The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-06
EACH SIDE WAITING.
Plans of Republican and Demo-
cratic Senators Unsettled.


The Senate programme for the special
session has not yet been mapped out IL
has been understood all along that no
business would be transacted except such
executive business as should be submit
ted. including the two or three uhlfhiol-
tant treaties that have been reported by
the Committee on Foreign Relations Tor
ratification or amendment. The sudden
and unexpected introduction OF the prop
osition for a rule for cutting OF debate,
however, has upset all arrangements, anu
it is possible that the session may be
somewhat prolonged. 1t has been said,
though. that if the President would send
In the army and other nominations
promptly final adjournment could be had
nj the end of the present week. Under
this pIan the committees of the Senate
would be LETT as at present. and not reor-
ranized until the regular session OF Con-
sress has assembled.
A large number of Senators are indig-
nant at the defeat of the River and Itar-
bor bill by Senators Carter and WellinS-
ton taking advantage of the rule allow
ing unlimited debate, and insist that now
is the time to discuss the long deferred
subject OF amending the rules and Civ
ing the majority the right to control the
legislation of the Senate. These Sena-
tors say that If the matter is allowed to
go over until the regular meeting of Con-
ssress, other questions will crowd out the
question of the change in the rules and
the present system will continue in force.
This subject was discussed in executive
session yesterday, as well as in the open
session, and some of the Senators who were
deeply interested in some of the items
included in the River and Harbor bill
used some vigorous language about those
Senators who took advantage of the rules
to defeat legislation that, otherwise
would have been adopted. Senator Nell
son, member of the Commerce Com
mittee, is especially aggrieved. as he feels
that he was badly treated and he is very
earnest in demanding a change in the
rules that viii prevent him from being SO
treated again.
Senator Platt introduced his eloture
resolution without consultation with the
Committee on Rules or the other leading
Senators. ami did it more as q "feeler''
than with any idea of having action at
this session. 1t would be agreeable to
him to have the resolution sent to the
Committee on Rules. but those who are
anxious for its passage say that this
means to bury it and that now is the ac-
cepted time for making the long desired
change.
A conference of Republican Senators
viii be held today, when it is hoped a
decision will be reached as to what TO
do with the resolution, and that it viii
be possible to also arrange matters so
that the session will be brought to an
end in a few days. AT present the COM
mittees continue in existence under a
resolution until a general reorganization
takes place. and it is hoped BY the leaders
that this important matter can also be
deferred until next winter Republican
Senator'S realize that If discussion of
the rules is commenced with view of
amending them the session may last for
several weeks, and that under these cir
cumstances the new Senators and those
who are looking for promotion Will de-
mand a reorganization of the Senate now.
The leaders hope to be able to send the
Platt resolution to the Committee on
Rules and to leave II there indefinitely or
until the next session at least and tina
in the mean time a reorganization of the
committees may be postponed The
Democrats had a conference yesterday
afternoon, and after talking the matter
over decided to take no party action until
the Republicans had shown their hand.