New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-08
A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW.
OF THE FIRST SESSION
OF THE LvITH CONGRESS.

Washington, June (speciaD.-A comprehen-
sive review of what has been accomplished by |
the LVIth Congress in its first session, the dura-
ton Of which has been shorter than that of any |
preceding long session of Congress since 1880 |
requires a glance at the achievements of the |
last Congress which preceded it, both together
covering the period since the beginning of the |
present National Administration, and also the
keeping in mind of the fact that in the last
Congress only one branch was controlled by the
Republican party, that the success of legisla-
tion depended to a considerable extent upon the
cooperation of at least some members of the
opposition.
The members of all parties supported with
virtual unanimity the declaration of war against
Spain, the recognition of the independence of
the people of Cuba, the appropriation of money
to carry on the war. and other measures for
the National defence. and some members OF the
opposition also supported the war revenue legis-
lation, the ratification of the Treaty of Peace
with Spain, the annexation of Hawaii and a
few other measures; but there could be agree
ment on a financial measure, and the Republi
can House of Representatives powerless to
redeem in that Congress it's pledge in behalf Of
sound money. No further demonstration of this
fact necessary after its rejection by a
majority of nearly fifty votes January 81.
1898 of the Senate concurrent resolution de-
debt, principal and interest, in silver coin.
The LVth Congress, however, was able to re-
deem the pledges in the Republican National
platform of 1896 in regard to the revision of the
tariff. the annexation of Hawaii and the acquire
ment of naval base in the West Indies, and
when it expired Cuba free from Spanish
rule. A bill to establish a uniform system of
bankruptcy had also been enacted into law; the
homestead laws had been extended over Alaska
and criminal code nroYided that TerritOr1r-
an industrial commission had been created, to
investigate subjects in which both labor and
capital we'll as the business interests. were
concerned the Army had been temporarily re-
organized and increased; all measures necessary
for the prosecution of the had been prompt
ly passed; appropriation TO pay Spain S2O.-
100000 for the surrender of sovereignty over
the Philippine Archipelago had been made, and
a number of other important acts had been
written in the statute book.
GOLD STANDARD BILL PASSED.
When the LvIlh Congress assembled last
December, with the Republicans in control of
both branches it found and difficult
problems and many old ones awaiting ii on the
threshold all clamoripg for attention and de-
manding solution. Besides the unfulhlled pledges
of the National party platform, there were all
the perplexing questions of policy and govern
ment which had arisen since that platform was
made, in 1896 1t was evident at the very out
set that the majority could expect little or no
cooperation or aid from the minority in dealing
with problems and conditions which the latter
had helped to create. Fortunately for the coun-
try such aid and cooperation not found
Indispensable
The ma jority lost time in its efforts to settle
the financial question a sound and enduring
basis. Weeks before the regular standing COM
mittees of the House of Representatives were
appointed a financial bill framed and
brought forward and it passed that body before
the Christmas holiday recess. On March ii 1t
was approved by the President. and thus an
other solemn pledge of the Republican party was
redeemed.
LEGISLATION FOR NEW POSSESSIONS.
The next great question to be dealt with
one which involved the policy OF future legisla-
ton in regard to the territory acquired from
Spain, a subject which was in terms referred TO
Congress by the Treaty of Paris. 1t was there
fore of paramount Importance that Congress
should start right and with deliberation.
The Porto Rican Tariff bill. with provisions for
the establishment of civil government in the
island. was the result. No measure ever brought
forward in Congress, at least within genera
ton. was the object of such bitter and savage
assault. or much invective misrepresenta-
ton and deliberate falsehood on the part OF its
opponents as was the Porto Rican bill. 1t be-
came law April 12 went into operation on
May l. and it's first fruits already realized
in increase OF the islands revenues revival of
business and industries and an increase Of con-
fidence together with indications OF growing
contentment among the inhabitants of the island.
Not the least of the blessings which have al
ready been realized is that the hot and acri-
monious debates over the doctrine of proprio
vigore forgotten or at the worst. only re-
membered as an ugly dream An act also
passed to give Porto Rico the benefit of all the
customs revenue imports from the island into
the United States during the existence of the
military government
Congress also passed and the President ap-
proved a law providing form OF government
for the Territory OF Hawaii which is to super
sede the provisional government established on
the ruins OF the half despotic and wholly cor
rupt political organism known the Kingdom
of Hawaii Preparations making TO set
the machinery OF the government in opera
tion and thus another pledge OF the Republican
National platform has been fully redeemed ana
the people OF Hawaii are rejoicing in prosperity
and their new and secure political relation. And
Paramount Blount is already forgotten. eS-
Continued third page.
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