The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1900-01-27

In the senate Thursday the house bill
the Rock Island railroad to
llse certain right Of way through the
Fort Reid and Fort sill military reserva-
lions was passed.
The proposition made by the Filipino
leader, Senior Mabini, for civil commits.
sion to treat with the Filipinos will not
be considered by the administration until
Aguinaldo surrenders, and in official cir
cles the general disposition is to regard
Mabini's request as another play for de-
lay.
1t is the purpose of President Mckinley
to inaugurate civil government to super
sede the military rule in the Philippines
at the earliest possible moment, and he is
favorably inclined toward commission in
lieu of a governor gen neral, and is discuss
ing the question of av ailable men for such
a commission. If his present plans are
carried out, the Filipinos will have all of
the commissions they want to confer with
for in addition to commission for the
of the islands, it is not un
likely that congress will appoint a joint
to investigate the islands next
summer and report to the next session as
a guide for future legislation.
A great deal Of interest was manifested
in congressional circles in. the communica
ton from Senor Mabini. There is some
diversity Of opinion over the proposition
and its feasibility.
In the House.
The house Monday devoted its time
principally to the consideration of Dis
trict of Columbia business.
Montague White, formerly consul Of
the Transvaal republic at London and
who, it is understood, is in this country
to endeavor to obtain recognition as the
diplomatic representative Of the republic
here, is in Washington.
The Hepburn-M Morgan Nicaragua canal
bill will be passed during the present SEES
sion of congress. Speaker Henderson il
in favor Of the bill and Of prompt action.
The house resumed the debate on the
Roberts case Wednesday.
Mr.. Powers of Vermont was the first
speaker. He argued in behalf OF the ex'
clusion Of Roberts.
Mr.. snodgrass followed Powers, sup
porting the views of the minority in ia
vor of seating and then expelling Roberts.
Mr.. Landis, the next speaker, argued
that Utah had violated her compact, with
the United States. He ridiculed the prop
position to admit Roberts and then turn
him out. 1t would be a burlesque on law
and precedent and an outrage on common
sense. In his peroration Lands protest.
ed against Roberts admission in the
name of the motherhood of the land and
Of the pitiful innocen nts doomed to the
shame of illegitimacy. He got whirl.
wind of applause when n he sat down. His
speech created sensation.
Lacy of Iowa argued in favor of thu
proposition for the expulsion of Roberts
without swearing him in.
Myers Of Indiana supported the ma ior
ity resolution.
Thursday was the last day of the. de
bate on the Roberts issue and interest
continued unabated.
Mr.. Sims of Tennessee was the first
speaker. He made a legal argument
IN favor OF seating and then eXpelline
Roberts.
MIR. johnson OF West Virginia advo
Gated the expulsion OF Roberts. Severa
short speeches were made thereafter fol
and against Roberts.
Board Ii Re
The secretary Of war has issued a,
order almost entirely recognizing tn
board Of ordnance. General Miles, VIII
is ex.oificio chairman, is the only membe
of the former board retained.
kruger's Representative.
Montague White will be received as tn
consular and diplomatic representative o
the South African republic The state de
partment has formally determined upoi
such action and Mr.. White has been givel
an intimation Of this intention. When b
gets properly executed credentials, whicl
are expected within 10 days, he will pre-
sent them to Secretary Hay and ente
upon his official career. Pending the re
ceipt of these documents he will maintain
a diplomatic silence.
Repairing the Olympia.
Half million dollars is the estimate
cost of repairing the Olympia, according
to the report OF the naval construction
board.
Public Lands of Hawaii.
The committee on territories gave
hearing upon the subject of disposition
the public lands of Hawaii. Mr.. Hel
mann, commissioner Of the public Ian
Office, favored placing the lands unde
the public land office a nd his attitude wa
opposed by William .. Smith, attorne
general of Hawaii, and other Hawaiian
Cost Of Collecting Customs.
Secretary Gage has sent to congref
an estimate of $7,782, 900 as the cost (
collecting the customs during the nes
fiscal year.
Il Remains of Ruakin Inferred.