The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1903-01-16

ney General may be EN- bOdied In some
simple measure amending the present
statutes so as to further the efforts Of
Mr.. Knox. This would be regarded as
At least step in the right direction
and further prosecution OF existing
cases would serve to still further dem.
onstrate the correctness, or the re-
verse, of the Attorney Generals con-
tentions.
The action of the President In caus-
ing to be given to the press, from the
White Hhuse, a digest of Mr.. KnOx's
Recommendation on the trust ques-
lion is regarded as unquestionable
evidence of the interest he takes In
he subject. Senator Hoar has made
long and able speech In support Of
ais bill but to the 0nlooker it did not
appear that his frank statements and
ounded periods appealed to the gen.
lemen on the republican side OF the
:hamber there is reason to believe
hat many senators regard the pro-
visions o, the IIoar bill as unconstitu-
ional. 1t is safe to predict, however,
hat 100000 will be appropriated for
he use of the Attorney General for
prosecution Of trust cases and it is re-
.arded as probable that Representa-
i've jenkins bill, providing for two
assistants to the Attorney General,
will receive favorable consideration.
There are rulnOrs in circulation to
he effect that the President will call
IN extra session II Congress fails to
lass antitrust legislation but it is
known that some of his closest advis-
RS will urge him against such
course and 1t is impossible to make
any safe prediction at this time. Mr..
Knox's opinion Is regarded as strong
argument, especially those portions
which explain the status of the exist
ng cases against the trusts and the
.easons why he cannot more vigorous
y prosecute them.
A grave cause Of anxiety to the re.
publican leaders is the Statehood bill
which still continues to block all pro-
,ress. This bill 10 the "unfnished
~, mess before the Senate" and as
such, has the right to consideration
very day at 2 o'clock and throughout
the days session thereafter. Senator
quay, who is ably assisted by Senator
Foraker, refuses to yield tc any other
business and believes that the pres
,ure Of other legislation will eventu-
lilly COMPEL the opposition to yield
md permit the Omnibus Statehood
bill to come to vote when, according
10 the Senator from Pennsylvania, 1t
will commend sufficient votes to Sc
:ure its passage. The opposition is
equally confident that 1t will be able
% defeat the measure.
The House has passed the Army
bill which provides
or general staff to which will be
the supervision OF army
lffairs, taking the place of the Gener-
Il commanding the army and CORES.
'onding, in many respects, to the
bureau Of navigation in the navy. A
areful canvass OF the Senate shows
hat there is practically no opposition
o the measure in that chamber and |
Proctor, Eikins aud Alger,
ii OF whom have served as Secretary
| War, are urgent In its support.
ne only obstacle to the fnxl passage
the bill is the lack Of time at the
isposal of the Senate.
There IS no longer doubt as to the
OF the Cuban treaty. This
Iatement was made to his Cabinet at
S last meeting by the President, and
confirmed by Senators Cu,lom,
od5e and other members of the for
sn relations committee. There has
cen some talk of 30 amending the
eaty as to make the duty on Cuban
)ecidc, so that 1t would not be ar
cted by any reciprocity treaty which
light be negotiated and ratified with
~ other sugar producing nation, but
view OF the difficulties attending
&c amendment Of reciprocity treaty
Id the small likelihood Of the ratifi.
ton of other reciprocity treaties
ere is no reason to believe that such
Change will be made.
There has been no change in the
mama Canal situation since my last
ter, Secretary Hay continues to
tand pat" to use a popular express
~ or the day, and DR.. Herran SAYS
at he Is awaiting further instruct. ]