The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-12-03

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
After the opening day, when the mes
cage OF the president is read, the regu-
lar business OF the season viii begin and
the legislative wheels will grind steadily
until March 4. 1905. There is plenty
TO do,
The calendars OF both houses are loaded
with bills OF all kinds; hundreds of new
bills will he introduced and committees
are ready to report enough 10 keep con-
gress busy for l2 months, but In the three
months congress probably will do little
more than pass the regular anhual dppIo-
priation bills.
There has been some talk Of a possible
extra session. The result Of the Novem-
Der election was scarcely known before
this talk began. Heretofore extra session
rimors have been held In abeyance until
the holiday recess, or at least until after
the election returns have been digestei,
hut this year the discussion began before
the president knew how many votes he
would have I'm the Electoral college.
The only reason why such session
should be called IL because there is a de-
mand In certain quarters for revision
OF the tariff. but many OF the incoming
congressman during the past two weeks
have made IL plain that they do not want
tariff revision. and further that they do
not want an extra session.
MORE REVENUE NEEDED.
There is one feature OF the tariff re-
vision talk that has some substance.
More revenue must he had or there must
be a curtailment Of expenditures.
With the increasing annual appropria-
ha al
OF the navy. the Panama canal and other
features OF extraordinary disbursement
there will be need OF more money than
present customs and internal revenues
provide.
An intimation has been made that cur
tailment will satisfy many congressional
leaders but the majority may determine
otherwise. I'm which event some revenue
legislation may be necessary and an extra
session for that purpose may be called.
However, this Is said TO he a remote con-
tingency and the probabilities. accord
ing TO the leaders who are here. are eethat
there will be neither tariff legislation nor
n-extra- -aession.
Coupled with tariff legislation discussion
Is the subject OF reciprocity. number
OF proposed reciprocity treaties have been
and still are reposing I'm the pigeonholes
OF the senate. During the coming three
months there may be some talk about
these treaties, but the indications are that
they will not he seriously considered.
So strong has been the opposition to
them that II has never been considered
worth while TO report them from the COM
mittee on foreign relations TO which they
were referred.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT NEEDED.
There was considerable talk during the
last session Of congress concerning tarih
revision. and the suggestion was made by
several prominent leaders that any re-
vision that was necessary could be ac'
complished during the short session o
congress the idea being that revision
woutd he on the lines OF reduction and
woula meet with little or no opposl
ton.
II more revenue Is needed and IL Il
found necessary to add some interna
revenue taxes. opposition may be more
pronounced Revenue legislation OF an,
kind In sure TO create considerable tan
In the senate and that means delay. "
fact. Il has become known tlRt unde
present conditions legislation during thu
short session is enacted by PRACTICAL,
unanimous consent.
ANY hslf-dozen senators who deter
mine 20 defeat n biii hHvp the power Il
do so. with the privilege OF unlimited
debate.
In the house the stringent rules enable
the majority 10 transact I'll the business
n desires. and so far as that body Is con
eerned there IL no difficulty about any
legislation that NAV be attempted. bu
n the leaders 40 not want tariff revision
irnpea chment, or. II II does, the actor
will be done.
BILLS FOR PHILIPPINES.
The unfinished business in the senate Is
bill passed by the house providing for
the construction of railroads In the Phil
fppine Islands by a guarantee ot per
cent income upon the money invested in
such roads.
The tril also provides for issuing Phil
ippine bonds for other internal Improve
nents in the islands and in several other
rartIculars amends the Philippine law
pass. q hy congress The bill met with 4
great ceal % opposition during the lat
congress. but Senator Lodge, who has II
in charge saws ihat he will press Il
from the beginning of the session and
hopes 30 secure .if passage.
The principal opposition was the pro-
vision which guaranteel N income q
the railroads. ard little objection was
r,1ds n other features ~ he bill
Another hill for the Philippines. which
has beer urged by Secretary Tcf; and thr
president. as wei. as nearly everyone So.
tefested In the Philippines. provides (.
material reduclion OF the duty or
sugar end tobacco. as we'll as other Phil
ippire products.
In fact. free entry OF these produ,',
has been recommended. The sugar an,
tobacco interests we're stfong enough 81
the past TO defeat any substantial re
auction. and the law now provides fo
q duty Of IS per cent 81 the DinglCy rates