The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1899-10-19
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Studying Water Storage For the
Great West-Senator Clark's New
Home-Consul BedlOe's Case.
Especial Correspondence


Home-Consul Bedloe's Case.
Especial Correspondence
F. 81. Newell, photographer Of the
United States geological survey, is on
a trip west for the purpose of study
ing the plans Of the organization form
ed for the purpose Of urging the gov
eminent to construct systems of stor-
lge reservoirs to hold flood waters for
the reclamation Of the arid west.
There is an enormous area Of fertile
land in the hands Of the general gov
eminent, recent investigations showing
that fully one-third Of the United
States, exclusive Of Alaska, Is still I'M
occupied and at the disposal Of con-
gress.
Chief Clerk Meter Of the general
land office recently returned from an
extended inspection tour and upon his
return reported that millions Of acres
were yet to be taken up-open to entry
and settlement. The utilization Of this
public land and the development of the
resources Of the western half of the
country are practically at standstiu
owing to lack Of means Of conserving
water.
Within it are great resources In min
erals and vast tracts furnishing excel
lent grazing for hundreds Of thousands
of cattle and sheep. The great ques-
ton, of course, is whether the WORK
should be done by the general govern
ment or by the individuals or commu-
mites benefited. The present inspec-
ton is merely to secure data for re-
port on which congress will have %
act.
It is the belief at the photographers
office that by the conservation OF all
water supplies it is probable from To-
100000 to 100000 acres can be add
ed to the wealth Of the country ana
that when the vacant lands are re-
claimed and industry stimulated pop
ulation of 100000 can easily find
profitable employment and occupation
in the vast area Of semiarid west.
senator Clark's New Home.
Senator Clark Of Montana has def.
nitely settled the question Of his Wash.
ington home, which has been the topic
Of much speculation, by purchasing
the mansion known as stewards cas-
tie" This house is identified with
the social history Of Washington and
was the first of the long list of preten-
49,, hov,oo x,o1., <>xr,pod nv tho million
aires of the country. Senator Stewart
erected this house in the early seven
ties. He occupied it with his family
for many years, and some Of the noted
functions Of the time were witnessed
here. For some years the Chinese le-
CATION rented the house, and from
their occupancy grew an episode which
almost threatened international COM
plications. The Celestials abused the
mansion to such an. extent that Senator
Stewart presented claim against the
Chinese government, and for months
wordy wars were in progress between
our state department and the foreign
Office at Picking. Senator Clark pro-
poses to demolish the castle" which
has been woefully neglected Of late and
is now dilapidated beyond repair, and
to erect on the site magnificent home
worthy Of its neighbors, the marble
palace Of the Letters, the stately home
of the Westinghouse, formerly owned
by James G. Blaine, and the preten-
tious residences Of the Boardmans and
Thomas Nelson Page.
Consul Bedloe's Case.
The case Of DR.. Edward Bedloe,
United States consul at Canton, who
recently came to Washington to an
swer certain charges against his adj
ministration, Is now before the presi-
dent. The charges were investigated
by officers Of the state department,
and It Is said that the report shows
that the consul was the victim Of his
Chinese interpreter, Chung, in the mat
tiers complained of and that he was
guiltless Of any official misconduct.
The principal allegation against the
consul related to the alleged irregular
issue Of Chinese certificates, and the
evidence adduced by the department
showed that Chung was responsible
for whatever Irregularities occurred
In that respect. According to the EVIL
dence, the Interpreter used q counter
felt seal Of the consulate and forged
the signature Of the consul and also
employed other fraudulent methods for
the issue Of certificates to Chinese de-
string to come to the United States
Fearing discovery, Chung fed to Ma
Gao and has so far eluded capture. Tho
Chinese government is said to be con-
WINGED Of the sole culpability Of the
Chinese interpreter and to be willing
to receive Consul Bedioe In his former
official capacity.
Army ana Navy Secrets.
Secretary Root has issued an order
positively prohibiting army officers
publishing accounts or pictures Of any
tests Of government arms and NUM-
tions Of war. He says permission win
pe given for the writing Of certain ar
Hcles which are deemed by the depart
ment as not inimical to the interests Of
the government. For some time there
have been strict orders against pub
fishing information relating to the
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