Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-01-10

seemingly no nearer concluded at ad-
journmcnt than when it started. Burton,
chairman of the committee on rivers and
harbors, who is in charge Of the bill,
made an elaborate explanation of its pro-
visions. Several Western members as
sailed il for not providing provision for
irrigation reservoirs, and Corlss of Mich
igan, attacked il for not giving proper
recognition 10 the Great lakes deep water
way project.
The House entered upon the considcra-
ton Of the river and har5or bill. Before
it was called up some routine business
was transacted.
A bill was passed to appropriate 5000
for additional quarters for the rural free
delivery service.
The joint resolution for the appoint
ment of ex-senator George Gray of Della
ware. as member Of the board of regents
of the Smithsonian Institution to fill the
vacancy caused by the death OF the late
w. l.. Wilson, was adopted.
Burton, chairman Of the river and har
Dor committee. then called up the river
and harbor bill. He suggested that gen
eral debate upon the bill be limited to
three hours. but there was an immediate
cutlery against the proposition from
Cushman, Wash, and BorcinS, Ky, and
all attempts to secure an agreement
failed. Hopkins, ILL.,. was called to the
chair to preside over the committee Of
the whole during the considcra lion OF the
bill.
Burton took the floor to make his pre-
liminary statement in support and cX-
PLANTATION of the measure.
In reply to question by Hepburn. Bur
ton said the sundry civil bill would carry
about 100000 on contracts previously
authorized. The total Of direct appropri-
atoms for rivers and harbors for the next
fiscal Year would therefore aggregate
about 49,. eco 600. Burton discussed at some
length the boundary line beyond which
the federal government should not go in
the improvement of works local, private
and municipal.
Replying to the criticism from certain
quarters that the Great lakes Were re-
cciving undue consideration. Burton pro
ducCd figures to show that the enormous
tonnage carried Up ana down the lakes
warranted the extensive appropria tons
they had received. He devoted some time
To giving the committees reasons for
abolishing the Missouri: river commission.
Bell, Col, gave notice of an amendment
he should offer TO appropriate $|t",Do0 for
reservoirs at the headwaters Of the Platte
and Arkansas rivers.
McRac. Ark. argued in favor of IN
amendment appropriating $5Jo.W0 for i'm
proving the Ouachita and Black rivers.
Arkansas and Louisiana
Corliss, Mich. assailcd the bill. lie
contended that with few exceptions it
was not framed in the interest of the
general commerce Of the country. He de
Clarcd that the appropriation 70. Butter
milk channel. y. Y, was for the benefit
of property holders along the Brooklyn
water front. lie urged that immense
sums of money could be saved in i'm
proVemcntS on the Great lakes and the
navigablc depth of the lakes could hc
increased by raising the levels of The
lakes by series of dams. lie character
lied as ridiculous the provision authoriz-
ing the President by diplomatic ncgotia-
ton to enter into agreements with a vicw
to securing suitable levels in the Great
lakes ana the connecting waters between
the United States and Canada. What
build the dams recommended by the deep
water ways commission.
Bishop, Mich, replied to CorliSs. deny
ing that the committee had shown favor
itism to particular localities.
II. q. Smith. Mich, said at the proper
time he would move to strike from the
bin the appropriation Of S5Doooo for i'm
provcmcnt of the Detroit river This was
a proposition to construct channel on
the Canada side, opposite Wyandottc. lie
was opposed. he said to cxpcnding fur
Their money for the construction enlarge
mcnt and maintenance Of a ship canal on
the Canadian border.
Ncwlands, New, spoke in favor of a pro-
vision III the bill for reservoirs at the
he adwaters of rivers from which arid
lands could be irrigated.
The House then. at sos T. NJ, ad-
journcd
EQAAK NIApHC