Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-05
ANXIOUS DAYS
CONGRESS
ENDURED
FATE or BILLS AND VOTES OF
CONSTITUENTS BRING MUCH
WORRY TO SENATORS AND
CONGRESSMAN.

WASHINGTON. May N--These are ahN-
ions DAYS for those members OF congress
who are in doubt as 20 their re-eaecuon'
and. are uncertain as 70 the fate OF certain
appropriation bills in which they have an
individual interest.
inxs ana the sundry civil bills have pass
ed both houses Of congress. but are sun
In the hands o. the conference committee,
empowered 10 make such changes as may
seem best for the interests OF the coun-
Try. The conference on these important
money bills weld powerful influence az
this period OF the session, and II Is anus
ing 10 observe the Difference shown by
those members who have pieces OF pie
IN the legislative closet
some OF the big money bills are being
purposely held back 20 ne used IN In
iuencing Republican boilers on the Cuban
recfprocftv question. Some OF the most
noisy opDonents OF this bill have very
vital interests in the river and harbor
and in the public buildings bills. In con-
ference 1t Is expected that some items viii
have to be sacrificed in order 20 get an
agreement between the two houses Inc
leaders IN the senate and house are watch
ing the situation and developments very
closely and they are aware that party dis
cApline can be effectively employed IN
humber OF instances for the good Of the
administration. and without doubt this
whip win be used to set the members into
line.
Quite tempest in a teapot was created
IN washington this week. when the order
was sent forth BY the secretary OF war
authorizing Chief Clerk Scofield 70 sign
certain papers. in his stead during the
temporary absence OF himself or the as
sastant secretary. This has been wired
ever the country as another method OF
bounding Lieutenant General Niles. As a
A. l. L. Al 81
old custom under which Chief Clerk Twee-
dale, Mr.. ScOneld's predecessor. was again
and again made responsible for the routine
business OF the department during the
absence OF Lincoln. Proctor and others.
These orders are all on file at the depart
ment and number as many in q single
year.
The nrst and only sign Of the adjourn
ment Of congress during present session
was the passage late Tuesday afternoon
BY the house OF q resolution prohibiting
the sale in the house restaurant OF any
alcoholic liquors or wines or beers.
The resolution IN question was introduce
cd By representative ladies OF Indiana al
he suggestion OF Representative Joy, Of
Missouri. and was warmly supported by
Charles sLittieheld. or the ". c. T. U.
Of RockIand. LIE. II passed BY vote OF
Is 70 -
The minority report Of the committee on
fn1er-Cce2utc canals has been prepared by
Senator Kfttenredge. OF South Dakota. and
Il Is a long argument in favor Of the Pan
ana route and the Spooner amendment
10 the Hepburn bill. W~
Tae Spoorer Amendment proposes that
ire president be authorized to purchase
the Panama canal and 70 complete the
construction Of Il; but II that route is
found to be impracticable or title OF the
Panama company such as cannot be trans
ferred 70 the United States. the president
Is given authority 10 construct the canal
b. the Nicaragua route. The minority
have accepted that amendment as the one
for which they viii make their fight in
tire senate. Their report viii deal with the
advantage OF the Panama route and the
Disadvantage OF the Nicaragua route.
The probabilities now are that congress
viii not adjourn before the first of Au-
gust. The Philippine civil government
bill may not be brought 20 a vote I'm the
senate for two weeks. The debate on the
bill has now continued Tor a month and
only two senator's. Lodge and Dolliver.
have discussed the bill on its merits Most
Of the speeches from the opposition to
the administration have been denuncia-
tons OF the army. IL looks now as II
the Democrats propose 10 keep congress
IN session all summer while they look
about for material for q political issue
for the campaign this fail. Should they
fan to ind one In the Philippines they
viii turn their attention 20 Cuba.