The Somerset reporter., 1901-12-19
At Washington.

canals thursday, authorized favorable
report upon Senator Morgan's bill pro-
yiding for the acquisition from Nicara-
qua and Costa Rica of the right of way
via the Nicaragua route. senator Nor
gan later presented this report to the
Senate, accompanying the return bill
with voluminous report upon the gen.
eral subject of canal across the isthmus.
The two houses have agreed upon a
holiday recess from Dec. 10 to Jan. g.
There is no foundation at present for
the report that Ambassador hoate is to
resign his post at the Court of st. James.
The rumor is probably due to the fact
that Mr.. Choate is having good time
visiting his friends in this country and
naturally expresses his delight at seeing
familiar faces and places.
Secretary Hay has received cable
gram from Minister Lord at Buenos
Ayres and Minister Wilson at Santiago
de Chill, stating in effect that while the
situation is extremely grave, the best
opinion is that war between Chill and
Argentina will not follow.
1t transpires that the gift of $4,000
600 which Andrew Carnegie rendered to
President Roosevelt for the founding of
a great institution for higher education
was not an offer of 100000 in cash
but the par value of that amount in
bonds of the United States Steel corpo-
ration. The offer of these bonds is
embarrassing to the administration
owing to the complications which might
arise if the government controls them.
1t looks as though several of Names
delegation would remain in Washington
during the holidays. Gov. Burleigh
will probably not return to Maine unless
something develops of which he Is not
aware now. Representative Allen will
also probably remain here.
1t has been incorrectly stated that Ex-
Gov. Burleigh was seeking appointment
as member of the House committee on
naval affairs. There was an understand
ing between Gov. Burleigh, Mr.. Little
field, Senator Hale and others of the
delegation quite long time ago that
the place should be obtained if possib BILE
for Elk Gov. Powers of the Fourth Dis
trict. All these gentlemen sought to
have the place bestowed upon Gov.
Powers because he is Captain Boutelle's
successor.
The number of private pension bills
introduced in the Senate and House is
already very great, but the policy of the
Maine delegation has long been to pre-
sent only bills of very meritorious persons
and to strive to have those enacted into
law.
The flood of petitions and resolutions
from many organizations over the coun
try has begun to roll ia on Congress. A
few are already coming from Maine
Congressman Burlegh this week has
presented a considerable number of pc
titions from citizens of the third Con-
gressional district, protesting against
polygamous marriages These we're re
ferred to the committee on judiciary, of
which Mr.. Littlefied and Mr.. Alexander
of Buffalo are members Mr.. Burleigh
has also presented the petitions of
George Washington Council, Order of
United Mechanics, relating to the sup
preston of anarchy, which also went to
the committee on judiciary.
Petitions of the labor organizations of
Bar Harbor and Skowhegan, Me-, for
the enactment of an S-hour law were re-
ferred, after presentation by Governor
Burleigh to the committee ON labor, of
which General Shattue of Ohio is chair
man.
Representative Jackson of Kansas has
introduced bill providing that the
United States government purchase the
Western Union and the Postal Telegraph
companies and thereafter operate them
in connection with the post office de-
partment. Provision is made for ap-
praisa of the property of the companies
and for the payment of its appraised
value when the amount is reported to
Congress.
The bill to temporarily provide rev.
enue for the Philippine islands was re.
ported by Mr.. Payne, Friday, and by
unanimous consent an order for the con.
sideration of this bill on Tuesday and
Wednesday was adopted
The bill temporarily to provide reve-
nue. for the Philippine Islands was re-
ported by Mr.. Payne and by unanimous
consent an order for the consideration of
this bill on Tuesday and Wednesday of
this week was adopted, general debate
to close at O'Clock, Wednesday, The
message is a substitute for the original
Payne bill, which, however, it follows
throughout except in few minor partic-
ulars.
The most conservative expression on
the subject of Anarchism and the assass
iHation of Presidents comes from Sena.
tor Vest Dem.) of Missouri. Having
served in the Senate twenty three years,
and as a member of the minority party,
he contents himself with raising the
question, first, whether Congress has
constitutional power to legislate for tho
punishment of Anarchist; and. second,
whether, if Congress has not the author
ity, 1t is expedient to amend the consti-
tuition. His resolution nstructs the
judiciary Committee to take up these
questions and report.
The Senate Monday, ratified the Hay
Pauncefote isthmian canal treaty by the
decisive vote of 72 to g. The vote was
reached few minutes before O'Clock,
after almost five hours discussion be-
hind closed doors The principal speech
OF the day was made by Senator Teller
in opposition to the treaty.
At conference between Admiral
Schley and his counsel, Monday, it was
decided to ask Secretary Long to with
hold his approval of the findings of the
court of inquiry until such time as the
admiral, thr ough his counsel, can file an
objection thereto. Late in the day Sec.
rotary Long acknowledged in formal
letter the receipt of the request from
Admiral Schley for permission to file
bill of objections. The secretary grant
ed the request and allowed until Friday
next in which to submit the bill.
Gov. and Mrs Hill were at Washing
ton, Monday, and were the guests at