Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-02-28
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence Of the Alexandria Gazette.
Washington, February %


The President, in response to resO
lutions of the House. sent to the House
the information desired on the status o
the agreement between the United
States and Great Britain which pro-
hibits the building, arming or main
teuance of more than one war vessel on
the great lakes. The Secretary OF State
reports through the President that the
members OF the joint high commisslon
have considered the question but tDs'
thew suspended their labors without
definite result. The United State,
vents permission to build warships on
the lakes and to maintain training ship,
President Mckinley il 10 dliemms
az to what action to take IN regard to
claiming ownership of the islands o.
Cagayan Sulu and Sibutu in the Sulu
group. These islands were recently
captured by the U. &. navy and they
lie outside the boundaries of the Span
Ish cessioD. When this became known
the State Department officials declare
that the United States would have to
abandon them. In this case they would
revert to Spain who would immediate
ly sell them to Germany. They are
said to be important from q strategic
standpoint as they command the chan
mel between the Sulu group and BorneC.
Navy Department officials declare that
the American flag on the islands should
not be lowered. The matter has been
referred to the President who Is With
holding his decision. 10 the meantime
the State Department has receded from
its former ruling to the extent OF leav-
ing the question open. 1t is probable
that the President will leave the situa-
ton where it is and hold on to the seized
land.
The average pay census enumerators
will receive for their work will be
about one hundred and fifty dollars.
The enumerators in two OF the Virginia
districts have been appointed, but MOI
those in the 9Th. 1t is reported here
that Supervisor Campbell, of that dis
trict, is i'll with pneumonia.
The House committee on naval az
fairs today heard Secretary Long OF the
Navy aud Admiral Dewey on different
matters relating to the naval spprC-
pristion bill, particularly the question
OF new ships. The hearing was in Sc
cret. The understanding is that eli
the new ships asked for by the Navy
Department will be allowed by the
committee, and also, that it will agree
to purchase the highest priced srmor
plate.
At three O'Clock this evening the pre-
vailiug impression at the House is that
by means of the Presidents influence
upon the kckers 10 his Own party aud
the deserters among the democrats. in
Guiding Me:srs. SbIey of Pennsylvania
and Cum ings of New York, the Porto
Rico tariff bill will be passed.
Princess Sslm.Sam is 10 Washington en-
listing aid for Bo-r ambulance corps. Mrs.
Donald Mclean is the head Of the move
ment in New York" said the Princess, and
Mrs. Barber of Washington IS the treasurer
/ leave for Chicago tomorrow. There shall
call q Boer mass meeting and will charge ad-
mission to raise funds. On the first Of Apni
! will start for the Transvssl"
The House elections committee No. 1 to-
day resumed the consideration of the con-
tested election case of Walker VS.. Rhes Of
General Dudley, counsel for the
continuing his argument.
The republican leaders in charge of the |
Puerto Rican bill state this afternoon that al. |
lowing for sbsentees, pairs, democratic sup
port and republican opposition. the bill will |
pass by vote of 169 to 1855.
The Senate foreign relations committee
bis morning agreed to report the treaty |
With Great Britain relating to inheritsnces
" Englisbmen in the United States.
People from various parts Of Virginia now
,ere say many Of the men in that stste who