Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-12-14

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Washington, Dec. 9--The house yes
terday adopted special order for the
consideration Of the currency bill be-
ginning next Monday. The general
debate will continue until Friday, on
Saturday amendments may be offered
under the five-minute rule and on the
following Monday the vote will be
taken. The democrats, populists and
slvertes presented a solid front
against the adoption of the resolutions
and every republican voted for it.
Mr.. Richardson, leader of the minor
ity, tainted some of the majority
leaders with their change of front in
coming out Aat-footedly for the gold
standard, but Mr.. Grosvenor and Mr..
Cannon good-naturedly replied that
they had learned something with ad-
vancing years.
Other bills introduced were: By Mr..
Hit to provide a territorial form OF
government for Hawaii; by Mr.. Sher-
man, authorizing the postmaster gen
eral to contract with an American
cable company to send official mes
sages to Hawaii, the Philippines, Japan
and China for 20 years, at not to exceed
$500, 900 a year; by Mr.. Little, to pre-.
vent monopolies and trusts and for the
free coinage Of gold and silver; by Mr..
Kerr, admitting veterans of the war
with Spain to the homes for disabled
soldiers; by Mr. Flynn, for additional
homestead lands to those who partici-
pated In the war with Spain or with
the Philippines; by Mr.. Corliss for a
bridge across the Detroit river at De.
troit; by Mr.. Hill, authorizing the
establishment Of national banks in
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines;
by Mr.. McRae, extending the contract
labor laws to Hawaii; by Mr.. Roden-
burg, to create commission to pass
upon claims Of United States citizens
and to create commission to pass on
claims of United States citizens grow.
ing out Of the war with Spain.
Mr. Joy, by request, introduced bills
granting right Of cable connection
with Cuba and Porto Rico to the
United States and West Indian Direct
Telegraph company and to authorize
the West Indian Development company
to acquire franchises, ETC., in Cuba and
Porto Rico.
Mr. Lentz introduced joint resolu-
ton rectng the charges growing out
Of the presence of United States troops
under Brig. Gen. Merriam at the cen.
ters Of the mining troubles in Idaho
and asking for an investigation by a
special committee of nine members to
be appointed by the speaker, The res.
olution says that it is a matter OF gen
eral information that United States
troops were sent to Idaho in defiance
of and contrary to the federal constitu-
ton, at the individual request Of the
governor, when no riot or insurrection
existed, and without consulting
the legislature or the local
sheriff. II is asserted that Gen. Mer-
RAM declared martial law and "ar-
bitrarily and without warrant of law
arrested hundreds Of citizens" The
arrests 1t is charged, included many
of the miners union and the
local sheriff. 1t is asserted that many
men were imprisoned in "bull pen, a
place unfit for human mhabitation. +"
Allegation is made that one prisoner
became insane from the treatment, and
escaping was shot as he jumped into
a river. In another case, 1t is charged,
a dying prisoner was denied spiritual
consolation. Specific acts Of cruelty
are given, including compulsory stand
ing erect for seven hours each day in
the hot sun, under penalty Of death II
an attempt was made to move or sit
down. 1t is alleged also that captain
under Gen. Merriam amused himself
by calling prisoners 'cowardly ours
while these punishments were being
inflicted" The resolution also recites
that the wives and families OF the
miners were insulted by soldiers, and
II is alleged that responsibility for the
various actions recited rests with the
mining companies of the localities.
Mr.. Robertson then announced the
death Of the late Representative s. G.
Baird, Of Louisiana, and after the adop.
ton Of the customary resolutions, at
1880 p. M, as further mark Of respec,
the house adjourned until Monday.
The Steamer Niagara Has Foundered.
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