The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-12

The joint statehood bill will be made
the unfinished business OF the slate on
Thursday, following Immediately upon
the disposal of the shipping bill. and
will continue TO hold that place until
voted upon or displaced. Opinions differ
as to the time that will be required for
the consideration of the measure. Con.
fessedly the Senate is quite evenly di-
vided on the Foraker amendment giving
Arizona an opportunity for n separate
vote on the question of admission. and 1t
is not probable that a test of strength
will be consented to until there is more
definite information as TO the attitude of
certain Senators than can now be OBJ
tanned.
No decision has been reached as to
what will follow the statehood bill as un-
finished business, but it probably viii be
either the rate bill or the Philippine tar
if bill. The day for a vote on the rail-
road bill in committee has been fixed for
next Friday, and the bill will be reported
soon afterward In the shape agreed upon.
If the committee succeeds in getting n
measure fairly satisfactory to the SEN
ate leaders 1t VIII be given the place of
preference Immediately after the vote on
statehood. No time has been fixed for
reporting the Philippine bill.
West Virginia's Complaint.
The weeks proceedings will be opened
tomorrow by an effort on the part of Mr..
Tillman to secure an investigation of rail-
road conditions In West Virginia as a
result of the complaint made by Governor
Dawson, of that State, In the letter pre-
scented to the Senate a few days since
by the South Carolina Senator.
1t is probable that the question of the
propriety of caucus dictation in dealing
with treaties which was raised by Sena.
tor Pa~tterson's resolution will be revived
some time during the week ny Senator
Spooner, who will sustain Mr.. Pattcrson's
course.
III the wisconsin senator speaks, Sena-
tor Tillman will reply on behalf of the
Democratic caucus. Many of the more
conservative senator's On both sides of
the hamber are trying to prevent a re-
vival of the subject.
The Senate will adjourn over Satur-
day to permit senator's to attend the
Longworth-Roosevelt wedding.
Busy Legislative Week.
With two appropriation bills on the cal
endar, an anticipated discussion of the
bill providing a whipping-post for WIFE
bcaters in tho District or Eol,iplbia,. n
an adjournment during The wedding day
of Miss Alice Roosevelt and Represent
tative Longworth, the House OF Repre-
sontatiyes begins a somewhat busy lesis-
lative week.
Monday will he District of Columbia
Day, and the fortifications appropriation
bill will be takenaup Tuesday.
This bill carries S4,S3s, S93 for the forth
~fcatlons and other works of defense.
This sum is nearly s2.0OO,0D less than
the current appropriation for this pur-
pose, and Is more than 100000 less
than the estimates submitted by Ii war
department, Tho passage of the bill
Tuesday is predicted.
Army Appropriation Bill.
The army appropriation bill is alsogon
The calendar and will receive early con-
sideratlon. This bill carries s69.6IS.b125
for the maintenance OF the army. A leg
islptivc amendment on this bill, proyid-
Ing that when the office OF lieutenant
shall become next vacant. 1t shall
not thereafter be filled. but the office shall
cease and determine. provides Il fruitful
subject OF debate. The provision is de-
clared to DO subject to a point Of order,
and II 1t is To be- insisted on, N special
rule will be necessary to keep the provls-
ion In the bill, wi days will be required
for the disposition OF the army bill. ac-
cordlng to estimate.
The District Of Columbia whipping post
Bill IL on the calendar without recbm-
incubation from committee, and should II
be called up. u lively discussion Is antic-
iItatcd.
Chairman Payne. of tho Ways and
" 49, .AHL, 4-f LIN - - - - -- sYl Il