Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-09
AT THE CAPITOL
Members Getting Their Bearings : Not Much Work Done Yet
 Connecticut Visitors.

now practically been in session for q week, and the members are getting their bearings. No actual work has been done, outside of passing in the house the Panama canal bill but it is expected that the committees of the house will be announced by the speak CT next Tuesday, and then things will commence to hum. The senate will be much later getting down to busi- ness, and the committees will not be made up until just before the holi- days. The committee on committees is hard at work trying to fix up the vraious assignments, and each senator has been asked to indicate his prefer ences. This is no assurance, however. that senator will get what he asks for and wants, for many will ask for the same assignments. The committee will then have to settle the differ ences and do the best they can.
 Senator Bulkeley has indicated his preference for the committee on mili- tary affairs and three or four smaller committees. but he is not sure where he will land. He will, of course, noe be chairman of any important con- mittee, but may get small one. Sen ator Brandegee has notified the con- mittee that he will be satisfied with any committee they may give him. He will probably not be able to secure place on the judiciary committee, as it is understood Senators Knox, billing ham and Carter are scheduled for the three vacancies All three are older fin point of service than the senator from Connecticut.
 The members of the house do not know any more about where they will land than they did week ago. All have stated to the speaker what they would like, but Mir Cannon simply lis tens and says nothing. Connecticut secured very little under the last or ganization. and probably will not get any more this time. The west and middle west get the most, and all of New England has to take more or less of back seat.
 AS far as legislation is concerned, the tendency will be to do as little as possible. especially where appropria- tions are asked for. The word has gone out from the white house that ex- penses must be kept down as much as possible, and Speaker Cannon is fin hearty accord with the president on this point. He has already 'put his foot down" on a general public builC- ing bill, and unless he changes hie mind there will be none this session Thus far three Connecticut postoffice bills have been introduced, one for New Britain. one for Ansonia and one for Wallingford The New Britain one has the first call and will undoubtedly he included in any general building bill that may be reported to the house.
 There is no chance for general river and harbor bill. Some small measures may go through, but these will all be for continuous contracts and necessary improvements already started. An effort Is to be made to pass a railway rate bill in the house before the holidays. The feeling that some bill will be enacted into law on this subject is growing, and the sen ate does not seem as much opposed to 1t as they were last session. On the other hand you hear but very little as to any tariff legislation. The republi- cans are afraid to touch the subject for fear of upsetting present condl- tions, and the democrats do not have the power to do 1t.
 The appropriation bills for the large departments will have the right of way. and other bills will have to take their chances. Speaker Cannon would like to have the supply bills pass and then adjourn, but some few bills are bound to get through in spite of his desire.