New-York tribune., 1906-03-02
MAY DEFEAT TREATY.
OUTLOOK IN THE SENATE.
Philippine Tariff and Statehood
Bills Also IN Danger.
From The Tribune Bureau. ]


Washington, March 1.-The legislative out
look in the Senate is very precarious for all ad-
ministration measures now pending, with the
exception of the Railroad Rate bill A rate bill
which VIII in the main conform to the Presi-
dents desires is. from present prospects. bound
to pass. Not so. however. to the Philippine
Tariff BILL the Statehood bill and the Santo Do
mingo treaty. 1t is also feared that in the
lower branch Of Congress the Consular Reform
bill, another administration measure. is in
danger.
The peculiar situation regarding the rate bill
in the Senate is held responsible for disintegra-
tion OF party lines and party discipline which in
ctdentally affects other measures OF legislation
The break in party lines promises TO extend TO
the Democrats. The Democratic leaders are
working night and day TO hold their forces in
line. but cannot at this time count success.
1t is said that at least five Democrats are
threatening 10 break away from the leaders and
vote with ultra-conservative Republicans for
judicial review amendment to the rate bill These
Democrats named McEnery. Teller.
Clark, Of Montana; Morgan and Pettus. Nc
Laurin. Of Mississippi. is also said to be in
doubt with leaning toward Joining the five.
While Senator Beveridge. chairman OF the
Committee on Territories, and in charge Of the
Statehood BILL expressed the opinion tonight
that the bill for joint statehood for Arizona
and New-Mexico has good prospects Of passing
practically 1t came from the House, some
other Republicans OF prominence do not share
his optimism.
The Philippines bill, in which the adninistra-
tion is greatly interested, will be voted in
committee tomorrow, and If IL is reported at all
1t will proba ply be by bare majority OF one-
After It gets into the Senate it will be vlgOr
ously attacked and its fate is IN doubt. The
high protectionists are fighting II tooth and nail,
and, paradoxical as it may seem, are being Joined
by Democrats who are supposed to be low tariff
men The administrations interest in the bill
is above and beyond mere questions OF tariff
and commerce; for IT is recognized that grave
political interests in the Philippines at stake,
tant bearing on political relations with the Pill
pinos.
There is a notable lack Of interest among the
rank and file OF Senators the Statehood bill.
While the sentiment is practically unanimous
that Oklahoma and Indian Territory should be
admitted, Senators are inclined TO be Indifferent
Of them would secretly be gratifed If these Two
territories should be made TO wait indefinitely
for admission. Senator Beveridge points out to
these Senators that If Arizona and NewMexico
have TO meet at some future date the question OF
bringing them In as two states, with four votes
in the Senate.
II is impossible to grouse much interest IN the
fate of the Santo Domingo treaty. There has
been no change in the situation since the Demo-
cratic caucus agreed make the treaty party
question and TO cast practically the solid Dem
ocratic vote against ratification. Republican
Senators are inclined TO allow the situation TO
drift along for the present. They hope for
change Of sentiment before the time for final
action comes, and in the mean time the admin
fstratiOn'S plans are being carried out on the
island, as they will doubtless continue TO be for
a long time. under the provisional arrangement,
in the absence OF treaty ratification.