The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-27
WHAT THIS WAR
CONGRESS HAS So
FAR ACCOMPL |SHED
Continued from First Page.

vides a comprehensive plan of territor-
ial government and fixes the Qualifi-
cation of electors and officers. The bill
has not, however, passed either branch
of Congress, and although regarded as
one of the important pieces Of pend
ing legislation it is hardly expected
that it can pass all the stages at this
late day in the session. In view Of this
several bills dealing with special
phases in Hawaii have passed one or
the other house. These include bills
to Hawaii extending the navigation
laws to Hawaii and extending to the
Hawaiian Islands the contract labor
laws of the United States. None of
these has become a law as they are de-
pendent largely on the future of the
general Hawaiian bill.
What is known as the antf-scalping
bill has attracted much interest and oc-
cupied considerable time in both
branches of Congress. 1t was the first
piece Of general legislation passed by
the House at this session, but its con-
sideration in the Senate has been at
tended by numerous delays, it being
displaced recently as unfinished bust
ness in order to take up the army re-
organization bill.
Another measure of Importance to the
commercial and shipping classes is
known as the shipping bill. 1t was in
troduced in the Senate by Hanna and
in the House by Payne, and Is pending
in both houses. 1t provides system
of bounties TO American steam and
sailing vessels, dependent upon tonnage
and distance covered, and also makes
merchant vessels an auxiliary force to
the navy in time of war. 1t is on the
calendar of both houses, with It's future
in doubt owing to the short time re-
naming.
The general legislation of the session
which has advanced to its final stages
and has become law includes the fol-
lowing: An act to amend the laws re-
lating to American seamen, for the pro-
lection of such seamen and to promote
commerce; an act concerning sail
vessels of over 700 tons; providing for
national exposition of American prod
ucts and manufactures at Paris; for
the encouragement of the export trade;
granting extra pay to officers and en-
listed men of United States volunteers;
providing additional Circuit Judges in
the Fifth and Sixth Judicial Circuits;
amending the act governing the imme-
date transportation of dutiable. goods
without appraiSement; adjusting the
clothing account for deceased soldiers
in certain cases; allowing voting ma
chincs>fn elections for Representative
in Congress, removing the remains of
GeHCIdl OOilE ~. INdNIlllS " <aIlIlE lOIl
National Cemetery; admitting to West
Point and to Annapolis certain persons
designated by the Governments Of
Venezuela, Costa Rica and Colombia.
The bill establishing a national mill
tary park to commemorate the cam
paign, siege and defense of Vicksburg
has been passed by both houses. Among
the bills which have passed one or the
other house are: Amending the war
revenue bill as to stamping of bond or
note and mortgage; authorizing the
Secretary of the Navy to pay extra
compensation for certain extra services
in the navy yard, etc; to establish an
international bank; TO pay certain divi-
dends of the Freedman's Trust and Saw
ings Bank; giving general right of way
through Indian reservations; amending
the act for the reimbursement of States
for the raising of volunteer forces dur
ing the war with Spain: granting a
pension to ex-senator John NJ. Palmer;
authorizing a monument at Havana to
the survivors of the Maine; the revision
of the laws of Alaska, and the judiciary
system also has been considered in both
houses, but final action has not yet been
reported.
The total appropriations for the
present session will approximate $780,
900. 900. of which about $3.50. 900. 900 will
be for the military and naval uses or
for subjects connected with the war.
This is a general estimate, however,
based upon totals which may undergo
much change, as very few OF the large
appropriation bills have become law,
and some of them have not even been
considered. If the Nicaragua canal bill
is added to the river and harbor bill
this will make a material increase. In
Guided in the naval bill are provisions
for three sea going battleships, three
armored cruisers and six small cruisers,
for which 100000 900 is appropriated for
the first years work.
Based on estimates, the total appro-
priations for the Congress mot includ-
ing the four appropriation bills left over
by the former Congress) would be APP
proximateIy 81, 500, 900 900, of which
amount approximately $500, 000,0 900 is for
war expenses or incident to the army
and navy.