The herald., 1895-01-31
GENERAL WASHING TON NEWS,
The Situation as Regards the
.~ Canal Bill.
More Men-of-War to Be Built on This
Coast.
The Extra Session Question - Navy Re-
organic archaeological News
Noes and Gossip.


inst, the bill com monty known as the
Nicaragua bill will come to vote in
the senate. Ere this letter reaches its
destination the wires will have flashed
across the continent the news OF it's
passage or defeat. For that matter. the
silent message will have invaded the
ocean depth and the action OF the senate
upon the bill will have become known
n Europe. That the measure will pass
the senate l have little doubt. 1t is
understood that as soon as the news
reaches California, many of our contract
ors will unroll the dusty plans and spec
ifcations, which for years have been
laid aside, and will prepare themselves
to mako bids for the construction OF this
great work.
l am informed that q Los Angeles
contractor who 10 thoroughly familiar
with the line of the proposed canal, and
who has spent some years in that
southern country. will be one
OF the foremost bidders. There
10 not much chance Of rivalry,
that II is safe to predict the employ
msnt Of all competent contractors. Sem
ator Turpie will commence his second
attack upon the bill today after the
morning hour. Senator White will hon
reply to the gentleman from Indiana in
his usual masterly WAY. Senator Tur-
pie exacted a promise from Senator Nor
gan to the effect that the latter would
not reply to his (Turpie'sl speech. This
seems to imply that personalities will be
INDUCED in, but Senator Morgan will
have ample defense in the senator from
California.
IHE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL.
The naval appropriation bill, prepared
by Mr.. Talbot, chairman Of the sub.
committee of the committee on naval
affairs, provides. among other things,
for the construction by contract OF three
coast line battle ships OF q most for
midable equipment in all details and at
q cost not exceeding "a, 000, 900 each, and
of twelve torpedo boats Of from 100 to
300 tons each at cost not to exceed an
average of $3.50, 900. One Of these tor-
pedo boats will be built at Mare Island.
The bill further provides that one OF
the battleships, and three OF the tor
psdo boats are to be built ON the Pacific
coast, or In adjacent waters. provided
this can be done at q fair cost; other
wise they may be built elsewhere.
Premiums for speed above contract
requirements, which have been fsa-
turs OF naval bills for years past, will be
NO longor allowed, a. testimony given
before the committee by naval COM
strnctors is to the effect that ships can
now be designed 90 as to reach the
highest speed desired without addi-
tionsl inducements to contractors.
An interesting feature OF the bill is q
provision requiring that one of the new
bsttleships shall have the historic name
of Kesrsarge, after the famous warship
wrecked on the Roncador reef. About
$40, 600 are appropriated for improve.
ments at Mare island.
THE EXTRA SESSION QUESTION.
Congressmsn-eleot Fitzgerald Of Bosr
ton interviewed the president last
Thursday. "Wil there be an extra
session ?" inquired the member that 10
to ba, asking q question experienced
mem bers would have hesitated to ask
the president.
II have not yet made up my mind,"
replied Mr.. Cleveland. "If nothing il
done at this session OF congress, and the
best interests of the country demand IL,
shall not hesitate to convene congress
again.
"These are questions to be settled and
1t is the duty of congress to lsgislste
upon them in it's own way. If the new
congress is convened, my responsibility
will begin whom q measure which has
passed both houses ia sent to me for &C.
tion."
This expression of the president adds
to the general belief that an extra ses-
sion will be called if something is not
done in the direction of financial legis.
lstion between now and March 4th.
There is not the sligntest hope that any
financial legislation will be enacted.
and even il an extra session should be
called, it is almost certain that nothing
in this line will be dons.
An effort is being made in the house
to resurrect the deceased Carlisle bill.
This will meet with little or no success.
1t is certain, however, that sooner or
later silver must be raised from the pit
into which it has fallen. and it is mere
question of time as to its recognition.
Many who few months ago favored
buo koi0 nGhAuuiu AhVo UoCVue VI
netalliats.
NAVY REORGANIZATION.
The long discussed bill to reorganize
the navy is now before congress. This
measure is the result OF years faithful
work OF thu joint subcommittee.
The contamination pointed to by the
bill ia the reorganization Of the line In
such fashion that officers may reach
command rank before physical deoa-
dencs shall have untitled them for the
duties OF such positions. Let our ships be
handled by men in the prime Of life.
The bill should pass.
CAPITAL NOTES.
The situation in Hawaii was discussed
yesterday in the senate. The subject
might as well have been left untouoh ed,
for the senate can do nothing, and is
merely wasting time considering the
matter.
Mr.. Campbell. president Of the Valley
board OF trade, Is in the city. He 10
endeavoring to procure an app 0pria-
ton to construct a new dry dock at
Mare island.
The knowing ones assert that . dark
horse will win the race for the United
States attorneyship of the northern dis
trct of California.
Miss Emma Childs returns to Wash
ington from New York tonight. While
in this city she will be the guest OF Mrs.
Senator White.