The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-20
Big BILLS OF THE SESSION
Features of the Republican Pro-
gramme in Congress.
Army Reorganization. Renpportion-
mcnt of Representatives., Revision
of the War Revenue Tax Among
the Important McnSurcs-Probas'Ie
Contest Over the Ship Subsidy Bill.

Seven of the features of the Republican
legislative programme for the second ses-
sion of the Fifty-sixth Congress are the
Army Reorganization bill, the Reaper
tionment bill, the Isthmian Canal bill, the
Ship Subsidy bill, the Hay-Pauncefote
Treaty, the Spooner Philippine resolution.
and the revision of the War Revenue law.
1t is not to be understood that these
measures are to be disposed of in the
order named, but the indications are that
they will all be disposed of before the ad-
journment on March 4. This has been the
programme of the Republican leaders ever
since the election, and there is substan-
tial unanimity among them. There is some
difference of opinion ON two or three mat
tiers, particularly as to whether the Re-
by provision for cutting down the rep
resentation of the South; what the amount
of the war revenue reduction ought to be;
how large an army should be provided
for, and whether the Nicaraguan bill
should be passed before or after the treaty
is ratified by the Senate and a contract
made between this Government and those
of Nicaragua and Costa Rica under the
terms of which the United States shall be-
come absolute owner of the canal when
built.
The canal bill is on the calendar as a
special order for December S, and until
recently it was the plan to push it to a
vote promptly. 1t was also the plan of
the Administration to propose the reduc-
ton of the war taxes to the amount of
$15.00O,C00. Recently, however it has been
urged upon the President and the mem
bers of the Cabinet that the canal bill
should be withheld until the way can be
paved for its passage by the ratification
of the treaty and the making of the con-
tract referred to, and this will probably
be done although it is said there is no
doubt that the bill will be passed in both
Houses before adjournment
Nothing definite will be decided as to
the amount of the tax reduction until the
committee shall have considered the sub
ject.
senator Hnwley's Views.
Senator Hawley of Connecticut Chair
man of the Military Committee, in speak
ing of the Army Reorganization bill, said
yesterday:
Just what the details of the bill will
be when agreed upon in the committee
and reported to the Senate is a matter
OF speculation. The War Department Off
Gals will, of course. have ideas on the
subject which will guide US in getting the
matter into presentable shape / do lot
favor the proposition of General Miles to
establish an army upon a pro-rate basis.
He thinks the country should have one
soldier for every 1000 inhabitants, but in
my judgment that idea is not at all prac-
ticable. / do not believe it would be a
judicious idea to establish an arbitrary
ratio between the strength of the army
and the population. The whole subject
should be based upon the laws of demand,
and the size of the army establishment
should depend largely upon the military
needs Of the country. According 10 Gen.
eral Miles plan We would have an army
Of 5000 men, the population of the coun-
try at the present time being in round
numbers. 76.000,000. 1t can be readily seen
that his idea fails at once to come UP to
requirements.
AN army of 5000 men is not sufficient
strength to meet the demands of the ooun-
try in view Of the fact that hostilities IN
the Philippines are continuing and opera
tions there are to be pushed to a conclu-
sion. In my opinion an army of not less
than 100000. and perhaps more, should be
near future, of course, there may be cause
for reduction. but this number, at least,
ought to be agreed upon at this time.
Again, think measure might be PASSED
empowering the President to use his dis
erection TO great extent in determining
the exact strength of the army, not, CT
course, to exceed the maximum fixed by
Congress. He is a good judge of just
what the military needs Of the nation are,
and can view the situation from stand
point that enables him to figure out
closely just what number of men is re-
ouired. Under conditions such as those
existing at present. for instance, the
President could recruit an army of what
ever proportions he deems necessary to
handle the Filipino instruction, and upon
the conclusion of that work he could re-
duce the number of troops in proportion
to existing needs. This, think. would
be a most excellent solution of the whole
problem. i do not believe that the Mill
tary Affairs Committee will agree to any
plan looking to the establishment of the
army upon a pro-rate basis"
Senator Lodge gave il as his opinion last
night that the Spooner Philippine resolu-
ton will probably be adopted. The Junior
Senator from Massachusetts, said: Con
gress has not the information upon which
to base permanent legislation. and until
such information is had temporary pro-
vision for civil government must be pro-
vided. do not see on what basis there can
be opposition to this. II ever the policy of
an Administration was endorsed by the peo-
pie the course of this Administration in the
Philippines has been endorsed. When Con-
gress shall have been put in possession OF
the report of the Philippine Commission,
then there will be legislation Of perma-
nent character"
The ship Subsidy Bill.
Among politicians IT is said that 1t is quite
likely that the most stubborn contest will
be upon the Subsidy bill. for this measure.
even as amended, does not meet the views
OF all the Republican members of the House
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fish
cries. from which committee the bill was
at the last session.
The amendments to this bill, which
were prepared by Mr. Grosvenor, provide
for an increase OF the tonnage limit from
], 500 To 1000 tons. Subsidies are provided
for ships Of eleven knots at four-tenths
of a cent; twelve knots, six-tenths Of a
GEM, and thirteen knots, at eight-tenth
of cent per gross ton per hundred nau-
teal miles sailed.
In a statement accompanying the bill. !
Mr.. Grosyenor said: THE reason for
these two amendments Is that after con-
sidcring the evidence given at the hear
ings, 1t seems desirable to make provis-
ions for speed compensation to the extent
stated for vessels OF eleven, twelve. and
thirteen knots speed, and at the same |
time to increase the size requirements CT
the vessels which are to receive speed |
Both these changes are |
made in the interest of vessels of mod |
crate speed and large cargo capacity, |