The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-03-18
FRIDAY. MARCH is, 1902.
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, Mar. IA, 1902.

tne republican senators by nus mani
pulation of the Behring's Sea matter in
such away as to create a war scare,
whatever effect it may have had in
other quarters. Senator Sherman
who is chairman Of the Senate comm
ittee on Foreign Affairs, expressed
his opinion in very few words by say
ing "A war, or even contention be-
tween the United States and Great
Britain for cause so trivial as one
years fishing for seals, would be a
crime against civilization A promi-
nent republican, who is warm per-
sonal frierd of Secretary Blaine, said
to-day that this whole affair had been
directed by Mr.. Harrison without the
knowledge Of Mr. Blaine, who was for
nearly week too sick to attend to
any business, and that when Mr..
Blaine learned what had been done
his first impulse was to take advant-
age Of his illness, make that an excuse,
and tender his resigation to take effect
at once. He was persuaded to change
his mind, but it Is not at all certain
that he will co~sent to remain in the
cabinet. He is going South as soon
as he can travel, and the date for his
return is very uncertain. Navel
officials are dropping mysterious hints
about sending naval force but no
body here believes that there will be
any fighting.
The democrats Of the House held a
caucus Saturday night and authorized
committee to select .he House
members of the Congressional cam
paign committee for this year. Re-
preventative M'Creary, OF Kentucky,
will probably be the chairman of the
committee, which will begin work at
once.
The United States Government has
prohted directly to the extent of 81.
100000 by its dealings with the in
gentors Of the country, that being
he amount of the surplus earnings Of
he Patent Office now lying idle in
he U. S. Treasury, to say nothing of
the indirect benefit the country has
received by reason of the inventions
upon which it h,s granted patents
This makes it seem all the harter that
on account of the failure of Congress
to authorize the expenditure of a por
ton OF the surplus earnings of the
Patent Office, to provide necessary
room, the Commissioner of Patents
has been compelled to stop furnishing
copies of patents issued. This is a
hardship, not only to inventors, but to
manufacturers, owners of patents, and
other business men who for one reason
or another often find it important to
have copies of certain patents.
Great business pressure is being
brought to bear on the House com.
mittee on Rivers and Harbors, in fav.
or OF the proposed ship channels con-
meeting the great lakes, and more than
one hundred Representatives, from
Northern, Central and Western States
have signed letter addressed to the
committee, strongly endorsing the
scheme and asking that it be provid
ed for in the river and harbor bill
shortly to be reported to the House.
The House committee on Terri.
tories will take formal vote on the
bill for the admission OF New Mexico
on Wednesday of this week. 1t will
be favorably reported, and it is be.
lleved that 1t wi certainly pass the
House, but the indications are that it
will be ''huny up" in the Senate.
Senator Hills southern trip appears
to be giving the republicans a lot of
trouble. He goes in response to
warm and pressing invitations, and he
is certain to meet welcome worthy of
his distinguished services for and his
prominent position in the democratic
party.
So many members of the House
wish to make speeches on the free
wool bill, now before tie House, that
It will be necessary to hold night sess-
ions this week in order to give even
few Of them chance to have their
say before the vote is taken. next
Monday. The present arrangement
is to have the debate closed by ex.
Speaker Reed, for the republican :,
and Speaker Crisp, for the democrats.
Two things will occur on Tuesday,
March 2a, in which democrats every
where are deeply interested AT
Washington the House will take up
the Bland free coinage bill, and Aus.
tin, Texas, the legislature IN special
session will begin bal'otting for a
Senator. There are 'hree candidates
here-Senator Chiffon, who holds the
position by gubernatorial appoint
ment; Representatives Mills, and Cul-
bertson, who declined the position OF
Interstate Commerce Commissioner