The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-03-26
Republicans VIII Hold Another Caucus
Today for Purpose Of Discussing It.
THE FREE TRADERS MAY CAUSE DELAY
Confirmation Of Mr.. Eynums Nomination as
Appraiser al The Poh Of New York MAJ Also
be DsIaysd House Bus ness

Washington, March 26-The senate
will give the greater share of it's time
again this week TO the Porto Rican
question, and the outlook is for the con-
tinuation OF the animated scenes of last
week. Porto Rico, however, according
TO present indications. will step aside
temporarily at the beginning of the
week in order to afford Senator Carter
an opportunity 10 secure consideration
tor has Alaskan Code bill. The present
condition of affairs in Alaska. and the
prospect OF still greater influx OF peo-
pie into mat territory make the Alas
kan legislation very important, and the
condition OF the Porto Rican legisla-
tive affairs is such as TO make IL con-
venient 10 give Alaska the much-de-
sired opportunity.
The Republican caucus will take the
Porto Rican question in hand again to-
day, and until IL acts the Senators hav-
ing charge of the measure Will not de-
sire 10 press IT, The Alaskan bill prob
ably Will not arouse any general de-
bate, but the measure is a mass of de-
tail and ii necessarily will call for
more or less explanation from its fra
mers the members Of the committee
on territories. The Republican Sena-
tors who support the House Porto Ri
can tariff bill hope TO get the measure
out OF the caucus after only one sit
ting but thet free traders are not so
anxious on that score, and the latter
element may delay matters there. as
they are disposed TO do in the senate,
with the hope of receiving still further
encouragement from the country at
large. Some of the members of the
free trade Republican element declare
their purpose 10 vote against the bill II
,.annFfpH UifhOIlf amendment TnQV
threaten to offer many amendments
and TO make speeches in opposition,and
otherwise to do all in their power TO
prevent the passage OF the bill as II
stands. but the caucus, OF course, may
find a means OF preventing this open
rupture
!. At any rate, strong effort will be
made in that direction. The Demo-
cratic senator's will support free trade
amendment when presented, but they
prefer not to have the bill voted upon
until amended.
According to agreement, the nominal
tion of Mr.. Bynum 10 be appraiser at
New York should be taken UP in the
executive session to-day, although the
Republican caucus may cause post
ponement of consideration of the NOM
ination for a day or two. The Demo-
cratic leaders will oppose confirmation.
The committee on privileges and cleo
eioiAS VIII btdi Ailt diEuuitHlS III the
case of Senator Clark. beginning on
Wednesday The report on the case is
not expected for several weeks.
The army appropriation bill will be
taken up to-day. and doubtless will
serve as a test for a wide latitude of
discussion on military affairs in gem
eral. and the cost Of the war estab-
lishment under the new condition OF af-
fairs. In anticipation OF this an un-
derstanding has been reached that
three days will be given to the debate.
The bill itself carries no legislation on
the organization Nof the army, but IL Is
strictly a supply measure for the army
on its present basis.
The latter part OF the week will b.,
devoted to the naval, the agricultural
or the fortifications appropriation bill.
although no exact order has yet been
fixed for taking them up The naval
bill and report are ready, and Acting
Chairman Foss is rather desirous of
having the naval discussion follow that
of the army The agricultural bill can
be reported on short notice. and the
Notifications bill is already on the CAL
endar.