The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-04-21
CONGRESSIONAL.
Abstract of the Important Measures In
Both Houses.

April 12.-The Senate met at noon for the
first time since the death OF ex-senator
Voorhees, who, until recent day was con-
spcuous member of the body. The opening
prayer OF Rev. DR. Milburn, the blind chap
iuin, made eloquent references to Mr.. Noor-
hpes' brillinnt talents. .mpnssioned nrdor,rlo-
uuencc, genuine patriotism and the unsclnsh
dedication OF his great powers to every
cause. human and divine, which enlisted his
care. Divine consolation was invoked Tor
the family Of the man who had inscribed his
name on the tablets which perpetuated the
great orators and statesmen OF his genera
tion.
Immediately following the prayer Mr. Cor
man, Of Maryland, moved that as u mark of
respect to their late associate the Senate adj
journ, adding that many senators desired 10
attend the funeral The motion prevailed,
and nt 1905 y. m. the senutc adjourned.
April SENATOR Chandler introduced
his bills empowering the secretary " the
navy to take possession Of ths urmor plants
Of the Be;hehrm aud the Carnegie compa-
Mss lie intends that the government shall
take only the Bethlehem plant and use 1t 60
complete the now unfinished war vessels
Just compensation shall bs made through
the court uf claims. senator Chandler
scheme seems to meet only with riricule.
April 15.-The Chipmunk oil fields, the
Seneca oil company and the Seneca nation OF
Indians in Western New York occupied the
attention of the Senate for several hours this
morning, and senator Quay not only eN-
posed some alleged shady transactions be-
tween the oil company and ths council OF
the nation regarding an oil lease. but NJ the
samo time secured action by the Senate
designed to render null and void lease
which the company secured from the coun-
eli Of the Indians.
1t was the Indian appropriation bill that
was under consideration and the Senate
spent the day on II.
The Indian bill was not completed when
at o'clock the Senate adjourned TO Mon
day.
April 10. Representative Smith, Of JeiIer-
son, called up the libel bill to-day and pro.
posed numerous amendments. lie was sue
ccssful in having them adopted. and adyanc-
ing the bill To the third reading calendar.
The amen imcnts provide that II the matter
regarded as libelous IL substantially true,
published with good motives ami for justi-
liable ends, the defendant shall be acquitted,
but the Jury shall determine the law and the
facts. In no ease Is the defendant TO be in
dicted for printing nnd publishing the same
liW-l In more than one county OF the COM
monwenlth. The commonwealth Is also
given the right to stand aside jurors.
The house refused to pass bill doing
away with the publication Of the sheriffs
election proclamation by voting the measure
down. An amendment 10 the compulsory
education net proposed by Mr.. Hammond,
Of Westmoroland, was passed ON second
reading. II increases the age limit Of pupils
from Is to IL years permits school directors
or controllers to designate special schools
for oflenders, trunnts or disobedient pupils,
and requires registration of all pupils by the
attendance officer and n report of the alb
.entees. This completed the morning ses-
sion.