The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-16
Repre- Henderson Authorized
TO Introduce His own Bill, which
Resembles the TOrrey Plan.
j. w. FOSTER ON ANNEXATION
THE GENERALS VIEW OF OUR RE-
LATIONS WITH LONELY HAWAII.
Rejection of the Treaty VIII Not End
the Matter Return of the
President TO Washington.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15.-The bankruptcy
BILL which will be reported by the judiciary
committee within a short time, though
called the Henderson measure will en-
body the main features of the old familiar
Torrey bill, which has been before Con-
gress for several sessions. Some of the
provisions of that bill, against which OBJ
jections We're urged that they were too se-
we're on the debtor class, have been con-
siderably modified and toned down, and it
is believed that the bill will stand a fair
show of passage through the House. The
most vigorous opposition will be from MEM
bers who doubt the wisdom of establishing
| permanent bankruptcy system such as is
contemplated. There are also strong OBJ
jections to the involuntary feature, and
it is urged that the rejuvenated Torrey bill
will be in reality an agency of oppression
for the benefit of the wholesale merchants
and large concerns who sell to the retailers.
1t is an Old story, and the hard lighting
will be over the question of permanent or
temporary bankruptcy bill. A great num-
Der of members of both branches of Con-
gress believe that permanent system will
encourage wild speculation and be a stand
ing temptation to take undue business risks.
This class think that a general cleaning
up as to release a great number OF
bankrupts and give them freedom to en-
gage again in business will suffice.
Mr.. Overstreet, of the Indianapolis dis
trict, is a member of the subcommittee of
the judiciary committee, which framed
the bill. Several days have been spent on
the work, which is now completed,
and the results will be submitted to the
full committee at it's next meeting The
Democratic minority will report another
bill, the same as last year. and it will be
championed by Mr.. Bailey, who will be
pretty sure of a practically solid Demo-
cratic support.
An Associated Press dispatch says: The
House judiciary committee agreed on a
bankruptcy bill to-day and it will be re-
ported to the House this week as early as
possible. The committee was in session
throughout the day and when the measure
was finally passed Chairman Henderson was
authorized to report the Senate bill, known
as the "a bill, to the House, with all
after the ting clause stricken out and
the Hendel bill, as agreed on, inserted
as an amen. lent or substitute. There were
two important changes from the bill as re-
ported by the subcommittee. The bill, as
drawn provided, in erect tnat all liens cfe-
ated by judgment and levy, or by attach
ment within four months of the adjudica-
tion in bankruptcy should be void, Or II
enforced, go for the benefit OF the cred1tOrs,
and also that all money collected by the
enforcement of such a lien should be paid
over to the trustee when appointed. This IS
modified so that these liens will not be af-
fected unless obtained in fraud or the act.
The provisions of the bill creating onenses
punishable by fine or Imprisonment were
also modified by making many OF such OF
fenses cause for refusing a discharge in
bankruptcy instead of punishable otherwise.
One of the most extraordinary booms
which has come under the observation of
the Treasury Department is located in the
congressional library and is illustrated by
the increase in the copyright business. This
terrific growth began about the time new
librarian was appointed and a change made
in handling the revenues of the library
The treasury experts have not yet COM
pleted their Investigations but they have
learned enough to satisfy themselves tnat
if the copyright had been one-half as brisk
during the last fifteen years of Mr. Spof-
ford's administration as 1T has been during
the last month the government would nave
possibly 500 600. and maybe twice that
amount Mr.. Spofford still holds the posi-
ton of assistant librarian. but there is a
well-defined rumor in high official circles
that he is very near the end of his connec-
ton with the government pay roll
The National Geographical Society," ona
of the most important scientific or4Shiza-
tions in the world and having its headquar-
ters in Washington, is in very badly de-
moralized, not to say disorganized, condi-
ton. It's president, Gardiner G. Hubbard,
died few years ago; it's secretary, Mr..
Everett Hayden, resigned in a huff because
an element in the society questioned the
wisdom of some of his official acts in con-
nection with the Nansen lecture, and now
General Greeley of arctic fame, who is vice
president, refuses point-blank to serve as
members Of the organization holding official
connection with it have felt compelled to
state the society has no interest financially
in the trouble-breeding Nansen lecture. Al
together the affairs of the scientists ar0
very badly mixed.
Ex-Representative Hardy, of Indiana, ar
rived here to-day to look after some odds
and ends in the departments for former
constituents.
Representative Henry has recommended
the appointment Of the following presiden-
tial postmasters in his district: c. J.
Strght, Albany; D. N. Sheperd, Geneva;
]. N. Hundley. Summittsville, Madison
county: w. f. Ward Ridgevile Randolph
county; L. 3. Moffatt. Hartford City.
The postoffice at Lynn Grove will be filled
by the appointment of Mr.. Schogenhoff.
Drs. Holloway, of Decatur, and Aspey, of
Geneva. have been appointed on new med
ical board at Decatur The board was es-
tablished at the solicitation of Representa-
tive Henry.