The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-28
COMMITTEE WORK
BUSIES NELSON
National and State Affairs Keep
Minnesota Senator Hard
at Work.
] Is Z
BY w. w. Jermane.

Washington, Feb. 2S.-Senator Mel
son s membership on four of the M
portant. committees of the senate keeps
him busy attending to business, not only
local, but national. Mr.. Nelson was a
ntemberof the committee on committees,
which made up the committee. assign,
ments of the senators, and he tired hard
to be excused from one, but the majority
insisted and assigned him to his old
places on public lands, territories, iudici-
airy and commerce.
The commerce committee of the senate
considers bills which in the house are
taken care of by two committees-inter-
state and foreign commerce and rivers
and harbors. AS a member of the com
merce committee Senator Nelson this
week reported a bill which is far-reach-
ing in it's effect on the revenue cutter
service, 1t provides for courtmartials
and other disciplinary measures to regu..
late the enlisted men Of that service, of
, which there are a large number When
the revenue cutter service was created
no provision was made for trying the
enlisted men for breaches of regulations,
as could be done in the navy or marine
corps. The men might be discharged,
but that was about all. Under the pro.
posed Nelson law, which was. drafted
obtain in that service, and it will be
more nearly on grade with the navy.
Lighthouse Districts.
Another bill reported by Mr.. Nelson
from the commerce committee was one
increasing the number of lighthouse dis
passage of this bill will mean that
Alaska, Porto Rico and Hawaii will be
separate districts. With closer super
vision the lighthouses in these localities
will be better cared for, and the service
improved generally.
The work of the committee on terri
tories has been heavy this winter, and
as special champion Of Alaska the Min
nesota senator has introduced number
Of important measures affecting that ter
ritory. His Alaska delegate bill, giving
the territory representation in the house
Of representatives, was introduced, re
ported from the committee and passet
within two months after the meeting OF
congress. This committee has also beer
considering bills for the construction Of
roads and trails, and for a general plal
Of railroad building which will greatl,
aid in the development Of the far north
err country.
The most important bill, aside from
those affecting Minnesota, considered il
the committee on public lands, has beel
one for the re,eal of the timber an
stone act. No bill has vet been reporte
on this subject, but it is expected tina
one will be put on the senate calenda
after the sub ect has been discusse
fully in committee.
s~ Judicial Committee.
Ordinarily the work Of the iudiciar
committee is not heavy, but this sessio
has been al exception, particularly wit
executive busine ss-nominati ons to i,
dicial offices. There have been lot o
contested eases, notably that of Jude
,Wickersham of Alaska, who was nom
mated for third time at the openin
of the session. Senator Nelson is chai
man Of the subcommittee in charge c
this case. Charges have been file
against Wickersham and answered in
long brief, and Mr.. Nelson hopes to hav
the nomination disposed of before man
weeks have passed. Il
Senator Nelson will earn the gratitut
Of surfmen in the 1ife-saving service f,
having introduced and reported bi
placing them on the retired list Man
Of the have been incaoacitated
this hazardous service, and have BET
forced to retire, but there has been I
law under which thew might draw a 20
ton Of their active duty pay after bei1
laid off by reason of injuries contractt
in the service. The senator's bill cove
injuries, and also provides for retir
ment should surfman be lucky enous
to live to be 81 years old. He hopes
see it pass both houses this session.