New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-01
A STRANGE ALLIANCE.
LEA CUE IN SENATE AGAINST
THE ADMINISTRATIONS.
PLAN TO DEFEAT CUBAN RECIPROCITY.
ISTHMIAN CANAL LEGISLATION AND
PHILIPPINE BILL.
EBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

IBY TELEGRAPH TO TRIBUNEl
Washington, April Self quiet but persist
emily circulated reports to be believed there
is forming in the Senate one of the strangest
alliances that is possible to be formed in that
body. AS the story goes. negotiations are now
in progress for a combination between the beet
sugar Republicans the Senators of both parties
who are opposed to isthmian canal legislation
at this session and the Democrats a whole.
the purpose being 10 prolong indefinitely the
present debate the Philippine bill with the
view Of defeating action at this session on Cuban
reciprocity the interoceanic waterway
propositions. Although this may be decried as
an unholy alliance. the fact seems to be that
energetic efforts are being made to bring
It about. and that unless the friends of Cuban
reciprocity bestir themselves. il will be an ac-
oomplished fact before they realize its fun sig
nihcance. OF course the movement denotes the
desperation alike of the enemies of the admin
istration all around since the President is com
Initted irretrievably TO Cuban reciprocity, 18TH
man canal legislation and the Lodge bill for
the establishment of civil government in the
Philippines all at this session
DEMOCRATS EAGERLY ACCEPT.
Who the leaders of the movement are on the
part Of the Republicans il is neither convenient
nor expedient this time TO say, although OF
course. it is not difficult TO surmise who are the
leaders on the part of the Democrats. In fact.
# NAV be said that every Senator the Demo
cratic side of the chamber. with the possible
exception Of Nj Morgan, of Alabama. would
eagerly embrace any opportunity that might be
offered to cause embarrassment to the adminis-
tration on Cuban reciprocity and isthmian canal
legislation as we'll the Philippine ques-
ton. Senator Morgan is wrapped up in the
idea of pushing the Hepburn Nicaragua Canal
bill at all hazards that he doubtless could not
be induced to join any movement that was cal
cuated interfere in any way with the sue
cess of that scheme. But he is completely
out of touch at present with the controlling ele-
nlent of his party in the Senate that he might
not be able to arrest the movement, even should
he soon learn 0f its existence. The Senate Dem
oc-atic managers are so vastly pleased with
The political capital they believe they have made
out of the Philippine debate for the forthcom-
ing Congressional campaign that they are not
likely TO forego any chance that may be offered
them to continue the present investigation In
committee and daily dispute the floor of the
Senate in the presence Of crowded galleries and
alert Democratic correspondents Hence when
9 nronosaI came TO them from certain sources,
opposed alike TO reciprocity with Cuba and def
mite action at this session on the canal scheme,
they are said 10 have accepted with alacrity the
Fro,fe-ed alliance. With the understanding that
by hook or crook the Philippine debate is 10 hold
the right of way on the Senate calendar to the
Ing for attention. except, Of course, appropria-
ton and other supply bills, the expectation
being that when the hot weather sets in, about
the middle of June or the first Of July, both
houses will welcome any excuse TO adjourn. II
this programme can be carried out. the objects
Of the three elements in the alliance Will be
attained-that is, the Democrats Will have an
opportunity to discuss the Philippine question to
their hearts content. and the reciprocity and
,rH 70 pYf gpG-
sion.
CANNOT SUCCEED. SAYS SENATOR PLATT.
It is considered improbable, however, that
this scheme can be made success. In point of
fact supporters OF the administrators Cuban
policy when spoken TO about 1t to-day iouted
the idea. This particularly true OF Senator
Platt Of Connecticut, chairman OF the Com
mittee on Relations with Cuba and one of the
most influential men in public life when we
get ready to report a bill for straight reel
procity with Cuba we shall do so, and put 1t
through the Senate with little or no trouble as
a strict party measure" said the Connecticut
Senator to a repres entative of The Tribune.
Il mean by this Senator Platt went on to say,
that If such combination as is rumored were
actually formed, we would pay no attention TO
IL, least far Cuban reciprocity Is con-
cerned. Therefore l am not bothering about
this report, and shall not believe II is true until
positive evidence Of the existence OF the
alliance described"
Mr. Platt voiced the views Of nearly all the
other supporters OF the ADMINISTRATORS Cuban
policy who are determined to 20 on with the
work of getting the party together on reel
procity bill that be put through the Senate
as a Republican measure and command Virtu-
ally the full party strength when it gets back
10 the House.
MR. HAVEMEYER TO BE HEARD TO-DAY.
The subcommittee of which Senator Platt is
chairman will begin the examination to-mor-
row of officers Of the Sugar Trust, with the
view OF determining what foundation there is
sla ot,o Tell
for the investigation, that large part Of this
years crop Of Cuban sugar is owned by the
Sugar Trust Henry o. Havemeyer, the presi-
dent of the trust. will appear before the sub
committee tomorrow morning, and probably
viii be kept the stand the greater part OF the
day What other witnesses will follow him has
not vet been decided. However, this investiga-
tion will not be permitted to interfere with the
dispatch Of reciprocity legislation, which be-
fore stated. will be brought forward
the leaders are ready for it.