The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1906-07-03
Senator Fulton and Gearin'Per-
formed Good Service
THE STATE HAS FARED WELL
Senators Secure Columbia River Ap-
preparation, Irrigation for Klamath
and Public Bull dings.

The Oregon delegation in the session
of congress just closed, while han di-
capped by unfortunate circumstances,
has been singularly successful. and
legislation secured for Oregon inter-
ests will compare favorably with that
obtained by other state delegations.
In the house there has been much
forbearance and charity shown Oregon
on account of the naturally weakened
condition Of the states representation,
and in all matters in which Oregon
is interested every effort has been made
to give the state fair show and
square deal.
In the senate there was no stronger
delegation from the west or northwest
than Fulton and Gearin. These two
senator's worked in harmony and with
out jealousy orsrivalry for the inter
est of their state and it is unfortunate
for Oregon that they are not to contin-
ne to work side by side during the
sixtieth congress- Coming late in the
session and observing strictly the ira
dition of the senate that new senat-
or shall not take speaking part in
the proceedings, Gearin has made no
addresses in the senate, although urg-
ed at various times to do SO by those
knowing his ability as a speaker.
While not doing any talking, Sen
ator Gearin has applied himself in
dustriously to work for the state,
and in conjunction with Senator Full
ton has accomplished material results.
Senator Fultons work during the ses-
sion had scope of both ational and
state interests. Conspicuous in the
former was the participation with
marked success in the railway rate
discussion, where he earned a high
position among the legal lights of the
senate. Service of more distinctive
state character resulted through his
efforts combined with Senator Gearin's
in the generous appropriation for
Oregon, considering that this is cleo
ton year, when the watch dogs growl
at every treasury gate. The 100000
for continuing work at the mouth of
the Columbia was prominent a.
chievement in this line, the klamath
Indian appropriation of $537, 600 be-
ing good second, and $4,000 for
state buildings being not a despicable
third.
One independent bill was passed,
providing that people who had taken
unallotted lands of the Umatilla res
ervation should be permitted to pay
up without making proof of cultiva.
tiou, when it was shown that the land
was arid.
Congress also finally adjusted The
long controversy between the North
ern Pacific and the numerous settlers
between Wallula and Portland ovel
rights growing out of the lap of thu
grant cases. law enacted permitting
the settlers to retain their homes ant
the company to settle other land.
An especial service to the coast in
terests was the law passed permitting
American sealers wrongfully seizet
for poaching to present their claims
in the court of claims, which has loni
been denied them.
An act which is not a law was TIN
termination Of a long controversy be-
tween the state and government owe
civil war claims. Senator Fulton, a
chairman of the committee on claims
is to be sent to the court of claims i
the Oregon case in which it has bee
proved that the government owes th
state about $335, 1000. This disposi
, tion of the claim will result in an al
preparation of approximately tina
amount in year or so.
Three postoftice buildings apprt
priations for the state aggregate $1S(
900.
Senators Fulton and Gearin also Sc
cured the adoption of large nu mbe
of private pension bills.