The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1900-12-06
The Meeting Of Congress.
The Presidents Message. An apportionment
bill introduced.

The Presidents Message. An apportionment
bill introduced.
WASHINGTON, Dec. ). The opening of
Congress to-day drew great crowds to the
capitol. All the public galleries were open
and were Immediately filled. The ladies
were present in full force. There was a full
attendance OF Senators and Representatives
and lively scenes occurred in both Houses
while the members were greeting each other.
Both Houses were called to order prompt
ly at noon. The Senate, at 12.15 took a
recess Of half an hour. There was a pro-
fusion of flowers on the speakers desk, also
on those of many members.
The first bill of the session in the House
was introduced by Cumpacker of Indiana,
making an apportionment of Representa-
tlves in Congress under the eleventh census"
and increasing their number from 357 to 365.
Under this bill, Arkansas, Colorado, Con
nectlcut, Massachusetts, California, Florida,
Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota, Washing
ton ana West Virginia each gain one Repre-
sentative; New York gains three and
Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and
iexas two each; and the following States
lose: Kansas and Virginia, /; Louisiana
and Nebraska, 2; Mississippi and South
Carolina, ); North Carolina. i.
Senator VIM. b. Dillingham; of Vermont,
who succeeds Justin s. Morrill,, was sworn
today.
Committees of both Houses were appont-
ana then recess was taken At the resump-
ton OF business message from the Pres-
dent was announced and read before each
house. Following are the salient points:
Ihe President thinks due compensation
may be made in part by China by increased
guarantees of security for foreign rights
and immunties, and by the opening of China
to the equal commerce of all the world.
tie favOrS RuSSiaS suggestion that the
matter of indemnities be relegat9d to the
Court OF Arbitration at The Hague.
The speedy and complete establishment
OF the frontier line to which we are entitled
under the Russo-American treaty for the
ceSSion Of Alaska is recommended.
Lynching in all its forms is strongly
condemned, and the hope expressed that it
may cease everywhere.
The convention with Great Britain to re-
move any objections which might arise out
OF the Clayton-Bulwer treaty to the con-
struction of the Nicaragua canal is COM
mended to the early attention of the Senate
Turkish relations are dismissed with the
assertion that ''We await the fulfillment of
the promise of the sultan to make repara-
ton for the injuries suffered by American
citizens in Armenia and elsewhere in the
Turkish empire"
Congress is urged to legislate for the
continued parity of silver and gold.
A reduction of S30,OOOO00 in the war reve-
nue. taxes is recommended.
1lnllleuldte dcllOn is urged on measures to
promote American shipping and foreign
trade.
Trusts are denounced, and Congress is
asked to legiSlate against in urious ones.
The President awaits the action of Cong
ress as to form of government for the
Philippines.
Legislation is recommended to confer
upon the secretary of the interior supervis-
ion over public lands in Porto Rico.
After reviewing the circumstances of the
Constitutional Convention in Cuba the
President announces that when the conven-
tion concludes its labors he will transmit to
Congress the constitution for such action as
he may deem advisable.
The necessity for Pacific cable between
United States and Hawaii, with extension
to Manila, is urged anew
Increased needs of the army by reason of
the new possessions, the country's coast
defenses, and new army posts, are pointed
out. and the necessity in the immediate
future of from 5000 to 60. 900 men in the
Philippines is stated.
Recommendations of the secretary of the
navy for new vessels and for increased force
are approved, and the establishment Of a
national naval reserve and of the grade OF
YIce-admlral ~ recommended, and also pro-
vision for suitable rewards for special
merit.
Attention is called afresh to the necessity
for amendment of the Alien Contract law
and important features of the rightful ap-
plcation of the eight-hour law fer the bene-
fit of labor and Of the principle of arbitra-
ton are recommended to Congress-
Additional appropriations are urged for
the use of the Civil Service Commission.
The necessity of Il hall of public records
IN Washington is pointed out.