Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1899-01-26


House, are adopts in the division of pub
lie "pork." Thirty odd states will share
in the twelve and half millions appro.
priated by the bill; consequently votes
will not be lacking.
For the first time this season the
House had what the old timers called a
"6eld day" 1t was a sort of running
discussion. which, although nominally
upon bill allowing a ship'building firm
to sue in the court of claims for addi-
tional pay, it claims to be entitled to on
contracts with the government, it real
ly embraced about everything in sight,
including the war, the embalmed beef
controversy, the Philippines. the Treaty
of Peace, and some spicy personalities.
There were FIVE gentlemen who partici-
pased, Grosvenor, Of Ohio; Simpson, of
Kansas; Carmack, of Tenn; Bailey, Of
Texas, and Lewis, of Washington, but
the star parts were played blythe fiji st and
last named. While the discussion was
going on, members of the house seemed
to enjoy the hits made, regardless of
who made them, but as craftsmanship
figured largely, they afterwards divided
on political lines 10 expressing opinion
as to who got the best Of it. The speech
of Lewis was, however, a genuine sur
prise to the House, and caused more
than one man, who had been previously
Indifferent to express regret that he will
be lost to the House after March 4th.
Gen. Grosvenor has for many years been
regarded as one of the most dangerous
men in Congress to tackle in running
debate. That man serving his first
term could even hold his own in scrap
with him is considered remarkable by
old members. Lewis certainly did that.
Senator Perkins has announced his
intention to obey the instructions OF the
California legislature and vote for the
ratification of the treatyof peace. because
he believes nine. tenths of the people of
his state wish him to do so, while Sen
ator White SAYS he will refuse to obey
the Instructions Of the legislature, be-
cause a majority of its members are his
political opponents, and because he does
not recognize the right OF Legislatures to
instruct Senators in matters involving
conscience or conviction. If a debat-
ing society is hunting hard nut to
crack, let it decide which of these Sen
ators is right only one of them is.
Wednesday of this week is the dsy
set for the meeting of the court martial
that will try Gen. Eagan for conduct
unbecoming an officer and a gentleman,
in speaking disrespectrully of G ZEN.
Miles. his superior officer, and, unless
Gen. Eagan exercises his right 10 ask
for a reinforcement tor short time the
verdict ought to be in the hands of the
President before the close of the week.
1t is not certain that Gen. Eagan will
plead guilty and ask mercy on account
of extenuating circumstances, as some OF
his friends said he would when the an
nouncement that he would be court
nartialed was trst M ade, but whatever
his plea, there can be but one verdict,
guilty. His punishment will depend
entirely upon the President, A verdict
of guilty carries the penalty of dismiss
al from the army, but the President
may change the punishment to suit his
pleasure, or omit it entire y. The case
has aroused too much public lndigna-
ton for Gen, Eagau to hope to escape
punishment, however friendly the Sec
rotary of War and the President may
feel towards HIM.