The herald., 1896-03-26
THE F|FTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
FEES FIXED FOR UNITED STATES ATTOR.
News AND MARSHALS
Senator Pistt introduces Q Resolution Pro.
posing Adjournment on May 7-The House
Makes Good Progress With the Naval Ap-
proprlatlon Bill a. Reported
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, March 25.-The first refer
ence to the adjournment of congress came
in the senate today in formal resolution
offered by Mr.. Platt proposing an adjourn
ment on May I'd. Mr.. Platt said his pur-
pose was to call attention to the desirable
ity of an early adjournment. The resolu-
ton was referred to the appropriation COM
mittee. as any determination as to adjourn.
ment must depend upon the condition of
appropriation bills. The adoption of
resolution allowing ex-President Harrison
to receive decorations from Spain and
Brazil was postponed by an objection from
Allen Populist of Nebraska). During the
day Mr.. Gallinger of New Hampshire pro-
posed an amendment prohibiting the
United states or any state from giving any
recognition or financial aid to any church
or religious institution. Most of the day
was spent on the legislative appropriation
bill. which 10 not yet completed.
The question of reforming the fee sys'
tenn of the United States district attorneys
and marshals occasioned much debate.
Mr.. Hoar opposed the change from fees
to salaries by means of an appropriation
bill. as it was large subject needing sep
arate treatment.
Mr.. Alien, Populist OF Nebraska, attacked
the high salaries proposed to be given to
district attorneys, and criticised the man.
ner in which these salaries were being put
through the senate. He declared that the
office OF district attorney was given fre-
quently in payment of political debts. and
instead Of requiring a high degree of legal
learning the places sometimes went to
"shysters" who could not earn living
out of office.
Mr.. George, Democrat IF Mississippi, al
tackled the entire policy of giving high sal.
aries, and showed that the governors and
attorneys.general of the states received
less by half than the bill proposed allowed
federal district attorneys.
Mr.. Allen also criticized the provision
allowing the attorney.general to designate
the number of deputy marshals. He spoke
against the ''horde of ofiiceholders." Under
Buchanan the government cost 100000
900 annually, and now it costs $oOO,OOO,.
600. In that time the population had
doubled but the government expenditures
had increased ten-fold. Officials were
thrusting their hands into the treasury and
by hook and crook, mainly by crook, seek
ing to increase their salaries. The purpose
of this provision was to add to the offices
controlled by q legislative Office.
Mr.. Hoar responded warmly that the
senate could not waste it's time investigat-
ing into the details of deputy marshals in
each of the seventy-seven districts in the
United States. If it did it would become q
laughing stock. If the government could
not trust the attorney-general with this
duty, then the American government bad
better shut up shop and apply to some
After ah extended debate the salaries OF
district attorneys and marshals were
agreed to as reported with 3 few minor
changes. "a 'f'f t'f
The legislative appropriation bill was
not completed when, Ut. $3.50. the senate
went into executive session and soon after
adjourned.
The senate, in executive session. con.
f1rmed the following nominations: John
J. Brice of California, to be gsh commits
sioner; r. l.. Miller Of Virginia, to be con-
sui of the United States at Hull. England ;
Ethelbert Watts of Pennsylvania. to be
consul of the United States at Horgen,
Switzerland; j. T. Wright of South Dakota. /.
to be an Indian inspector; John Lane OF
Washington, to be an Indian Inspector.