Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-12-03

asebprOc1ty flGeOnnOIe0s
Coupled with tariff legislation dis
cussion is the subject of reciprocity
number of proposed reciprocity
treaties have been, and still are re
posing in the pigeon holes of the sen
ate. During the coming three months
there may be some talk about these
treaties. but the indications are they
will not be seriously considered. Sc
strong has been the opposition to them
that il has never been considered
worth while to- report them from the
committee on foreign relations, tC
which they were referred. There was
considerable talk during the last :ses
sion of congress concerning tariff
revision. and the suggestion was made
by several prominent leaders that any
revision that was necessary could be
accomplished during the short session
Of congress. the idea being that revis'
ion would be on the lines Of reduction
and would meet with little or no Oppo-
sition. IL more revenue is needed and
Il is found necessary TO add some in
ternal revenue taxes. opposition may
be more pronounced. Revenue legis-
lation of any kind is sure TO create
considerable talk in the senate. and
that means delay. In fact IL has be-
come known that under present con-
iitions legislation during the short
session is enacted by practically unan-
imous consent. Any half dozen sena-
tors who determine TO defeat bill
have the power to do SO. with the
privilege OF unlimited debate. In
the house the stringent rules enable
the majority TO transact all business
Il desires and SO far as that body is
concerned there is no difficulty about
any legislation that may be attempted.
but If the leaders do not want tarin re-
vision or change in the revenue laws
nothing will be done.
The unfinished business in the senate
is a bill passed by the house providing
for the construction of railroads in the
Philippine islands by guarantee OF D
per cent income upon the money invest
ed in such roads. The bill also pro-
vides for issuing Philippine bonds for
other internal improvements in the isl
ands. and in several other particulars
amends the Philippine laws passed by
congress. The bill met with great
deal of opposition during the last con-
gress. but Senator Lodge, who has il in
charge, says he will press it from the
beginning of the session and hopes to
secure its passage. The principal oppo-
sition was to the provision which guar
anteed an income to the railroads, and
little objection was made to other fea-
lures of the bill. Another bill for the
Philippines, which has been urged by
Secretary Taft and the president. as
well as nearly every one interested in
the Philippines, provides for a material
reduction of the duty on sugar and to-
bacco as well as other Philippine pro-
ducts. In fact free entry of these pro-
ducts have been recommended The
sugar and tobacco interests were
strong enough in the past to defeat any
reduction, and the law now
provides for a duty of rs per cent of
the Dingley rate. A demand for a re-
duction of % per cent has been quite
frequently presented to congress.
Statehood Bill Pending.
Another measure which received the
sanction of the house last session, but
W hcNtl Occh Tue
senate. is the statehood measure which
provides for two states, doubling up the
of Oklahoma and Indian Ter
ritory as one and Arizona and New
Mexico as another. This bill, like any
other which may encounter opposition
in the senate could be easily defeated
and advocates of separate statehood
for all the territories are likely to pur-
sue that course.
Should the house of representatives
decide to impeach Judge Charles
Swayne, of the northern district of
the business conditions Of the
senate would be complicated. After an
a majority of the house
on judiciary in the last ses-
sion recommended impeachment Con
sideration Of the resolution was post
poned until Dec. IS. the beginning of
he second week Of the short session
the judiciary committee was
to take further testimony. a
ask IL began two weeks ago. Present
are that the house will not
authorize an Impeachment, or IL il does
he action will be taken so late in the |
session that the real proceedings will |
20 over until the next congress. There |
ire precedents for such action in other |
cases that have been be-
ore congress.
II is somewhat doubtful If a vote will
re reached in the senate in the case of
senator Reed Smoot, of Utah. This
ase attracted a great deal of attention
asst session when the committee on
rivileSes and elections summoned the
eads of the Mormon church To tell
that had been going on of a pOlygam-
us character in Utah ana thousands
Z persons petitioned daily To have
moot elected from the senate. A score
r more of witnesses are yee To be ex-
mined. AMI the defense has not even
egun. SO that IL is evidenr that before
report is made 20 -iIe senate IT, ses-
on will be 50 FIR spent that no serios.s
tempt VIII De made tn reach n vote