New-York tribune., 1903-02-15
QUAY MAKES HOT FIGHT.
S7AT'EHOOD BLOCKADE.
Situation IN the Senate Becoming
MtolcrabR.
InY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNE.I

TRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNEJ
Washington Feb 14-Senator Quay is stlii
forcing the fighting in the Statehooo coiites''
and he speaks very much like man VINO Is pre-
pared to make good his statements ms III 81
move was to introduce a resolution setting forth
that it the sense of the Senate 'hae d uaS'
not later than March =, should be set for vote
on tho Omnibus hill The resolution having
been laid over until Monday, Mr. quay e&-
planned its purpose by saying that ne desired u
demonstrate to the country that he ana ms sup
porters represented a majority OF the oenale
before beginning the drastic measures he "ouiu
be compelled to adopt starting on MonuaS' "
force vote OH the Omnibus bill ne iui'hei
gave notice that he would insist hereafter oii
the continuation of the Statehood oepate I'M
mediately after the conclusion OF 'he iou'iii0
business each day until day WAS SCI ioi @
vote
Speaking of his strength MI quay N
IDENTIFY asserted that he had majority Vi
,uartxfour on = full vote Of the Senate, and 1t
,ras. evident ,that some members of the oppoSl-
ton were badly scared.
a rumor which emanated from an oppoei'ioi
Senator was to the effect tnat Nep
caucus would be called early next Weeh' anu :"
Mr.. Quay could demonstrate the suehS'h ie
claimed he would be permitted to call 1or
vote. This statement was. however, coiiIoei'is
denied by the Senate managers
Another rumor, and one perhaps ehtltieu u
more credence, is to the effect that RepupEcah
caucus will be called at which some very plain
truths will be expounded to the Repuplcah au
vocates of statehood, followed by an attempt
to bind them to support the two-State coHh-
promise bills If this should be accomplished
the Democrats would doubtless filibuster. but II
they did the onus of fbustering against the
wishes of the mapority would be transferred
to the other side of the chamber
Heretofore the statehood blockade has occa-
stoned no serious inconvenience to the party
leaders, and it has dubtless served as chech
on injudicious and unwelcome legislation But
with only fourteen days of the session remain
ing, it is becoming obnoxious.
Senator Lodge, referring to-day to the dubious
prospect for any Philippine legislation, expressed
the view that to adjourn without passing the
Philippine Currency and Tariff bills Woulo De
"wanton cruelty" and that view is held by the
officials of the administration.
Senator Lodge called up the Philippine Iari1
bill to-day but objection promptly raised
by the Senators from Colorado. and in the brief
debate which followed it was demonstrated that
any attempt to pass the measure by UNANIMOUS
consent would be hopeless.
Senator Aldrich also attempted TO secure the
passage of his elastic currency Dill, put was
met with prompt objection. Mr. Aldrich is
deeply interested in this measure. and hopes 10
see it become a law this session.
Senator McComas's nSistent championship OF
the Eight Hour Labor bill is proving embarrass-
ing. No cares to vote against the measure
and yet few wish it to become a law In Iact
it is one of the bills which the leaders nave been
pleased to see crowded off the taps by the
Statehood blockade, and probably the same may
be said of the immigration bill
Besides the two treaties yet to be ratined
there remain eight regular appropriation b1lis
to be considered by the Senate. in addition to
the special mea sures which action is desired
so that it is not difficult to understand why the
present situation is becoming lntoierapie.