The state herald., 1903-02-20
WASHINGTON NEWS AND
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS

Senator Foraker has reported IA
vorably the bill heretofore introduced
by him for the disposition of the lands
of Porto Rico. 1t authorizes the ap-
pointment of commission.
The Senate committee has reported
an amendment providing for the pay
ment Of $1,000 to the Italian govern
ment on account of the killing of two
Italians in riot at Erwin, Mississippi,
in 1901.
Seator Blackburn has introduced an
amendment to the sundry civil appro-
priation bill making an appropriation
of 100000, sin full satisfaction of all
claims or pretended claims" of ex-
Queen Liliuokalani.
Senator Foraker has reported favor
ably the bill for the disposition of the
lands Of Porto Rico. The bill as re-
ported authorizes the appointment of
commission for the determination of
the question.
bill has been introduced by SEN
ator Burton Which provides that
pension allowed 1t provides for an
sions now below that figure.
The House committee on military
affairs has authorized favorable re-
port on the bill. which has passed the
Senate, providing for the detail of re-
tired officers of the army and navy as
instructors at educational institutions.
Governor Taft is drafting bill to
extend civil service government to the
sections of the island of Mindanao,
which are inhabited by Moros. He
purposes to make the military COM
mander governor of the island and
create an assembly representing the
people.
President Roosevelt has intimated
with some emphasis. that he does not
desire to deliver formal speeches at re-
ceptions or banquets on his proposed
Western tour. This was in response
to an invitation extended by Repre-
sentative Jones of Washington to at
tend Board of Trade banquet at Sc
attic and deliver an address. The Pres
ident appreciates the courtesy of such
invitations, but thinks formal dinners
and entertainments are not as desira-
BILE methods of meeting people as more
informal affairs.
The house committee on ways and
means favorably reported the bill pro-
viding that all registered brood ami
mails be admitted duty free. whether
they are to be retained as the property
of the importer. or are brought in to
be sold. The committee report ex-
plains that under n recent decision of
the board of general appraisers it is
held that such animals imported to be
sold are dutiable. Senator Harris has
introduced bill in the senate author
izing the free importation of thorough
bred live stock for breeding purposes.
Third Assistant Postmaster General
Madden has issued a manual of in
structions for the conduct of registry
business in the rural free delivery SER
vice. The most important innovation
provides for the registration of letters
and parcels left in the rural mail
boxes. the carrier leaving the sender's
receipt in the box Formerly 1t was
necessary for the sender to meet the
carrier on the route. Rural carriers
also are required to accept for regis
tration mail matter properly prepared
and offered by any one that meets
them while on duty. whether patron
of the rural free delivery service or
not. Storekeepers on rural routes GUS
tomarily receive the mail matter of
their patrons. delivering 1t to them at
the first opportunity. Registered mail
has not been delivered In this manner
In the past, but II is now provided that
on .he written orders which the ad-
dresses are required to leave for the
delivery OF their mall to the storekeep-
er. registered mail also will be deliy-
cred. except such as Is indorsed by the
senders deliver to addressee only"
After much discussion the Senate
committee on public lands finally
agreed to report the Quarles bill. pro-
viding for the repeal OF the desert land,
timber and stone. and the commuta-
ton clause of the homestead act, the
bill approved by the secretary of the
Interior. The most fervent advocates
OF the repeal measure were Senator
Gibson of Montana. who said nearly
half Of his state had been stolen under
the present land laws. and Senator
Berry OF Arkansas. Repeal was Wig
orously opposed by Senators Clark
OF wyoming. kearEs. Heitfeld. and
Chairman Hansbrough. II was agreed
to report the bill favorably by vote
OF seven to six. A minority report
VIII be made by Senator Hansbrough,
The minority members are not n uni,
as to retaining all the land laws. Sew
eral favor the repeal Of the commuta-
ton clause OF the homestead act. and
Senator Gamble fayors an amendment
OF the timber and stone act SO that n
price shall be fixed upon each piece Of
timber land disposed OF. according 10
Its actual value
Senator Aldrich has introduced bill
authorizing banks which are national
repositories TO deposit for the safe
guarding OF the government other Sc
cnrities than government bonds. The
Intention Of the bill IN TO give greater
elasticity TO the currency and permit
OF the release of larger volumes OF the
government funds In times OF strIn-
gcncy. In addition to government
bonds the bill provides for the deposit
OF state bonds. municipal bonds OF cit
les OF 100000 population, which have
been In existence for twenty-five
years. and which have not d.faulted
on any of their debts, aud the first
mortgage bonds OF amy railroad com.
nany which nave paid dividends OF not
less than -four per cent. fer ten yonra
The secretary Of The treasury In given
authority To determine the proportion
OF the yarlons securities that he will
accept. and also 10. at any time. re-
quire additional security. Tn. banks
are required 10 pay interest ON the
govcrnmcn, funds In their keeping Mt