Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-02-07
Especial Correspondence

Washington, D. c., Feb. I.
The south is rallying to the support Of
the shipping bill. This fact is likely to
prove the pivotal feature Of the struggle over
the measure. During the debate on
Wednesday last news reached the capitol
that the Savannah board Of trade had
unanimously adopted resolutions directing
it, delegates to the coming Brunswick
Maritime conference to favor subsidies. 81.
multaneously with the spread Of this inteli-
gence through the capitol, it was noticed
as singular coincidence that Senator Clay
Of Georgia rose and offered amendments to
the bill, limiting the period Of the subsidy
to ten years, and combining it below 4
maximum of IS knots speed, instead Of IS,
~ it stands at present in the amended form
Of the bill. This, however, does not neces-
sarily indicate change Of heart on the
part Of Senator Clay, who has been hereto
fore one of the strongest and most active
and incorporating opponents CT the meas
ure.
This is not the first gun from the south,
BY any means. Petitions in favor Of the
bill are ON file from more than 20 large
and important southern associations, in
cluding the New Orleans chamber Of com
merce, board Of trade and produce exchange,
the Richmond chamber Of commerce, the
Norfolk board Of trade the Little Rock
board of trade, the Alabama state grange,
the Tarboro board of trade, the St. Louis
merchants exchange and the Southern In.
dustral association and the Southern Cot.
ton Spinners' association. In fact, nearly
every southern state has furnished an en-
phAtic Endorsement Of the bill by its lead.
ing commercial bodies.
In view of this great and growing senti.
ment in their own section, it is not surpris-
Ing that the solid opposition Of the south
ern senators has begun to weaken, as it has,
very perceptibly and decidedly. At first
these senators-Messrs. Jones, Clay, Bacon
and others--declared that they would fight
the bill by every means within their power,
and a disposition to filibmter was manifest
early in the week; but the news which they
have heard lately from their constituents
appears to have altered their minds ~ to
the advisability Of fibustering. Their pres
ent disposition seems to be to deliver GER
tain number Of two-hours speeches in the
negative, and then to let the republicans
70 ahead and assume the full responsibility
for the legislation. The alternative policy
involving 6libustering, the failure Of all
ether measures, and an extra session in
consequence--would be a very serious re-
sponsibiity for the democrats TO shoulder,
especially if not sustained by the citizens
Of the southern states.
More than this, it has been ascertained
that the shipping bill will receive the votes
Of goodly number of democrats'at least
ok and probably seven or eight in the SEN
ate, and ten or dozen in the house That
the examination and discussion Of the meas
ure have effected great change in public
sentiment already is unquestionable, and the
change is still going on and spreading,
As soon as the bill passes the senate and
gets over to the house it is practically sure
to have pain sailing. Representative
Grosvenor, of Ohio, says that rule will be
reported whereby two days will be set
apart for debate upon the measure, and that
at the end of that period a final vote will
be ordered. In the house the rules Of pro-
cedure allow Of such peremptory closure Of
debate-n fact, without such closure moth
ing could be accomplished in such large
and unruy body as the house but in the
senate the liberty Of debate is practically
untrammeled. Thus it happens that it is
much more difficult 10 force or to hurry
measure through the senate than through
the house.
The recent extra session gossip has begun
TO subside very materially. The senators
and representatives generally do not see
the point of remaining here al the spring
to egislate about the Philippines, when the
president. as they say, has ample power
in The premises to do as he peases. II 10
possible that the Spooner measure in rea
ton to this subject may be tackled on as q
rider to some appropriation bill, and that
congress may let it go at that for The pres
ent. As for the Cuban constitution, which
has furnished another reason for an extra
session, many congressman are now ques-
tionpg whether this country has any right
to NEEDLE with that instrument The war
was undertaken to free Cuba, and it was
expressly aud officially declared by this
government that we would assume no fur
ther control or supervision Of the island after
its pacifcation. Many now assert that the
pacfcation has been accomplished, and
that the United States therefore, in reality
and justice, has nothing to say or to do about
the Cuban constitution. This idea hsa
been canvassed in 4 lively manner in and
about the capitol during the last day or
two, ard it appears TO be becoming popular.
The president is rapidly regaining his
wonted health and strength, after nearly q
months tussle with the grip. Other dis.
tinguished victims Of the distemper are also
recovering and the epidemic seems TO have
spent its force. This is fortunate for vari.
Gus reasons. but particularly so in view Of
the fast approaching Inauguration cere-
monies. There have been inausurstions
amid billiards and sero gales, but an in
augurstion in the midst Of grip epidemic
would be a dsmsl event indeed. As it il,
the preparations for the next 4th Of March
are on an almost II not quite unprecedented