Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-17
CAPITOL TOPICS.

The Senate committee on foreign relations
was in session today. The only question
before 1t was the legislative affirmation Of
the Monroe doctrine, and the discussion
proceeded upon the basis of resolution
Senator Davis had prepared under the in
structions of the committee at the meeting
held last Saturday. The terms of the reso-
luton are known only to the members of
the committee and the prospects now are
that if the committee agrees to report it the
wording will not be known until it shall be
brought into the Senate. 1t has been found
difficult so to phrase the document as to
suit the ideas of all or of even majority
Of the committee This fact accounts for
the length of time given the subject, and
also for the careful manner In which it's text
and even it's outlines Is guarded.
The committee adjourned at 12:4O o'clock,
after voting to report the Davis resolution
by the committee 1t is understood that the
lesolution will be presented to the Senate
on Monday. -.- s......,. ...... ,-...
After disposing of the Monroe doctrine
the committee entered upon a brief discus
sion of the Cuban question, but took no
action upon this beyond instructing the
subcommittee on this subject to meet next
Monday for a detailed inquiry into the ques-
ton.
To Investigate Controller Bowler.
Some talk concerning the resolution intro
duced by Mr.. Boatner Ga,) for an inves-
tigation of Controller Bowler's course in
the sugar bounty appropriation occurred in
the House committee on judiciary today.
The resolution is still in the hands of a
subcommittee, of which Mr. Ray IN. Y)ris
chairman, and Mr.. Boatner desired to have
1T taken up by the full committee at once.
1t was concluded 10 let it lie over until the
next meeting, when the subcommittee
probably will report a substitute providing
for an inquiry into the law under which
the controller claims to act with recon-
mendation as to whether further legisla-
ton is needed to define and restrict the
controllers duties. The preamble to Mr..
Boatner's resolution reciting the effects of
the committee thinks 1t has no official
knowledge of the statements made.
Favor the T'ickler Bill.
The national committee on legislation of
the Grand Army of the Republic, compris-
ing the commander-in-chief and some of
his staff officers, appeared before the House
committee on invalid pensions today to
recommend pension legislation. They ex-
pressed themselves as favoring the Picker
pension bill, with few amendments.
To Extend the Time.
Mr.. Rusk of Maryland has introduced a
bill extending the time for the construc-
tlOn OF TIE maryland. ana WASHINGTON
railroad one year-tbat is, until March =,
1897. .----.------
Wants to Succeed Cameron.
Representative John B. Robinson has
written letter to Senator Quay, declaring
himself candidate for the United States
Senate, to succeed Senator Cameron, and
recommending that the names of all the
candidates for the Senate shall be printed
upon the slip to be voted upon at the COM
ing primaries in that state.
The Homestead Laws.
The House committee public lands to-
day decided to report to the House the free
home bill proposed by Chairman Lacey of
Iowa, which is practically revival of the
old homestead laws. Under this bill all
settlers on Indian lands that are opened to
settlement may acquire title to the lands
without paying for them by a residence of
five years. If they desire to secure their
titles before the expiration of five years
they will be able to do so by paying the
rates fixed by the government.
The Dupont Case,
The Senate committee on privileges and
elections held brief session today TO con-
slider the Dupont case. The constitution of
the state of Delaware was ordered printed
for the use of the committee which will
meet again on Friday of next week