The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-02-16

In view of tbs explanation, Mr.,
Dinrley submitted to Mr.. Cooney that
he withdraw his motion, which he accord
ingly did. v,,
Mr. Payne, Republican of New York.
chairman of the committee on merchant
marine called up the Senate gil TO
amend the navigation laws of the Uhteo
States.
Mr.. Payne explained that the bill had
been prepared by the trade and was de-
signed solely to protect our sea coast trade
along the Pacific coast with Alaska.
Mr.. Dingley said the pending bill Was
designed to carry out the traditional poll
cy Of the government of restricting our
coast wise carrying trade to American
vessels. The bill was passed without
division.
A bill presented by the committee on
merchant marine and fisheries was
passed amending the law relating to the
licensing of mates of ocean and river
steamers.
Mr.. Loud, Republican of California
from the committee on post offices and
most roads. called up the bill to make it
lawful to transmit through the mails pri-
vate postal cards with one cent stamp
affixed. The bill was passed.
Mr.. Loud then stated that 1t was very
imnortant that the House should act soon
on the bill relating to revision OF the
law relating 10 second class mail matter
as the post office appropriation bill was
heinz held ND pending the decision of the
House on that measure. He asked that
March 1st and and be devoted to its con-
sideration. .
Mr.. Williams, Democrat of Mississippi,
suggested that the debate be extended
until March 8. The suggestion was &C
cepted and the order was entered.
| Mr.. loud then called up bill reported
| nv his committee requiring prepa yment
| OF postage on all first class mail matter
Mr.. Clark, Republican of Iowa, ex-
planned that the bill had been prepared at
| The instance of the post office department
All other classes of mail matters were
rrenaid save that in the latter class,
which was carried In each instance for a
single hostage. The postage due on such
| letters was supposed to be paid at the
point of delivery, but much of it was not
collected and the government suffered a
considerable loss of revenue.
| The principal criticism brought against
the measure by Mr.. W. A. Stone, Repub-
| Iican of Pennsylvania, and others was
that a letter which by the inadverteDce OF
| the sender was not fully prepaid would
| 90 to the dead letter office. He thought
the government would lose quite as much
as it does now by holding up the letter al
the point of sending and besides cause
much more annoyance to the people. A
/ $1,000
nation. Under the proposed amendment
many letters would never reach their des
tination or get back to the senders. The
bill was recommitted ~
A bill was passed giving the assent o.
the government to change of the com
pact between the United States and the
State of Arkansas asked Tor by the legis
lature of said state SO as to permit the ap
portionment Of the proceeds of the public
lands for common school purposes.
Mr.. Dalzell, Republican of Pennsylya
mia, asked for a modification OF the order
for the consideration of the bankruptcy
bill (Which begins tomorrow by which
the final vote should be taken on Satur
dny instead of Monday, as originally
ordered, with the understanding tina
Monday should be private bill day. Th'
modification of the order was agreed to.
A bill was passed empowering register
and receivers of general land offices t.
issue subpoenass. and compel attendance.
Il A bill was passed repeating the statute
recurring affirmative proof of loyalty b.
the holders of bounty or land warrants.
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Payne
Republican of New York, Sayers, Demo
crat of Texas. directors of the Columbian
Institute for the deaf AID dumb.
AT 5 O'Clock the House adjourned.