Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

the actual engagement at Santiago, and
take this method of expressing my
sentiments"
The opinion prevails that the find
ings of the President will finally dis
pose of the controversy and that no
congressional action is likely.
Trying to Defeat Lacey's Mine Bill.
Congressman Lacey ssays the mine
operators, particularly from the east,
are making strenuous efforts to defeat
his bill for the protection OF miners
in the territories. The bill has pass
ed the house and is now before the
senate committee and it is here the
mine operators are directing their en-
ergies. The matter is now in the
hands of the miners throughout the
country. II the question shall be agi-
tated and pressure brought to bear up
on senators the measure will pass the
senate, although it is probable the OPP
orators will endeavor to block the bill.
Iowa Indian Affairs.
The Indian appropriation bill passed
the house, after two days debate dur
ing which practically everything ex-
cept the Indian appropriation bill, was
discussed. 1t may be added that near
the close, however, some remarks con-
corning items in the bill were made by
several members, but the great bulk of
the time was consumed making cam
paign thunder, in which neither side
had the advantage so far as number
of words are concerned Through the
efforts of Congressman Cousins the Of
fetal head of the Indian agent at Tole-
do was saved. 1t was proposed to cut
out that $1,000 item, and consolidate
the Office of agent and superintendent
of Indian schools. Mr.. Cousins made
a statement of the case, taking into
, consideration the smallpox situation,
and finally persuaded the committee
to allow the item to remain. Chair
man Cannon, of the appropriations
committee had the $4,000 in the ur-
gent deficiency bill, for the relief of
the Indians at Tama and other points,
slated for elimination, but Mr.. Cousins
also prevailed upon him to withhold
| his objection and the item remained.
To Make all Dollars Good"
Congressman Hill has introduced a
bill providing for the maintenance of
the parity between gold and the silver
dollars remaining outstanding. Some
of the Iowa congressman are sending
copies of the bill to their constituents
with view to ascertaining their views
| touching this point
Land Titles son Crooked"
Iowa senators and congressman are
constantly in receipt of letters from in
| dividuals asking for the use of inf1l-
ence and pressure to induce the int
rior department to straighten out
| kinks in defective land deals, involv-
| ing claims in the northwest Such let
tiers and appeals are worse than fruit
less. The secretary of interior has set
his foot down hard and says that he
will not stand for political interference
in these matters. Cases will be deter
mined according to the law and evil
dence, and these considerations, only
| Davenport to Be Remembered.
Congressman Rumple has been
bringing pressure to bear upon the riv.
ers and harbors committee to the end
that an appropriation may be made for
the construction of winter harbor at
Davenport, and has been given encour.
agement of very gratifying character
He believes the item of $4,000 for this
purpose will be included in the bill.
Federal Jobs Hung Up for Time.
1t seems unlikely that the question
of federal patronage will be taken uI
by the Iowa delegation before the mid
die of March, at the earliest. Con,
gresham Hull is not expected to re
turn before about March 10, and unless
the delegation shall all be in Washing
ton about that time the question will
not be brought UP until later date
Congressman Thomas is understood
to be the only member particularly
anxious that the meeting should be
called without delay. 1t was under
stood to be the only member particu
larly anxious that the meeting should
be called without delay. 1t was I'M
derstood some time ago that Mr. Sam
mis- had a fairly clear field, but it is in
| timated that there is likely to be oppo
sition to his appointment from other
quarters. The impression seems tc
prevail that Ed. Knott stands an excel
lent chance to be reappointed.