The Press., 1902-06-05
WASHINGTON LETTER.

The determination to vote on the Phil- ippines bill tomorrow afternoon, which was reached by mutual agreement last week, Is really relief to the members of both parties in congress. The debate on the measure, which began on the 18th of April, has proved trying period to both the advocates and the opponents of the measure, and has undoubtedly served to materially prolong the session. On Thursday Senator Morgan of Alabama announced in speech in support of the bill his intention of voting for it, and his vote will offset that of Senator Hoar, who has given notice that he will vote "nay," but aside from these two senators the bill is expected to pass by strict party vote. What bill will follow 1t has not yet been settled, although it is gen. erally believed the Nicaraguan canal bill will be chosen. The friends of Cuban reciprocity declare that the action of the four republican conventions, viz, those of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kansas, In indorsing the bill, will prove of great ad- vantage to them, and will insure the passage of their measure with little oppo- sition except from the democrats, who will, of course, try to amend 1t along tar Tiff revision lines.
 There is nothing to prevent reasonably p1o ompt action on the canal bill The agreements of the Colombian, Nicaraguan and Costa Rican governments are all in the hands of the senate committee on ip- ter-oceanic canals. Senator Morgan has reported favorably the Nicaraguan canal bill passed by the house and adversely the Hoar bill, and Senator Kittredge has filed the report of the minority favoring the Panama route. The naval hydro graphic experts have announced that they do not deem 1t likely that the erup- tion of Mounts Pelee and Soufriere have altered the bed of the ocean in the vicin- ity of either of the proposed routes. and in their estimation no obstacle Is to be feared as result of the recent seismic cataclysm in that part of the world. The report, which was widely circulated, that there was great danger of earthquakes along the Panama route has been proven untrue, although there is 8 quiescent vol. cano along the Nicaraguan route which may have some influence with the senate. The fact that the Nicaraguan bill has al. ready passed the house, while 1t would be difficult to get that body to act on.a new measure, Senator Morgan regards as g marked advantage enjoyed by those who favor the Nicaraguan route.
 There still remain three appropriation bills to be acted on by the senate, with. out counting the general deficiency bill which will not be reported until the last moment and will occupy practically nc time. The regular appropriation bilsf still to be passed are the District of Co., lumbia, the naval and the army bills The latter has practically passed, but if held up In the conference committee by the unwillingness of the senate to meet the conferees of the house, who have beer instructed not to yield to certain senate amendments. As committee has beer appointed to confer with the house lead CTS with view to having the objection able instructions withdrawn, and as tht members of the house are anxious to ad journ, 1t is hardly probable that they will refuse to yield to the demands of the rep resentatives of the senate.
 Last week the house passed the immi grafton bill, which was an admirably drawn measure, and which will serve tt considerably facilitate the work of tn, bureau of immigration. The changes made were not of importance, but a mum Der of laws no longer enforced or possi ble of enforcement were repealed, ant the entire immigration law made clea and uniform. The per capita tax on i'm migrants was increased from $1 to $1 50 An amendment to the law prohibits th sale of liquor on any government reserva tion, including the reservation on whicl the capitol stands. The enforcement o this clause would prevent the sale o liquor in the house and senate restau rants, but 1t is generally believed tha the members of the house voted for tn
 amendment with the full confidence tha the senate would reject it.
 The Hill subsidiary coinage bill passe, the house last week. According 10 tn democrats this Is another blow at the su | Dr0macv of silver and vuill roeulf in fh