The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1908-03-24

Would be More Thorough Than if
Made by State-Other Matters
Considered.
Washington, March 21.-Soon af-
ter conyening the senate entered upon
the consideration Of the Legislative
executive and judicial bill. When
the committee amendment appro-
priating $195, 900 for continuing
the investigation OF the protection
Of the lives OF miners in the terri
tories and the district Of Alaska was
called up, Senator Knox offered an
additional amendment, making the
provision apply to the entire coun-
try.
That" said Mr. Talbert, lis an
attempt to authorize the investiga-
don Of mining conditions in the
states"
He declared that would not con-
sent to have that provision apply to
Colorado, which he said has salts
factory mining regulations.
Disclaiming that there was any in
tention on his part to interfere with
the states, Mr.. Knox said he believed
the states would welcome such in
yest:gations.
u,
"where such Investigations are con-
Quoted the loss of life in mining is
trifling compared with results in this
country. In some sections OF Eu-
rope the loss of life from such causes
is but one-fourth OF that in the
United States
Mr. Teller Tetorcd that no country
i'm Europe escapes mining disasters
to IS great an extent GG does Colo
rado. AS the case now stands, he
said, If a mine owner does not object
to such Investigations they can be
extended to his mines.
The fact that the states do not
investigate mining disasters as
thoroughly as can the federal gov
ernInent was urged by Senator Sim
mons Of North Carolina. He had
studied mining disasters very care
fully and had observed that there
Mr.. Hale declared that this amend
ment raised very old question. "It
as woeful lack of information con-
serning the causes of such disasters.
tS, he said IAN attempt to regulate
enterprise, industry, calamity and
loss by the federal government.
should have been glad to fnd the
senator from Pennsylvania with Us
to resist these repeated demands to
have the general government
stretch out it's strong hand to regu-
date and control and investigate in
dustry in the states. Pennsylvania
has a body of statutes on this sub
ject."
Mr.. Knox insisted that the invee-
LEGATIONS by the general government
would merely allow mine owners to
adopt humane measures to save life.
'All I ask" he said, lis let US
get all information we can in order
that means may be taken to adopt
Intelligent methods for preventing g
these disasters.
''The senator" retorted Mr.. Hale,
''fs travelling the same old road, the
gradual encroachment by the federal
government under the guide of inves-
tigation.
There is not single field occu-
pied and controlled by the federal
government that did not result from
a movement begun by calling for
an investigation. when you de-
clare that the general government
shall investigate these evils that ac-
tion only prece0es request for leg
islation to control them"
The amendment was defended by
MIR. HomeWay, OF indiana, VINO said
he had not heard the senator from
Maine object to the agricultural bill
as breaking down the state lines by
teaching the farmers how to farm in
various states of the union
Mr.. Hale retorted that he had
protested against divers encroach-
ments by the federal government by
legislatinon on the agricultural bill
81 have done it, he said, until /
have recognized myself as sort Of
nuisance to the people, who want to
do these things"
After further discussion the
amendment was agreed to.
An amendment offered by Senator
Dixon, of Montana to increase salar-
fes of about dozen clerks of senate
committees from $500 to $2,250
called forth spirited discussion but
1t went out on point of order.
Senator Bacon offered an amend
ment for an increase of 20 per cent.
for government employees in this
city who now receive not more than
$1,000, but It was also lost On a
point of order. ~
In order that government agents
investigating trade conditions abroad
might report upon Wholesale and
retail prices at which American