New-York tribune., 1902-02-18
PHILIPPINE BILL TO PASS.
A VOTE EXPECTED IN THE SENATE
THIS WEEK.
AN OFFER FROM THE DEMOCRATS TO CEASE
OBSTRUCTION - FORAKER AND
sPOONER MAY SPEAK.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]


WASHINGTON Feb. lit seems highly prob
able that the Philippine Tariff bill will reach
a final vote in the Senate before the end of the
week. and it goes without saying that the meas
ure will be enacted into law virtually it has
been amended by the Senate, which is a fiat re
duction of % per cent of the Dingley rates on
all imports from the Philippines. with provis-
ion that all articles that pay export tax in
the islands under the revenue scheme devised
by the Taft Commission shall be relieved Of
this tax when consigned to the United States.
It is possible that the bill will be brought 10
a vote within the next day or two. This how
ever. is conditioned the will of the majority.
At a private meeting held Sunday the Demo-
cratic minority Of the Philippine Committee de-
cided no longer to obstruct the passage of the
BILL and probably tomorrow they will call for
party caucus to ratify this action. The effect
of this course would be to bind every Demo-
cratic Senator to a tentative programme agreed
upon at Sundays meeting of the five minority
members Of the Philippine Committee. The
salient features of this programme are that the
Democrats will debate the bill no further If the
Republicans are willing to present no more ar
guments in support of the measure or any of the
amendments offered by either side. If however,
the Republicans desire to continue the debate,
the Democrats Will insist on replying to each ar
gument In turn. They will also vote solidly
reduction from % to 70 per cent, their excuse
for determining to do this being that it is in pur
suit OF their fundamental principles touching
the administration of the insular possessions.
Avowedly the chief feature Of these "funda-
mental principles" is that there is neither con-
stitutional right nor power in Congress to levy
imposts on the commerce with the islands be-
longing to the United States. the Supreme
Courts decision to the contrary notwithstand-
hxrg gl,n
minority of the Philippine Committee is followed
literally every amendment offered by the Re
pubcans will be voted against solidly by the
Democrats and per contra every amendment
offered by the Democrats will be supported by
their side of the chamber without break any
where along the line
1t is doubtful, however, whether the Demo
Gratis can be held together in solid phslanx in
spite OF all the fine scheming that has been car
ried on ever since Congress met by the am
bilious young Senators comprising the minority
OF the Philippine Committee. with the view Of
making big politics for the Congress campaign
next summer" to their own language The
veteran, Senator McEnery, of Louisiana is
known to be opposed to his party's contention or
free trade with the insuar possessions, while
several OF the brethren are extremely shaky
on the Foraker proposition for 20 per cent
reduction on Philippine imports their argument
being that If II is impossible to secure absolute
free trade the people will demand that the
Democrats vote for the nearest approach TO that
condition which is offered.
It cannot yet be stated whether the Repub-
lican leaders will accept the offer OF the Demo-
Gratis TO suspend further debate on the bill and
permit II to come TO a vote at the earliest pos
sible date. Ever since the discussion began
there has been a strong desire on the RepubN-
can side OF the Senate for Senators Spooner
Foraker and others of that class OF constitu-
tional lawyers TO present elaborate arguments
in support OF the bill, and now that Senator
Foraker has Unexpectedly offered an important
Amendment II NAV be that the leaders VIII IN
sist that he elucidate his position thoroughly
II he decides TO speak IL is understood that
Senator Spooner also Will agree to speak. and
OF course IL these two strong debaters get after
the Democrats the minority will assert it's right |
10 be heard further. 1t is expected that all
doubt on the question VIII be removed by n
formal agreement that will be made by the !
majority and minority members OF the Philip |
pine Committee tomorrow.