Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-02-06
From Washington.

Washington, ID. T., FEB. D.
In view of the recent alleged proposal
by Germany to Great Britain to bring
about an end to the Russo-Japanese war,
the Sunday night call Of Sir Henry Nor
timer Durand, the British Ambassador,
at the White House is regarded here a;
significant, especially as he was accom-
panied by Mr.. Spring Rice, the first
secretary of the British Embassy at st.
Petersburg. The two diplomats were
with the President more than an hour,
and the general opinion here is that Sir
Mortimer spoke in Pickwickian sense
when. on leaving the White House, be
assured the reporters that there had
been no talk of peace proposals 1t Is
known that Presid ,nt Roosevelt stands
ready to offer the good Offices of the
United States at any time when request
ed by the belligerents to effect cessation
of hostiities, and it would not be sur
prising if the British Ambassadors visit
last night should prove to be the first
step in the direction OF peace. Sir Nor
timer was averse to discussing his call
with representatives of the press, con-
tenting himself with the laconic remark
ono peace proposals; no nothing"
The House committee on the judiciary,
having decided by a vote OF 8 to 6 TO
report the Clayton bill to repeal the
bankruptcy act, today submitted its
majority report on the subject through
Mr. Clayton, of Alabama, author of the
bill. at has been the policy of The
United States to have permanent
bankruptcy law" he says. "We think
the present law has served its purpose
and it should be repealed. Trial and
experience have demonstrated the mani,
fold imperfections of the law and that
many cases of injustice have come and
are constantly coming rom its ope-
ration. We do not believe there is any
necessity or any general public demand
for the longer retention Of the law. 1t
has tended to burden the federal
courts with litigation, which we
believe could just as well be con-
Quoted by the courts of the States.
The friends of the present bankruptcy
law, who belong to the creditor class,
are constantly endeavoring to perfect this
act into mere machinery for the collec-
ton of debts, minimizing or ignoring as
far as possible the primary purpose Of
bankruptcy legislation-the relief OF un-
fortunate debtors. The country is now
in such condition that it can, without
hurt to the great business interests, dis
pense with the bankruptcy law. Should
a panic arise and commercial disasters
overwhelm the country, then it might be
advisable to enact temporary bank
ruptcy law"
The river and harbor bill, carrying
about $50, 600. geo, details of which have
been made public, was reported to the
House late today by Chairman Burton
of the committee. The report contains
a list of more than dozen projects for
which appropriations are made on con-
dition of participation by States or
localities specially benefited.
1t is learned at the State Department
that there is strong probability that
the new protocol with San Domingo will
be signed either today or tomorrow, but
that q week will elapse after its signing
before it reaches this city by mail
1t will then be sent to the Senate at
once. However, even with this speed
officials Of the administration have but
very little hope Of its confirmation at
this session of Congress, bssing their
belief both en- the shortness Of the time
remaining and upon the general attitude
of the Senate against any and all treaties.
In the House today Mr.. .Rixey intro
duced bill for the relief of Miss Anne
S. Frobel, of Fairfax county, Va.
Senator Beveridge said today that he
felt confident ofthe passage of the state
hood bill as it came from the commit
is one State of Oklahoma aud
Indian Territory and one of Arizona and
New Mexico, but the impression about
the Capitol is that only one State
Oklahoma and Indian Territory, as
Oklahoma will be admitted at this session
Of Congress. A large majority of the
democratic Senators are opposed to ad-
hitting Arizona and New Mexico as one
State.
Those about the Capitol that claim to
be well posted concerning the matter,
Jay that the Senate will not pass the
railroad rate bill at this session, no mat
er what the House does; they say, how.
,ver, that if the Senate should pass the
)ill it will be only when it is made en-.
irely acceptable to the railroad interests.
District Attorney Beach is making ar
to send August w. Machen,
Dr.. George f. LOrenz, and Diller B. and
samuel A. Croft, to the Moundsville, w.
Va, penitentiary tomOrrowto begin the
sryice of their two years sentences, on
ccount ofthe pOstoffice frauds. A petition
or the pardon of Samuel A. Croft was
presented to the President today by Rep.
Cassel of Pennsylvania, but
{ was denied.
The administration has decided to APP
'ropriate sufficient money out of the
'anama canal funds for the establish
nent of four Y. NJ. @. A. quarters on the
one.
The Humphrey resolution for an in
estigation by the Secretary of War. of
he army transport service, was today
avorsbly reported by the House COM
nittee on military affairs.
The House committee on rules today
repaired rule to be submitted to the
House at 2 p. M, providing for imme;
late consideration ofthe Esch-Townsend