Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-04

WASHINGTON, ID. c.. June s.
The record OF the first session of the
Fifty-sixth Congress is now practically
closed, and it is possible to survey the
important work it has accomplished
during the last six months. II has
been busy Congress, the busiest. ac-
cording to veteran officials, in many
years. In some respects the work has
been less exciting than that of the pre-
ceding Congress which covered the dra-
matte period when war was declared
against Spain. and also the period OF
reconstruction and treaty making with
Spain following the successful close of
the war. IN work actually accom-
plished and started toward accomplish
ment the record of the present session
stands well in comparison with the
| most energetic Congresses.
Our new territorial possessions have
received much attention, and while
there has been no definite action as
to the Philippines or Cuba form of
government, and as means of raising
revenue has been provided for Porto
Rico, and comprehensive territorial
form of government has been given to
Hawaii. A financial act has made
important changes in the laws relat-
ing to the parity of the metals, the
bonded Indebtedness, national banks
and the security of the treasury by a
gold reserve.
The Nfcaraguan Canal Bill
has passed the House and is on the
calendar of the Senate ready for atten-
ton when Congress re-convenes. The
antitrust bill is similarly advanced.
the antitrust constitutional amend
ment has defeat recorded against 1t.
The Pacific cable measure has passed
the Senate, and isaawaiting final ac-
| ton in the House. The exclusion of
Brigham H. Roberts from a seat in
the House because OF his polygamous
status. the refusal of the Senate to adj
NIT Mr.. Quay on appointment of the
Governor OF Pennsylvania, and the
sensational charge, investigation and
developments in the Senate In the case
Of Mr.. Clark, of Montana. have added
some
| Exciting Personal Phases
| to the session. Investigations have
been prolific. including the inquiry into
| the Couer dAlene mining riots in Ida
no, the various inquiries on poiygamy
growing out of the Roberts case and
more recently the Senate investigation
of the postal and other irregularities
in Cuba.
The total appropriations cannot yet
be stated with exactness, as five bills
are pending. but it is approximately
500 900 for the session.
The Senate In executive session, has
been occupied to considerable extent
with important treaties OF these the
treaties with Great Britain and Ger
many closing the tri-partite govern
ment in Samoa and awarding 70 the
United States the island of Tutuila,
with its valuable harbor Of Page Page.
has been ratified, while the CONNER
cial reciprocity treaties with France
and the British West Indian Islands
and the Hay-Pauncefote treaty con-
corning the inter-oceanic canal, 20 over
without action.
The legislation actually accomplish
ed and now On the statute books,
the Financial Act
is regarded as the chief achievement
OF the year. The noteworthy featura
of the debate on this measure in TIE
House was that party lines were brok-
en- to some extent, number OF Demo-
cratic members from the eastern and
New England States Joining with the
majority In passing It In the Senate
also party lines were not entirely re-
garded, Senators Lindsay and Caffrey
voting for the measure and Mr. Chand-
Ter against It. AS II became a law by
the Presidents signature, on March Il,
1t makes specific the declaration OF the
gold standard. provides treasury re-
serve Of $3.50 ,O0O, 900. establishes di-
vision of issue and redemption OF the
treasury: provides for the redemption
and reissues of Understanding bonds
OF the United States and makes new
regulations as TO national banks, their
circulation, establishment In small
communities and the tax they pay. The
act also contains a specific declaration
that its provisions are not intend
ed to preclude the accomplishment Of
international bI-metalIism.
Porto Rico Legislation
has been the most fruitful theme Of
controversy In and out OF Congress
during the session The discussion
first turned On the revenue bill. levyfng
duty OF Is per cent Of the Dingley
rates on Porto Rico goods. The MAJOR
ity Of the Ways and Means COMMITTEES
urged the constitutionaliy and nscssr