Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-03-10
From Washington.
Correspondence Of the Alexandria Gazette.I
Washington, March 10.

having adjourned yesterday t'l mVhuoJ.
Next week, and probably for several
weeks thereafter, the Senate will devote
itself to the consideration of the railroad
rate question. The Hepburn bill which
passed the House is now the unhn-
isLed business of the Senate That
means that it is to be taken up for con-
sideration every afternoon until disposed
Of 1t is certain that there is scarcely
Senator who does not think that amend
ments are required and the result of this
feeling will be that the bill may be CIV
IN its final shape on the floor OF the SEN
ate How long the debate will take Is
uncertain but the prediction has been
made that the final vote Ulay be had be-
fore the FIRST Of April. There are but
two vital issues. One is whether the
courts shall be given broad or construct
ed powers OF review Of decisions made by
the Interstate Commerce Commission;
the other, whether during the court
proceedings, on appeal, the rate liked
by the Commission shall be sus-
pended or shall remain in force.
II is known that there are number of
democrats who will insist that proper
provision be made to protect the consti-
tutional privileges of the railroads by
giving them ample opportunity for APP
peal to the courts. Senator Tillman has
been busy for the last few days in pre-
pairing his report on the Hepburn bill,
and it is possible that he may have 1t
ready to submit to the Senate on Mon
day or Tuesday. The Senate will be
enlivened early in the week by a speech
from Senator TiIlman on the Presidents
message which found fault with the text
of the Tillman. Gillespie resolution.
Senator Piles, of Washington, announc-
ed this morning that the President has
decided to appoint w. ..B. Hoggatt, of
juneau, as governor of Alaska.
Work has been begun on the new rifle
range for the Marine Corps at Williams
burg, Va. The range is on the York
river, at its junction with Kings creek.
IN York county, about eight miles from
williamsburg, and about sixty miles
from Norfolk. A skirmish field will al
so be laid out for twelve group targets.
The Interstate Commerce Commission
this morning published formal order
providing for the investigation of the
alleged railroad monopolies in coal and
oil in connection with the Tillman-Gil-
lespie resolution passed by Congress and
approved by the President March 7.
The order sets forth the various matters
TO be inquired into.
The House committee on the Judiciary
today agreed to report fayOrably the
employers liability bill by Representa-
tive Bates, of Pennsylvania, which has
had the earnest support of labor organi-
cations in the United States and the
recommendation for passage of which
was made in the Presidents message TO
Congress. The bill related to the La
biliIies of common carriers only and pro-
vides that railroad shall be liable for
the death of, or damage to, any of its
. Employees, resulting from the negli-
gence of any OF its employees or by rta-
son of any defect or inetficiency due to
its negligence in its cars, engines, appli-
ances, machinery, tracks, roadbeds, way
or works.
The Senate subcommittee on appro-
priations today heard the chief OF artil-
Iery and other witnesses on the question
OF the establishment of q government
powder factory. The sentiment of the
committee as developed this morning
was in favor of such an establishment,
not of size to enter into competition
with the private manufacturers OF
powder, but sufficient TO form an organ
ization at which officers of the army
might become acquainted with the pro-
cesses of powder making and which or
ganization could be extended in time OF
war. 1t is probable that the committee
will recommend an appropriation Of
5000, 600 for the purpose.
Another week of discussion of sppro-
priaiion bills c0nfronts the House. The
legislative, executive and judicial appro-
pratt IN bill, carrying a little over 20
million dollars will be submitted either
on Tuesday or Wednesday. The debate
on the bill will extend into next week
and will consume not less than ten days
The measure contains many reform
provisions relating, to the administration
of the executive departments which will
meet decided opposition. Monday will
be District of Columbia day in the
House. Consideration will also be Civ
Ell some day next week to the measures
pro, osed TO correct the shortcomings of
the Tillmsn-Gillespie act providing for
An investigation by the Interstate Com
merce Commission of alleged railroad
mOnopolies in coal and oil.
The President announced today that
the following nominations of federal
officers in New York city would be made
next week: Nevada N. Stranabsu, col
lector of the port; Gen. James 5. Clark
son. surveyor of the port; Gen. James
J. kerwin. pension agent; j. II. Hau-
bert, United States Marshal for the East
ern District of New York; Edwin B.
Jordan, collector of internal revenue;
Frederick J. II, Kracke, naval officer
of the port.
Lindon w Bates, a New York engi-
neer was today heard by the Senate
canal committee in support of his plan
for building the Panama Canal which
has been turned down by the canal COM
missioners and by the advisory board of
the engineers. He made long techni-
cal explanation of his proposition which
embraced low level lock canal. Mr..
Bales's plan PROPOSES a new entrance TO