The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-04-17
ELEC sen TORS
By tn E
TheJoin Resolution Laid Before the
Senate and Referred.
NAVAL BILL IN The HOUSE.
Prospect OF Severe Struggle Over the
Question OF Arlnar Plato and
Building OF Ships III Cow
crnmcnt Yards.

WASHINGTON, April 16.--Durtng al
most the entire session to-day the Sem
ate had under consideration the Alaskan
u!vdl code bill. The amendment prov!d-#
eng Tor the mining OF gold along the
beach an the district was perfected after
a discussion lasting nearly four hours.
When the Senate Convened the House
Joint resolution in favor of a constitu-s
i!onal amendment providing for the cleo
lon OF United States senators by the poo
pie was laid before, the Senate. AS it
was about to be referred to the Commit
Zee on Privileges and Elections, Mr.. But
Ter. OF North Carolina, asked that It be
read. and then addressed the Senate
briefly. He declared it was the function
of a committee Of the Senate to consid-s
er, not to smother legislation. He thought
this question had been so thoroughly con-
szidcred that it was not necessary to send
IL 10 a committee, and he therefore NOV
ed that it be placed on the calendar.
Mr. Chandler. chairman of the Com
7ritfee on Privileges and Elections, OBJ
3ccted to Mr.. Butler making inlputations
upon the committee.
Mr. HOar called attention to the gravity
OF the proposition submitted. that the
matter should not be considered by
committee of the Senate He did not APP
prove of the proposed amendment. hold
ing that its adoption would give the
United States two legislative bodies, both
chosen by the people in popular cleo
lions, the only difference being that the
senators would have larger constitu-
ercy than the representatives.
MOTION WITHDRAWN.
Mr. Pettus, of Alabama, expressed his
regret that reflections had been made
upon the Committee on Privileges and
Elections.
fhe calendar was Withdrawn. and 1t was
referred to the Committee on Privileges
and Elections.
MIR. Hale presented am additional ur-
sency deficiency bill, and it was passed
without debate.
A hill providing for the removal TO
proper district for trial of persons in
dicted in United States Courts. was also
passed.
Mr. Davis. Of Minnesota, reported from
the Committee on Foreign Relations the
following resolution. and it was adopted:
That the Secretary of State be di-
rected to send to the Senate a copy of
the memorial of Edward Gottfried
citizen of Wilkesbarre, Pa, and late a
consular agent of the United States at
Trujillo, Peru, sworn to March d 1900.
now on file In the State Department, to-
gether with all papers. letters and eX-
1ibits attached to said memorial, and
also copies of all correspondence of this
government and that of Peru. and of
any opinions or decisions Of the Depart
ment of State, in connection with the ac
ton of 3 party of Peruvian revolution
lists against the constitutional govern
1nent of Peru on and after August 2S.
1893, the uneInorialist at the time being.
consular agent of the United States in
Peru, the wrongdoers perpetrating. it is
alleged. depredations on his property and
injuries and indignities upon his person
in violation of treaty rights
ALASKAN CIVIL BILL.
The Senate then resumed consideration
OF the Alaskan civil code bill. After
SOME discussion Mr.. Stewart withdrew
an amendment he had offered as to Iegu-
lations for the mining of gold below
low water mark. along the coast Of
Alaska.
The following amendment was finally
agreed to:
That. subject only TO such general
Limitations as may be necessary to exempt
navigation from artificial obstruction. all
land and shoal water below mean high
tide on the shores, bays and inlets of Ben
ring Sea- within the jurisdiction of the
United States shall be subject to explora-
ton for gold and other precious metals
by citizens of the United States, or per-
sons who have legally declared their in
tentions to become such. under such rea-
sonable rules and regulations as the min
ers in original mining districts may have
heretofore made or may hereafter make,
governing the temporary possession there
of for exploring and mining purposes pro-
vided by law.
provided further, That the rules and
regulations established by the miners shall
not be in conflict With the mining laws
OF the United States. and all permits
heretofore granted authorizing any per-
son, or persons, corporation or company
TO eNcavate or mine under any of said
waters. are hereby revoked and declared
null and void; and the reservation of a
roadway sixty feet wide under the tenth
section of the act of May 14th, 1885. enti-
tied IAN Act extending the homestead
laws and privileges for right of way of
railroads in Alaska, and for further pur-
,,oses,' shall not apply to mineral lands
or town sites.
After an executive session, the Senate,
at 4:45 p. NJ. adjourned.
In the House
WASHINGTON. April I6.-The House
To-day entered upon the consideration Of
the naval appropriation bill, with the
rrospects of a severe struggle ahead over
she question of airnor plate. building
ships in government yards, and the pro-
vision in the bill for the coast and geo.
detjc survey The bill carries ISL, 900. 900
cnore than any previous naval bill. No
ARRANGEMENT could be reached to limit
debate.
To-day Mr.. Foss, the acting chairman OF
the committee, made a general defence OF
The bill. which was also defended by Mr.
Cummings. the ranking minority MEM
Der Of the committee. The latter declared
that the committee had information that
we could obtain krupp armor at price
lower than any other country in the
world.
When The House went into Committee
of the Whole to Consider the bill MIR.
Foss explained that the total amount fS61.-
200, Ooo) was the largest ever carried by
naval appropriation bill in our history.
lie continued: THE best peace conference
as a strong and efficient navy. Sea power
Is recognized the world over as the
strength of a great nation. We are build
ing navy to maintain our foreign policy.
to defend the Monroe doctrine and to
guard the proposed Nicaragua Canal.
which trust viii never be built until the
DEcoYEREOATLA