Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-14
CAPITOL TOPICS.

TO UTILIZE THE DISMAL SWAMP CANAL.
Senator Edmunds to-day introduced the fol-
lowing resolution, which was agreed to:
Resolved That the committee on commerce
be and it is hereby directed to take into con-
sideration the question of the expediency Of
the purchase by the United States of the Dis
NAL Swamp canal, in the states of Virginia and
North Carolina, with view to the same being
improved and made an adequate highway for
commerce between the Chesapeake bay and
the principal sounds of North Carolina. and
with a view to utilizing the fresh water of said
canal and its feeder in a basin for the metal
vessels of the navy"
THE LAND-GRANT FORFEITURE BILL.
There was another inconclusive meeting of
the conferees on the general land-grant for
feiture bill this morning. The reading of the
Senate bill was continued and amendments
accepted to the sections about which there is
no material difference of opinion, but upon the
real issue between the two houses-that Is, the
extent of the forfeiture-the conferees appear
to be as far apart as ever.
THE sUNDRY CIVIL BILL.
The Senate subcommittee on the sundry civil
bill continued their labors this morning. Hear
ings were given to Capt Peter Bennett, of the
revenue marine service; Chief F. NJ. Thorn. of
the coast survey; Mr.. b. A. Colonna. in charge
of the coast survey Office, and Col. Laselle, Of
the rebellion records Office.
THE TARIFF BILL.
While the republican members of the ways
and means committee have not yet finally de-
cided upon the point, the probabilities now are
that they will not draw up formal statement
of the views of the minority to accompany
the majority report upon the tariff bill
AMERICAN INTERESTS AT PANAMA.
The House committee on foreign affairs to-
Iax inst tad Cboir az 10 nart
favorably the Senate bill appropriating $3.50, 900
for the protection of American interests and citi
zens at the Isthmus of Panama. In view of the
fact that work on the canal ceases tomorrow
the committee resolved to make an effort to
secure immediate action by the House.
NOTES.
The House committee on pensions has or
dered favorable report on the bill providing
for the issue of artificial eyes to pensioners who
lost their eyes in the line of duty.
Indian Matters.
MUCH BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY THE SENATE
COMMITTEE.
A busy meeting of the Senate committee on
Indian affairs was held to-day. Favorable re-
ports were ordered on bills granting right of
way to the Cherokee Central railway through
Indian territory. and to the Jimtown and
Northern road through the Devils Lake reser-
vation in Dakota. In this case the road has
been built and in operation five years. Chair
man Dawes was instructed to report as an
amendment to the sundry civil appropriation
bill, the substance of a Senate resolution di-
recting the Secretary of the Interior
to ascertain the Cherokee freedmen entitled to
the $4,000 ordered to be distributed among
them, the expenses to be paid out of that fund.
A favorable report was ordered upon the bill to
allot to the United Peorias and Miamis in the
territory, about sixty in number, their lands in
severalty, with an amendment forbidding the
Indians to leave them.
An adverse report was ordered on the
claim of A. B. Upshaw, ex-asslstant commits
soner OF Indian affairs, for 81 900 for salary as
acting commissioner and superintendent of
Indian schools during the absence of ]. ID. c.
Atkins, commissioner. Also, upon the bills to
ailot in severalty the lands of the Oneida
Indians, in Wisconsin (the general allotment
act covering the CASEY, and on the bill to
authorize the five civilized tribes in the Indian
territory to lease mining lands and to validate
leases already made