The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-08


the usual and customary fees, and no other
or further charge of any kidd Whatsoever
shall be required from such bettler to ent,-
tie him to patent for the 'lahd covered
! by his entry"
On May 81 there was brought into the
House, under a special rules House Joint
resolution 1873, proposing an ANTITRUST
amendment to the Constitution, After two
days debate the resolution was rejected
the vote being yeas 154, nays 1872, two
thirds ncct voting in The alnrnIa,ive.
The House on June 2, By a vote Of 274
to passed the bill to amend an act enti-
tied IAN act to protect trade and COM
merce against unlawful restraints and mo-
nopolies," approved July 2, 1890.
This bill was introduced by Representa-
tive Littlefeld, on April Z, and was re-
ported from the Committee on the Judi
ciary on May 16.
Private Pension Bills.
The House passed Ills private pension
bills. A majority were increases allowed
persons already on the pension rolls. The
friction between Commissioner Evans and
the House Committee Oh Pensions, it is
said, had an influence. on the legislation.
Mr.. Evans has refused scores of pension
claims which the committee has decided to
be just.
The Fifty-first Congress, which was Re-
publican, enacted 1900 special pension
bills; the Fifty-second Congress 217; the
Fifty-third 37s; the Fifty-ffth GOA, and the
House in the first session Of the Fifty
sixth, just ending, passed lis.
During the session the Senate ratified
the following treaties and conventions:
Between the United States, Germany, and
Great Britain. to adjust amicably the ques-
lions between the three Governments in
respect to the Samoan group of islands.
This convention annuls the tripartite
treaty hitherto in force between the afore-
said powers and all other agreements re-
lating to Samoa. Germany and Great
Britain both renounce in favor OF the
United States all their rights and claims
over the island OF Tutuila, and the United
States. reciprocally, renounces in favor Of
Germany all rights and claims over the
other islands of the group. Tutuila is a
fertile island. having about 1000 inhabit-
ants. In it is the harbor of Pago-Pago,
as fine harbor as there is In the Pacific,
capable of affording safe anchorage to our
entire fleet of warships. The United
States has purchased all the necessary
lands for tho establishment here of naval
and coaling station, and is now engaged
in constructing the necessary buildings,
wharves, and docks.
Also a convention between the same
parties for the settlement of the claims
of American citizens. German and British
subjects. for losses alleged to have been
suffered in consequence of unwarranted
military action. with an agreement to re-
quest the King of Sweden and Norway to
accept the office of arbitrator.
Also a protocol extending, as to the
1rla h. I'D Eya tyy
Article TX OF the treaty of peace be-
tween the United States and Spain for
the registration Of Spanish subjects. ma
tives of the peninsula. BY this treaty it
WAS agreed that these subjects might pre-
serve their allegiance to the Crown OF
Spain by making, before a court OF record,
within a year from the ratification of the
treaty, declaration Of their decision to
preserve such allegiance. BY this proto-
col that right is extended for six months,
beginning April H. 1900.
Also a convention for the pacific settle
ment of international disputes, and
declaration to prohibit. for the term of
five years. the launching OF projectiles
and explosives from balloons, and other
new methods of a similar nature; both
signed at The Hague by the plenipoten-
tiaries of the United States and other
countries, July 20, 1899.
Also convention of powers, repre-
scented at The Hague Peace Conference.
for the adaptation to maritime warfare of
the principles OF the Geneva Convention
of August %, 1864.
Also treaties with Peru and with the
Argentine Republic for the extradition of
criminals. 49, ~
The Hay-PauncefOtcT Treaty.
The -Pauncefote Treaty, reaffrming
the Clayton Bulwer Treaty, was held up
by public opinion and those Senators who
recognize that force in the American Re-
public. The reciprocity conventions with
Great Britain in the matter of the products
of Barbados, Jamaica, and others OF the
British West Indies and with France were
not acted upon.
The more important measures which
were reported fayorably to the Senate, but
not otherwise acted upon, are the Mica
ragua Canal bill.
Also the Philippine bill, providing that
when all insurrection against the sover-
eighty and authority of the United States
in the Philippine Islands shall have been
completely suppressed. all military. civil.
and judicial powers necessary to govern the
said islands shall, until otherwise provided
by Congress, be vested In such person and
persons, and shall be exercised in such
maintaining and protecting the inhabitants
of said islands in the free enjoyment Of
their liberty, property, and religion.
Also the Ship Subsidy bill. and the bill
for the reorganization of the consular SER
vice. The last mentioned bill divides the
ccnsuls general into four classes, with sal
aries varying from $4,000 to $500; and
the consuls into six classes, with salaries
varying from $3.50 to sl.SO0; all fees to be
turned into the Treasury. Vacancies are
to be filled by examination and promotion.
Also bill to establish department of
commerce and industries. In this bill such
in department of commerce and indus
tries have been so placed under the super
vision of new Cabinet officer.
Among other important measures which
engaged the time Of Congress but which
failed to become laws were the Eight Hour
bill, the Prison Labor bill, the Pacific Ca
BILE bill, the Army Reorganization bill, the
Grand Army Pension BILL the Grout and
Wadsworth Oleomargarine bills, the Lacey
bill to protect song birds.
The number Of bills introduced in the
House was In round figures 1900 and in
the Senate 5000.
The Occur dAlene Investigation ranks
as one Of the most expansive enquiries be-
fore Congress The taking of evidence last
ed weeks and filled 1900 printed pages.
The minority report, signed by Messrs
Lentz, Sulzer, and Hay, was presented on
June g. 1t sustains many of the charges
against General Merriam.
The majority report was also presented
to the House on June 5. In 1t Messrs.
Hull, Dick. Capron, and the other Republic
cans, exonerate the military and find that
the action of the State authorities was
commendable.
MIR. M'KINLEY AT THE CAPITOL.