The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-03-30


debates ST present has his attention con-
centratad on a very few leading issues
and can form but little idea of the volu-
min0us mass of work done in committees.
just at present three Of the committees are
worthy Of particular attention That on
Indian affairs, which awhile back was sup
posed to be through the heaviest part of
it's work, is now heavily charged with new
questions. The proposed removal of the
CUes from southwest Colorado CD Utah
has excited the friends Of the Indians, all
though the white settlers are unanimous
in desiring their removal and the Indians
are very eager to go. Only q few years ago
the region between western Colorado and
the Mormon settlements west of the Wa
satch was almost all available for reser-
its settlement. The Mormons have pushed
So far eastward that they have one bishop
ric ia southwestern Colorado, and all their
improvements must be paid Tor if their
section is to be reserved for the Indians
TIA the San Juan valley where the Indians
want to 20, there are IS get but two land
entries. and boUh Colorado and Utah men
agree in stating chat that is about the last
chance for the G ties. And this case may
be taken as a specimen of the many diff
culties which confront the committee il
dealing with the Indians of that region.
Considerably over 5000 bills have been
introduced into this house and 50 per cent
of them have been referred 80 the COM
mittee on war claims. al brief examina-
tiou of Il mass Of these bills and accompa-
nying claims shows some queer features.
There are literally thousands II cases Of
claims apparently valid which come arp
anew in every congress- and every year q
few hundred Of them get through. There
are hundreds OF cases where men furnished
hay and ccEu Tor the army at points desig-
matted, where the material spoiled before ID
was removed and the army officials refused 4
to accept it,
Reiccted Claims
There are stui hundreds of cotton claims
and soldiers claims. many Of the latter
Being for paw for the interval after the
soldier went into camp and before he was
in. la many instances compa- /
nies were organized and the soldiers 1
drilled for weeks before a regiment was i
formed and mustered The government /
has uniformly refused pay for that inter /
val. and Yet the claims come up by hum /
ireds and thousands ever5-year- Some i
thing over SO. 600 claims rejected Dbl their 4
face 10y the war department and Vet baF
iug some show of merit are Still liable to /
be brought forU ard 10 congress There +
are still some Revolutionary claims. and f
taking the whole mass before the colnmit- 4
claims Only a few hundred can filter +
trough the committee each year, and il 4
the papers maav pathetic stories are told Il
DC claimants whose ALI was invested IL 4
for the army. and who have been 4
utterly ruined by this delay.
Before the judiciary committee are over /
90 bile. each Of w lich seems important 81 4
The man who introduced ft-h bills to cstab- 4
fish lighthouse, marine hospitals. ports 81 T
entry and distri button. points OF registra-
lion and the ike A bin by Mr. Coon bs
provides for the protection of distinguish
ing flags and sym boIs used By vessels.
Jne bv Mr. Cummings for establishing +
electric communication between light {