The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-01-05
Many Senators viii Not Be
Present When Business
is Resumed
STATEHOOD BILL WILL
COME UP THIS AFTERNOON
Representative Sherman of New York
is III at Hot Springs, Ark, and
His Absence May Delay
Action on Indian Bill.

Washington. January 4.-Many of the
senators who left Washington for the
Christmas holidays are still absent and
the present indications are that when
business is resumed at noon tomorrow,
there will not be very full attendance.
Before the week is far advanced, how
ever. the senate again will be in regular
working order and there will be little ces-
sation of work before March 4. The pre-
diction is very general that the remaind-
er of the session will be exceedingly
busy because of the number of import
consideration before final adjournment.
During the present week and probably
for some time to come, the omnibus
statehood bill will be the chief topic of
discussion on the floor, but under the
unanimous agreement by which the bill
was made the unfinished business, it can
not be taken up any day before o'clock.
1t Is the purpose of the friends of the
bill to press it's consideration and not to
allow the bill to be sidetracked unless
under very great pressure. The present
purpose is to give way only for appro-
priation bills, but there are now no ap-
preparation bills on the senate calender.
1t is, however, the purpose of the sena-
torial leaders and especially of those
who oppose the statehood bill, to press
appropriation bills to the front as rapid
ly as possible. Senate committee on ap-
propriations Immediately will take up the
legislative, executive and judicial appro-
priation bill, and it will be reported to
the senate as soon as possible. 1t Is
bill which demands considerable investi-
cation, and 1t is not probable that it
will reach the senate much before the
middle of the month. When it ia reported
the committee will seek to secure It's i'm
mediate consideration.
Statehood Bill Comes Up Today.
According to the arrangements made
before the holidays, the debate the
statehood bill will be resumed at 2
o'clock tomorrow, Senator Nelson of Min
nesota being the first speaker ON the list.
He Is a member of the committee on ter
ritories, and in addition to his opposition
to the admission of the territories of New
Mexico and Arizona, he is a staunch ad-
vocate of the bill for the admission Of
Oklahoma and Indian Territory as one
state, which was reported by the majori-
ty of the committee as a substitute for
the house omnibus bill He has a care
fully prepared speech and its delivery
probably will require the greater part of
two days. Senator Burnham will be
heard next, and he will probably speak
for two days or more. Other republican
senators have agreed to speak In oppo-
ia H. 1T o..1 tp ocfi fiy,.ot tad
that there will be no fewer than fifteen
anti-statehood speeches before considera-
tion of the measure is concluded. Some
speeches in support Of the bill are prom
Used, but the indications are somewhat
against delivery of an of them during
the present week. though 1t Is possible
that Senator Foraker, who Is an earnest
advocate of the omnibus bill, may be
heard some time within the next few
days
The time of the senate each day be-
fore 2 o'clock will be earnestly con-
tested for among the measures seeking
early attention being the militia bill. the
immigration bill, the eight-hour govern
ment labor bill and the Philippine cur
rency bill. Senator Proctor has given
notice that he will call up the militia
bill Monday morning as soon as the
routine business Is disposed of. and he
will try to keep this bill to the front
until action can be secured.
Some Features Strongly Antagonized.
Some features of the measure are sharp
ly antagonized, so that 1t may provoke
considerable debate. There also Is a dispo-
sition to amend the immigration bill. The
supporters of this measure don't yet seem
inclined to concede the changes demand
ed. Senator Lodge as chairman of the
committee on the Philippines has given
notice that he will press the currency
bill as rapidly as possible, and expresses
confidence In its passage before the ses-
sion grows much older. Senator McComas
will urge consideration OF the eight-hour
bill.
The committee on foreign relations, 1t Is
said, will take up the Cuban treaty at
Its meeting this week. but 1t is doubtful
whether 1t will be reported during the
week 1t has not been decided whether
there will be any hearings on the treaty.
Thus far no formal request FOR them mas
been made, and probably none will be
sought until after the beet sugar conven-
tion, which Is to be held In this city dur
ing the week.
Senator Cullom says he will ask the SEN
ate to give the treaty its attention at
as early a day as practicable after 1t
shall be reported.
A large number of new bills and resolu-
tions will be introduced at the beginning
of the session tomorrow, among them
joint resolution by Senator Morgan direct
ing the executive department to cease
negotiations with the government Of Co.
lombia for right of way for an isthmian
canal and to close agreements with Costa
Rica and Nicaragua for the construction
of a canal by the Nicaragua route.
THE HOUSE.