Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-17
THE ISTHMIAN CANAL
The Expert Commission Appears Be-
fore the Senate Committee.
PRESIDENT COMPUTES A SENTENCE.


commission appeared yesterday pe-
fore the senate committee in charge
of the Hepburn bill Great interest
was manifested in the meeting, as it
was hoped that the commission would
be able to aid the committee materi-
ally in determining whether it was
desirable to proceed at once with the
legislation on this subject or defer
action until the next session of con-
gress. Admiral Walker, the president
of this and the preceding commission,
was accompanied by Prof. llaupt, Col.
Ernest IIaines and Mcssrs. Morrison,
Noble and Burr and ex-senator Pasco,
constituting the body now examining
the various routes across the isthmus.
A number of the engineering experts
and attaches also were present.
All of the members of the commits
sion were given an opportunity to ex-
press their views and were questioned
at considerable length by the sena-
tors. There appeared to be no di-
vision Of sentiment on the main points
involved, although the members were
10th to express opinions of final
character in the midst of their inyes-
legations. As to the Nicaragua route,
they reiterated what the Walker com
mission has reported, that the water
way is entirely practicable from an
engineering standpoint at about the
same range of estimates heretofore
made, from S1lS,OOO,OOO to Sl40,OO0,-
O00 Since these estimates were made,
however, the commission has deter
mined upon larger locks, and this
may increase the figures somewhat.
Concerning the Panama route the
members of the commission expressed
hesitancy about giving definite opin-
ions as they have not the same
amount of information as on the
other.
IT, general way, however, they
seemed to agree that there was no
obstacle to building the canal so far
as engineering considerations were
involved, But they were not pig
pared at this time to give an estimate
of It's cost. For the same reason the
commissioners avoided committing
| themselves as between the two routes.
Their hearing showed that both
routes We're feasible as engineering
projects, but did not develop any
special influence on the pending legis-
ation.
Building for Department OF Justice.
Washington, May 12.-'rhe house
committee on public buildings and
grounds yesterday adopted II resolu-
ton reciting the circumstances UNI
der which congress provided a new
building for the department of jus.
tice and court of claims to cost not
exceeding Sl,000,OO0 and stating that
as public bids had not been called
for the committee would take nc
action upon the attorney generals
request for an additional 100000 un
til after public competition on {
limit Of cost of Sl,O00,000. He is d
rected to advertise for bids for ;
building to cost Sl,O0o,O00
President Commutes u Sentence.
Washington, May I'm the cas-,
of Frank Miller company |, Twenty
third infantry, who was tried by
general court-martial and convicted
on n charge of rape committed at Of
near San Nicholas, Cebu, in October
1899, and sentenced to be shot, tn,
president has, upon the recommends
ton of the ma or general command
ing the army, committed the sentenc,
to dishonorable discharge, forfeitur,
of all pay and allowances, and con
fnement at hard labor in a peniten
tiary for the period of 20 years.
The ~ Louis Exposition bill,
Washington, May 12.-The hous
exposition committee further consid
cred the st. Louis exposition bill Fri
day, adjourning without final actiol
until Saturday. The DISCUSSION thu
far has indicated that favorable &c
ton will be taken on government par
ticipation and assistance, assuranc
being given to this effect at the pres
ent session of congress and the ar
preparation being left for the mex
session.
Cigarmakers Want Tax Repealed.
Washington, May 12.-The ways an
means committee gave u hearing yes
terday to the National Cigarmaker
of America, representing the variou
producers of cigars, cigarettes an
cheroots. A repeal of the war revt
nue. tax on these goods was urget
President G. j, Smith, of New Yorl,
Alexander Jenkinson, of Pittsburg
John BALI, of Philadelphia; Leopol