Durango semi-weekly herald. (Durango, Colo.) 1899-1907, 1903-11-09
CONGRESS
CONVENES
MONDAY

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1.-THE rati-
fication OF The Cuban reciprocity treaty
is all that Is included in the present
program OF the extraordinary session
OF congress. which will open next Mon
day. 1t was originally desired by the
administration 10 take uD financial
legislation at the special session, but
the idea has now been abandoned ana
unless all signs fail comparatively nt-
tie attempt will be made to accom-
plish anything OF Importance other
than the ratification OF the Cuban
treaty.
The reciprocity treaty has been rat
flied by the Cuban congress, and only
lacks necessary legislation by the
United States congress to become Ell
fective. The initiative for this rests
with the house oil representatives. The
fact that several weeks are required
for the organization OF that body has
excited apprehension In some quar-
tiers that there will be considerable
delay in getting the reciprocity joint
resolution i'll shape, and that action
may be prevented at the called ses-
sion. In circles better informed, how
ever, there exists no apprehension on
this account, Tor while the speaker Is
not likely to have all the committees
ready Tor announcement before De-
cember he undoubtedly viii announce
the committee on ways and means and
the committee on accounts and mile
age some time during the coming
week.
While there Is likely to be a vigor-
Gus uemana from the Democrats Tor
liberal debate, ii Is expected a limit
will be fixed when the resolution is
reported, and that time also will be
fixed for final vote. With regard to
the question directly involved, 1t is
not believed there will be any great
differences in the house, but the Dem
ocrats may attempt to make capital
for the next presidential election by
debating the tariff and Offering amend
ments that will not be entertained by
the presiding officer. However, there
is reason for the belief that the house
will be abe TO send the resolution to
the senate before November 20. The
latter body, having ratified the reci-
procity treaty by an almost unanimous
vote, may be expected to take up and
dispose of the matter without much
debate.
Talks with leading Republican sena-
tors point TO a general understanding
that no financial legislation will be at.
tempted at the extra session. During
the time the house is considering the
reciprocity matter the senate will have
plenty OF business TO occupy its at
tention. The executive business alone
is OF vast volume, for the appoint
ments made during the recess number
thousands. These will have 10 be re-
ported to the senate for its advice and
consent, and their consideration will
keep the senators busy the first ten
days of the session. The financial bill
will be considered by members of the
finance committee, and cloak room
conferences may be expected among
leading senators on both sides, but no
bill will be formulated until after the
Christmas holidays.
monday will be devoted 10 the read
ing of the Presidents message. The
general expectation is that the mes
sage Will De DrleI anu Will uedl only
with Cuban reciprocity and possibly
win financial legislation. In his mes
sage it is expected that the President
win direct the attention of congress
10 the moral obligations affecting Cuba
and point out the duty Of the house to
indorse the action of the senate in
passing Cuban reciprocity treaty.
II the subject OF financial Legislation
is touched upon it is believed that def
mite recommendations Will be made
by the President along the lines OF the
speech delivered in Chicago some time
ago by Secretary Shaw. The differ
ences OF opinion entertained by the
administration and by leading Repub-
lican members OF congress on the
question OF financial legislation rend-
ers it hopeless to expect that anything
along that line can be accomplished
in the short time which the extra ses-
sion has before it and in view of these
facts 1t Is altogether probable that
the matter will be left out of the
Presidents message entirely. though
he had previously determined to give
1t especial prominence.