The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1900-02-09
DOINGS OF CONGRESS-
WHAT OUR NATIONAL LAW MAX
ERS ARE CONSIDERING.

Some of the More Important Work Of
the National congress-5iIIs That
the Committees Report FaVorably
Upon-Washingto Topics.
The Senate Committee Feb. re-
ported on section to be added to the
financial bill, whereby 1t is provided
that nothing in the measure should
conflict with an international bime-
tallic agreement. Other amepdments
were also offered. Senator Caffery
continued his speech on the Philip
pines. Mr. Williams (Dem., Miss.)
made what he termed the commercial
argument against the annexation of
the Philippines, and appealed espec-
tally to the cotton planters.
Senator Penrose has introduced a
bill extending the pension laws to per-
sons who served in the Civil War for
only one month.
In the House Feb. Mr.. Sibley, OF
Pennsylvania, who made speech last
week defending expansion, was goad'
ed into the announcement that the
Democrats could consider his seat
constructively on the Republican side.
The new treaty with Great Britain
relative to the building of the Mica
ragua Canal, was sent to the Senate
February 5, read in executive session
and referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations.
The Ways and Means Committee OF
the House of Representatives has de-
cided to report bill establishing
tariff system for Puerto Rico on
basis of rs per cent. of the rates in the
regular tariff law. The committee al
so decided that the words, United
States" in the sections of the Consti-
tuition relating to taxation means the
Federal States of the Union. The
power of Congress to legislate for
Puerto Rico and the Philippines is
declared to be almost unlimited.
In the Senate Feb. Mr.. Allen, OF
Nebraska, renewed his criticisms OF
Secretary Gage and his dealings with
New York banks. Mr.. Daniels of Vir-
ginia, delivered an extended speech on
the pending financial measures. Dan.
iel M. Ransdell, of Indiana, and
Charles G. Bennett, of New York, were
sworn in as Sergeant-at-Arms and
Secretary of the Senate, respectively.
In the House the consideration Of
the Indian Appropriation bill was re-
sumed Feb. 2, and Representative Sib-
ley, of Pennsylvania, assailed his Dem
ocratic colleagues for their opposition
to expansion, and received an impress
sive demonstration from the floor and
galleries.
The Senate Committee on Com
merce has practically decided upon a
favorable report upon the bill Great
ing Department of Commerce.
The House Committee on Mileage
has rejected the claim of Brigham H.
Roberts, of Utah, for mileage In con-
nection with his contest for a seat in
the House. Mr.. Roberts put in a
claim for mileage from Salt Lake
City to Washington, 1857 miles and
return, at the usual rate of 20 cents a
mile each way, making a total of
| $1,038.80. Mr.. Cooper, of Texas, moved
that Roberts was entitled to mileage,
but on tie vote, to 2, this motion
failed. Chairman Barnham will re-
port this action, which, he says, Is
equivalent to a rejection of the claim
by the committee. AS result of sug-
gestions in the committee, Mr.. Bar
ham will confer with the Speaker con.
cerning the recognition of any men,
Der who may seek to secure for Mr..
Roberts the $4,000 usually allowed
| in contested election cases. This,
however, is not the committee action,
but is due to a desire to afford oppor-
tunity to bring the matter before the
House.
In the United States Senate Jan. 81
Senator Pettigrew sought to have
read a resolution embodying a state.
ment by Aguinaldo giving his version
of an alleged recognition of the FIJI
ipino republic" by Admiral Dewey
This led to a sensational debate, in
which the actions of the South Da-
kota Senator were denounced as trea-
son, and the statements of Aguinaldo
branded as a tissue of falsehoods.
Mr.. Pettigrew insisted that Admiral
Dewey had given recognition to the
Filipinos by saluting their flag and CO.
I operating with them in Subig Bay.
Senator Hawley, in an excited man
ner, objected to having the statement
of Aguinaldo read because it was
treason and would lend aid and COM
fort to the enemy. An angry colloquy
was continued for some time between
Pettigrew and several Senators in re-
gard to the matter, when the point
of order was raised that the statement
could not be read because it was en-
braced in a resolution pending before
the Senate providing for it's printing,
which was sustained by the presiding
officer.
In the House Jan. 81 a variety Of
questions were discussed, including
the Philippine policy. government Of
Puerto Rico and election methods and
lynchings in the south.
House Election Committee No. 3
has decided the Wise-Young contest
ed election case for the Second Vir.
ginia District in favor of the contest.
ant, Mr. West.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.