Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-02-25
WATERWAYS BILL
is ON SIDETRACK
SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS
DO NOT EXPECT TO PASS IT
IN PRESENT FORM.

Washington, d. c.. Feb 25.-DemO-
cratic leaders OF the senate conceded
Wednesday night that there was little
hope for any legislation except the
| big supply measure before adjourn
ment OF congress q week from today,
and that there was no prospect OF
passing the rivers and harbors bin
In its present form.
For the rivers and harbors bill, it
is now generally expected, that there
viii be substituted a joint resolution
appropriating approximately $4,000
GOO to continue existing projects under
direction of the war department.
AS to the government ship purchase
bill there were rumors throughout the
day of a spirited revival of the effort
to pass it, These followed a confer
ence between President Wilson and
Senators Fletcher and Simmons, in
which the president reiterated his Oft
expressed wish that a way might be
made to pass this bill before adjourn
ment The senators said they We're
anxious that a report could he agreed
upon. but made it plain that they
doubted that republican opposition
could be overcome. Republican lead
ers insisted that they never would
permit the measure to come to a vote
IN any form. Senator Simmons said
that no report would be made to the
senate before next Monday. The
chief purpose of the conferees. it was
declared, would be 10 alter the bill in
such a way as 10 make it possible for
insurgent democrats to support it.
Prospects for conservation Iegisla- I
ton were declared to be out of the
question As for the Philippines en-
larged selfgovernment measure. il /
was understood there might be some .
chance OF its passage if Il could be
done within a few hours time. That (
such a bill could pass the senate with .
out considerable debate. however, was /
graveIy doubted
The senate passed Wednesday the
postofice appropriation bill virtually
as it passed the house. carrying a total
of approximately 1923. coo, 0OO. A rec
Of the senate commit
tee that the house provision fixing the
salary of rural mail carriers on stand
ard routes at $1,000 a year be stricken
out. was overruled in the senate by
4 vote Of 60 10 10, adding $2,700,000
to the bill as reported from the COM
mittee All attempts to add new leg
islation were stricken out on points
of order.
Increases in the house diplomatic
and consular bill recommended by
the senate committee include the adj
iition of $4,000 to pay the expenses
Of the forthcoming conference OF
South and Central American financial
officials with those of the United
States. Provision is made for a $4,000
for the International
medical conference to be held in san
francisco and the house provision of
s25. 900 for the city of Panama exposi-
ion is increased to $4,000
The senate committee also inserted |
. provision authorizing the president /
o take necessary steps TO secure from !
he Cuban government reimburse /
nent of s6.5O0.o00 expended for the !
irmy of paciAcation in 1907-o9.
Possibility of an extra session OF !
he senate alone after March i for con
liberation of treaties and nominations,
S being discussed by administration
saders and it is known the president
) giving the subject consideration. 4
'reaties with Colombia TO pay $25, 4
0o. 900 for partition of Panama and I
nth Nicaragua to pay S5.000.000 for
nter oceanic canal rights and naval
asses, viii undoubtedly fail of raufiea-
on at the present session Need OF
elton upon them is considered by the
Of great importance II
; also feared confirmation of the
sderal trade commission viii be de-
lyed-
All the news all the time-Ths
.rgus