The Somerset reporter., 1903-12-17
At w aShingtOn.

Information has reached the navy de-
PAL tment to the effect that the Colon
bian troops which were said to have
landed at the mouth of the Atrato river
to march on the isthmus have been
withdrawn.
Baron Won Sternburg has presented
to the President formal communica-
ton of good will and friendship from
Emperor William. The expression of
the German emperor is brief and cor
dial. Its text was not made public
The Republican National committee
met in Washington, Friday, the 18th in
slant After the preliminary business
of the meeting, the committee under
the lead of Chairman Hanna called on
President Roosevelt at the White House.
On Saturday, because of the Illness of
Hon. j H. Manley, member of the com
mittee for Maine, Senator Hale repre-
sented this state at the meeting by Mr..
Manlpy's request The committee fixed
upon Chicago as the place for holding
the Republican National convention,
beginning at noon on June Il next, tue
Republican national committee reaching
this conclusion, Saturday, and adjourn
ing subject tn call Pittsburg and St
Louis were rivals of Chicago for the
convention. Each city was well repre-
sented IN oratory before the committee
and each ALEC had cash offers to make.
Piitsburg offered 800, 900, Chicago S75,-
600 and hall and st. Louis $40, 900 and
a hall. The vote stood, 40 Chicago !;
seven for Pittsburg, and one for ST.
Louis.
The President, Saturday, sent to the
Senate the following nominations
Assistant Treasurer-ThOmas j. At
kins, st Louis, Mo.
Collector of Customs-Fred w. Wight,
for the district of Waldoboro, Me
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiar, to Panama-Wm. |.
Buchanan of New York.
The Senate committee on privileges
and elections met, saturday, to outline
a policy to be pursued in investigating
the protests filed against Senator Reed
Smoot being permitted to retain his
seat, and decided that before taking
further steps in the matter, Senator
Smoot should be given opportunity to
reply to the charges
There are now on file 304 900 applica-
tons for pensions in favor of survivors
of the parish American war.
The holiday recess of congress will
extend from Saturday next, the 10Th
instant, two weeks to January 4th
Dir. Edward Everett Hale of Boston has
been elected chaplain of the Senate, his
appointment to take effect Jan. | 1t
was DR.. tlale's plan TO pass the winter
in " ashington, and Senator Hoar sug-
gested that he be asked to perform the
service The other senators enthusi-
astically seconGed the proposal, aud DR..
Hale's consent was accordingly secured.
Seldom, if ever, have the religious ex-
ercises been regularly conducted by so
distinguished clergyman.
Hearing on the great merger case.
The Northern Securities Company, the
Great Northern railroad and Northern
Pacific railroad was begun before the
U. Supreme court of Washington,
Monday.
The birth Of the republic of Panama
and its recognition by this government
was the subj of a spirited debate in
the House, Friday. Mr. Dnsmo1e,
Democrat of Arkansas, during consider
alton of the pensions appropriation bill,
severely criticised the administration in
connection with the canal aud Mr.. Hit,
Republican of Illinois, chairman of the
foreign affairs Committee, replied in a
vigorous defense of the President and
has entral American policy Mr. Will
liams of Mississippi, the minority lead
er, replied to VT. Hit, declaring that
the minority did not condone the part
taken by this government in connection
with Panama affairs