Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-06-19
A WEEK IN CONGRESS.
Isthmian Canal Bill Debated in the
Senate

The Senate Thursday, after considering
the London dock charges bill for an hour
and "a half without completing it, resumed
consid, ration of the sthmian canal ques-
ton. Mr.. Morgan, of Alabama, occupied
the floor for three hours and half. dis
cussrig particularly the diplomatic phases
of the question. He vigorously opposed
an amendment introduced by Mr. FAR
banks, Of Indiana, providing for the issue
OF bonds for the construction of the canal
The House adopted a special rule for the
consideration of the irrigation bill. which
passed the Senate some time ago, and de-
voted the day To general debate of the
measure.
The Senate spent the greater part of Fri
day in executive session considering the
nomination of Captain Crozier to be chief
of ordnance, with the rank of brigadier
general No conclusion was reached. The
House passed the irrigation bill by a vote
of lac tn ~.
The Senate on saturday gave further
consideration to the Nicaragua canal bill.
Mr.. Morgan, of Alabama, continuing his
speech in support of the measure and in
criticism of the Panama project. The Dis
trict of Columbia appropriation bill was
passed ana Il large number of pension bills
were disposed off. The day closed with
oulngics on the late Representative Stokes.
of South Carolina. The House, by a vote
Of 81 to &C. laid on the table a resolution
=
up0n the secretary Of War for information
as to the cost from all sources Of the war
in the Philippines. The latter part of the
session was devoted to private pension
legislation, 100 bills being passed.
The Senate Monday, after discussion
extending over parts Of several days, pas
sed what is popularity know as the Lon
don dock charges bill. Consideration then
WAS continued of the isthmian canal pro-
jcct. Mr.. Cullom, of Illinois, and Mr.. Kit
tredge, OF South Dakota, delivering
speeches in advocacy OF the Panama
route. The House transacted some mis-
Collaneous business under suspension OF
rules. 1t included the adoption of resOlu-
tions appropriations $4,000 for plans Tor a
memorial in Washington to Abraham
Lincoln; sloo,rr toward monument to the
prison ship martyrs who died as result
OF cruolties to which they wcrc subjected
by the British during the Revolutionary
War, and $1,000 for the erection of
monument At Fredericksburg. Va, 10 the
memory of Gen. Hugh Mercer who was
killed during the Revolutionary War A
bill to authorize the secretary of War. in
his discretion, to favor American built
ships in the transportation of Government
supplies to the Philippines was defeated.
The Senate Tuesday continued the debate
on the isthnian canal question Speeches
were made by Mossrs. Perkins of Calfur-
mia; Galingor, of New Hampshire; Stew
art. of Nevada, and Morgan, of Alabama.
All advocated tho adoption of the Nicara-
qua route except Mr., Gallinger, who made
an argument in support of the Panama
route. The House spent the day con-
sdoring bills reported from the judiciary
committee. BY far the most important
measure was that To amend the existing
bankruptcy law The minority made a
vigorous effort to repeal the present law
in toto, but were overwhelmingly de-
feated, e. to 1877 The bill passed amends
the law in fifteen particulars. to meet de-
fects which, II is said, experience has
proven. An evening session was held for
the consideration of bills reported from the
Indian committee.
The Senate Wednesday devoted practi-
cally its entire session to consideration of
the canal question. Extended speeches
were delivered by Mr., Spooner of Wiscon-
sin and Mr.. Hanna OF Ohio, in advocacy
of the adoption of the Panama route and
Mr., Pettus of Alabama advocated the
selection of the Nicaragua route. Mr. Tel
Ter of Colorado, briefly announced his sup
port of the Panama protest, while MIR.
Jones of Arkansas, indicated his leaning
toward the same route. The House pas
sed the general deficiency bill the last ~