New-York tribune., 1901-02-19
EXTRA SESSION OUTLOOK.
THE PRESIDENT SEES No WAY TO
AVOID ONE.
DEMOCRATS LIKELY TO DEFEAT ANY CU-
BAN OR PHILIPPINE LEGISLATION
IN THE PRESENT CONGRESS
Lsr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


Isr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrsuSE.I
Washington Feb. 1s.-To all of his Con-
gre ssional visitors to-day who asked him the
question directly or indirectly 10 bis inten-
tions regarding the calling of extra session
the President made. in effect cnly one reply.
That was toat at the present juncture he could
not see how extra session was TO be avoided.
and. inferentially at least, appealed TO them 10
provide a practicable way out Of the predica-
ment As nobody had a feasible proposition TO
advance looking 10 the removal of the necessity
which the President feels pressing upon him, his
view Of the situation of course was unshaken
Il spite of their failure. however, 10 move the
President. numerous Republicans in both the
Senate and House continue 20 express strong
doubt of the likelihood Of the new Congress be-
ing called to deal with Cuba and other matters
that may demand early attention AT the same
time of the members OF Congress who
persist in the statement that there will be ex-
ira session known privately TO be making
arrangements TO continue their residence In
Washington three or four months after the ex-
piration OF this Congress on March a. Until
this morning there some slight hope that
events in Cuba might so shape themselves within
the next two weeks leave necessity for
extra session. This hope was based on the
possibility OF the Constitutional Convention at
Havana voluntarily adopting the terms which
this Government demands in establishing per-
manent relations between Cuba and the United
States.
CONGRESS MUST SHARE RESPONSIBILITY
The President to-day reiterated with en-
phasis 10 a Republican leader OF the Senate
that he would not even then consent 10 take on
himself the whole responsibility Of settling the
Cuban question. which means that the Prest-
dent is determined that Congress shall share
IfwaH
Of Congress the President sent troops 20 Cuba
and restored order there, and il is held that 1t
now is the bounden duty Of Congress 20 assist
the President in deciding on what terms the
troops will be withdrawn from the island. II IS
certain that the Democrats and Populsts Of
the Senate will defeat by filibustering any reso-
luton that might be introduced at this session
defining this Governments Cuban policy. and in
view Of that certainty there is no longer any
strong disposition in responsible Republican
circles 10 adopt course that seemed feasible
when the agitation Of the Cuban question was
begun.
Some % the Democrats and Popusts In the
Senate now declare that they will also refuse TO
permit the spooner Philippine resolution 10 pass.
This new attitude OF senseless obstruction on the
part Of the opposition IN the present Congress
only increases the probabilities OF an extra ses-
sion. The President is quite desirous OF sub
stituting civil for military government in the
Philippines at an early date as he Is 20 give in
dependence 20 Cuba. Without offering any
PLANTATION OF their Inconsistency in expressing a
determination at present 20 delay the institution
OF civil government in the Philippines when
compared with their camorous outcries against
imperialism and the tyranny OF military
rule in the archipelago. the Bryanites in the
Senate will stoutly resist all efforts that may
be made at this session 10 give the Filipinos a
fair trial Of American civil government pro-
vided in the Spooner resolution. So that even ~
the vexing Cuban question were completely ~
moved from immediate concern II is more than
likely that the President would feel inpeIed 90
call an extra session Of the new Congress act
on the spooner resolution should that measure
he defeated al this session.
EXTRA SESSION To BE SHORT.
In the event of call. however there is every
prospect that the eesson would be short one
In point Of fact, arrangements already are
der way TO that end. The Republican majority
in both houses of tae next Congress will be
larger than it is in this. that the danger Of
successful hlibustering on the pert Of the weak
ened opposition will be reduced TO the minimum
But 10 make assurance doubly sure. the Repub-
lican Steering Committee in the Senate would
distinctly block out programme at the begin
ming OF the extra session that would be closely
adhered to- with the object OF having session
not more than three months long. AS there will
be no material change I'm the present OrganZa-
ton OF the House. Speaker Henderson. being
surec of reelection. can be depended upon to do
his part toward mating the session short. To
this end he would appoint only such committees
OF the House as We're absolutely essential TO the
carrying out OF the programme. In acting thus
he would be following the example set by
Speaker Reed at the extra session Of the LVth
Congress About the only House committees
whose services would be needed at an extra ses-
sir a Gnrip he he
Mileage and Accounts and the Insular Commit
tee.