Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-03-29
MINING CONCESSIONS.
An Inquiry by Senate into Alleged
Grants by Secretary Root.
URGENT DEFICIENCY BILL PASSED.
Debate on tho Loud Bill In the H0use-St.
Louis Exposition B,il-Ths Bill About
Single Women Locating
HON. HteA0s.

authority OF the governor OF Alaska,
Senator Turner, Of Washington, made
the statement in the senate yester-
day that concessions for gold mining
in the bed OF the sea near Nome,
Alaska, had been granted by the Sec
retary of war and upon that state
ment he based a resolution of inquiry.
Senator Turner said if such a grant
had been made it was a shame, a
reproach and a scandal" The resolu-
ton was agreed to. In few minutes
and without discussion the additional
urgent deficiency bill was passed with
one or two other measures of impOr-
lance. Senator Allison gave notice
that he would call up the next day
the conference report on the Puerto
Rican appropriation bill.
Senator Butler introduced bill au-
thorizing the distribution of the
money which has been collected as
court-martial forfeitures in the volun-
teer army since July !, 1898, among
the states of the 1nion for the benefit
of the soldiers themselves. The total
amounts to $ss,131 and the bill pro-
vides for its pro rata distribution.
Senator Morgan introduced an
amendment to the Puerto Rican bill
providing for free coinage of silver.
1t is limited to the American product.
The friends of the Puerto Rico tariff
bill in the senate are more confident
than ever that they will be able to
pass the measure. 1t is claimed that
the quiet work which the harmony
committee has been doing is having
effect and that the opponents of the
tariff are not so determined as they
were short time ago. The argument
is being made that this being re-
publican measure it ought not to be
defeated by republican votes.
In the executive session of the SEN
ate yesterday, the efforts to amend
the treaty between the United States
and Great Britain relative to the
disposition of estates were defeated
by very decisive votes. One of the
amendments offered was to strike out
section five of the agreement extend
ing the same privileges to each of
the two nations in the matter of ac-
quiring or holding property that may
be extended to any other nations. The
motion to amend was lost, II to 80.
The other proposed amendment re-
lated to the striking out of the pro-
vision authorizing the queen Of Great
Britain or the president of the Uni.
ted States to extend the provisions
of the treaty to dependencies of the
two countries. This was also lost on
vote of aboutthe same proportions
as the other. The treaty will be ta-
ken up again to-day
Debate on the Loud Bill In the House.
Washington, March 22.-During the
debate in the house yesterday on the
Loud bill relating to second-class
matter in the mails there was sharp
exchange between Mr.. Mcpherson
(rep.), of Iowa, and Mr.. Lentz dem
of Ohio, over charge made by the
former that the latter was the at
torney of the lobby which is fighting
the bill; otherwise the debate was
without incident. Both the friends
and opponents of the measure Jex-
press the belief that the vote to-day
will be close. Mr.. Loud has agreed
to accept two amendments, one to
increase the number of sample copies
which newspapers can send out as
second-class rates from 500 to 1000,
and the other to limit the provision
requiring newspapers to separate
their mail to those having in excess
of 5000 circulation. These are all the
concessions he will make. He says
the debate has strengthened the bill
and he believes it will pass.
Mr.. Lane, of Iowa, introduced a
bill providing for an exposition at
st. Louis in 1903 to celebrate the Tooth
anniversary of the purchase OF the
Louisiana territory. The bill provides
for a government building to cost
100000. and also for the expenditure
of S5,O0O,OOO by the government when
the exposition authorities have raised
S10,00O,000 Provision is made also
for the creation of a commission and
for other features giving the exposi.
ton a national and international
scope.
MI, illSHluIt, VI AIhdHSus, lHlTO'
duced resolution ,reouestin0 infor,
marion from Inc secretary oi stat,
as to any correspondence with Grea'
Britain in relation 70 the alleged de
tention, opening aid subiecting t.
censorship of official correspondence,
addressed to Charles Macrum. lat,
United States consul in South Africa
The house committee on publ,
lands directed a favorable report OF
n bill allowing single woman wh'
locates homestead entry on un
plated lands to complete the entr,
after marriage. Arguments wer,
heard on what is known as the "fv,
per cent bill" but no determination
was reached on It.
Extensive Prairie Fire.