The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-11

necessary 70 devote TO the preparation
Of a tariff bill So far as the president
is concerned, he would be willing to
have congress in session during the
summer months. He has indicated his
entire readiness to remain in Washing
ton next summer if congress will I'M
dertake at that time the consideration
OF tariff measure; but congress thus
far has shown no disposition of a hot
weather session.
While no decision of a definite char
Of the extraordinary session, it is rea-
sonable that, if one should be held, it
viii be called to meet next autumn,
probably in October.
1t was added that there is not the
least prospect Of differences so radical
arising between the president and the
Republican leaders in congress over
the tariff question as to cause a split
IN the party. While the president is
deeply in earnest in his desire for tariff
revision, he regards the question as one
of expediency in which no great prin-
ciple is at stake
On another question, however. that of
legislation relating to the interstate
freight rates of railroads, his mind is
quite made up. He will fight for that
legislation, and fight hard. He hopes
action regarding that legislation at the
present session, but if he does not he
will bring the subject again before con-
gress at the proposed extraordinary
session and viii urge with all his power
the capitalization into law of the rec
ommendation he already has made to
congress on that question. The freight
rate question he does not regard as
one OF expediency. He holds that it is
a subject IN which a great moral Drfn-
ciple is involved, and one very near to
all the people of the country. He re-
CARDS it. in fact. as the paramount is
sue at this time.
Some consideration was given at the
fcr- -. L
tons to be authorized at the present
session of congress. The president cor
daily approved of the disposition of
congress to hold the appropriations
he urged very strongly that the naval
appropriations should not be materially
disturbed. saying that the best guaran-
tee OF peace for this country lies in a
strong and homogeneous navy, and
tnat the naval programme as mapped
out should be carried into effect, with
out the dropping of a single vessel. The
president maintained that congress
should authorize the construction not
merely OF one or two cruisers. but of
lighting ships battleships, and he ex-
pressed the hope that agreement with
him In this regard might be reached in
congress.
Whether there will be an extra ses-
sion of congress for a revision of the
tariff is a question, in the expressed
opinion of number Of leaders of the
senate tnat must be determined by the
president and house. In other words
several senators contend steadfastly
that the responsibility of tariff revision
agitation must be borne by the house
while the senate will -join in perfecting
such legislation as may be provided if
an extra session is called by the presi-
dent and a bill be passed by the house.
senators who plan to place on the
mouse the burden of an extra session
argue that certain house members in
discussing the relative position of the
Two legislative branches of congress
have not refrained from advancing the
charge that the senate does not repre-
sent the people as does the house, and
say that il opposition to an extra ses-
sion is made effective it will not be the
senate that erects the barrier.
Few senators are to be found who
are willing to discuss the matter for
publication. beyond saying that If a
tariff session is called 1t should not be
held before autumn, to be convened in
October preferable. The argument in
favor Of a late session is that the MEM
bers OF the ways and means COMMITTEES
OF the house and the finance committee
of the senate would have an opportuni-
ty to investigate the demands for a re-
vision and thus arrive at a better I'M
derstanding of legislative needs before
the session is assembled.
There is a lively exchange OF views
and gossip regarding the tartn revision