Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1898-12-16
CONGRESS AT WORK AGAIN.

his resolution declaring II u be uncou.
atitutional for this government TO ac-
quire foreign territory except for coal
ing stations OF some like purpose, I'm
less its intention was to confer state
hood upon the territory and citizenship
upon its inhabitants In a lengthy
speech Mr.. Vest said that it was .
basic principle of this government that
"the powers Of the government were
derived from the consent Of the gov
srned," and maintained that the fed
eral government had no authority
either in morals or in the constitution
TO go beyond that principle. Senator
Plat (Rep., Conn., opposed Mr.. Vest
aud said that At later date he would
90 into the subject at length to show
wherein the Missouri senator was
| wrong.
During the consideration of pension
bills Senator Vest MO- protested
against the rushing Of such bills
through the senate when there was
not a quorum present and with only
the title being read. He was willing
to pay munifcently and literally in
pensions, but insisted that these bills
ahould receive proper consideration.
Mr.. Gallinger IN. II. }, chairman of the
senate pension committee, agreed with
| Mr.. Vest.
Senator Hoar precipitated lengthy
debate when he opposed the appoint
ment by the President of senator's as
members of commissions whose acts
would have to be passed upon by
the senate The confirmation Of the
appointment of the Hawaiian commits
sioners was under discussion at the
time, and the matter was finally re-
| ferred to the judiciary committee, with
instructions 10 investigate and report
Rep Hepburn, of Iowa, introduced a
bill authorizing the President to &C
4uire by purchase from the states Of
Costa Rica and Nicaragua full owner
ship, jurisdiction and sovereignty of
such land as may be desira bic and nee
sssary TO construct and defend a ship
canal from ocean 10 ocean. The bill
also appropriates $40, 900, 900 TO CON
stuct the canal.
Senator Turpie Dem, Ind.), made q
strong speech in opposition TO the Me
aragua canal bill, attacking il on the
ground that it is in the interest of the
Maritime Canal Co., which he charac-
terized as a fraud and bankrupt. Mr..
| Morgan defended the bill and the Mar
itime Co. Messrs. Berry and Rawlins
both offered amendments materially
Affecting the bill.
Rep. Hull, chairman of the house
committee on military affairs, intro
duced bill increasing the regular
army TO approximately 100, 900 men.
The bill WAS framed at the war de-
partment and is not the bill framed by
Gen Miles IL gives total of IA regi-
nents Of artillery, IL of cavalry and 30
OF infantry.
Senator Mccartney (La.) introduced a
resolution requesting the President TO
enter into negotiations with Great
Britain for the purpose OF modifying
the Clayton Bulwer treaty in SO far a.
is interferes with the United States
constructing, owning or controlling an
inter-oceanic canal across the isthnus
of Darien.
2Rep Mcclellan, of New York, intro
duced in the house bill for the reor-
ganization of the army. 1t was drawn
after consultation with many officers
and is supposed TO represent the ideas
of the younger element of the army.
1t makes some very radical changes in
the staff and has some novel features.
Senators Hale (Vt. and Hoar Mass
presented resolutions of citizens in
their states demonstrating against the
extension of American sovereignty
over the Philippine islands and against
the acquisition Of foreign territory
without the consent of the people Of
such territory.
Senator Morrill, presented a petition
from the legislature of Vermont, ask.
ing for the revival of the grade Of ad-
miral, and recognition of Rear Admiral
Dewey Mr.. Hale presented a bill TO
revive the grades of admiral and vice
admiral
Senator Vest introduced a resolution
providing for the appointment of a
Joint commission composed of three
senators and five members of the house,
10 investigate the charges OF corrup-
ton in the conduct of the war with
Spain.
The urgent deficiency bill to provide
for the support of the military and
naval establishments was passed by
the house practically without opposi-
ton. There was not word of criti-
cism of the war during the debate.
In response " the Presidents mes
sage Senator Hoar introduced resolu-
ton for a committee to prepare and
carry out plans for the celebration of
the centennial of the city of Washing
ton as capital of the United States.
Rep. Hepburn, of Iowa, introduced a
joint resolution proposing an amend
ment to the constitution, providing
for threefourths vote Of congress TO
admit q state into the Union.
Congressman Corliss introduced in