The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-03-01
WORK DONE BIZ CONGRESS-
Summary of the Legislation Enacted
af waxhfngtou.

Summary of the Legislation Enacted
at Washington.
WASHINGTON. Feb. &,-The intention
OF the house leaders at the beginning OF
the session was 20 consine the work. so
far as possible 10 appropriation bills. and
they have been successful in living up 10
their policy. The last week OF the session
begins win several OF the appropriation
biIIs not vet passed by the senate. Much
OF the time Of that body has been con-
surned in the discussion OF the Cuban
question. which the house has dealt with
only incidentally.
Necessarily the policy OF the house 70
avoid new legislation which involved the
expenditure OF money has been enforced
upon the senate. The Nicaragua canal
bill. which was discussed az great length
In the senate. bur not acted on. was not
taken up in the house. nor has the free
homestead bill which the senate passed.
had a hearing at the other end OF the
capitol. The Pacific road funding bill
met a decisive defeat in the house, so the
senate found il unnecessary 20 discuss
that proposition One feature OF note is
the great number OF private pension bills
passed many OF them placing the widows
OF officers on pension rolls at ratings
ranging from SO TO s55 a month. Private
have been few. Several of the pension
bills were vetoed by President Cleveland.
but congress enacted some of these de-
spite the veto.
Several important bills are in the presi-
dents hands awaiting his action. fore
most among them the immigration bill.
which establishes an educational test for
immigrants and bars out laborers who
maintain their homes In other countries.
Erfn he a
to the executive for his action within
two or three days and since Chandler
has given notice that he Will move that
the senate accept the house amendments
10 the bill authorizing the president TO
call an international monetary confer
ence IL IS likely that President Cleve-
land will be given an opportunity TO sign
his name 10 that. The bill for the re-
organization OF the Atlantic * Pacific
Railroad Company is also on the presi-
dents desk
After years of agitation on the subject.
Gen Curtis. OF New York. has succeeded
in erasng from the statute books all laws
imposing the death penalty for other
crimes than murder. rape. treason or
piracy, and has endowed juries with the
power 10 stipulate whether or not capital
punishment shall be inflicted for these
crimes.
and theatrical managers has resulted in
the passage os Law fixing heavy penal
ties for public performances OF copy
righted dramatical or musical compost
tfons. and empowering all United States
circuit courts TO enforce the orders OF any
such court regarding these performances
The interstate commerce laws have
been extended 70 prevent traffic in OBJ
scene literature.
4n.s SrA
10 enable yachts belonging 10 American
or foreign clubs to enter or clear without
tonnage taxes; also 20 require naphtha or
electric boats OF more than fifteen tons
burden 10 be subjected 10 all requirements
for inspections and for riiots and en-
eineers A now law Compels the name and
draft OF every registered vessel 10 be mark
ed on the stern and bow. New regulations
have been made for the compensation OF
inspectors Of stem vessels for their trsv-
cling expenses. All persons who make sig
nal exertions I'm rescIirg a wrecked ship
or a drowning person are. under a law OF
this session eligible for the life saving
medals. wnieA formerly were given only
10 the 'ife cavinE crew msa.
one Of the most inr artant PIECES OF pub
lie land legislation permits the pstsntin~
of lands containing petroleum or ether
mineral oils under .Ae mineral Land laws.
Another extends ~ January !. 1893. the
tiule fn which purchase MAJ be made OF
the railroad grant lands forfeited 70 the
government under the act OF IsO and an
other confirms cas,l entries which have
been 6ecIa red invalid because the lands en-
tered were never offered for sale
Among the acts OF the session relating
20 the courts are these: Fixing the fees
IN the circuit court of appeals. withdra W.
ing from the supreme court Jurisdiction OF
crimes not capital and giving il 70 the
circuit court Of appeals an act providing
heavy penalties for selling intoxicating
liquors 20 Indians. an act authorizing the
secretary Of the interior to use the ahan-
cCued Fort PidweIl. in California, for au
Indian training school. and one TO ena bic
the town Of FlagstaH. Ariz 10 issue sss as,l
9 per cent bonds 10 construct a water
system.
Military acts ware passed authorizing
the conferrfng on officers OF the regular
army Of the highest breyet rank held hy
them IN the volunteer service; 10 author
fze officers who served In the regular army
during the rebellion 10 bear the official
title. and on cereTaouis occasions 30 wear
the uniform of their rank, for issuing Ger
tIGCates u service 10 members Of the mill
tary telegraph corps for the state Of Col
orado 20 use the Fore Lyon military reser-
yaton Tor q soldiers home. 10 permit the
appointment as r8eGtcaI officers OF sol
oilers homes q others than those who
have been disa blad in the military service
A hfe-savirg station has been provided
f0r a. Point Arena Nendocsno county.
Csi. and q survey has been authorized for
g water route from TIE mouth OF the 5et-
tlos 90 Galveston Tex through the shin
canal 81 ~d Un Buffalo kavrl1 70 FFgsta.o-