The Press., 1902-04-24
WASHINGTON LETTER.
washington, April q, 1909.

washington, April q, 1902. I
| A most remarkable spectacle was af-
forded to the visitor at the capitol last
Friday. The senate chamber was almost
vacant, the lobbies usually thronged with
visitors and newspaper correspondents
were empty, and even the committees
rooms were vacated, but In the house OF
representatives different scene present.
ed itself. Not only was every member In
his place, but on the rostrum and around
the walls of the chamber sat or stood
many senators, and every seat in the
commodious galleries was occupied. The
occasion was the final struggle in the con-
test which has been taking place between
the administration republicans and that
large faction of the party which has al
lied itself to the standard of beet sugar
and extreme protection. And yet, to the
uninitiated every faction appeared to be
voting against its own interests, and sug-
gested general political hari-kiri The
beet sugar men were voting to remove
the differentlal tariff from refined sugar,
an end which must prove seriously In
furious to the beet sugar interests, the
staunch supporters of the protection pol
Icy. Speaker Henderson and his follow
ing were voting to lower the tariff and
the democrats we're voting for an amend
ment which they knew to be inimical to
reduced duties between the United States
and Cuba, policy which they had prevf-
ously described as '2O per cent. CONVEX
sion" to their views.
To the initiated the position on the
| floor of the house while anomalous was
reasonably clear. The beet sugar sup
porters had determined to amend the Gu
ban reciprocity bill to the extent of TAX
ing the differential duty off of refined su-
gar, believing that by so doing they would
defeat the whole measure, it having been
generally conceded that the senate would
| never pass the bill 80 amended. The re-
publican leaders were voting for that pol
icy of reciprocity which they consider
| that they have inherited from Blaine and
| Mckinley, and they were further paying
Difference to the president, whose strong
sense of justice has prompted him to risk
censure and even brave the danger of
party discord In an effort to fulfill the
pledges which he believes his respected
predecessor made to Cuba. The demo-
Gratis were striking blow at the profits
Of the sugar trust, and so regarded their
action consistent, even II it defeated a
partial reduction of the tariff.
To Mr.. Dalzell of Pennsylvania fell the
honor of closing debate which has been
characterized by some of the best speech
es which the house has heard in many
years. He presented clear and forceful
argument in support of his views. He
had been preceded by Mr.. Richardson of
Tennessee. who had been equally logical
in his exposition Of the situation. Fol-
lowing Mr.. Dalzell's speech Judge Morris
of Minnesota presented the amendment
removing the differential on refined su-
gar, and Immediately the point of order
/ was raised. After some hours debate on
| this question, the chair ruled out the
amendment, and Immediately Mr.. Taw-
ney, the beet sugar leader, appealed from
the chairs decision. The appeal carried,
amid tumultuous cheers from the demo-
Gratis and beet sugar men, and, after the
usual routine business, the speaker de-
clared the bill for Cuban reciprocity, so
amended as to remove the extra duty on
refined sugar, carried by a vote Of 247 to
SO. The fate of the bill now rests with
the senate, but 1t is generally believed
that it will not pass except so amended as
to preclude the possibility of the houses
agreeing to the amendments. The battle
for Cuban reciprocity, In word, is con-
sidered lost.
After rejecting the Chinese exclusion bill,
which had been under consideration, the
senate on last Wednesday re-enacted the
Geary law, and there is little doubt but
that the house will concur SO that the law
may be placed on the statutes before May
9th, the date when the present law expires
by Limitation. Since that time, as Is u.s.
ually the case after the enactment Of any
1 AAAROA o1AIS AOSAoAbGAOAS LILO SOuotO udS
practically rested from its labors, but the
Philippine government bill Is the regular
order, and 1t Is expected that its serious
consideration will begin to-day.
Notwithstanding the statement given
out at the war department last week, that
General Miles would be retired at an early
date, it is believed that Mr.. Roosevelt
has, out of Difference to the wishes OF
prominent republicans, reconsidered the
matter ,and that no such action will be
taken for the present. There is rumor
abroad that the president will soon ask
the resignation of Secretary Root. 1t lie
known that many of the members of his
party are bringing pressure to bear to
that end, but 1t seems doubtful II Mr..
Roosevelt will consent to dispense with
the man who is his most intimate friend
| doubt that recent disclosures In the senate
committee on Philippines have cast dis
credit on the secretary of war, but only
because he is at the head of the war de-
i duu tAOSO WIN huOW 1eOOt
best are confident that he has had nc
knowledge Of the cruelties which, In some
instances, at least, have been practiced
In the islands. The transport scandal
antedates MIR. Roots tenue of office, so
that he can hardly be held to blame for
that.
/ had the pleasure Of meeting Mr.. San
tos-Dumont one day last week at a re-
ception given by DR.. de Assis- Brasil, the
Brazilian minister at Washington. The
distinguished @ronaut seems scarce more
than boy, he is but twenty-seven, and
his diff1dence was amusing, especially
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