Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1900-05-31
CONGRESSIONAL NOTES.

The house on the 23d passed without
the judiciary committee, but only after
"a deoate in which considerable politi-
cal rancor was aroused. There was no
division of sentiment as to the duty of
congress to pass bill to permit the
extradition of Nicely, but the Demo
Gratis objected to the language of the
bill which covered "any foreign coun-
try or territory or part thereof occu-
pied by the u. S." The Democrats
wanted the bill to apply specifically to
Cuba, contending that the broader Ian
guage assumed the possibilities of fur
Their acquisitions by the u. $. of a
character similar to that of Cuba A
motion to recommit with instructions
to change the language was defeated
by strict party vote. The house also
adopted the resolution to allow the
committee on ways and means to sit
during the recess of congress for the
purpose of framing bill for the re-
duction of the war revenues and the
resolution for sine die adjournment
June g.
The house practically devoted eight
hours on the cath to the consideration
of the Alaska civil government BILL
but progress was slow. Two amend
ments of Importance were adopted
One of them authorized the secretary
of war to issue permits to excavate or
dredge for gold below low water mark
on the beach at Cape Nome. The sec
rotary has heretofore issued permits,
but the bill as it passed the senate can
celed them. The house also struck out
the chapter relating to arrest and bail
which permitted arrests in certain civil
actions. The conference report on the
Indian appropriation bill was adopted.
The house devoted two hours to con-
sideration of the Alaskan civil govern
ment bill without completing it. The
session from noon until adjournment
was devoted under the rule to private
pension bills. Mr.. Talbert Is. CO., who
abandoned obstructive tactics a few
weeks ago, was again in evidence.
After 100 bills had been favorably acted
upon by the committee of the whole,
Mr. Talbert blocked their passage in
the house with the point of no quorum.
The Spooner Philippine bill was
taken up in the senate on the 22d. Mr..
Pettigrew gave notice of substitute
which provides for the cessation of
hostilities and negotiations for the es-
Enlistment of an independent govern
ment in the Philippines. Mr. Spooner
defended his bill in a lengthy speech,
disciaiming imperialistic tendencies for
it and the administration.
The senate has adopted a resolution
offered by Mr.. Jones, directing the sec
rotary of war to make thorough in
vestigation of operations of the North
American Trust Co., in Havana, its
organization and its relatives to this
government.
The Lodge amendment to the post
Office appropriation bill, continuing
the pneumatic tube service in the cities
where contracts have been made and
appropriating sees, 200 for the same,
was adopted by the senate-3S to 30.
The eight-hour bill was passed, 151
to "a, and Mr.. Gardner then moved the
passage of the bill to prohibit inter-
state traffic in convict-made goods. 1t
was passed without division.
The house devoted the entire day on
the 22d to the Alaskan civil govern
ment bill Slow progress was made,
only "a pages were disposed of.
by vote of 81 to % the senate on
the 21st defeated motion by Senator
Morgan to take up the Nicaragua canal
bill.