Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1902-04-10
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON, Mar. SIst, 100.

first four days were devoted to the dis
cussion OF the Interchangeable bill
and on Thursday adjournment was
taken until this morning. This does
not mean, however, that the senators
were idle, for a large amount OF i'm
portant committee work has been dis.
posed Of. Senator Lodge has practically
completed the Philippine civil bill and
it will be reported to the senate at an
early date. The minority have out.
lined their views in what may be pre-.
sented as minority report or may be
used merely as basis on which to con-
test the passage OF the measure on the
floor OF the senate. Senator Proctor's
committee has considered the adyisa.
bility of presenting a distinct bill pro-
viding a tax ON renovated or "process"
butter, and Of amending the oleomsr-
gsrine bill to the same effect. Senator
Harris, Of Kansas, is the instigator OF
this movement. Senator Allison has
been doing large amount of work on
the appropriation committee, there
now being four appropriation bills
which have been passed by the senate.
On Thursday, Senator Patterson, Of
Colorado brought up the subject OF
General Funston's capture OF Aguinaldo
and read in support of the contention
that the capture was not in accordance
with the principles OF civilized warfare,
the major portion OF magazine article
written by the general himself.
The house Of representatives passed
the army appropriation bill with but one
important amendment. That provides
that the secretary of war may call into
active service those officers who have
been retired for disability and have
later recovered from such disability
The amendment is aimed at certain
officers who have been retired and have
later so far recovered as TO be able to
earn completeness outside OF the SER
vice. On Friday the house devoted il
self to the pension bills Of which there
were great number on the calendar.
Saturday was devoted TO the considera.
lion OF bill making various charges in
the revenue cutter service and today the
consideration OF the sundry civil bill
will begin. This bill provides for q
number OF military and other parks, 9
large number Of pdblic buildings, etc.
On Thursday, Representative Richard
son, the democratic leader, startled the
house by the Introduction Of resolutions
calling for the investigation of certain
charges Of bribery in connection with
the ratification OF the'trsaty effecting tn,
sale Of the Danish West Indies. Thes,
charges we're made in ali alleged report o
one Captain Christmas, a quasi agent o
the Danish government. Speaker Hen
derson appointed committee consist
ing Of four republicans and thre,
democrats to make the investigation
On Friday the full text OF the ALLEGED
report appeared in the Congressiona
Record and a careful reading convey,
the idea that Captain Christmas, with
a view to securing his. reinstatement in
the Danish army, from which he had
been discharged, came to this country tc
promote the transfer Of the islands. He
came with the conviction that political
methods in this country were particu
larly corrupt and accordingly sought
corrupt methods Of effecting his ends
He appears to have come in contact with
certain members OF "the third house
as the lobbyists are called, and they
leading him to believe that they coult
exert great influence with members o
congress, induced him to entertain then
lavishly. His methods becoming kEowr
To his government, which hal neve
officially authorized him to negotiat,
with the United States, he was prompt,
discredited and is now seeking to recover
the funds so foolishly expended. Tn,
only serious aspect Of the situation seemi
to be that Secretary Hay received th
man and at his suggestion periaitted (
representative Of this government TO &C
company him TO Copenhagen, where ou
representative Immediately opened
negotiations with the proper officials
The fact that Christmas introduced
representative Of this government TO In,
Danish minister Of Foreign affairs seem
to be the only valid grounds on whicl
he can base any claim Of having partici
pated 10 the negotiations. II sscretar
Hay was aware Of the existence o
Captain Christmas report he may b
open to some criticism for not hayin
called tie attention Of the senate Il
the matter before the ratifca
ton Of the treaty. The members Of boil
houses Of congress seem to be glad ths
the matter has been officially called +
their attention as they believe that tn
investigation will serve to remove an
shadow which the undenied repor
might have cast on congressional action
General Dick, Of Ohio, has made hi
report on the new militia Law in th
house. Speaking on the subject IL
general told me recently that his bi
had the approval Of the president an
ANEMIA