The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1904-02-04
important Matters for Consressm' i.

important Matters for Consressm' !.
largest congressional seed is now in
progress. BY the end of February
over 1000 tons of garden and field seeds
will have been distributed among the
people of the Union. at cost of $780,
900, the amount appropriated by the
last congress for this purpose. The
total distribution this year will amount
to about 45.000,000 packages.
Some important changes in the plan
been established by the department of
agriculture this year. With view OF
handling the seed to better advantage
the country has been divided into six
districts, and seed and plants particu-
larly adapted to each district Will be
distributed therein at an earlier time
than heretofore.
| In years past much complaint has
been made of receiving seed too late in
!
good. The department has not been
responsible for this condition, but the
| fault lay with the congressman, who
! to a large extent. We're tardy in making
out their lists for their quota. 1t is
expected to overcome this condition
lby beginning the distribution two
tom.
There will be- as usual. a distribu-
ton of miscellaneous vegetable seeds
put up with five packages in a package
and each senator, representative and
delegate in congress will have 1880
such packages to his credit.
The number of flower seeds allotted
to each congressman has been in
creased to 500 packages and arrange
resentatives having city constituents
may exchange vegetable seeds fol-
flower seeds if they so desire. A specia
collection of flower seeds will be pre-
pared for those having strictly city
constituents. the varieties chosen be-
ing suitable for window boxes. lots anl
small door-yards.
The pressure for a service pension
law has reached a very interesting
stage in congress. The veterans are
| IL, II bo II
iticians of the house are finding it very
difficult to resist them. Some repub-
leans are considering the question
from the standpoint of political advan-
tage in the coming campaign. The
more conservative republicans are hes
itating about the expense. 1t is esti-
mated that such bill would cost
about $50 900. 900 annually beyond the
present expense for pensions.
! Several prominent house republic
cans discussed the subject recently
| with Speaker Cannon. 1t can be said
| that there is considerable sentiment
among the prominent republicans OF
| the house in favor of passing some
isuch bill at this session. The feeling
prevails that it would not get through
the senate. but that the enactment of
such bill by the house would help
| the republicans in doubtful districts.
| Therefore it would be safe to use the
senate as a buffer" The talk centers
| around some more conservative bill
| than has vet been presented-prObably
| a bill allowing $12 a month to all vet
Grams who have reached the age of s..
! One arrangement for such legislation
is that it would do away with further
special pension legislation. The menu
! hers Of the house committee on invalid
! pensions do not believe the time has
yet come for a service pension, but few
| of the members of the committee dare
| TO resist the clamOr of the soldier vO-
| terS. Probably the bill will be taken
! up there and considered at some early
| day. Grand Army posts from all over
| the country are flooding congress with
| petitions for such legislation.