The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-05
STATEHOOD BILL
UP TO SENATORS.
Chief [nterestin the Measure Ccn-
tiers in the Foraker Amend
nent.
WON'T MISS RATE MEASURE
Railroad Question Seems to Have
Lost It's Interest for
Senator's.
eBy Associated press,

oBy Associated press1
WASHINGTON. D. c., March A.
The United States Senate will deyots
most II not all. the week to the con
sheraton OF the statehood bill, with
view to reaching vote on 1t next Fri
day In accordance with the agreement
arrived at last week. There Is posi-
billy that Senator Culberson may speak
tomorrow OH the railroad rate question
but II he does this will be only interrupt
ton OF the consideration OF the bill for
the creation OF two new States. IL the
Texas senator does not speak, either
Senator Nelson or Senator Long will take
the floor in support OF the statehood bill.
II they do not get an opportunity to
speak to-day they will find that oppor-
tiinity Tuesday. and from that time for
ward, 1t is expected that the subject
Will be pressed until the time set for
voting to begin which is 4 P. NJ. FRIDAY.
Senator Patterson probably will close the
debate for the opposition, and Senator
Bcveridge for the bill. These will not be
SGT speeches in the usual meaning of
that word. but are sure to provoke so
much discussion as TO cause the con
troversy to take on the character or a
general debate.
Practically all the interest in the bill
| centers In the Foraker amendment. and
every possible effort on both sides is
being made for and against that prov-
| sion. Even the friends OF the union OF
Arizona and New Mexico admit that the
vote will be close, but the opponents OF
that policy appear more confident of
success. Both sides profess to have as
surances from the House friends OF the
joint bill that with the Foraker amend
ment Incorporated in the measure 1t will
be allowed to die, and it's opponents in
sisting that with the addition nbsde the
House will be so eager to accept 1t that
they will not even allow the bill to go
to conference.
Won't Miss Rate Measure.
The fact that the railroad rate ques-
ton will not occupy the floor will not be
permitted to interfere with the activity
| Oh account OF It. The bill Is still re-
| ceiving more attention from individual
senators than any other measure. not
excepting statehood. and 1t will remain
| In the foreground until II Is finally dis
posed of. regardless of Its place on the
| calendar The especial question under
| considera ton now is that as to whether
| the proposed compromise amendments
| shall be accepted, The bill will be made
| the unfinished business as soon as the
vote is taken on the statehood bill.
Senator Lodge Is still disposed to ask
the Senate to take the Philippine tariff
! bill from the custody of the Committee
on THE Philippines. hut he will not
| move in the matter until after the
| Statehood vote.
For the first time during the presen,
Congress, the National House OF Repre-
sentatives Is short OF work. There i.
nothing i'll sight for the present week
but the Indian appropriation bill, and
although not regarded as necessary, the
consideration of this bill is to s,e al.
lowed to consume Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday.
Bills on the calendar will be consid-
cred to-day under suspension of the
rules. and Friday will be devoted to the
passing of private pension Kills. An
adjournment will then be taken until
the following Monday. The bill carries
a total appropriation of SI7s5,52s.
May Take Up Army Bill.
Under suspension of the rules io-mor-
row. 1t is not unlikely that an effort
will be made to get consideration of the
bill abolishing the grade of lieutenant
| general in the army. This bill has been
introduced and favorably reported from
the Military Committee since a provision.
to the same end failed as legislation on
the army appropriation bill
The bill. as reported, goes into effect or
its passage. and consequently makes no
Of General corbin and Macarthur. 80
The Algeciras conference on Moroccan
affairs Will continue this week 10 be the
focus point In International interest. The
question of the Moroccan bank having
been practically passed over, the con-
ferees, by motion adopted Saturday
asreemeni on this question 20 possible
an early solution Of the whole problem
and an adjourned of the conference may
/ on for two months holiday, and .ray-
cling as the Duke OF Lancaster. King Ed
ward will this week visit Paris, where In
will stay at the British embassy unit
Heres. From Paris the King goes to
Barriatiz. and will stay there until tha
end of March.
While at Biarritz he will receive kinr
OF the latter's marriage to Princess Ena
of Battenberg.
/ In view of the recent riot in France
much interest attaches to the consistory
March 10th for the purpose of consider
ing the French governments attitude IN
the matter OF the separation OF the
Church and State. The Pope II s ex-
separation. and probabiy secret instrae.
/ lions will be sent to- the bishops in
! France as TO their attitude toward the
4 new law. 1t is considered possible thai
vacancies in the college Of cardinals
7, The association TO prevent corrupt prac
/ tees at elections will meet in New York
March 9Th to 9TH. The subjects for dis
Ncussion will be primary and election laws
speakers will be r. L. Borden. ieade,
OF the opposition in the Canadian Par
lament
The Decline of Poetry.
4 The knowledge that poetry is IN a bal