The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-02-22

Washington, Feb. 10, 1900.
Hawaiian and Porto Rican legislation
now has the right of way In both branches
OF congress. In the senate the bill pro-
viding form of government for Hawaii,
on territorial lines, Is the unfinished |
business" and will remain such until dis
posed of. In the house the Porto Rico |
tariff bill, which was reported from the
ways and means committee last week, has |
been called up and will be kept up until |
disposed of. Both bills will probably
pass as party measures, although the SEN
timent In the house In favor of allowing
Porto Rico unrestricted trade with the U. |
3. will cause not a few members to vote
for the tariff bill illreluctantly but the an
nouncement by the president that he
would sign it, II passed, although in his
message he had recommended free trade
for Porto Rico, ended the serious opposi-
tion to 1t In the ranks of the majority.
But the minority will utilize the bill to
make some extended speeches, which they
hope to use later for political ammunition.
Spain put a new tariff into effect the
first Of this year, which contained come
items which can only be explained on the
ground of hatred towards this country.
For instance, the U. s. consul at BARGE
Iona. In report to the department of
state, points out that the duty on type
writers, which under the old tariff aver
aged about fifty cents a machine, is now
from $13 to $26. AS no typewriters are
made in Spain, the big duty seems to have
been imposed for the purpose Of heading
of the use Of American typewriters in
Spain, as they are almost the only ones
yet introduced In that country. The new
tariff has doubled the duty on paraine
wax and lubricating oils, which has shut
out American trade In the former and
crippled it In the latter. AS these duties
afford neither protection nor revenue for
Spain, they can only be regarded as hav-
ing been imposed for spite. The spite
policy Is never good one in the long
run, either for nations or individuals.
Once more the house, sitting as "com-
mittee of the WHOLE" when no record is
made Of the vote, decided, by vote of
seventy-five to sixty-seven to strike out
the clause Of the legislative, executive
and judicial appropriation bill carrying
money for the support of the civil service
commission, only to reverse that action
on a record vote afterwards. ..
The Loud bill, amending the laws for
the regulation of second class mail mat
ter, has been favorably reported to the
house from the post Office committee
The bill differs slightly from the similar
bill which was before the last congress.
1t provides uniform rate of cent a
pound for second class matter, which is
to include all newspapers and periodicals
issued at stated periods and as frequently
as four times a year. It allows sample
copies up to 80 per cent. of the bona fide
subscription list, when that does not ex-
eeed 500 Of one issue.
The house committee on public build
ings and grounds has arranged for little
junket to New York city on the 23d inst =,
the excuse being personal examination
of the post Office needs Of the metropolis.
Senator McEnery Is one of the senators
who, while opposing the permanent reten-
tion of the Philippines by the u. s., ad-
vocates the forcible suppression of the
rebellion against our authority. In a
speech he said 81 am not willing that
the Philippines, or any part of them,
should remain the property Of the U. S.,
and am unalterably opposed to their in
habitants becoming citizens of this coun-
try. We should get away from there as
soon as our honor, dignity and interests
will permit. Ihave no sympathy with
the Filipinos. They are now enemies OF
the U. s. AS soon as they have laid
down their arms, perhaps we may be able
to do something for them. 1t is absurd
to suppose that they are now, or in the
immediate future will be, able to govern
themselves as we regard government"
Although the house has passed finan.
cial bill and the senate has done likewise
the financial bill that will become Law
will he made by the six men who form
the conference committee, representing
the house and senate, which is charged
with the task of reconciling the differ.
ences in the two bills. The gentlemen
lcharged with this important duty are
Senators Aldrich, Allison, and Jones o1
Arkansas, and Representative Overstreet
of Indiana, Brosius of Pa, and Cox o.
Tennessee. The last-named senator ane
Representative represent the opposition
to both bills.
While the question Of praising the
bravery of volunteers in the war with
Spain from one section at the expense O.
those of other sections, enabled severa
members of the house to make little
lspeeches that will add to their persona
popularity at home, its good taste Ii
doubted by disinterested persons Tht
bravery of Americans of every section IL
too well established to require either
praise or defense. 1t Is one of the natu
raj acquirements of Americans.