Omaha daily bee., 1906-12-07
FIFTY MILLION FOR RIVERS
Waterways Convention to Ask for a Per
mAneut Appropriation.
oWAHAN ON RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
ENinkaid Argues Before Land Conn
missioner In Behalf of Veterans
who Take Up Additional
HOmesteads.
CFrom a San Corresnondentl

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-tspecial rele-
gram 1T was stated that 100 delegates
were present at the deep waterways con-
vention which convened in this city to-
day. After addresses by Speaker Cannon |
and Representative Burton, chairman Of |
the rivers and harbors committee, the con-
vention got down to business. 1t was |
agreed that there should be one vice presi- |
dent from each state, and the name OF |
Henry T. Clarke of Omaha was presented |
TO represent Nebraska. A committee on |
resolutions was appointed, Nebraska pre- |
senting the name of <. J. McVann, who !
afterwards was selected as secretary OF
the resolutions committee, the chairman of
the committee being Hon. J. N. Teal OF
Portland, ore. A reorganization committee
Of tea was appointed, Fred w. Fleming
OF Kansas City being named to represent
the entire Missouri valley. On the nom
mating committee the west was repre-
sented by Mayor Beardsley of Kansas
city w. +. Saunders Of ST. Louis and
Representative Martin b. Madden Of Chi
cago.
When the resolutions committee met and
organized. selecting Mr. Teal chairman and
Mr.. McVann secretary, It was found there
were so many projects and other plans to
be considered that It was deemed wise to
appoint subcommittee TO formulate the
resolutions This subcommittee was fur
ther divided into another subcommittee,
whose members talked all day. This sub
committee will report to the larger com
mittee tonight and tomorrow the resolu-
tions will be reported to the full commit
/ tee.
Fifty Million for Rivers.
While the committee on resolutions has
yet to pass on the work of the subcommit-
tees, It seems safe to say resolutions will
confne themselves strictly to the basic
purposes of the convention and will pro-
nounce strongly for the adoption by con-
gress Of an annual appropriation Of 5O.-
100000 for rivers and harbors Specific pro-
jects were completely shut off during the
general discussion of the full committee
and suggestions as to how congress should
get the money were frowned down. 1t is
understood that the resolution will be brief,
the brevity insuring consideration.
The most Impressive delegation in the
convention today both in point of num-
bers and In the character of the men COM
posing it, came from Kansas City. Nearly
fifty men came on two special Pullmans
representing every organized commercial
body in the city at the mouth of the Kaw
Mr.. McVann, who is looked upon as one
of the strong men of the convention, In
speaking of the makeup of the congress,
said: II was tremendously impressed to-
day, first by the great number of persons
in att6ndance; second, by their influential
character; third, by the deep-seated senti-
ment shown that something should be done
for rivers and harbors. and fourth, by the
splendid speeches of Speaker Cannon and
Chairman Burton. Such convention as is
now in session cannot help but be power
for the upbullding Of the waterways of the
United States and making them forces for
transportation"
KinkRid Argues for Veterans,
Congressman Kinkaid, at the suggestion
of Commissioner Richards, appeared before
: Assistant Commissioner Pollock today In
opposition to the order of the commissioner
prohibiting soldier entrymen from proving
up until their five years residence had ac
tually taken place. There are many Ole
soldiers who have entered upon lands GOV
cred by the Kinkaid act who have taker
subsequent land, but are estopped from
making final proof when the time Of theh
service, added to time Of their residence
amounts to FIVE years. Judge Kinkaid con
tended that these soldiers should be al
lowed their patents when the time of serv
, ice and time of residence should amour
! to five years, whether they lived upon thei
old entry or upon their contiguous entry
Commissioner Richards, under an order Il
the local land officers, has issued an orde
. that any soldier entryman who lived upol
his actual entry shall have credit for tn
!, time of his service in which to make fna
proof, but his order does not go to the ex
> tent that a soldier entryman living upon
n contiguous entry shall have the same righ
. and it was for the purpose Of clearing u
= this matter that Judge Kinkaid appeare
: before the assistant commissioner today.
The member from the Sixth NebrasS
feels encouraged over the argument mad
. today, but should the assistant commits
: sioner hold against him ne proposes to TAX
= an appeal to the secretary Of the interior
! and then, If he cannot get any redress, h
a VIII introduce a special bill In congress
right what he considers both a hardshi
and an injustice to the old soldier.
A BnI on Coal Land Question.
Following the suggestion contained
d the presidents message with respect
coal lands. Senator Hansbrough OF Mort
Dakota is preparing a bill, which he wi
Introduce probably this week, reserving
the government title to all coal lands r.
y naming In the public domain, aIIowir
az 6SNNASAANAANI AN"bNNAb Abl any purpose ar
L. only reseTying the right to settlers to IA
"a for their own needs any coal found {
IN lands upon on them. The bill will all
I'd contain a clause authorizing the govern
is ment to develop the coal properties |
leasing them, or allowing them to
o. worked under royalty system.
I'll In other words. It Is the purpose OF Il
r. senator to amend the homestead law,
al as not 10 retard settlement and at the san
,h time to reserve to the government title
'n the GOAL deposits upon the public d
Ie. main. He, in common with many 9th
m senators, is I'm receipt Of letters from dl
In ferent parts Of the west setting for
nd that the withdrawal Of large areas
d. land supposed 10 contain coal Is workil
re an injury to settlement
BeveFidge Comes TO Nebraska.
- Senator Beyeridge of Indiana has su
u rendered TO the urgent appeals and W
address the Nebraska State Teachers a
?" ISOLATION at It's annual convention at Ii
coin during the Christmas holidays.
Nebraska surveys Complete.
Judge Kinkaid is advised by the geneI
x land Office that the survey OF the sou
re- half Of Rock and Brown counties n
co braska, as provided for by an act pass