New-York tribune., 1902-05-17
FIGHT FOR RECIPROCITY.
A HARD STRUGGLE EXPECTED
IN The SENATE.
PROSPECTS OF PASSING THE CUBAN
BILL NOT so BRIGHT AS THEY
RECENTLY WERE-LEADERS
NOT SHEARTENED
NOT DISHEARTENED.
ICY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBuNE

ago. Ihe most potent factOr IN the SITUATION Is
the compact entered into more than month
ago by elements Of both parties in the Senate
that are opposed to the three chief measures
urged by the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES reciprocity
isthrnian canal legislation at this session 6nd
civil government for the Philippines. When this
compact was first suggested attention was called
TO II n the Washington dispatches Of The Trib-
une and this unexpected exploitation had the
effect of deterring some of the Republican Sen
stors from encouraging 1t longer. Most Of those
supposed TO know all about the scheme denied
outright any knowledge of it, and denounced ii
severely. Nevertheless, the logic of events has
shown plainly that there considerably more
than gossip in the talk of an alliance between
such incongruous elements, and before the
struggle for Cuban reciprocity and action on the
canal bill at this session is closed, II viii be
etiu more plainly demonstrated that such an al
1iance not only was seriously contemplated but
that It actually was formed, although the Tn
expected exposure Of it weakened II by making
ats promoters timid and extremely cautious
DEBATE ON THE PHILIPPINE BILL.
The veriest tyro in legislative experience in
Washington understands perfectly well that had
not powerful influences been working in un-
usual combination the Lodge bill substituting
civil for military government in the Philippines
would not have been held the griddle of de-
hate for so long a time. The Republican ma
,5ority OF the Senate is strong enough to control
that body as it pleases when that majority is
united and harmonious on a proposition But
there are so many Republican Senators who are
opposed to Cuban reciprocity or definite canal
legislation at this session, one or both, that 1t
has been impossible for the party leaders to
move with that vigor and aggressiveness in get
ting the Lodge bill through which usually char
acterize their conduct. 1t is now evident to
her will
gent insight into national affairs and the mo-
tives that inspire action in Congress that, as
frequently stated in these dispatches. the debate
the Lodge bill is being prolonged NANNY II
not solely for the purpose of giving the enc
mics of reciprocity and canal legislation an op-
portunity 10 defeat or both of these meas
sIres by postponing consideration Of them at this
session.
From the first The Tribune said that the de-
bate on the Lodge bill would not be closed
before the last week in May the first week
IN June, and that then desperate efforts would
be made 10 adjourn Congress by the middle or
June, leaving reciprocity and canal legislation
In the air. Senator Lodge has been striving
earnestly for more than two weeks to induce
the opposition TO the Philippine bill to agree
on time for vote, but thus far he has been
unable to secure any definite promise. 1t is
now vaguely given out from Democratic sources
about the 2Sth or 29th of this month
CANAL. BILL MAY COME FIRST.
It is believed that IT VIII be impossible to get
q vote earlier, and when the Philippine bill is
out of the way the element Of Republicans
known to be opposed to Cuban reciprocity will
3nsist the canal bill holding its place on the
calendar and being taken up next. In this de-
Inand they will be supported by the Democrats
and Of course, this combination can control
the Senate, unless tremendous pressure is
brought to bear on the Republicans in the al
lance to join with the majority Of their party
in the Senate to do one of two things with the
canal bill-either permit it to be displaced by
the Cuban Reciprocity bill whenever that meas
upe is ready for consideration or adopt the Hoar
or Spooner resolution empowering the President
TO decide the moot question of route. If
course is had TO either of these alternatives the
reciprocity bill be put through at this ses-
sion without further endangering party har-
nlony to have deleterious effect on the
approaching Congress campaign. 1t is con-
tended that the adoption of either course also
would result in good to the party in another
way. which is. that it would cut short the debate
the canal question at this session and there
by minimize the political danger that always at
tends a long session of Congress in cam
paign year. II is firmly believed by the party
leaders that considerations of the kind here
ator Platt. of Connecticut. chairman of the
Committee on Relations with Cuba, soon will
feel warranted in reporting a straight reciproci-
f. bill as a strict party measure.
OBSTACLES TO BE OVERCOME.
At the same time there is no use to attempt
10 disguise the fact that there many stub
born obstacles to be overcome before this can
be done, and the task ahead will tax even the
great tact and fertile resources of the Senator
from Connecticut. If the supporters of the ad-
ninistration should fail in this undertaking,
then long session OF Congress would be inevi-
table in order 10 provide the necessary legisla-
tion for reciprocity with Cuba.
The Republican opponents of reciprocity
hopeful that the investigation of the Sugar Trust
now in progress under the Teller resolution will
be indefinitely prolonged in order that they may
use this as an excuse for delaying action TO the
last minute. Mr.. Teller. who is a member of
the subcommittee conducting this investigation,
Is raking the country with fine toothcomb for
witnesses against the Havemeyer company, and
the fgct that the investigation is not being con-
fined TO the objects stated in the resolu-
ton OF authority seems to have more
effect on the case than does the
other interesting fact that thus far all of the
witnesses summoned by Mr.. Teller represent
the Beet Sugar Trust, the only competitor of
the Havemeyer corporation, which the opponents
of reciprocity insist will be the chief beneficiary
or any mutual tariff concessions between Cuba
and the United States. How long Mr.. Platt
who is chairman of the subcommittee, will per-
nit Mr. Teller TO conduct this kind of tactics
rs not known, although those best acquainted
with tie Connecticut Senator believe that he
either VIII put an end to this obstructive pro-
needing soon or report straight reciprocity bill
70 the Senate without reference 10 the continu-
ance OF senator Tellers performance However
as the latter course might give the beet sugar
senators an excuse to persist in their opnosi-
ton 10 reciprocity. IL is thought Senator PIatt
a. an rl Ia.r+