The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-25
FORAKER CAUSES SURPRISE.
Asks for RecOmmittal Of the Porto
Rico Government Bill.

Rico Government Bill.
WASHINGTON, March 24-For a few
minutes in the Senate to-day surprise. bor-
dering almost on CONSERVATION in some
quarters, was created by a request of Mr..
Foraker that the Porto Rican government
bill be recommitted to the Porto Rican
committee The request precipitated a
lively colloquy, but 1t was finally developed
the bill Mr.. Foraker wanted recommitted
was the government measure now on the
calendar and not the unfinished business.
During the elucidation of his request, how
ever, Mr.. Foraker plainly indicated that
it was his purpose to separate the bills
and press the Porto Rican tariff bill to an
early vote, his desire being to have the
vote taken not later than next Thursday.
At the opening of the session the fol-
lowing bills were passed: To equalize and
regulate the duties of the judges of the
district courts of the United States in Ala
bama; authorizing the President to ap-
point a commission to study and make full
report on the commercial and industrial
conditions of China and Japan and appro-
priating $4,000 for the payment of the ex-
penses of the commission.
The latter bill aroused some debate. Mr..
Berry registered his protest against the
measure, his opinion being that too many
commissions were being created.
Mr.. Cockrell opposed the measure and
stated the position of the Senate minority
ON legislation. 1.-THE Republican party is
in absolute control, and We, on this side of
the chamber, are powerless to prevent the
enactment Of any legislation coming from
the Republican party and deemed neces-
sary by it," he said. II VIII not antagonize
this bill, although do not agree with 1t in
principle. I want 1t understood now, and
understood distinctly, that hereafter abso-
lutte responsibility must rest upon the Re-
publicans for the passage of all resolu-
tions and bills.
Mr.. Foraker, in charge OF the Porto Ri
can bill. then asked unanimous consent
that Senate Bill 2264 should be recon-
mitted to the committee on Pacific islands
and Porto Rico. The request created stir
in the Senate. as many supposed the re-
quest contemplated the recommittal of the
Porto Rican bill, which is the unfinished
business. 1t was, however. the Senate
measure reported several weeks ago, pro-
viding for civil government for Porto
Rico.
What is the necessity for the bills re-
committal?" inquired Mr.. Allen.
There is no necessity, l will say to the
senator replied Mr.. Foraker, ''but in
view of what happened the other day !
think it desirable that this action should
be taken. want the bill recommitted so
that the committee may place upon it GER
tain amendments already agreed to by the
ceaate on another bill. We may deem II
necessary to separate the government and
the tariff features of the pending BILL
After some sparring between Afr. Foraker
and Mr.. Allen the latter inquired: docs
the senator apprehend that the tariff bill
is to take the place Of the present unfin-
ished business?"
Yes" responded Mr.. Foraker. That's
the idea."
Then this government bill is to sleep
until the tariff measure shall have been
passed." suggested Mr.. Allen.
Yes. 1t will Sleep" responded the Ohio
senator, but it win sleep only three or
four days. II at an earlier date we can
not get vote upon the tariff measure. It
lCoNTINUBD ON ToURfH PAGE.)