The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-25
GEN. JOE. WHEELER.
The Old Soldier Not Yet Decided as to
What He Will Do.

Special to the Chattanooga Times.
Washington, D. c.. February 23.-In spite
of the report of the judiciary committee de-
claring the seats of Representative Wheel
er, of Alabama: Representative Coson, Of
Kentucky; Representative Robbins, OF
Pennsylvania, and Representative Camp
bell, of Illinois, vacant, by reason Of their
holding positions in the volunteer army. It
is doubtful whether the report will be for
mally adopted by the house. OF course, II
1t is brought up for consideration, 1t will
pass, but there is disposition on the part
of the leaders on both sides. with the sim
gle exception of Representative Bailey, to
refrain from adopting tho resolution. out
of respect to Representative Wheeler. 1t Is
In a position, however, where it can be
called up at any moment, and, should Rep
resentative Bailey insist upon its adoption,
there is no way by which it can be pre-
vented, as there can be no question as to
the business of the report.
General Wheeler has not yet decided what
course he will pursue in regard to the next
congress. His term as member of the
Fifty-sixth congress will commence on
March 4, and it Is imperative that whatever
action is taken by him must precede the
date of the commencement of his term as
a member of the Flfty-sixth congress. I'm
der the decision of the committee should he
retain his position in the volunteer army
until March s he would be disqualified as
a member of the next congress, and mis-
seat liable TO be declared vacant at any
time Therefore, only few days remain
for him to reach a decision in the matter.
Should he remain IN the army until after
the Attn of March it will indicate clearly his
Intention to retire from
cepI position in the regular army. 1t is
beileveo, however, that before the time
limit expires the Spanish cortes will have
ratified the treaty of peace, and that the
commissions in the volunteer army will ex-
pire. The attorney general has held that
Immediately upon the ratification of the
treaty by the spanish cortes ali the volun-
teer soldiers and officers must be lmme-
diatey mustered out of the service. Gen@r-
al Whee.ers connections with the volunteer
army, therefore, would cease by operation
of law, and ne would be in position where
he could continue to serve i'll congress
without either embarrassment to the ad-
minstration or subjecting himself to the
danger of losing his seat in congress. Inc
general still insists that service in the army
is far preferable to a position in congress,
and that if he decides in accordance with
his personal likes he will remain perma-
nently in the military branch of the govern
ment
ing one of his hurried spins through the
halls of congress 'shen he encountered Sem
ator Frye, of Maine, who had just reported
the harbor and river bill.
General, have compliment for you,"
said the senator.
"Ah, thank you, replied the modest little
hero. what is 1t, senator?
Quarter of million for Colbert Shoals,
Ala, and it's personal compliment, too,
from those who remember Santiago
This was sweet music to the generals
ears. Colbert Shoals are in his district, and
when the house committee failed to provide
for improvements there q murmur of dis
content arose from that particular section
of the south. General Wheeler then bonn
larded the senate committee. He wrote
letters to the members individually, and
saw them personally. There was spirited
fight over the item. but appreciation of the
generals Cuban service at last prevailed
over the adverse reports of army engineers
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