The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-17
RURAL FREE DELIVERY.
4 Fostofficc Deficiency Causes n Live
Iy Definite I'm the House.

1y Definite In the House.
The Speaker laid before the House yes
terday when it convened message from
the President transmitting a report upon
the vegetable resources of Alaska. which
was ordered to be printed.
Representative Minor OF Wisconsin and
Cochran OF Missouri we're appointed by
the Speaker as members on the part of the
House of joint committee TO dispose Of
waste paper in the executive departments.
The House then on motion of Mr.. Can
non, went into committee OF the whole,
with Mr.. Dalzell in the chair, for the con-
sideration of the Urgent Deficiency bill.
Mr.. Cannon explained the bill at length.
The only item in the bill debated was the
appropriation of s15O.COO for experimental
rural free delivery. This was opposed by
Mr.. Loud of California, Chairman of the
Committee on Postofiices and Postroads.
In answer to question from Mr.. Loud,
Mr.. Cannon stated that the rural free de-
livery service had been so extended that
the appropriation was absolutely necessary.
Nearly every member in the House
seemed to be personally interested in the
appropriation for the rural free delivery
service. as it had a decided local color.
Mr.. Cannon said he did not approve the
methods OF the Postoffice Department in
extending rural free delivery because he
believed the expenditure for this service
should be kept within the appropriation.
Speaking on the appropriation for rural
free delivery Mr.. Livingston said that the
70, . had
had demonstrated that it was cheaper than
the star route service. and it was Ques-
ton, in his mind, whether 1t should be
substituted for the star route service.
Nothing that the department had under
taken had proved SO satisfactory and
beneficial as this.
In answer to question from Mr.. Hep
burn Mr.. Livingston said there had been
an increase of from 20 to so per cent in the
mail business on the routes OF the new
service
Mr. Loud of California, Chairman of the
Committee on Postoffices and Post Roads.
criticised the department vigorously for
its administration of the law. characteriz-
ing it as a Coercion" by the executive of
the legislative branch OF the Government
The appropriation was further advocated
and the benefits OF the service asserted by
Messrs McRae of Arkansas, Butler of
Pennsylvania, Lands of Indiana. and Rob-
inson OF Indiana
Mr.. Bell Of Colorado. member of the
Committee on Appropriations. under the
rule. had an hour. and he utilized the op-
portunity to make general speech. touch
ing upon the tariff and currency particu-
larly. He approved the rural free delivery
appropriation, and also those for the mill
tary establishment carried in the bill. mot
because 1 am in favor of depriving any
people Of their liberty. but because the
Government has contracted these liabili-
ties and they ought to be paid"
Discussing the financial situation. Mr..
Bell said he had no criticism to make OF
the personal character of the Secretary Of
the Treasury, but he asserted that the
events OF the past few weeks had demon
strated that a man ought not to be placed
in that position whose private interests
are radically opposed to those OF the peo-
pie. ~
Mr.. Ridgely Of Kansas followed with tn.
suggestion that the only act Of an eNecu-
tive officer that could secure the criticism
of the majorIty,of the House would be one
done in the interests of the residents OF
the rural parts of the couatry.
The Philippine question was the subject
OF the remarks Of Mr.. Ball of Texss.
Quoting from Lineoln's Gettysburg speech.
Mr. Ball said Lincoln's words did not fall
on deaf ears altogether, for when the war
with Spain broke outsPresident Mckinley
declared that forcible annexation. under
our code of morals would be criminal ag-
gression."
General debate for the minority was
closed by Mr.. Richardson. the Democratic
leader.
After further debate. detailed elsewhere.
the committee rose and Mr.. Hopkins re-
ported the bill TO amend the Census act re-
Gently agreed upon by his committee Is a
privileged matter.
His claim of privilege was contested by
Messrs. Russell CT Connecticut. Bailey OF
Texas. and Richardson OF tennessee but
sustained By Speaker Henderson upon the
decision made by Speaker Reed In the Fiji
ty-frst Congress.
Mr.. Bailey appealed from the decision. !
and pending vote the matter was laid
over.
Mr. Fletcher OF Minnesota was excused
from serving on the Committee on Claims, /
and Mr.. Weeks OF Michigan appointed IN
his place.
At 5:S5 o'clock the House adjourned