Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-23
GETS A SHOW
House COMMITTEES on Rules Consents to Let
Senate Bill Be Voted On.
TWO DAYS ALLOWED FOR GENERAL DEBATE
Friends of the Measure Hopeful of
Its Passage in Spite Of Opposition
from the Leaders of the
House.
(From a staff Correspondent.)

WASHINGTON, May 22.-(Special Tele-
gram. THE long-continued contest for ir
rigation which the arid and semi-arid
states have been making almost ever since
they have been a part of the union seems
about to terminate. Today the committee
on rules of the house decided to permit
the irrigation bill, which passed the SEN
ate weeks ago to be considered and ao-
cordingly a rule will be brought in allow
ing two days for general debate and one for
debate under the fve-minute rule. Two
months ago the action taken today would
have been absolutely impossible, but the
friends of the measure never lost heart
and when the conditions seemed darkest
they redoubled their work for considera-
tion and the committee on rules finally
capitulated
But consideration does not mean passage
by any means, although conditions today
seem overwhelmingly in favor of the bill.
The leaders on the republican side, with
one or two exceptions, are against the bill.
The republican members on the committee
of rules are against the bill, but it is con-
fidently believed that the house will be in
favor of the measure when the vote is re-
ported A close and systematic canvass of
the members shows a majority for the
bill, but there is a very large nom commit
tai vote which the advocates Of the bill
hope to reach through debate, and it was
for that reason they asked that three days
be allotted to general discussion. The
committee on rules, however, decided that
all could be said that need be said in two
days and they will so report, allowing
day, however, for debate on the amend
ments.
What Canvass DiscIOses.
An analysis of the returns made by the
committee appointed to canvass the house
shows many interesting phases. Nebraska
Colorado, Wyoming and the rest Of the arid
and semi-arid states are a unit for the
bill In Iowa three of the delegation are
counted for the measure-Hull, Smith and
Haugen-while Thomas is expected to vote
for the BILL but has not committed him
self. Kansas and Michigan are reported
as solidly in favor Of the bill. More than
half of the Ohio delegation will be found
in the bills favor, while Illinois will come
up with a good vote in it's favor, the dem
ocratic members from that state being
solidly for it. Maine is for the bill, and
Representative Littlefeld will probably
make a speech in its favor. 'Massachu-
setts believes, in it's provisions and the ma
jority of the members from the Old Bay
state will vote for 1t. Indiana will split
even, although there is hope that the irri-
gationists will get vote or two from
those who at present are non-committal.
Most OF the Minnesota delegation are for
the measure, but there are some who ara
loud in their denunciation of making the
arid lands of the west capable of raising
crops.
1t was suggested early in the considera-
tion of the bill that the farmers of the
east were against it, but 1t is now thought
that change has been effected and that
they are for some reasonable irrigation
that will be the means of giving places and
homes for their sons. Representative Mon
dell of Wyoming, who has made the subject
OF irrigation a study of years, will in all
probability open the debate for the bill,
and it is expected the discussion will at
tract wide attention, in view of the enorm-
Gus possibilities which ara presented.
Bids for Rapid City Contract.
Bids we're opened to day by the Indian
office for a brick dormitory for the
bidders were Robert P. Hamilton of Omaha
at $40 553 and Mullen G. Mum Of Deadwood,
s. D., at $1,000. 1t is most likely the bids
will be rejected, as each one is too high, as
the amount Of the appropriation is only
| $40 900 for this work.
| Tne ABSTRACT Oh lne COuulllOu Ol the I'd"
tional banks OF Wyoming at the close Of
business April 30 as reported to the comp
troller of the currency, shows the average
reserve held at 30.65 per cent, against 3205
per cent on February 25; loans and dis
counts increased from $3,72S.142 to 50, ,95s $780,
gold coin decreased from $780, to $780,
s2s; lawful money reserve from 1872. .4s5 10
$314,594; Individual deposits increased from
| "a 39l 394 to S4523125
Organization papers creating the Gothen-
burg National bank have been received by
the comptroller of the currency. The papers
show that A. U. Damn is to be president of
| the new bank.
A. r. Keim Of Falls City is in Washing
ton, enroute to his boyhood home in somer-
set county, Pennsylvania.
Dr. and Mrs.N N. ]. Beachly OF Lincoln are
in the city on their way to Pennsylvania.
Representative Rumple of Iowa, who has
been in Indianapolis for the last month,
undergoing a surgical operation, returns to
his congressional duties tomorrow.
Charles e. Morgan of Omaha has been
appointed assistant messenger in the Office
of the comptroller of the currency.
The comptroller OF the currency has ap-
proved the First National bank of Chicago
as reserve agent for the First National
bank of Pomeroy, la.
Postal Matters.
Senator Millard recommended the follow
ing postmasters today St. James, Cedar
county. Kate z. Locke; Paxton. Keith