he said