The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1900-02-08

Washington, Feb. &, 1900.

washington, Feb. 8, 1900.
With the exception of the sensational
debate in the senate, during which Sena-
tor Pettigrew was called traitor by
three senators, and Admiral Dewey's let
ter, branding Aguinaldo a liar, was read,
and half dozen short speeches on the
Philippines and the finance bill by as
many senators, both branches of congress
put In the past week on routine business.
The attitude taken by the president
towards the Kentucky political situation
ispleasing to all senators and represent
atives, with the possible exception of
few radicals who believe, or at least claim
to believe, that one Of the proper func-
tions of the federal government Is to
straighten out every political rumpus
that happens to be kicked up in any of
the states. The president and his cabi-
net are unanimous In their belief that in
this state court Is the proper place to set
tie the disputed Kentucky question.
There has never been a case of federal In
reference in the political disputes Of
state that did not leave bad taste be-
hind in the average mans mouth. AS
long as there is any semblance of law and
order maintained in Kentucky there isn't
the slightest probability that any official
action will be taken by the federal gov
ernment, and If federal troops should ac-
tually be needed to stop rioting the legis-
at nf
ors, will have to ask for them before they
will be sent. Members of the cabinet say
that the death of Mr.. Goebel has not
changed the situation.
Secretary Hay has received $3.50, COL
lected by St. Louis German newspaper,
to be used for the aid of widows and Or
phans of Boer soldiers, and has forwarded
it to U. S. Consul Hay at Pretoria, with
instructions that the money and the &C.
companying communication be turned
over to President Kruger. The sensation
predicted In connection with this money
did not materialize. It's receipt had
nothing to do with any recognition Of the
Boer government; 1t was received and
forwarded, just as any other charitable
contribution would have been.
There is rivalry In everything, even in
doing good. There are bills pending be-
fore congress for the Incorporation of the
Red Cross society and the White Cross
association, the first being the American
branch of the organization known all over
the world, and the second strictly Amer
lean Organization, which was started dur
ing the war with Spain. When Senator
Stewart reported that the White Gross
bill should be taken from the District oil
| Columbia committee and sent to the com.
mittee on foreign relations, which is con.
sidering the Red Cross bill, made a Wig.
sraus protest, charging that the transfer
was a scheme to kill his bill.
| Representative Boutell Of Illinois pro.
pounded a little conundrum to Civil Ser.
vice Commissioner Proctor, in a little
speech at dinner where they were both
guests, which the latter gentleman &C
knowledged his inability to solve. Mr.
Boutell said: 81 find myself constantly
involved in trouble on account of the civil
service commission, and should like te
PROFOUND this question to Mr.. Proctor
How can 1 be serviceable to my constitu
ents and civil to the commission ?"
The first volume of the Report of the
Philippine COMMISSIONS book of 264
pages-is now before congress, and the
second will be ready In two or three
weeks. The principal matters In the re
port, which goes largely into detail, were
indicated in the preliminary report made
several months ago; consequently there
were no surprises. The report advocate.
form of government for the islands anal
ogous with that of our territories, which
will give them practically home rule IL
their local affairs, their towns to hav'
about the same rights and privileges tina
towns have in territory. The repor
recommends that no attempt be made TO
the present to change the tariff duties o
the islands. The second volume of tn,
report will be devoted almost entirely t,
the climate and natural resources of tn,
islands. Congressional sentiment as t.
whether anything ought to be done at tn
present session, concerning the Philip
pines, Is very much divided, although tn
number of those who favor the adoption
of resolution declaring our intentions
IN a general way, has increased quite rap
idly of late, but the president doesn't in
tend to wait for congress to do something
He is preparing to go ahead without con
gress, and just as soon as he can get tn
men he wants, he will send a new civi
commission to the islands with power t,
supercede the military authorities and t.
organize local civil governments In al
the cities and provinces. The new com
mission will be composed entirely of civil
ians, and it is possible that Prof. Worces
ter and Mr.. DENLY of the old commission
may be members. Prof. Schurmann
president of the old commission, has de
clincd place on the new commission be
cause of his duties as president of Cornel
university.
What Women Don't Know.
Zone of the mistakes of women.