The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-14
SEEN AND HEARD AT THE CAPITOL

Representative Campbell OF Montana,
since the close of the testimony in the
Montana Senatorial enquiry. has been one
OF the busiest men in the House catching
up with business that had fallen in ar
rears. He spent yesterday at his desk in
the House writing letters, but keeping an
eye on the floor proceedings. He has long
been in receipt of heavy mail Many of
the letters congratulate him on his con-
duct Of the case for the memorialists
against Senator W. A. Clark Some of them
do not. Now and then he gets a threaten
ing letter.
Representative Payne. Chairman of the
Ways and Means Committee, had a long
conference with Senator Foraker in the
Senate cloallroom yesterday, after which
he spent about two hours in the Senate
chamber talking with various other Sena-
tors. The subject of the conversation be-
tween Messrs Payne and Foraker is sald
to have been the amendments that are 10
be proposed to the Porto Rica1 bill MI.
Payne is known to be very close to the
President, and it is understood that an al
tempt is being made TO amend the bill In
a way that will be satisfactory to the Ad-
ministraticn and that will at the same
time better its chances Of favorable con-
sideration by the Senate.
Mr. Shafroth's speech against the adop-
ton of the report of the conferees on the
Currency bill yesterday is regarded as one
of the best speeches which has been de-
livered in the House on the subject OF
finance this session. Facts in support OF
the theory OF bimetallism he had at MS
fingers end, and although he was pied
with questions by supporters OF the report.
these caused him not the slightest discom-
fort. Frequently his interlocGtors retired
in bad order.
Representative Reeves, who is a candi-
date for gubernatorial hOnors in Illinois,
had long talk with Senator Cullom in the
Senate chamber yesterday. The condition
of affairs in their State was discussed. and
it is understood that each is confident OF
being successful in his political aspirations
They are united in their efforts to defeat
Governor Tanner for reelection and for
election to the Senate, and in pursuance
of this object have frequent conferences
over campaign matters.
Two handsomely gowned women in the
| Senators private gallery yesterday at
| tracted some attention by the color OF
| their dresses, both of which were deep
| green, while their bonnets were of
shade to match. One Senator whose az
tention was called to them by the re-
mark of a colleague that the Irish ought
/ to feel proud by having the national color
| made so prominent by the gentier sex,
| said Yes, that may be true, but I'm
| afraid those dresses were worI 10 en-
courage Mason to make a pro-Boer speech
and to assure him that he would have at
| least two fair auditors"
| Mr. Sulloway the big man of the Repub-
\ liGan side of the House, has a habit OF
| pacing to and fro for exercise, very much
as seafaring men get in the habit OF. Yes
| terday he walked up and down the foot
| way at the south end Of the Capitol for
| about thirty minutes. and he walks sew
eral miles each day up and down the
| verandah of the Varnum, the hotel at
| which he lives.
| Senator Turner's speech on the Porto
| Rican bill yesterday was listened 10 by
| number of other Senators rather as
| legal discussion than as an oratorical eff
| fort. The Senator speaks clearly and de-
| liberately and devotes more Of his attcn-
| ton to presenting his arguments in an
| authoritative manner than to gestures or
| to the production OF rhetorical eHect. his
desk was surrounded by piles of law
books. digests of legal decisions, and other
! documents. to which the speaker made
| frequent reference.
| Senator HeitfeId is afflicted with a Sc
we're cold which he said yesterday seems
to have selected his lungs as its field of
! operations and has made itself decidedly
| disagreeable. 1t is noticeable that a
| number of the members of both houses
have bad colds, and some of them have
| been obliged to postpone speeches on this
account Senator Thurston has been so
| hoarse for several days that it has re-
| quired considerable effort for him to carry
on even all ordinary conversation.
| Mr.. Noonan of Illinois yesterday en-
| braced one of the best opportunities he
| has had this session to show what he can
| do in the line of speech making. He ad-
| dressed the Chair in opposition TO the con-
| ference report on the financial bill He
| is an interesting and often agitated speak
| er. At times he talks with his hands in
| his pockets, but more often only with his
| left hand in his pocket. At times he ges-
| ticulates vigorously and shakes his head
| violently. His voice is strong and clear
/ and his enunciation distinct. He made a
| favorable impression.
CHARLES H CoSTER DEAD.