Will Probably Go Through the House

Some opposition may develop in that body, but Mercer thinks he can steer the matter successfully.

Washington, Feb 10.---(Special Telegram)--- The adoption by the senate today of Senator Allen's amendment providing for the holding of an Indian congress at Omaha between June and November of this year, and appropriating $45,000 therefor, gives the amendment a prestige which almost insures its final adaption by both houses.

Now that the amendment has been attached to the Indian bill it will depend entirely upon the conferees to say whether it shall become a law or not. On the part of the senate the conferees will be Allison, Pettigrew and Perkins. On the part fo the house, Sherman, Curtis of Kansas and Little. It is with the house that yeoman service must be done, but Mercer says his associates will be all right, in view of their interest in other measures affecting their own districts and in which he is also interested. It is possible, however, that a fight may be made against the amendment on the floor, in which case the whole Nebraska delegation will take part in the discussion. there are several elements to be conciliated and these Mercer will look after, especially one or two members from Chicago districts who, smarting over their inability thus far to secure a repeal of the law creating an Indian supply depot at Omaha, have thought it good politics to oppose the Indian congress measure. However, with the conferees favorable to the amendment it is believed that any opposition that may develop will be summarily disposed of.

Omaha Bee February 2, 1898

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