The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-31
.SEC'Y HAY ON TIE
 EASTERN CRISIS Says War Would Not Affect
 Prices ASKS AF TER GEN ERAL REYES 1t Takes But One Side to Make War and That Either Russia or Japan Can Preclpltate
 Crisis.
ASKS FTER GENERAL REYES


 of State John Hay was this afternoon asked for a statement In regard to the rumored settlement of the war crisis in the far east.
 T never discuss matters of this kind away from Washington" he said, but I don't think the informajtion is definite enough to call for any formal expression of opinion at this time from me. It Is probable that Japan has received the com munication from Russia which is pointed to as the basis of the rumored settlement, and in the natural course of events 1t will meet Japan's approval
 'If one country determines on war; of course war will be unavoidable In in ternational relations it does not require two to make a quarrel and aggressive ac- ton on the part of either of the parties at issue will naturally precipitate a conflict
 He was asked what effect on the cot ton and wheat markets of this country a declaration of war in the east would pro- duce and rephed;
 Would Not Affect Prices.
 q don't believe that 1t would have any effect whatever on either the size of next seasons crop or the prices these products will bring in the markets of the world
 DO you think Russo-Japanese war would increase the output or consumption of these commidties?'
 q don't think it would"
 q suppose you noticed in today's papers the announcement that Colombia pro- poses organizing an expedition against Panama?,
 Really I never discuss matters of this sort away from Washington. l hope. however, that Colombia will reqlize that such an attempt must be frniffAse Tine status of Panama Is too well recognized and adIait of iis subiection now to Co., lombia."
 Asks About General Reyes. MT. Hay asked with quite a show of interest for the latest news from Gen eral Reyes, and as to whether or not he was still in the country The secretary referred to the position of certain south ern newspapers favoring the Panama ca- nal and declared 1t the sensible view as well as the best advised from a purely party standpoint.
 "The state department" he said, "does not play politics. Any question before this branch of the government Is consid- cred from national standpoint, and It's effect on the whole country's interests" -------~---~~------------ salary provided by the so-called salary grab" but, said MT. Grosvenor, he learn ed while visiting the treasury fifteen years later, that the former member had commenced to check against 1t.
 MT. Maddox said he should vote against taking mileage. He declared that con gress was in duty bound to set examples of economy to the government depart ments.
 MT. Gillett of Massachusetts proposed an amendment providing that no senator or representative shall receive mileage for any session of congress converting within three days after the adjournment of the proceeding session. MT. DeArmond of Missouri. opposed the mileage measure.
 MT. Olmstead of Pennsylvania, offered an amendment as follows:
 Resolution Causes Laughter.
 Provided, that no part of this appropri- ation shall be paid to any member of either branch of congress. who shall not certify that he, in point of fact, did go to and return from his home between the first and second sessions of the Fifty eighth congress-"
 The amendment was received with both laughter and applause.
 MT. McDermott of New Jersey: T ask the gentleman to add: And that he paid his fare in going to and coming from his home"
 This amendment was lost, but the amendment previously offered by Mir Grosvenor. making 1t optional with mem bers to take their mileage was agreed to.
 MT. Gillett's amendment was lost At this point a. vote was taken on MT. Un- derwood's motion to strike out the mileage paragraph. On viva voce vote the chair declared the amendment lost but tellers were demanded.
 Immediately both republican and demo- cratic members arose and all started for the tellers. The scene provoked laughter and applause, and as the crowd in front of the speakers desk grew denser there were demands 10 Hcall off the tellers" and make it unanimous When all had been passed and counted in favor of striking out the mileage. those opposed were asked to vote. but not a single member re- sponded. There was no more laughter and applause, and the chair announced that 167 votes had been cast in the affirm atve and none in the negative
 The paragraph providing for the placing of allottees of the five civilized tribes in possession of their allotments was amend. ed so as not to provide for the removal was passed without division
 PROMINENT MAN DISAPPEARS. Thought to Have Been Carried Out to