The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1902-06-05
WASHINGTON.
From our Regular Correspondent.

been one OF continual triumph Tor The
democrats. On last Thursday Sena-
tor Hoar delivered speech which
should be read in every home in the
land. 1t was remarkably eloquent
exposition of the republican policy
and, coming from a republican, Will
prove exceptionally convincing to all
who are not too blinded by party pre-
judices to judge of the facts. Senator
Hoar was followed by Senator Du.
bois whose speech was in line with
the interview published some time
ago in these letters. He carefully
analyzed the Lodge bill to its serious
dlscredit. Senator Patterson came
next with keen criticism of the bill
and an exposition of its workings
whereby he proved that under its
provisions it would be possible for a
few wealthy corporations to obtain
monopoly on all the desirable land in
the Philippines. A notable statement
in Senator Hoars speech was to the
SuSCl tudl IC, anu W his Certain
knowledge, numerous other senators
had been besieged with detailed &C
counts from trustworthy officers of
the horrible abuses which were being
perpetrated in the Philippines, all of
which statements were made under a
pledge of the strlctest secrecy because
1t was well-known by the officers that
any statement detrimental to the
policy of the administration would
result in the ruinatlon of their mill
tary careers. Senator Lodge asked
yesterday that date be set tor the
vote on the bill and it was determined
to close the general debate on Satur-
day and vote on Tuesday.
The members of the Committee on
Relations with Cuba claim that they
are approaching an agreement on that
bill. l understand that they have
conceded to the demands of the beet
sugar republicans SO far as to reduce
the tariff concession from IS to 20
per cent. They have determined,
however, to extend, if possible, the
time limit and to dispense with the
condition Whereby Cuba is obliged
to adopt the immigration laws of the
United States. An important pro-
vision will be clause authorizing the
President to abrogate the treaty if he
believes that the concession is opera
ting to the advantage of others than
the Cuban planters. There seems to
be little likelihood that, even if the
republicans Can secure sufficient votes
in the Senate to pass this bill, they
will be able to do so in the House
but that is matter with which the
republican senators are not concern
ing themselves. They express the
opinion that when they have done
their duty 1t will be the business of
the President to secure the legislation
by the House if he wants it, which
means that they will, after all, give
him only half-hearted support.
The week in the House has been
devoted mainly to consideration of
the immigration bill which passed on
Tuesday. The bill, as passed, con-
tains Representative Underwood's
amendment providing for certain
educational qualifications for immi-
grants. The Committee on Rules
has reported rules for the considera-
tion of the Pacific cable and irriga-
tion bills. The members of the House
are getting very restless and it is diff
cult for the Speaker to retain quorum
for the Transaction of business There
never was a time wher republican
fences required so much mending and
:he members appreciate the fact and
chafe under their enforced stay in
Washington while many of them
pleading urgent business, secure leave
to 60 home to their districts.
This desire to get away, however
will not prevent spirited debate or
, the Pacific cable proposition. The
, division is not drawn on party lines
Colonel Hepburn, Chairman OF the
/ Committee on Interstate and For
: eign Commerce, favors the granting
, of franchise for the construction O
a cable while Representative Corlis:
is prepared to make a vigorous hgh
r for government ownership and botl
: have many warm followers. What
: ever may be the decision by the House
there is no probability that it will b.
! acted on by the Senate.
The majority of the people vii
learn with regret that the resolution
E providing for the election of senator
). by popular vote has been killed il
= the Senate committee. 1t was sup
IL Al. L.