New-York tribune., 1906-03-04
A DAY OF CONFERENCES
MANY BILLS CONSIDERED.
Senator Lodge to MoUe to Take
Philippine Bill from Committee.

washington. March 8. Conferences on the
Hepburn Rate bill are becoming more numerous
ana more confusing every day. Groups of Re-
publican Senators advocating an amendment
providing for judicial review of orders of the
Interstate Commerce Commission. groups of Re-
publican Senators who support the bill as it was
passed by the House and reported by the Inter
state Commerce Committee of the Senate and
groups OF Democratic Senators may be seen in
close consultation almost every hour of every
day The last named trying to determine
what their party policy will be.
The most notable Of these groups is the first
mentioned. which has directed its efforts toward
bringing about an agreement concerning an
amendment that might prove satisfactory to all
of the Republicans. The members of this fac
ton are making of the argument that un-
less amended the bill will be declared unconsti-
tutional 1t is argument used alike to Re-
pubicans and Democrats. This faction processes
encouragement. 1t is said by some Of its mem
bers that an informal poll shows majority of
the Senate in favor of court review feature
This poll however, is not IN the form of a
pledge.
Senators Dolliver and Clapp the Republican
leaders of the faction supporting the bill with
out amendment, still believe that the bill ought
TO go through in that form. No amendments
have as yet been presented to them which they
are willing to accept They will have confer
ence with the President on Monday %
HOPES OF THE DEMOCRATS.
It developed to-day that In case the Republ-
cans should be successful in getting together 1t
would tend to solidify the Democrats. and 1t Is
likely that they would endeavor to obtain cau-
Gus action tavoring the Hepburn bill without
amendment basing their action on the una1i-
nous support given 10 the bill by the Democrats
of the House. Some of the Democratic Senators
believe that in case their party should get to-
gether on the bill 1t came from the House
large number of Republican Senators would
vote with them. However. everything relating
to the rate bill still in the realm of specula-
ton, and no doubt will be for time to come
President Roosevelt talked to Secretary Taft,
Senator Lodge and Speaker Cannon to-day
about the refusal OF the Senate Committee
the Philippines to report the Philippine Tariff
bill. Secretary Taft went the situation
with the President thoroughly. He has been
extremely anxious that the measure should be
enacted into law. AS he left the White House
Secretary Taft said:
I have no idea what Congress may do
garding the bill. do not attempt to dictate to
concerned this fight for lower tariff rates on
Philippine products is just begun l shall con-
t!nue do that which l believe to be right and
proper to afford the Philippines the relief and
assistance they need.
MR.. LODGE TO CONTINUE FIGHT
Senator Lodge, chairman of the Committee on
the Philippines, has decided to make motion
that the Senate discharge the committee from
further consideration of the Philippine Tariff
bill, and that it be taken up for discussion.
Under the rules Of the Senate motion of this
character is debatable. The Senator purposes
TO make argument in favor of the bill and OF
action it by the Senate. He does not intend,
however, TO precipftate action until after the
Statehood bill has been disposed Of
The means suggested provide the only way in
which the bill may be brought before the Sem
ate, in view of the action of the committee in
defeating it. Opponents of the bill declare that
the Senate is Overwhelmingly opposed to the
passage of the bill, and that Mr.. Lodges mo-
ton, if made, will be met with counter motion
TO lay it on the table. The sentiment Of the
Senate then would be determined.
A conference regarding the Statehood bill was
held at the White House this afternoon between
the President and Senators Long of Kansas; |
Burkett of Nebraska and Warren. OF Wyo-
ming, all supporters of the measure. 1t is con-
ceded that the prospects for the enactment OF
the measure into law not bright, and the |
conference held to consider means to save |
the bill Earlier in the day. Senator Beveridge, |
chairman of the Senate Committee on Terri !
tories. talked with the President along the same |