Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-19
HEPBURN CREATES LAUGHTER
Makes GOOd-HumOred Attack on River
and Harbor Bill Commencing
Some Features.

WASHINGTON. March 1s.-The general
debate on the river and b4rbor appropria-
tion bill in the house was enlivened today
by Mr.. Hepburn, Of Iowa, who made his an
nual onslaught on the measure. Contrary
to his Usual custom Mr.. Hepburn found
several things in the bill to commend. al
though some of his criticisms we're quite
severe.
The other speakers today we're Messrs.
Ball Of Texas, and Lawrence of Massachu-
sets, both member OF the committee, and
Messrs. White Of Kentucky, Thompson and
Burnett, Alabama, who spoke in favor oil
improvements to their districts.
II was agreed that general debate on
the bill should close tomorrow at 3 o'clock
Saturday. April 2e, was set aside for me-
mortal services, in memory Of Representa-
tive Stokes of South Carolina and Repre-
sentative Crump OF Michigan.
When the house met today Frank B. Lyon
Of Cuba, N. Y. was elected doorkeeper to
succeed the late w. J. Glenn, The oath
was Immediately administered to Mr.. Lyon
When Mr.. Hepburn Of Iowa, who has
fought river and harbor bills even
since he came to congress. arose To
| speak there was an outburst OF applause
on both sides OF the house. ~ arise tc
| make my annual contribution to river and
harbor literature. with a miscellaneous as
sortment Of notions he began. 81
recognize" he continued, "the utter %futility
Of saying anything against this bill.
| recognized the fact years ago, when the
pork in the barrel was only $1,000, 900. How
manlfestly impossible is 1t to make head
way against 1t now that the appropriations
aggregate $50. 900. 900. At the same time,
find in connection with the presentation Of
the pending bill some things to commend
"a rare thing In M experience. We have
at the head OF the river and harbor COM
mittee an ideal chairman for the purposes
in view-one who, l believe, is striving t.
secure public rather than private benefits
one looking for the welfare of this greai
nation and the promotion OF its commerce
not the elevation Of A, B or @ to seat
upon this floor" (Applause.)
Mr.. Hepburn commended the COMMITTEES
for taking the back track upon wastefu
expenditures in certain directions, pointing
out the abandonment Of further improve
ments Of the Missouri river as a hnal full
hllment of predictions made eighteen year
ago.
He said that congress should set a def
mite limit upon the depth of water sough
to be obtained in seaport harbors-thirt
feet, for instance-and place a INIT upol
naval architecture. b wise, he de
clared, there would be no end to the deptl
Of water which would be demanded,
Speaking OF the Hennepin canal Mr.. Hep
burn admitted that he had voted for II
But considering the mental penance
have undergone SINCE" said he, "and m,
infancy and ignorance when l cast the vot
It will not go as hard with me as with
hard-headed old sinner like my friend from
Illinois (Mr. Reeves) II he should attemp
to indulge in another such freak Of legis
lation. (~Laughter.)
The canal was projected to get tn
produce OF the farmers Of Iowa to the Grea
Lakes suggested Mr.. Reeves.
"Quite true,' retored Mr.. Hepburn, "bu
the farmers of that day are all dead, Will
the incompleted canal continues to draw It
annual appropriations from the treasury.
(Renewed laughter.)
The house at 4a5 adjourned.