The age-herald., 1901-01-06
STATUS OF THE
 NEW ARMY BILL It Will Probably Pass the Senate
 in Ten Days TROUBLE IN CONFERENCE Democrats Will Not Attempt Filibus- ter, But Will Give the Republicans Rope to Hang Themselves.
 Some Census Figures.

Washington, January 5.-(Special.) It seems certain now that the army bill will be passed by the Senate within ten days or so, and it is possible that it will be dis posed of sooner inasmuch as 1t now has the right of way in precedence to all other legislation. The fact that the friends of the shipping subsidy bill permitted that measure to be laid aside in favor of the army bill is an indication that any differ ences that existed between the particular supporters of each bill has been settled amicably. The shipping subsidy men seem to have recognized that not only was it important to have the question of increas- ing the army settled speedily but that any attempt to have the shipping subsidy bill hold precedence would work unfavorably for that proposition.
 The Democrats and such men as Petit grew of South Dakota and Butler of North Carolina will not filibuster against the army bill They have come to realize that the responsibility for legislation rests with the Republicans and that 1t is unwise to Interfere with such legislation just at present. Some of them think the Republi- cans should be given "all the rope they want" with the idea that this will con- tribute more speedily to their undoing than obstructive tactics.
 It is altogether unlikely that the army bill, as it was reported to the Senate by the military committee, will be changed by the Senate. The Democrats do not seem disposed to try to amend it, but are oppos- ing it an entirety, while any Republi- cans who object to any of its provisions have not enough strength to change it.
 Trouble In Conference.
 The trouble will come in conference and perhaps in the House. The Senate bill diff fers from the House bill in its retention of the army canteen and in provisions regard ing staff appointments. Certain staff of ficers are inclined to think that the House bill is more favorable to their future pro- motion than the Senate bill, and they have been quietly using their influence to cre- ate the impression that the War Depart ment is maintaining that unles sthe Root ideas regarding the army prevail the War Department will not accept the bill. That is absurd, of course, for the War Depart ment of necessity take anything Congress chooses to give it, but the argument Is ef- fective on a few Congressmen who are jealous of the rights of the House.
 It is absolutely impossible now to make any calculation as to the length of time that will be consumed in conference or by the House and Senate afterwards in dis cussing the conference report, but, just now, 1t seems probable that the bill will be sent to the President on, or perhaps even a lettle before, the first of February. If that be done the War Department of ficials will rejoice because it will give them more time than they had hoped for few days ago in which to prepare to carry out the provisions of the bill, organize new regiments, enlist the necessary number of men, transport them to the Philippines and withdraw the volunteers whose term of service is so soon to expire.