Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-18

ment takes the position that qualifications
of It's regulations regarding sheep tres
passing would defeat the real water stor-
age object OF forest reserves.
The Seattle decision Is in line with a de-
cision OF several years ago by a California
court. but the attorney general has said
the secretary OF the interior, according to
the department, that the right to make the
regulations Which the Seattle court holds to
be unconstitutional is conferred by the act
of congress on June 4, 1897. authorizing the
department TO regulate the occupancy and
care Of forest reserves.
For Inspection of ThOrOuEhbreds.
The senate committee on finance today
agreed to report favorably the bill provid-
ing for the free Importation OF thorough
bred live stock for breeding purposes. The
bill extends the privilege to such live stock
imported for sale.
On the Retired List.
An order was issued at the War depart
ment today by direction of the president
placing on the retired list Colonel Richard
H. Pratt. superintendent Of the Indian
school at Carlisle.
It is said the retirement OF Colonel
Pratt does not necessarily involve any
change in the superintendency Of the school.
FORMER Secretary Foster Selected.
oEx-Secretary of State John w. Foster
has been elected to take charge OF the case
of the United States in the presentation Of
the Alaska boundary question to the spe-
eial commission to be appointed in con-
formity with the terms OF the recently con-
frmed Alaskan boundary treaty.
Secretary Root has concluded to accept
HIS appointment as one OF the commission
ers to represent the United States on the
boundary commission. The other two mem
bers OF the commission are Senator'S Lodge
and Turner. 1t has been urged that Sec
rotary Root can do this work during the
coming summer without interfering mate
rally with his duties as secretary.
Important Matters Considered.
At the cabinet meeting today Secretary
Hay presented the text Of the protocol
which has been signed on behalf of the
United States and Venezuela for the ref
erence Of claims Of this country against
the South American republic TO arbitra-
ton.
The status Of the Panama canal treaty in
the senate was again discussed. Some ap-
prehension is expressed that the treaty may
not be ratified at the present session ow-
ing TO the opposition OF Senator Morgan.
The option Of the United States holds on
the Panama Canal company's property will
expire on March 4.
1t is impossible even II the treaty should
be ratified, by the senate at this session,
to effect an exchange OF ratification until
after the expiration OF the option. 1t IS
proposed, however, to enter into a con-
tract with the Panama Canal company. but
the terms OF which the amount agreed upon
shall be paid the company by this govern
ment on the exchange Of ratification be-
tween the United States and Colombia
That arrangement. IT is expected. will
tide over the present emergency and keeT
alive the option.
ship Subsidy Bill.
At a meeting Of the house committee OF
merchant marine and fisheries today Chair.
man Grosvenor called up the ship subsidy
bill. and gave notice that the bill woult
be taken up at a meeting OF the committe,
next Monday for final disposition.
Miles Back In Warrington.
Lieutenant General Miles, with Mrs. Mile
and Colonel Maus Of his stan, and Mrs
Maus. have returned TO Washington aftel
their tour OF the world. The trip wal
planned as a military inspection Of thu
United States army In the insular posses
sions and also with the design to ascer'
tain the latest developments in European
military practice. The results will be EN-,
bodied by General Miles in q special re
port