New-York tribune., 1900-01-09
MORE INQUIRIES MADE.
MYSTERY HUNTERS ACTIVE IN BOTH
BRANCHES OF CONGRESS
TWO RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE
THE SAMOAN TREATY TAKEN UP

TBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNE.1
Washington, Jan. S.-Both houses OF Con-
gress busted themselves to-day disposing OF
various resolutions of inquiry which have been
put forward by would-be manufacturers OF par
fisan campaign material. The House of Repre-
sentatives passed the two so-called Lentz reso-
lutions. one calling for an investigation by the
Committee Postofices and Postroads Of al
legged appointments of polygamists as post
masters in Utah. and the other authorizing the
Military Affair." Committee to investigate Cen
eral Merriam's actions in Idaho during the
Coeur d'Alene mining strikes. The Senate
adopted two minor resolutions introduced by
Mr. Allen, of Nebraska, and Mr.. Pettigrew, of
South Dakota, asking for information re-
garding the S50.000.O00 defence fund voted in
1895. the other requesting a copy of a certain
report Of Admiral Dewey's. Mr.. Lodge later
offered a substitute for the many resolutions
Mr.. Pettigrew has been formulating with a view
OF obtaining certain inside facts" about the
prosecution of the Philippine war. and this reso-
luton. which asks for all the information that
may be given without detriment to public inter-
ests, viii probably be passed Wednesday.
Neither house is disposed to take very seriously
the antics Of the mystery hunters, who have
been exhibiting such unusual activity since the
session reopened. But to prevent their posing
as Victims Of policy of silence, any reasonable
authorized by the Republican leaders in each
branch
The Senate to-day took up the Samoan treaty
sn executive session. and after having 1t read
from the desk Senator Davis, chairman Of the
Committee Foreign Relations, made brief
explanatory statement. In doing he quoted
literally from the report the Samoan situa-
ton made by Bartlett Tripp. He referred to the
hostilities OF last summer, saying that these
occurred on a far larger scale if the tripartite
arrangement between the United States, Great
Britain and Germany had been permitted to
continue in force. He contended that Germany
had simply made quit claim deed to the United
States and that in turn the United States had
given quit claim deed to Germany. Senator
PettigTew asked how many people the United
States had bought with the islands this country
comes into possession Of by the transfer" but
Mr.. Davis refused to admit the applicability Of
the language TO the transaction.
Senator Bacon stated his opposition to the
treaty, and gave notice that he would ask to
be heard on it when the treaty is again taken up.
The injunction Of secrecy was removed from
the treaty. 1t has been published heretofore.
In the open session Mr. Pettigrew, In discuss
ing q resolution of inquiry offered by him. de-
allies in the Philippines, and thereby had been
guilty OF the grosseSt treachery. This statement
was resented Dy LOOSes VINO Oe-
clared that this Government had done nothing
of the kind, and that not even remotely had it
recognized the so-called government of the Fill
pinos
Mr.. Morgan discussed the race question In the
South at length, basing his remarks on a resolu-
tion concerning restrictions on suffrage offered
by Mr.. Pritehard He deemed IL imperative that
some course should be adopted which would
prevent a repetition Of the Hayes-Tilden con-
troversy and discussed fully the XIVth and
XVIII Amendments to the Constitution. He
maintained that to attempt to force the black
race into social and political equality with the
white race only to clog the progress Of all
mankind. The speech was a strong appeal for
action that would benefit both races and de-
fence Of the new constitutions Of Louisiana and
North Carolina.
At o'clock the Financial bill became the
regular order and Mr.. Aldrich said he hoped
some general understanding could be reached as
TO the disposition OF the bill.
Mr.. Jones, Of Arkansas, replied that there was
no disposition on the Democratic side to delay
the bill. I'VE recognize" said he, that you
have the majority and can pass the bill" Mr..
Jones asked, however, that there be no pressing
action as Senators were not yet ready TO speak.
Mr.. AldEich thereupon asked that the bill go
over for the day.
In the House Thursday next after 1 o'clock was
set aside for eulogies the life and character OF
the late Representative Danford, Of Ohio;
Wednesday, for eulogies Of the late Represen-
tative Greene Of Nebraska, and Friday, after 2
O'clock for eulogies on the life and public
vices Of e-President Hobart. The House ad-
5ourned until Wednesday.