The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1905-02-17
WHAT CONGRESS Is DOING

W. OSCVclI tuClV "Ouiu uo'S o~SA
no such legislation to be enacted
by this House. 1t is the power Of the
President, the influence of the Presi-
dent, his firmness and his courage
that have brought this question to
the imminence Of favorable action by
the Republican majority" This state
ment was made by Representative De
Almond of Missouri when the railway
ate bill was under discussion IN the
House and soon after Mr.. De Armend
concluded his remarks the House pass
ed the Townsend Esch bill only II
dissenting votes, six of which, unfor-
tunately, were cast by Democrats.
The Democrats signified their prefer
ence for the Davey bill by first voting
for that, but when it was defeated by
a party vote they aligned themselves
on the side of some progress in the
direction of rate control and voted for
the majority measure.
As soon as the bill passed the House
it was sent TO the Senate and prompt
ly referred to the committee on Inter-
state Commerce where it will doubt
less remain until this Congress expires
which will mean the death Of the bill.
Two reasons will contribute to this
result. In the first place, the Senate
is working under pressure to CON-
plste the Swayne impeachment case,
which is in full blast, and will doubt
less have to hold numerous night SEES
sions to accomplish the routine bust
ness before March 4. In the second
place Senator Elkins, chairman of the
committee On Interstate Commerce, is
at heart opposed TO any measure in
volving real reform of railway rates
and, while protesting to be most
friendly, will actually do all in his
power to prevent the accomplishment
OF such enactment. His position rem
ders his opposition powerful and while,
with ample time At the disposal Of the
Senate, Mr.. Elkins' opposition might
be overcome, in the rush of the closing
hours of short session such fight
would be impossible.
The President is entirely reconciled
to the unavoidable delay in carrying
out his recommendations for the rea-
son that he believes that delay will
only serve to whet the demand Of the
public for such legislation and that
eventually the country will secure
from the Senate = more comprehen-
sive and adequate measure than is the
bill just passed by the House. There
will be, of course, no trouble in getting
the next House to pass bill in con-
formity to the public needs and if pop
ular demand Crews as rapidly during
the summer recess as it has during
the past few weeks the inslstence OF
the people will make itself felt even In
the Senate.
The Senate has determined to amend
the arbitration treaties, recently sub
mitted by the President, despite the
open letter of the President declaring
that if any amendment were adopted
be would withdraw them. 1t is de-
clared on high authority that if the
treaties are ratified with an amend
ment no effort will be made to induce
the foreign governments party 10 the
treaties to concur in the change
This is perhaps true, but the highest
authorities have been known to change
their minds and it is not impossible
that calmer consideration of this sub
ject may result in changed attitude
on the part of the authorities in the
State Department.. The one execu-
tive session during which the treaties
were discussed demonstrated the fact
that it would be absolutely impossible
for the treaties to be ratified unless
they were 50 amended that any subor
dinate treaties submitting q difference
to the Hague Tribunal would have t"
be approved by the Senate. Senators
Morgan, Teller and Bacon oil spoke
in favor Of the amendment, if the treat
les were to be ratified, although Mr..
Morgan opposed the principle Of ar
bitration itself and declared that in bis
estimation it would be far better if the
treaties failed entirely. 1t is not be-
lieved, however, that Senator Morgan
will insist on this view to the extent
of filibustering. 1t is predicted with
every show of confidence that the
treaties will be ratified at the next ex
ecutive session.
The fate of the Statehood bill has
been practically sealed under the
spur OF the party whip and lash in the