The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-06
FOR JOINT STATEHOOD
SENATOR NELSON CONCLUDES
 SPEECH IN SENATE.
Foraker, Hepburn and Newlands, By Their Questions and Statements, Indicate Opposition to the
 Pending Measure.


 Washington. Jan. 5.-The joint Statehood bill again occupied the ma jor portion of the attention of the Senate, and MT. Nelson completed his speech in support of it. The omnibus claims bill was read in part. but no effort was made to secure action on 1t. 1 Bills for the reorganization of the medical corps of the army and regula- ting promotions of army officers in the ordnance department were passed. One of the most elaborate floral de- signs ever exhibited in the Senate cham Der surmounted the desk of MT. Bur rows of Michigan. when the Senate convened today. It was a map In flowers of the entire State of Michigan and as a testimonial from admirfng friends as a compliment on the Sena- tors renominati0n for the Senate. The body of the State was shown in immor- telles and the lakes by mirrors. These were surrounded by border of roses, orchids and carnations, the whole de- sign being surmounted by tho words, All Yours." MT. Burrows was greatly ,congratu- lated on making his appearance. Ho had the flowers promptly removed. The credentials of Murphy J. Foster as Senator from Louisiana, were pre- sented and placed on file. The following bills were passed: Authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Ouachita River in Arkansas.
 Authorizing the construction of bridge across the Ouachita River in Caldwell Parish, La.
 MT. Platt (N. r. from the Commit tee on Printing. renewed his request for consideration of the resolution fa- vorable to the printing of 10000 copies of the report of the Commissioner of Corporations, saying that he would &C., cept the suggestion of MT. Bailey for the printing of the decision of the Su- preme Court in the Knight case which is criticised by the report. The reso- lution was agreed to.
 A resolution reported by MT. Burrows from the Committee on Privileges and Elections fixing 1 o'clock Wednesday, February s, for the canvass by the two houses of Congress of the vote cast at the late Presidential election, was agreed to. The ceremony will take place in the chamber of the House of Representatives.
 In connection with the consideration of bill concerning the rental of con suls quarters, MT. Teller called atten- tion to the need of more consular off, fees in Mexico, and MT. Cullom, as
 
 relations, promised that the matter should have attention. Mir. Teller said the need of increase is emphasized by the proximity of Mexico and the growing business between the two countries. The bill under considera- tion amends the revised statutes by removing the limitation of 20 per cent of the salary of consuls for rent and permitting the allowance of a reason able sum for expenses. The bill was passed.
 The following bills also were passed:
 Prescribing means for the promo tion of army officers of the line while on duty in the ordnance department and fixing the number of officers of all grades in that corps. Providing for the reorganizatiin of the medical department of the army, creating a reserve corps and doing away with most of the contract sur geons.
 Consideration of the Statehood bill being resumed, MT. Nelson continued his speech in support of the meas ure.
 Tn the course of his address Mr. Nelson was interrogated by a number of senators, among them being MT. Foraker, who called attention to the proviso of the organic act of the ter ritory of Arizona concerning Its con- tinuance as such.
 'Is not that a proviso in the na- ture of a pledge for the continuance of the Territory as it was created as such until 1t should be transformed into a State?" asked MT. Foraker, but Mir. Nelson did not assent to the prop osition.
 But" he said, "even if it was a pledge. 1t was not an irrevocable one, for Congress remains absolutely in control of the Territories until they become States, so that it Is perfectly competent to change the boundaries if desired to do so.'
 MT. Nelson argued that while New Mexico and Arizona cover an extended area. the section had been backward and would continue so owing to the lack of moisture. He read a letter from Director Wolcott, of the geolog- ical survey saying that only about 1,300,000 acres of land in Arizona and New Mexico or one per cent of the to- tai area, was under irrigation or cap- able of irrigation.
 Messrs. Newlands and Heyburn joined in the debate, asking MT. Nelson con- cerning conditions in the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona and indica- ting objections to their union. Mir Nelson maintained that joint State hood would be best for all the people. He concluded at p. m.. and the Sen ate went into executive session.
 At 4:10 the doors were re-opened and the Statehood bill was laid aside temporarily in order to allow the om- nibus claims bill to be partly read.
 At 5:45 the Senate adjourned.
 
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