The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-26
The Programme for the Extra Session
OF Congress.

The only reason assigned by the Presi-
dent in his proclamation for convoking
the F'ifty-eighth Congress in extra ses-
sion is the Importance OF securing
promptly as possible the legislation
needed to render operative the reciproc-
ity treaty with Cuba which the Senate
has already ratified. We scarcely need
point out, however, that Congress, once
brought together, is at liberty to pass
any bills or resolutions it pleases, with
out reference to the scope Of the Presi-
dents message; and precedents are not
wanting for the transaction at extra
sessions Of far-reaching public business
not contemplated by the Executive.
As regards the subjects Of debate.
indeed, the minority party. even in the
House of Representatives, can be only
par TALLY controlled; while in the Senate
the range Of discussion is practically
unrestricted under the rules. In the
latter body it is only when discussion
tries to translate itself into joint or con-
current resolutions or into acts Of Con-
gress that the power Of the majority
party becomes unmistakable. The ques-
ton, therefore, Of paramount interest
ia concerned, not with the topics that
Democrats may try to force upon public
attention, but with the limits Of Federal
legislation, which, in view OF the ap-
preaching election of President, Re-
publican leaders have determined to
impose upon the Fifty eighth Congress,
both at the extra and the first regular
session.
The plans of the Democrats need but
q moments glance because, in the alb
sence or partial cooperation Of Repub-
lican acquiescence, they are all destined
to prove abortive. Our old friend, Sem
ator MORGAN Of Alabama, will undoubt-
edly propose a resolution inviting the
President to lay before Congress the
documents relating to negotiations with
the Colombian Government about a
canal franchise, and requesting the
President to state whether, In pursuance
of the Spooner act, any steps have been
taken to secure the alternative route
from Nicaragua and Costa Rica. II, in
Mr.. ROOSEVELT opinion, the reason
able time allotted to him by the Spooner
act for negotiations with Colombia has
not elapsed, Mr. MoRGAN's resolution
will be referred to a committee, and
there allowed to rest.
l., =. 10 hat
resolutions will be introduced, both In
the House of Repr esentatives and in the
Senate demanding an investigation by
Congress Of the Post Office scandals.
Whether the leaders Of the Republican
majorities will permit one Of those reso-
lutions to pass, or will introduce one Of
their own TO a similar effect, will depend
entirely on the impression produced
upon the public mind by the publication
of the report OF Fourth Assistant Post
master General BRIsTow, just rendered,
and by the official action which has been
taken, or will be- taken, IN pursuance
thereof Certain, also Is II that in the
course Of the debates on the Cuban
reciprocity treaty Democrats VIII urge
the sApeiiency Of concluding reciproo-
ity arrangements with some other coun-
tries, and Of modifying certain sched-
ules Of the D,ngley act, so far as the
duties levied on trust made products
are concerned In O word, the minority
party will Try 20 raise the whole tariff
issue, The effort will In ineifeotu al,
however, inasmucb ~ those Repub-
linans who wore NJ one time advocates
II the Iowa idea have agreed To re-
main qulesnsnt during ths two sessions
u Congress preaching the Presidential
campaign.
What the Republican leaders intend
10 permit Congress 10 do AZ the extra
! and FIRST regular SESSIONS has been in