Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-26
iN-THE COMMITTEES
Considering the Adviasbility Of Postal sav.
ings Banks


post roads today had under consideration
the advisabilfty Of establishing the sys-
tenn Of postal savings banks in the United
States. The discussion was general, and
the only conclusion reached was that Sem
ators Mason and Butler should prepare a
bill which could be used as q basis for
future deliberations. This was done be-
cause of the fact that there were a large
number of measures before the commit
tee all looking to the same end. It is in
tended that the bill to be prepared by
Messrs Mason and Butler shall supplant
all these. and they were requested to have
1t in shape to be taken up at the next
meeting, to be held a week hence.
A communication was read from POST
master General Gary making suggestion
regarding the details of the legislation pro-
posed. Among other provisions urged
by him was one giving the largest possi-
BILE discretion to the Pcstnaster General
in putting the new system into operation.
Mr. Gary also stated that, in his opinion,
the tendency is to make the interest rate
too high
1.-The downward tendency of interest rate
Is unmistakable," he said. He thought a
rate too low preferable to one too high.
and suggested per cent as prudent and
reasonable rate. He also suggested the inn
portance Of providing certain post offices
or subtreasuries as repositories for the
post ohhce funds. because OF the impracti-
cab1lity of making payments from WASH
1ngton IN case all the repositories should
be located in Washington.
Refused to Hear silver Men.
The House committee on banking and
currency met today, but after a brief ses-
sion did not take action toward reporting
any currency bill. Considerable interest
attached to the meeting in view of the
recent extended hearings and of the pres
ent monetary meeting at Indianapolis At
the outset Mr.. Johnson Of Indiana, who is
regarded as favorable to the monetary
commission bill, secured the adoption of a
resolution for statement from each MEM
ber as to his position on the general ques-
tion of revision of the currency.
Mr.. Brosius of Pennsylvania was the
nrst one called upon, and he stated that
he was not ready to determine his views
on so broad a proposition. AS the inquiry
promised to lead to some differences Mr.
Johnson withdrew the motion with view
to having the republican members can
vass the subject among themselves later.
In behalf of the minority, Mr.. Cox Of
Tennessee moved that the official pro-
Gee, eeedings embrace the application for a
metallic Union and Chairman Towne of
the silver republican committee, and the
refusal of the committee to hear them
with the exception of Crairuian Walker,
who voted with the minority.
The committee then adJour4ed until next
went into secret session with view Of
reaching some common understanding If
possible. -" ~ Ff
The. International Hank.
The Senate committee on foreign rela-
ticns today considered informally the bill
the Incorporation of the inter-
national bank. and Senator Foraker was
authorized to introduce a bill on behalf Of
the committee.
In most respects the bill agreed upon is
identical with the House bill, but there are
some important differences. One of these
increases the period of succession from
twenty to fifty years. Another change au-
tEorizes the Institution to purchase shares
of foreign corpol atoms. Branch offices in
Mexico, the West Indies and Central Amer
lea are made obligatory instead of optional,
as In the House bill. A failure to comply
with this provision will work the forfeiture
of the charter.
Statehood -Legislati0h Killed.
Statehood legislation at this session was
killed today by the House committee on
territories rejecting the, Arizona, New
Mexico and Oklahoma bills by a vote of
to 8. The first two measures were bunch
ed and defeated. Then the Oklahoma bill
was taken up and beaten by the same vote.
There was nc discussion, as 1t was under
stood at the last meeting that tho vote
was to be taken today without further
preliminartes. Delegates Smith and Fer
81 son of Arizona and New Mexico stated
that they wished to put themselves on
record that If they were allowed to vote
they would vote for the bills.
Bells Exempt From Duty.
AS an act OF International courtesy the
ways and means committee today agreed
to report favorably bill exempting from
duty set of bells given by the Car of
Russia to the Russian Church at Bridge
port, Conn. -. .,