The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-01-29
MAY BE NECESSARY FOR PHIL
IPPINE LEGISLATION.
DISCUSS PRESIDENTS PLAN
Senators Interviewed by Mckinley
on ACCESSIBILITY of Issu-
ing Call.

Washington, Jan. 26--That senators
regard seriously the prospect of an q
ira session of congress in view of the
presidents urgent recommendation of
legislation concerning the Philippine
islands, was evidenced today by the
activity of those who desire to avoid
an extra session.
. The speculation concerning the
probability of a called session was
rendered more definite by the fact
that senators known to be generally
we'll informed concerning the presi-
dents plans joined in the discussion
on the outlook. Careful inquiry also
developed the fact that the president
has c~anvassed the subject with a few
senators. He does not appear to have
indicated any. fixed determination of
issuing a call, but rather to have o n
suited them as to the ACCESSIBILITY of
such a proceeding.
In all such instances, he seems to
have had the necessity of Philippine
legislation in view and senators gen.
orally express the opinion that in case
a meeting is called the Philippine
islands will receive the lions share OF
consideration. The urgency of the
matter is due to the opportunities of
the Taft commission, the members OF
which appear to have supplemented to
their official recommendations for early
action with private letters, not only
to the president and members of the
cabinet, but to senators and represent
atives as we'll. They insist upon the
recognition Of civil rights Of the Fill
ipinos and of a government for them
other than military.
Senators who have concerned them
selves with this matter have can
vassed the senate somewhat today as
to the possibility Of greater legislation
before the fourth of March in the line
of that contemplated by the Spooner
bill, but they have received very
little encouragement. One senator who
has given such attention to the Philip
pine question said that any legislation
attempted on the subject of govern
ment for the Philippines necessarily
would cause prolonged debate. "The
senate would talk a month on a reso-
luton declaring that the Philippines
are the Philippines" he said, as an
illustration of this idea Of the hope
lessness Of securing legislation before
the conclusion of the present session.
Senators are divided upon the neces'
sity of congressional action upon the
Cuban question. Some Of them con
tend that congress will not be called
upon in any way to act on the consti
tuition. Others concur in the view
that action upon the constitution viii
not be compulsory, but they say tina
the president will require congress- t.
share the responsibility in any stel
that may be taken in regard to the
Cuban government.
They also suggest the presence O.
some things in the Cuban constitution
that may require close scrutiny ant
they contend that if Cuba require
congressional action it would not b.
fair to the Cubans to delay it.
The senators who oppose the shi]
subsidy bill are opposed to an extr'
session and will do all they can to OPP
pose the calling Of one. Upon tn
whole the most that can be said j
} that the executive and congress ar
discussing the ~advisability Of an extr'
session and no conclusion has beei
reached on the point.
They admit the urgency of a mum
Der of questions which they know can
{ not be disposed of at this session. A
the same time they hesitate s%eriousl..
before the responsibility of a calle'
session, which it is generally believed
will if called at all last we'll into tn
summer