The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-04-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.

first four days were devoted to the dis
cussion of the Interchangeable bill and
on Thursday adjournment was taken
until Monday morning. This does not
mean, however, that the senators were
idle, for large amount of important
committee work has been disposed Of
Senator Lodge has practically completed
the Philippine Civil bill and it will be re-
ported to the Senate at an early date.
The minority have outlined their views
i'll what may be presented as a minority
report or may be used merely as basis
on which to contest the passage of the
measure on the floor of the Senate. Sem
ator Proctor's committee has considered
the ACCESSIBILITY of presenting distinct
bill providing tax on renovated or ''pro-
cess" butter, and of amending the oleo-
margarine bill to the same effect. Sena-
tor 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 House but which have
not yet been considered by the Senate
On Thursday, Senator Patterson of Colo
RADIO 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 10 earn COM
petencies outside of the service. On Fri
day the House devoted itself to the pen
sion bills of which there were great
number on the calendar Saturday was
devoted to the consideration of bill
making various changes in the Revenue
Cutter Service and Monday the consid-
Grafton of the Sundry Civil bill began.
This bill provides for a number of mill
tary and other parks, large number of
public buildings, etc.
*m*x*
On Thursday Representative Richsrd.
sou, 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 treaty effecting the sale
of the Danish West Indies. These charges
were made i'll an alleged report of one
Captain Christmas, quasi-agent of the
Danish government. Speaker Heuderr
son appointed committee cosisting of
four republicans and three democrats to
make the investigation. On Friday the
full text of the alleged report appeared in
ehN SooLOudl INCSOIO anu Careful
reading conveys 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 to promote the transfer of
the islands. He came with the convic-
ton that political methods in this coun-
try were particularly corrupt and accord.
ingly 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 could exert great influence with
members of Congress, induced him to
entertain them lavishiy. His methods
becoming known to his government,
which had never officially authorized him
to negotiate with the United States, he
was promptly discredited and he is now
seeking to recover the funds expended.
The most serious aspect of the situation
seems to be that Secretary Hay received
this man and at his suggestion permitted
a representative of this government to
accompany him TO Copenhagen, where
our representative Immediately opened
negotiations with the proper officials.
If Secretary Hay was aware of the exist
ence of Captain Christmas report he may
be open to some criticism for not having
called the attention of the Senate to the
matter before the ratification of the treaty.
*x*x*
General Dick of Ohio has made his
report OH the new militia law in the
House. Speaking on the subject the
General told ME recently that his bill had
the approval of the President and the
Secy. of War. "The bill provides" said
the General, "that practically all able
bodied citizens between the ages of IS and
As shall be liable for military duty. The
militia is organized into three classes,
the organized militia, the national vol
uuteer reserve and the reserve militia.
The present national guard will be or
ganized and equipped like the regular
army and will be subject to the call of
the President for period not to exceed
nine months. When so called they will
receive the same pay and allowances as
the regular troops aud will be subject 10
the same discipline. The equipment of
this branch shall be at the expense of the
national government Officers of the
militia, who shall have been nominated
by the governors and appointed by the