Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-29

(South Dakota). Rawlins (Utah), Tel
Ter Colorado Turner (WashinSton).
and Vest (MissourD.
Another roll-call developing the alb
sence of a quorum, the Senate at 1:40
p. m. adjourned.
BILLS IN THE HOUSE.
Washington. April 2S.-The House
passed a number of bills of Importance
to-day. The major portion of the ses-
sion was devoted to the Senate bill to
create a. commission to adjudicate the
claims of citizens of the United States
against Spain assumed by this country
by the treaty of Paris. The bill de-
veloped considerable opposition, and
was finally recommitted to the Com
mittec on War Claims with instruc-
tons to report back bill to refer the
claims to the Court Of Claims.
The Senate bills to recognize the SER
vices of Lieutenant Newcombe and the
oiAcers and men OF the revenue cutter
Hudson, which rescued the torpedo
boat Winslow at Cardenas, Cuba, by
comforting gold and silver medals up
on them and 10 retire Captain Hodgson,
of the revenue cutter Hugh McCullugh,
were passed.
Francis Il. Lassiter, who succeeds
the late Representative Sydney Epes.
from the Fourth Virginia district. was
sworn in. In connection with the pre-
sentaton of his credentials n commu-
nication was read from James Selden
Cowden protesting against the seating
of Mr.. Lassiter and films notice of n
formal contest on the ground that the
vote by which Mr.. Lassiter claimed
election was n paper vote" not actual
ly cast.
Bills were passed to authorize the
Carolina Railroad Company to con-
struct a bridge across Lumber river, N.
C.; TO provide for the revision and codi-
ticntion of the gencrallaws of the United
States; to authorize the construction OF
a bridge across the Back Bay, ut Biloxi.
Miss.
CLAIMS AGAINST SPAIN.
At 2 o'clock the Senate bill to create
| a commission to adjudicate all claims
of citizens OF the United states against
| Spain, which the United States, under
the treaty with Spain, agreed to adjudi-
cate and settle, was taken up.
Mr.. Ray, OF New York, opposed the
| bill. He argued that there was no ne
cessity for such u commission. 1t ere
ated. he sold, three commissioners at
| $4,000 annually; chief clerk at $4,000;
| an Assistant Attorney-General,an I'M
limited number OF assistant attorneys
at 5000 IL month, and a big corps of
clerks and stenographers.
Mr.. Ray commended that the Court of
Claims should do this work. They had
ample time. and this additional labor
would not break them down. The only
excuse and justification for the enact
ment OF this bill. Mr.. Ray declared, was
n desire of certain Senators to get good
herths for their constituents. He de-
manded to know how many claims had
been filed and what they amounted to.
Mr.. Mahon. of Pennsylvania. replied
that he did not know how many claims
had been fled but that the legislation
was recommended by the President and
the Secretary of State.
Mr.. Mahon later said the claims for
Cuba aggregated s33, 5000, 900, and those
from Porto Rico 100000. He offered
a substitute providing that the COM
mission shall not exist over eighteen
months; that all claims not filed within
SIX months shall be forever barred, and
that the awards shall be final.
| After further debate the bill and sub
stltute were recommitted to the Com
mittee on War Claims. with instruc-
| lions to report back bill TO refer the
claims to the Court Of Claims.
At AGO y. M the House adjourned.