The bee., 1909-01-28
Congressional Notes

Washington, Jan. 26.--Legislation
affecting the District of Columbia was
considered by the house of representa-
tives Monday, almost the entire SEES
sion being devoted to that purpose.
An interesting feature OF the day
was tribute paid by Mr.. Boutell of
Illinois to the heroism of John r.
Binns, the wireless operator aboard
the steamship Republic, recently in
collision with the Florida. His re-
marks were loudly. applauded.
The postal savings bank and the
omnibus claims bill were before the
senate Monday for discussion and
amendment, but no substantial pro-
gress was made on either measure.
An amendment was made to the postal
bill, limiting to $500 the amount of the
deposits Of any one person and fixing
the rate of interest to be paid at per
cent, with the understanding that the
amendment would be subject to fur
Their change by the senate. Senator
Carter in charge of the measure, an
nounced that he would keep 1t before
the senate on every opportunity until
it was disposed of. Senator Hepburn,
Of Idaho. in an extended speech, op-
posed the passage of the proposed
legislation. The urgent deficiency
bill was passed.
The supreme court of the United
OfofAn rx-fn 20 fhrna
weeks from next Monday, February l.
The recess is for permitting the pre-
paration OF opinions on cases which
have been pleaded.
The item in the urgent deficiency
bill allowing $4,000 for the purchase,
care and maintenance of automobiles
for the use of the president. as adopt
ed by the house, was stricken out by
ths senate.
RAtifications of the arbitration treaty
between the United States and Italy
were exchanged by Secretary Root
and the Italian ambassador at the
state department Friday.
An EFFORT was made in the senate
Friday to ratify the Canadian boundary
waterways treaty, but upon objections
frSf6 Senators Smith Of Michigan,
and Hepburn Of Iowa 1t went over
antA the next executive session. These
senator's have not examined the
treaty fully and asked that It be post
poAsd. 4
The senate committee on printing
has decided to report to the senate
once more the nomination Of Samuel
b. Donnolly to be public printer, with
the recommendation that he be con
firmed.
All motOrbOats propelled by naphtha
or gasoline hereafter will be required
to carry life preserves il the house
approves a bill passed by the senate
Friday.
Final action was taken on the |
Legislative, executive and judicial bill, |
the senate refusing by vote OF Al to |
q to fix at $4,000 the salary Of the |
president previously increased by an
amendment TO 100000.
Exactly as reported by the commit |
tee the naval program for the fiscal
year 1910 was Friday adopted by the |
house OF representatives and the |
naval appropriation bill was passed |
The aggregate amount Of appropriat-
ed by the bill is $1S5. 600, 900.
Senator Perkins Thursday intro.
duced an amendment to the naval bill |
appropriating t55O.OoO for improve
ment OF the channel at Mare Island
navy yard, California
The senate Thursday confirmed the |
nomination Of Stuart X. Lupton, of
Tennessee. to be consul at Messina.
Italy, vice Arthur S. Cheney, who was
killed In the recent earthquake Lup-
ton was also at Messina, acting as
deputy consul.
Senator Tillman insinuated that
some federal judges We're on the pay
rolls OF corporations. which called.
forth denunciation that such charges f,
should be made without specifically
naming the Judge referred to,
Senator Borah. who had offered
amendments reducing the increases of
salary. recommended by the commit
zee on appropriations, declared that
he action OF the senate in increasing
he salary Of the president to 100000
vas in violation OF the spirit of the
constitution and would never have
ieen taken before or during the recent
'oiitical campaign.