Gilpin observer., 1903-03-19

| ate are expensive and that that body
is altogether millionaires' club. He
sent to the secretary of state Of Ala
bama the sum of 81 in a postal note to
cover the entire expense for his recent
unanimous election. The sum repre-
sented the fee of secretary Of state for
his services. So far as known, this
Is record in the minimum price for
seats in the senate.
| Several senators who have talked
with the President believe it to be un-
likely that an extraordinary session
/ will be called next autumn They say
many reasons might be cited why such
a session should not be held, the prin-
cipal one being that some important
state elections are to be held in No
vember and members of Congress will
be busy with political affairs in their
own states. They point out that on the
eve OF presidential campaign it is
highly important that every effort be
made, especially in the doubtful states,
to maintain the strength of the party
organizations. In such circumstances
it is said it would be possible only with
difficulty to maintain quorum at each
branch of the extra session. II the ses-
sion were not called until November,
they say it would be so close to the
regular session as to render it practio-
ally unnecessary.
Discussing the efforts of the Panama
Canal Company to secure an extension
of its concession, Senator Morgan said
this was accomplished in 1900 for the
purpose of unloading the enterprise on
the United States. THE company" he
said, bought from the president of Co
lombia for 100000 francs, in French
| n<Nty. - H. t.. n-
ton of the extension for six years from
October 81, 1904. This proposed agree
ment was laid before the Congress of
Colombia and was rejected. The con-
stitution and laws of Colombia re-
quired that such contracts should be
confirmed by Congress, but the presi-
dent of Colombia, in direct violation Of
both the laws and the constitution,
signed the contract and received the
$1,000.000 in gold from the New Pana-
ma Canal Company. The House of Rep
resentatives thereupon voted that the
Office of president of Colombia was
vacant and dissolved
Alexander Mcdowell, clerk of the
House of Representatives, has made
public an official compilation made by
Tally Clerk Wakefield, showing the
work done by the House during the
Fifty-seventh Congress. 1t shows that
the longest day of the session lasted,
with recesses, 144 hours, during which
so roll calls were taken. The number
of bills and resolutions introduced in
the House during the two sessions of
the Congress was 1920, and reports
were made on 2,S10 bills and resolu-
tions. The Senate sent to the House
1880 Senate bills and resolutions. The
House disposed of 2,413 of the meas
ures originating with it, and of 1,012
of the Senate bills and resolutions.
making a total of 3,430 bills and reso-
lutions acted on. Congress left on it's
calendars 405 House and 11S Senate
bills and resolutions. Fifteen of the
members of the House died during the
Congress, seven resigned and Messrs.
Rhea (Kentucky) and Butler mis-
sourD were unseated. the latter twice.
By the protocols which were signed
February 13. Great Britain received a
cash payment of s27,500. Germany was
promised an advanced payment OF
$40, 600. in five monthly installmets,
beginning one month from the date OF
that signing. and Italy was to be paid
s27 500 two months from the date. Min
lister Bowen handed the British en-
bassy a check the night the protocol
was signed. and it was arranged that
Germany and Italy were to receive
their money at Caracas. What steps
President Castro has taken to meet
the obligations is not known. Some
concern is felt here at the silence of
the allied powers regarding the draft
of The Haugue protocol which was
mailed to them some weeks ago, and
the absence of any representation on
the subject may mean that a plan is
under consideration looking to the
settlement at Caracas of the preferen-
tial question by President Castro and
the representatives of the allied pow
ers there. There is no indication that
the Venezuelan president will consent
to such compromise. but it is be-
lieved that he will be approached in
that connection. Mr.. Bowen is strong
ly opposed to permitting the allied
powers to escape from appearance at
The Hague. but inasmuch as the cost
of the case at the tribunal would
probably exceed the amount involved,
/ the powers may seek some other mode
| of settlement.
| Senator Morgan has submitted a
number of amendments to the Panama
canal treaty in addition to those he
has offered heretofore. Among the
more important of Senator Morgans
proposed amendments are the follow
| ing: Article III is amended so as to
give the United States a perpetual
right to the canal tract and the right
to fortify the same. Article III as
amended accords to the United States
the right to fortify the group of small
islands in the bay of Panama The
amendment to Article XI provides that
the United States shall have control
of the admission of persons to perman-
ent residence in the canal zone. A
further amendment provides that the
government of Colombia engages to
protect. defend and fully to indemnify
the United States against all incum-