New-York tribune., 1905-01-05
C0MRESSAT WORK AGAIN
STATEHOOD IN SENATE.
Bill Taken Up, bat Not Likely to
Pass.
rrRoM THE TRIBUNE BuREAU.l

lFROA BUREAU
Washington, Jan. 4.-BOth branches of Con-
gress reassembled to-day after the holiday re-
cess which began on December 81 BY a vote
of 81 TO II the Senate decided to take up the
Omnibus Statehood bill and make It the ''un-
finished business until displaced by a vote.
This measure, which passed the House at the
last session. provides that Oklahoma and Indian
Territory and Arizona and New-Mexico shall
be admitted TO the Union two States, but
confers on the State to be comprised of Arizona
and New-Mexico the privilege of resolving itself
into two separate States when 1t has popula-
tion sufficient 10 entitle II to two members OF
the House.
There are grave objections to the Statehood
bill reported. and the likelihood OF its becom-
ing law without further amendment is remote
The first show of opposition came in the form
Of an amendment offered by Senator Foraker
which accords TO Arizona and New-Mexico the
privilege OF declining Statehood on the terms OF
the bill by a majority vote of either territory.
No sooner had the reading OF the bill been COM
pleted than the disposition OF the minority to
adopt filibustering tactics was shown by mo-
tion. made by Senator Bate, TO recommit the bill,
and prominent Democrats plainly intimate their
intention 10 hibuster without limit, If neees-
sary, to prevent the enactment of the measure
I'm its present form.
The most serious objection 10 the ADMISSION
of Arizona and New-Mexico to Statehood is the
allegation that the balance of power in both
States would rest with the Mormon element, ana
that were these Territories converted into states
the power of Congress TO deal with the Mormon
problem would be seriously hampered. While
this allegation is put forth, TIE Senate leaders
have not yet had time carefully to investigate
it. and not, therefore, prepared to express
a opnio:..
Senator Foraker declares his intention to in
sst on the adoption of his amendment, while
the belief is expressed that Arizona would never
voluntarily consent to become State in COM
bination with NeW-Mexico. other Republican
Senators likely to align themselves with Mr..
Foraker number Of Republicans opposed TO
the passage Of .he bill reported voted for it
to-day, as it is regarded an excellent topic
with which to block the way OF Objectionable
legislation. but the differences existing among
the Republicans seem to presage its ultimate de-
feat. 1t is possible, however, that the bill will
be amended to create single State OF
OklahomR and Indian Territory, and passed in
that form. So far be learned little OBJ
lection exists to the admission OF these Terri
tories a single State, ana some OF the leaders
regard the enactment OF the bill in that form as
proba bic.
When the House reconvened to-day Mr.. Gros-
venor, of Ohio. submitted the report Of the Mer-
chant Marine Commission, the minority having
until Friday to submit their views.
Mr.. Mann, of Illinois, announced the death Of
his colleague William F. Mahoney, and offered
the customary resolutions. AS a further mark
OF respect the House, at 1910 O'Clock, adjourned
until noon tomorrow