The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-26
LOBBYISTS SAID TO Be
At WORK IN WASHINGTON
Senator Hansbrough Charges
Them with Trying to Secure
Repeal of Land Laws.
DEBATE IN THE SENATE

WASHINGTON, March Is. - Senator
Hansbrough charged in the Senate to-day
that the movements to secure the repeal
OF the desert land law the timber and stone
law and the Communication clause of the
homestead act We're due TO the efforts of
a lobby composed mainly of the holders of
lands bought in large tracts, railroad COM
panies who desire thereby to increase the
demand for their property. Senator Dubois
intlinated that the pressure for repeal was
due to large holdings of forest lands by the
railroad. Senator Gibson yesterday advO-'
Gated the repeal of the laws in question.
Senators Hansbrough and Dubois contend
Cd that the repeal would be unwise. Senator
Newlands favored notifications of the law
Mr.. Hansbrough intimated that there was
an Interior motive in the movement for the
repeal of the laws in question. saying that
there was in Washington an organization
preparing the way for the repeal of the
desert land. timber and stone and commu
tstion laws and speaking of this organiza-
ton. he said: Il am satisfied that it is the
purpose of this organization 10 enhance the
value of private holdings in scrip and land
He said in this connection that he made no
charge that any senator or member of the
House of Representatives was interested in
any SuCn organization he aQQed tnal one
of the individuals connected with this or
ganization has been receiving a princely
salary AZ ON one OF the lana grant railroads
for the past six years. L find, upon
investigations, he went on, that
great syndicate has recently purchased at
the price of 70 cents acre large body
OF land from the Union Pacific Railroad
Company. and the managers of the syndi-
cate have been here in Washington con-
ferring With officials TO secure the repeal OF
the laws IN question. He also said there
were saWmiU interests in different parts of
the country which have large holdings of
land who want the laws repealed in order
to crowd out small holders.
when, therefore, he added, senators
talk of syndicates OF cattlemen, land bar
ons, etc, and when people on the outside
accuse senators with being the agents of
such syndicates. | think it no more than
fair that attention. should be called to other
syndicates interested in the repeal of the
laws.
Mr. Hoar offered and the Senate adopted
the following resolutions: THAT the commit
tee on rules be directed TO consider the re-
in the Senate rules relative TO impeachments,
and especially whether the rules may prop
-erly and lawfully provide for taking testi-
mony in such cases by a committee in ac-
cordance with the practice of the English
House of Lords in Such cases. questions of
final argument being reserved for the full
Senate.
The bill making appropriations for the
support of the District of Columbia was
considered for several hours. but without
completing IL the Senate took up the pr-
vate pension calendar. passing large num-
During the day former Vice President
Morton appeared on the floor of the Senate
where he was warmly greeted.