The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-09
ASKED
 BY THE HOUSE Committee Authorized to Request Records from Payne MR. OvERSTREET EXPLAINS Purpose Simply to Make Appropria- tons and Further Investigation of
 Postal Scandals Is Not
 Contemplated.
MR. OVERSTREET EXPLAINS

offices and postroads to request the post. master general to supply tho committed with papers in connection with the recent investigation of the postoffoe depart ment. It was explained by MT. Over street, chairman of the committed that the purpose of the resolution was to sup ply the committee with information es- sential to the proper consideration of ap- propriation bills.
 The minority made an unsuccessful ef- fort to amend the resolution so as to provide that the whole house request the postmaster general for papers and evi- dences touching on the investigation.
 The house also instructed the judiciary committee to make inquiry and report whether the Isle of Pine he ceded to Cuba without the concurrent action of the house and senate.
 Routine Business.
 When the house convened today MT. Overstreet, chairman of the committee on postoffice and postroads reported the resolutions authorizing the committee to request the postmaster general to furnish the committee with all papers in connec- ton with the recent investigation of the postofflce department, and announced that the committee was unanimous in recom- mending it's adoption.
 MT. Overstreet, explaining the purpose of the resolution, said that in view of the large appropriation bills before the com mttee, 1t should have all possible infor- nation. If there had been extravaganza in the administration of the department he said it was essential that the com mittee know the facts before recommend ing appropriations to the house. He said 1t was proper to call attention to the fact that public notice has been given that the indictments had grown out of the investigation. Mir. Overstreet said the request of the committee was foreign to any purpose to inaugurate or recom- mend any general investigation of the postoffice department.
 MT. Wagner of Pennsylvania asked if there was any objection to the papers coming to the house and being made pub lie, MT Overstreet replying that he had no objection to making them public, ex- cept insofar as such publication might embarrass the department of justice in the matter of prosecuting the case.
 Moon Receives Applause.
 MT Moon democrat. of Tennessee ranking minority member of the commit- tee said the only purpose of the resolu- ton was to supply the committee with needful information, and spoke for the resolution amid republican applause.
 The previous question was ordered by yea and nay vote of 112 to 116
 MT. Williams, of Mississippi. moved to recommit the resolution on the common postoffices and postroads, with instruc- tions to the committee to report with an amendment providing that the postmaster general Is hereby requested to transmit to the house all papers and evidence touching the investigation of alleged frauds and irregularities In the postoffice department and postal service
 The motion to recommit was lost, 16O to 12S
 The original resolution was then agreed to without division. A privilege resolution was offered by MT. Crumpacker, republi treaty cedng the Isle of Pines to Cuba and questioning the constitutional author. ity for such action without the concurrent action of both houses of congress The resolution authorized the committee on the Judiciary to make an investigation of the matter and report to the house.
 MT. Williams reserved the right to make point of order.
 Concerning Isle of Pines.
 MT. Crumpacker said 1t was proper that the judiciary committee ascertain if the Isle of Pines is territory or other prop erty of the United States. within the meaning of the constitution, and if so, whether the treaty power gives the right to dispose of it without the action of congress He believed personally that the treaty making power has the right to pro- vide for it's cession of Cuba In his opin- ion the island should go to Cuba, but he said the facts should go on record show ing that the house acquiesced intelligently In the negotiation of the treaty making power disposlng of the island, in order that no wrong precedent might be estab- lished and the rights of the house jeop- ardized
 MT Grosvenor. republican of Ohio, sug- gested that the senate was making an h. quiry into the matter and said there had been no indication as yet that the senate intended to entrench upon the rights of the house. He asked. Suppose the house reports one way and the senate the oth- er?''
 T suppose we would have to surren- der,' said MT. Crumpacker.
 MT. Williams made his point of order, which the speaker overruled, and the resolution was adopted
 At 2:05 D. m the house adjourned until tomorrow.
 Pure Food Bill Again.
 Washington, December S.-Representa- tive Hepburn today re-introduced the pure food bill embodying the resolution of the National Pure Food congress No important changes were made in the bill.
 Meet to Organize.
 Washington, December S.-Several of the house committees including Judiciary, in- ter-state and foreign commerce, and post offices and postroads met for the purpose of organizing today. The commerce com mittee fixed Friday next as the day for taking up the pure food bill and Decem- Der b for the consideration of the Mann bill, declaring the Chicago river tunnel an obstruction to navigation.
 To Prevent Gambling.
 Washington, December s.-Representa- tive Gillett of Massachusetts introduced a bill "to protect anti-gambling laws from notification through interstate gambling by telegraph"
 To Keep Out Liquor
 Washington December s-Representa- tive Tyrell of Massachusetts introduced a bill to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors in buidin' and on premises owned or controlled by the United States government.
 For a good oyster loaf go 10