Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-04-24
From Washington.
Correspondence of the AIexandriA Gazette
Washington, d. O., April "a.

From washington
CORRESPONDENCE of the Alexandria Gazette.l
Washington, d. O., April "a.
Alsbsma's new Senator ]. NJ. Bank
head delivered his maiden speech in the
Senate this afternoon in advocacy OF his
proposition for sn appropriation of
$500. 900 for the improvement OF dirt
ros ds under the direction OF the Post
master General and the Secretary of Ag-
ricuIiure. He said that 30 per cent OF
the internal commerce of the United
States was transported over dirt rosds
ind predicted that within the lives OF
many of his fellow Senators traction en-
rines and automobiles would be utilized
in hauling market and forests products
TO market over improved roadways.
Upon his own request, received at the
Navy Department today, Rear Admiral
Charles Nj. Thomas will haul down his
flag az commauder-in-chie of the Allan
tic Aset Nay 10, with in one week after
he has first hoisted bis flag. All other
commands will accordingly shift at the
same time, making Rear Admiral SPerry
commauder-in-chief on May 10 Instead
of bis waiting until July 6, the date OF
the fleets sailing for home, as WAS orlgl-
nally inttn1ed. Admiral Thomas, who
is nov in acting command, VIII take
the feet into San Francisco harbor on
Nav 6. when, 1t ia expected, Rear Ad-
mirsl Egsas will rejOin his command.
Whether Admiral Evans is able to be
on the feet or not his flag will remain
up ill May 9, following the joint review
of the two great fleets by Secretary Met
calf and his special staff. Admiral
Thomas, in his communication to Secre-
tsry Metcalf, stated that while he ap-
preciated the opportunity Of having the
honor of being the regularly assigned
feet COMMUNICATIVE chief, be thought 1t
advisable, for the good OF the service, TO
relinouish this command almost at once.
This, in order to give Admiral sperry
the permanent command, the free hand
is making all his necessary plans Tor
the homecoming cruise.
The president won a victory at the
Capitol today, when the House co M
mittee on the judiciary voted down the
report of the subcommittee rejecting on
lJadge L. F. WILDLY, of the U. 5.
Court of Shanghai, China. The pres
ident bad de AIRED WilAey did not
deserve the reprimsnd. The committed
also voted down a resolution to impeSch
WlIAsy. A resolution wss adopted FOL
presentation to the House stating "ths'
after In vestigation it is of the opinion
that no proceedings should be taken on
the Waldo resolution for impeachment"
The president accepted today tht
resignation of b. Fairfax Ayres OF The
7th Cavaly to take effect May IA. Lieut.
Ayres is a con of Col G.. Ayres and the
central figure of the recent episode 10
West point out of which grew storm
for the War Department.
The president today transmitted tC
the Senate the draft of a bill drawn by
the State Department, providing tol
the transfer Of certain United States
land in Pekin, Chino, to the Bank Of
Indo- China, in exchange for certain land
there which the United States govern
ment desires.
The Hartford, Admiral Farrsgnt flag
ship, was placed 10 commission at thu
Norfolk navy yard today, 10 be the tsg
ship of the Naval Academy practice
squadron for the midshipmen's cruise
beginning after the graduation IN June
Secretary Metcalf will leave Washing
ton Monday afternoon for San Francis
co to off islly welcome aud review The
Atlantic feet upon its arrival there
when it will have completed the voyage
begun at Hampton Roads, December l6,
last.
The War Department has decided tt
withdraw from Cuba the two battalioos
of the 9th Infantry now on duty viii
the army of paci6catiou.
Commander Sutton, the harbor master,
took $50 old pistols that had accumulated
at police headquarters during the pas
few years, down the river this morning
and destroyed them.
The public buildings and ground
bill will be completed late today By thu
House committee. The hill will be re
duced SO, 900, 900.
Secretary OF War Taft is preparing Il
make his annual pilgrimage to Psnsm'
this spring.