The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-01-23
FIGHT over
8-H0UR
CANAL DAY

Washington, Jan. 2s.-with a point Of
order impending. the eight-hour clause OF
the Panama canal item in the urgent de-
iiciency bill was buffeted about in debate
during the greater part OF yesterdays
session OF the house. The debate was
general however, and the point OF order.
which will be by Mr.. Hogg OF Colorado,
or by Mr.. Williams, the minority leader,
can only be made when the section is con-
sidered for amendment.
While the eight-hour provision OF the
Panama part OF the bill is what is object
ed to most strenuously. speeches were
made for and against the administra TONS
canal policy.
Mr. williams. the minority leader. de-
clared the work OF digging ought TO be
done by contract Mr.. Dearmond CMo)
Immediately contended that THE could
not be done successfully.
Mr.. Burton OF Ohio urged that congress
should scrutinize appropriations. MI. Hep
burn OF Iowa urged the necessity OF CEN
tralization in responsibility and wanted
the president held responsible for the
work.
Discussion OF the item OF $3.50 7Ss for
the Panama canal brought out the state
ment from Mr.. Littauer that the work
OF actual excavation OF the canal was to
begin between April and July of this
year. The present work. he said, was
making the canal zone sanitary.
Regarding the repeal OF the eight
hour day law for the isthmus, provided
for in the bill. Mr.. Littauer said Ameri-
can standards could not be applied to the
colored labor on the isthmus.
He quoted Chief Engineer Stevens to
the effect that 20 per cent. could be saved
annually on the silver payroll IL author
ity was given TO work the men 10 hours
a day, and that this would amount 10
millions OF dollars.
These laborers now get from $3.50 to
s20s In silver for eight hours work. 1t Is
proposed to pay the same daily wages
for 10 hours work.
AS TO the gold payroll. which contains
names OF Americans, Mr.. Stevens was
quoted as saying that he had constant
demand from these men to be allowed to
work overtime IL was explained that In
the case of Americans it was proposed TO
pay the same rate per hour as now.
Both Mr.. Hosg (Col) and Mr.. Under
wood (Ala.) gave notice that they would
make point OF order against the sec
ton.
Mr. Williams, the minority leader made
a general complaint against the method
of making appropriations. He read from
the bill that $1,000 600 was for "miscella-
neous purchases" In the United States a
statement, he said, which was very indefi-
mite.
There was something like $500. 900 Ito
dig the ditch" which he indorsed. be-
cause he wanted the canal He advocated
digging the ditoh" by contract and said
IL this was done instead OF allowing poll
ticians TO do the work IL could be com
pleted in from three TO five years
The whole thing, he said. was beginning
to smell strongly OF the old French canal
company.
NJ. Burton co. characterized criticism
al this time as unjust
General debate on the canal paragraph
was closed at o'clock.
In the course OF the day Mr.. Hearst
IN. " was eulogized by Mr.. Gaines
CTenn). ae having made the greatest
fight against the trusts OF any living man.
IT am not a Hearst man for president ="
he continued. but l believe we should
render 20 Caesar the things that are Cae-
sar's"
The house then adjourned at 5:25 D. m.