, 1890-07-17


WASHINGTON, July l6.-Pascoe Of
fered a resolution, which was referred to
the committee on foreign relations, calling
on the secretary of state for information
as to the arrest by Spanish authorities. in
Havana, of A. J. Disz, an American citi-
zen and minister of the gospel.
Power offered a resolution, which was
agreed to, calling on the secretary of the
interior for information as to the person
mel of the geological survey, its duties,
compensation, etc.
The resolution offered yesterday BY Cul-
lom as to the transportation of goods in
bond between Atlantic and Pacific ports
of the United States over the Canadian
Pacific was taken up.
Washburn offered an amendment ex
tending the scope OF the inquiry to the
Grand Trunk. He intimated d suspicion
hal the object of the resolution was TO
make war upon the Canadian Pacific.
Cullom disclaimed any such intention.
DE accepted Washburn's amendment and
the resolution. as amended, was agreed
to.
Teller introduced II bill giving a pension
OF 5000 per year to Mrs. Jessie Ere
mont. Referred to the committee on
pensions.
Sawyer introduced a bill to establish a
limited postal and telegraph service. Re
ferred 10 he postofice committee.
The senate then proceeded to executive
business. When the doors were re opened
the senate resumed consideration of the
sundry civil appropriation bill.
The pending amendment, increasing
the Appropriation Tor surveying public
lands from 5000. 600 to 5000, 900 was
passed. The next amendment that pro-
voked discussion was one increasing the
item for topographic surveys from $780,
600 to $500, 900. and inserting these words:
"One half OF such sun shall be expended
west of the l0lst meridian, and so much
oil the act OF Oct. 2. 1888, entitled: An
act making appropriations for sundry
civil expenses OF the government for the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1885, as pro-
vides for the selection and location of
reservoirs and canals upon public lands.
and the reservation of irrigable lands.
is hereby repealed; provided, that reser-
voir and canal sites heretofore selected
shall remain segregated and reserved from
entry or settlement until otherwise pro-
vided by law"
Spooner announced his intention to
vote for the amendment reported BY the
committee on appropriations The cost
of irrigation surveys-h had been placed, he
said, at 81, 900, 000. His own opinion
was that if it was to go on the cost would
be nearer $40, 000, 900 Under the con
struction given to the act of 1888 by the
interior department land which construc-
lion he endorsed as ~correctl lands had
been withdrawn from settlement covering
two-fifths Of the area ofthe United States,
comprising 1000 900 square miles or
$50, 000, 900 acres. For what and for
how long were those lands Withdrawn?
In order that tie government might have
reservoir sites aud canal sites for irriga.
ton purposes. The Lord only knew
how long it would take to carry out that
plan He thought congress made a great
mistake when it appropriated a single
dollar for the irrigation survey, and the
sooner it retracted the step the better il
would be for the people.
Dawes, from the committee on appro-
prations, reported the Indian appropria.
ton bill, carrying an appropriation Of 81,
1853, 81.
The discussion was resumed and Plat
argued in support oil the amendment and
in general defense OF the desert land law,
swamp land law and other land laws oil
the United States. He favored the re
peal OF the irrigation law; said its rcten.
ton meant that not a single acre of public
lands affected by it would ever be entered
by any homestead settler and charged
that that was the object contemplated by
the shrewd man who drew up that pro
vision in the conferences committee. The
discussion was continued until 6 O'Clock,
when the senate adjourned without action
on the pending amendment.