The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-17
International Affairs Do Not Appear to Disturb
 House and Senate
ARMY BILL LIKELY TO
 BE PASSED SATURDAY
Philippine Measure Is Coming Up for Consideration in Lower House. The Shipping Bill Also
 Looming Up

Washington, April 16.-Congress is going ahead rapidly on the legislative programme with it's working ma chinery unimpeded by excitement over international affairs. Although there has been more tense anxiety regard ing the German and Mexican situa- tions in the last week than at any time since the session began, mem bers of both houses have kept strictly to the business of legislation Silence in Congress- is by no means an indication that there is no interest there in international affairs, however. In fact, the quiet is ominous, indicating unusual interest and concern. particularly with regard to the submarine issue Senat te and House leaders of the foreign rela. tions committees are daily expecting a call to the White House or Secretary Lansing's office. where they are to be informed what the administration pro- poses to do as soon as the plan of &C., ton is determined. The same is true of the Mexican question, although Con gress already understands and so far the majority approve, the determination of the executive to keep American troops on the trail in Mexico while negotiations are undertaken with Carranza regarding his suggestion for their withdrawal from Mexican territory. Republicans gener- ally oppose withdrawing the troops at this time and some demands are against recalling the soldiers until there is def mite information regarding the fate of Villa.
 SENATE IS WORKING The Senate now is accelerating discus sion of the army reorganization bill, which is to be passed Saturday, in all probability. It is possible debate under the five-minute rule may extend the dis cusson another day, but in any event the measure will be passed. When the bill is disposed of the Senate probably will take up the good roads bill Interest in the Senate also attac ched to the Brandeis case and the judiciary com
 
 sider the subcommittee report recom- mending Brandes confirmation as a nominee for justice of the supreme court
 With the agricultural appropriation bill disposed of, probably on Wednesday, oi Friday at the latest, the House probably will begin consideration of the Philip pine bill.
 The Philippine measure has stirred III widely varying differences of opinion on both sides of the House and party i lines doubtless will be broken down or it despite the strong sanction of the measure by the White House. The mar difference will be over Senator Clark amendment which would provide that in dependence be granted the islands within four years and authorize the President tc take steps to aid in setting up an inde- pendent government.
 SHIPPING BILL FOLLOWS The shipping bill slated to follow the Philippine measure, also is expected to cause extended discussion. Originally . ! long bill, it will be heightened materially l by the insertion Of sections relating tc the powers of shipping boards and tho
 estimate of naval reserve schools The ! entire bill probably will be reported 'next
 week.
 l Conference on the sugar bill as amend. (Continued on Page Two)