The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-12-29
WORK OF CONGRESS


although another, the agricultural. will
be ready and knocking for attention by
to-day. Mr.. Sherman (Rep., n. W. ex-
planning the Indian bill, said that
the appropriation had been approved
by the executive authorities. He said
the principal increase was for the In
dian schools, more than $2,5OO,OOO go
ing for that purpose. This amount did
not include contract schools, as the
question of sectarianism was complete
ly eliminated. Nor did this figure in
clude the New York and Indian Ter
ritory Indians, whose education is
paid for out Of their own funds.
Washington. Dec 20. - The senate
had busy day and there were several
important speeches. Mr.. Platt of
Connecticut spoke against the Vest
resolution which declares that the
United States has no power to acquire
territory. He said that the power of Il
nation to acquire territory was as in
herent as It's sovereignty. The United
States had the right to govern them in
the best possible manner until the peo-
pie Of the acquired lands were capablp
OF government. ME-. Proctor of
Vermont and Mr.: Hale Of Maine ax-
changed divergent views upon q COM
mission of senators to visit Cuba. Mr..
Proctor thought such a commission
was necessary, while Mr.. Hale thought
it would be in extremely bad taste and
useless. The Nicaragua canal bill was
UP during the last part of the day and
Senators Berry. Allen. Hoar Caffery
ard Morgan discussed the measure.
In the House.
III was suspension day in the house
and several bills were passed. the
most important of which was the bill
appropriating S35O.OOO fer the Phila-
delphia exposition of. 1899. The vote
was exceedingly close. 1t had but two
votes more than the necessary two
thirds. Bills We're passed under the
suspension Of the rules to authorize the
distribution of the assets of the Freed
mans bank; to enlarge the scope OF
the fish commission to include birds;
for the relief of the Fourth mounted
Arkansas infantry, and for the relief
OF John w. Lewis of Oregon. Mr..
Bailey of Texas introduced a resolu-
ton in open house directing the jul
dietary committee to Investigate and
report on the question whether men,
bers Of the house who accepted COM
missions in the army had forfeited
their seats in the house. he .nade the
resolution the text for some remarks,
in the course of which he took oc-
casion to bitterly dcnounce news.
paper statement to the effect that in
his attitude on this question he had
been made catspaw Of by certain Re-
publican members. He denounced the
Republican who had instituted the
statement as an infamous liar and
challenged him to father ii. There was
no reply TO Mr.. Bailcy's statement and
the resolution was referred to the COM
mittee Oh rules.
Washington, Dec. Ex-senator Teller
occupied the first half of Yesterdays
session of the senate With a speech in
advocacy Of the theory that there ere
no restrictions upon the right of the
United States to expand its borders So
lis to include far distant territory. He
went quite thoroughly into the legal
points bearing upon the question. and
also incidentally discussed at some
length the form of government for the
Philippines. saying that he would cu-
courage government among the
islands and would give them the most
liberal government which they We're
capable of managing but that he
would not take down the American
flag where once placed. The re-
maiHder of the session was given up
to the Nicaragua canal bill. Senator
Gallery was the only speaker on this
subject. and he opposed the Morgan
bill.
In the House.
The house listened to the first speech
on. the subject Of annexation of the
Philippines. Mr.. Williams of Missis-
sippi, a Democratic member of the for
eien affairs committee. in an hours
speech. stated his opposition to a pol
icy wliiGli would bring the islands un-
der the sphere of United States infu--
eEce. He contended that it would be
hostile to the spirit Of our. Institutions
to assume control! over. 8 O0O. 900 unwil-
ling subjects. that annexation would
cost us $lO;O0O.000'a year. that the, an
neNation of the islands, met none. Of
tho terms that applied to our past ac-.
QUESTIONS Of territory and would be a
mistake from a social ana political
standpoint. Mr. Williams remarks re-
ceived careful attention and several
times drew applause from his Demo-
cratic colleagues. TIE agricultural ap-
preparation bill was passed without
material amendment. 1t carried 3d.
G9G.322. or $1S7. 100 more than the. cur
rent law. Several resolutions from
the river and harbor committee call
ing upon the secretary of war for esti-
mates as to the cost of certain pro-
posed river and harbor work were
adopted.
Washington. Dee: 2S-The absence
of quorum Of the senate saved Sem
ator Proctor's resolution providing for
the appointment of committee Of
senators to Investigate the conditions
in Cuba and Porto Rico during the
long recess of congress from over
whelming defeat. An effort was made
by Mr.. Daniel to secure consideration
of the resolution. but his resolution
mustered only s Of the SO votes cast.
No business of Importance was dis
posed of. Only some routine business
was transacted.
In the House.
The last session of the house before