The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-28
Lively Debate on n Proposition to Null
Iify Secretary Roots Cape Nome
Gold Dredging Permits.
THE GRANTING OF LICENSES DE-
NOUNCED AS AN OUTRAGE.
MOrgan's Free Coinage Amendment to
the Porto Rican Bill Dis
cussed ut Length.

WASHINGTON, March 27.-Little prog
ress was made by the Senate to-day with
the Porto Rico tariff and government bill.
1t was under discussion for nearly three
hours. but the greater part of the time
consumed in consideration of free
coinage amendment offered by Mr.. Nor
gan. The amendment is still pending. The
Alaskan civil code bill was considered dur
ing the morning hour. An amendment Of
fered by Mr.. Carter, setting aside permits
hitherto granted by the secretary of war
for the mining of gold under the
the Alaskan coast precipitated a lively
debate. The amendment follows:
THAT subject only to such general
limitations as NAV be necessary to exempt
navigation from artificial distractions all
land and shoal water below mean high tide
on the shores, bays and inlets of Boring
sea, within the jurisdiction of the United
States. shall be subject to exploration for
gold and other precious metals by citizens
OF the United States or persons who have
legally declared their intentions to become
such. under such reasonable rules and
regulations as the miners in organized
mining districts may have heretofore made
or may hereafter make governing the tenn
porary possession thereof for exploration
and mining purposes until otherwise pro-
vided by law. and all permits heretofore
granted authorizing any person or per-
sons, corporation or company to excavate
mine under any of said waters are
hereby revoked and declared null and
void"
AS casting light on the amendment. Mr..
Carter adverted to an interview he had
had with the secretary of war in which
he had asked the secretary why he had not
issued a general proclamation authorizing
all persons to dredge for gold in the waters
referred to. The secretary replied that
permits had been granted only to persons
whose applications had been recommended
by the chief of engineers. Mr. Carter said
while it was known that excavations made
i'm the Alaskan waters would be made for
gold, il was precisely such a permit as
would be granted to a person to excavate
sand the shores of New Jersey. The
permit granted by the secretary of war
was simply protection of the miner
against a law of the United States with
out which he would not be able legally TO
mine.
Mr.. Allen complained that the permits
granted franchises that were exclusive.
THE SITUATION UNIQUE.
Mr.. wolcott pointed out that the situa-
ton on the Alaskan coast was unique.
Gold had never before been found in such
places. When miners discovered gold be-
low mean high tide in the Behring sea they
were confronted by a United States statute
which prevented them from working the
claims. The secretary of war. Mr.. Wolcott
said. had issued permits to all responsible
persons applying for them.
In answer to an inquiry by Mr. Cockreil
Mr.. Carter said the licenses granted by the
secretary of war were such as could be
granted TO any citizen of the United States.
In sharp attack upon the action of
the secretary OF war Mr.. Jones, of Ar
kansas. said IL was evident TO him
that the permit should be granted
in order TO put such construction
upon the law as no court of justice
would give IL. lit is he said, IAN indie
fensive outrage. 1t is simply a means
adopted by the secretary to drive honest
miners out of their rights and to give ex-
elusive privileges TO a few people he may
hberate scheme OF few persons to mo-
nopolize that rich Cape Nome sand
Mr. Wolcott proposed to amend the
amendment so that the secretary of the in
terror should provide rules and regulations
for mining under the sea, so far as posi-
BILE. in accordance with existing law and
with the customs of miners. IL also de-
clared void any grants made by the secre-
tary OF war to submarine areas at Cape
Nome.
Mr.. Carter objected TO Mr. Wolcott's sug-
gested amendment. contending that the
original amendment was preferable He
thought the miners could be depended upon
10 make rules and regulations for them
selves.
At o'clock. with the amendments Of
fered by Mr.. Carter and Mr.. Wolcott still
pending, the Porto Rican tariff and gov
eminent measure was taken up.
A resolution offered by Mr.. Harris of Kan
sas. calling upon the secretary of the inter
Tor TO furnish the Senate all papers OF
charges relating TO q. Nj. Barnes Governor
of Oklahoma. filed with the department