The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-18
Congressman HeHin Defends Work of Cotton Experts
 In Foreign Countries
SOUTH'S PRODUCT GIVES
 TIE BALANCE OF TRADE
MT. Hefin Speaks ForoibIy Upon the Appropriation for Experts and Saves the Measure-coosa
 River Bridge Authorized.

Washington, February 17.-tspecial) The s40000 for sending cotton ex- perts Into the Orient in order in ad- vance the cotton trade of the Tinted states was retained in the legislative bill today after a fight that at one time threatened to knock out tbe an propriation. Representative Harrison thought the work could be as well done by not sending experts and seemed to get considerable support among the members At this point Representa- tive Hefin of Alabama took the floor and following him Representative Bingham made a point of order against the Harrison amendment which wa s sustained by the chairman and the an propiation was retained.
 In the course of his remarks Mr. Hefiin said:
 Tn reply to the suggestion of the gentleman from New York, (Mr. liar rison) that this work can be accom- plished by writing for or purchasing the desired information abroad regard ing our cotton trade and the manu- facturer of cotton goods, I wish to say that this work cannot be done intelli- gently and successfully other than by the way 1t is now being done. These expert agents representing the United States government can obtain infor- nation regarding the cotton trade with other countries that the private citizen cannot obtain.
 Tt is a business proposition and a wise one for us to do anything in our power to increase our export trade with foreign countries. Especially should we give our attention to our cotton trade for it is cotton that gives us the balance of trade, and brings us gold from for eign countries when all other products fail. Let us follow the example of England, France and Germany These countries have expert agents in all countries of the east looking after tn cir cotton goods trade.
 Let us take no backward step in this matter. We ought to have dozen agents instead of four"
 Coosa River Bridge.
 The Senate today passed the House bill authorizing the county of Fillmore to construct a bridge across the Coosa river at Wetumpka, and amended 1t as follows; Provided that any bridge con- structed under this act shall be erected at sufficient height above the water of said river at high and low water state to permit the free passage of steam boats and other water craft navigat- ing and accustomed to navigate the Alabama and Coosa rivers or shall be constructed a draw bridge subject to such regulations for the security of navigation below the Coosa and Ala bama rivers as the Secretary of War may prescribe.
 Canal Proposed.
 Senator Johnston introduced today a concurrent resolution directing the Secretary of War to have an exami- nation and survey made of an in- land waterway from Mobile bay to Perdido bay and from Perdido bay 10 Escambia bay, Florida, for the pur- pose of estimating the probable cost of the construction of a canal 30 feet wide by nine feet deep, or of such width and depth as will be sufficient to permit of the navigation of such vessels as ordinarily navigate said bays.
 Bill to Aid Negroes.
 The bill to reimburse the depositors of the old Freedmans Savings and Trust company has finally been re- ported favorably from a committee the Senate committee on education and labor. It has been pending before each Congress for about 30 years. The bill carries 900 for the negroes who deposited their money in the in- stitution. This, 1t is thought, will be more than sufficient and a provision is made for the use of what may remain toward educating negro youths of the south. Such a bill was strongly in- dorsed by President Cleveland and othe Presidents, MT. Cleveland taking the ground that the appropriation was plain duty"
 While the chances are against the enactment of the bill at this session it's advocates are now very hopeful of it's eventually becoming law. s
 Hobson is Firm.
 Representative Hobson of Alabama announced today that he would bring in a minority report favoring the build- ing of four battleships regardless of the attitude of the committee on the subject w. 5.