New-York tribune., 1901-01-07
THE WEEK IN CONGRESS.
SENATE WILL GIVE UNINTERRUPTED
ATTENTION TO ARMY BILL-HOUSE
TO DEBATE REAPPoRTIoNMENT.


Washington. Jan. e-The Senate will continue
to give practically uninterrupted attention TO
the Army Reorganization bill until that measure
shall be disposed Of That the bill will pass
one doubts, and the general opinion is that 1t
will get through some time in the present week
Senator Hawley. chairman of the Committee on
Military Affairs. expresses the opinion that the
measure will be in conference by Wednesday,
but other Senators postpone the date somewhat.
There are several committee amendments yet
TO be considered. including those relating to the
Army canteen and the veterinary corps.
II was supposed at one time that the canteen
provision would cause prolonged debate, but
the best opinion now is that comparatively little
time will be spent ii. A number of amend
ments suggested by individual Senators will be
considered at greater length, and some speeches
on the bill a whole yet to be made. The
provision of the bill authorizing the enlistment
of Fflipinos in the Army of the United States
is among the features which are almost certain
to come in for sharp attack
With the Army bill out of the way. the Leg
islative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation
bill will be taken up. and after it other appro-
priation bills if any in shape to be con-
sidered. The Ship Subsidy bill will be restored
to the calendar as the regular order of business
when the Army bill is passed. and 1t will be
ing consideration.
Next Saturday will be largely devoted TO eulo
gies upon the late Senator Davis. of Minnesota.
The consideration Of the Reapportionment bill
will be resumed tomorrow in the House. The
indications point to final vote on the measure
on Tuesday but the fight over the basis of appor-
tionment is bitter and the debate may be
prolonged The outcome is not clear. Mr.. Hop
kins is still confident that his bill will carry. but
IN, a. ha &c DIV n
concede an increase of three members TO cover
the major fractions of the States of Florida,
Colorado and North Dakota. If his bill passes
It probably will be with this modification. The
opposition is very aggressive, but on the surface
seems to lack the strength necessary 10 carry
the Burleigh bill. There forces at work,
however. by which the opposition hope, through
the agencies of Senator Quay, Senator Platt, OF
New~York and Senator Lodge Of Massa-
chusetts. TO swing the delegations of New-York.
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts into line. and
IL successful. the Hopkins bill may suffer de-
feat Mr.. Crumpacker. Of Indiana, proposes TO
move to recommit the bill with instructions to
reduce the representation of the Southern
States. but there is no idea that such PROPOSE
tion will prevail After the disposal of the ap-
portionment bill the River and Harbor bill will
be taken up. 1t is expected to consume two
days. The remainder OF the week will be de-
voted TO appropriation bills The District Of Co
lumbia bill probably will be the next OF the sup
ply bills 10 be considered.
Secretary Root has transmitted 70 the chair
man of the Senate Military Committee pro-
test, signed by Claude V. Morris, secretary OF
the New-York State Veterinary Medical So
ciety, against the proposed amendment 20 the
Army bill providing for a corps OF veterinary
surgeons. In doing so he sent the following ex-
planatory letter:
War Department. Washington, Jan. 3. 1901.
received by me 0I from the secTetSry % Of the News
York Veterinary Medical Society commencing the
position taken by this Department in regard TO
the proposal to create veterinary corps in the
nape which Ieft with voIir 20 coSomttee Some time
since signed by number OF the chief veterinarians
position. Let restate the position. in order that
This Department is not opposed TO suitable rec
ogntion OF veterinarians. It has serious obJec-
tion to giving them military rank: aIthough / do
70 civilian employees What do object 70 IS the
reporting directly 10 the Secretary OF War. and
Department and a body OF officers who communi-
eating directly with the Secretary OF War through
manding officers of the cavalry regiments and the
n e acs Of 6 Gf
that of suitable command and division OF duties
and responsibilities between the officers command
ing troops and territorial departments on the one
hand and STAFF officers responsible 10 head in
Washington on the other The result is that IL Is
impossible TO FIX responsibility for any failure to
remedy defects or abuses. The proposed OrganiZas
ton OF a veterinary corps is but another step in
the wrong direction and will increase the evils
which ought 10 be remedied. The general officer in
command OF troops ought to be able 10 hold the
officers of the cavalry and artillery regiments
sponsble for having their organizations ready for
active and efficient duty at all times. II the horses
Of these organizations are under the charge Of a
veterinary CORPS. with the chief reporting to the
Secretary of War. there be 10 such RESPONSE
bility. Give the veterinarians rank II you want to-
but I most earnestly urge that you do not impose
upon us another bureau of the War Department
another independent corps. another element Of dis
integration divided responsibility and consequent
inefhciency. Very respectfully,
ELTHU ROOT. Secretary OF War.
The Hon. Joseph r. Hawley. Chairman Committee
on Military Affairs United States Senate
AMERICAS EXAMPLE CITED.