St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1910-04-22
BRIEF REPORT OF THE DAILY
WORK OF NATIONS LAWMAKERS

Washington, April 1S.-Swept along
on flood Of sharp questions as to his
authority for charging members of
congress and newspapers with being
corruptly Influenced, John M. Maxwell,
former editor Of the American Flag,
the organ of the Merchant Marine
league, today refused point blank to
answer questions on his source Of in
formation.
The interrogatories again will be
put to him at special session Of the
house special committee tomorrow, and
unless he changes his mind the atti-
tude Of the witness will be reported
to the house.
Prodded by counsel for a member Of
congress accused by the league, Max
well, without counsel and on the ground
of editorial privileges, justified his re-
plies, parried or declined to answer the
queries.
Speaker Cannon today was sustained
by the house by a vote Of 120 to 162 on
the question as to whether resolution
declaring that the refusal Of the speak
er to ascertain the presence Of quor-
um at the beginning Of each days ses-
sion was in violation Of the rules, was
privileged.
The Warren irrigation bill, which
passed the senate last week, was to-
day referred to the subcommittee of
the house committee on irrigation,
with instructions TO report next Fri
day.
Senator Aldrich authorized the an
nouncement tonight that he would not
be candidate for reelection to the
senate and that he would positively re-
tire at the expiration Of his present
term on March 8, 1911.
Washington, April l6. - President
Taft today informed Senator Jones
that he believed the house Of represent
atives, before adjournment, would
pass the $40, 900, 900 irrigation bill
that 10 now before the ways and means
committee.
The president further said that, In
asmuch as congress has begun to take
an interest In his other conservation
bills, he was now doing everything
within his power 10 bring about the
final passage Of the $50, 900, 900 bill,
which he regards as one Of the most
essential features Of his conservation
programme.
Senator Jones conferred with the
president on behalf Of the Western
senators 10 learn tho views Of the
president with regard 10 the proposal
recently made TO attach the $40, 000,-
900 bill TO the rivers and hsrbors bill
as a rider.
The president concurrcd In Jones'
opinion that this move would be mad
visable, a. there are men In congress
opposed TO both measures, and by CON-
bining fsrccs they might defeat them.
Moreover, the president said, he bc-
llevcd Il will not bc necessary 10 make
the irrigation bill . rider on any other
measure, for assurances he has receiv-
cd convince him the bill will pass upon
it, merits. II through any hitch the
irrigation bill does not pass the house
before the sundry civil bill 10 reported
TO the senate. which will be we'll TO-
wards the close Of the session. the
president said he would then feel the
senate would be justified In attaching
the $50, 900. 900 bill TO the sundry civil
bill. and In that way make sure Of Ia
enactment.
Washington, April l5.-Senator Bur-
ton. who yesterday submitted minor
ity report opposing the present system
of improving rivers and harbors, spoke
at length today In support Of his con-
tentions. He delared that although II
was not necessary but desirable tina,
transportation should continue 10 be
by both rail and water, yet the records
would show that railroads were carry
ing the freight Of the country and that
the chief value Of improved inland
waterways lay In their ability to exer-
else control Of rates.
Senators gave respectful attention "a
Burton as he talked, but he seemed 70
have made few converts. Az he pro-
ceeded he aroused considerable opposi-
tion and engaged In controversies with
Page, Lorimer, Bailey and others.
Burton declared that the country had
kofto Who oSCt tnC coindocttou VI
locks and dams. He instanced i'm
provements Of this character on the
Green and the Sandy rivers Of Ken
lucky. contending that despite the mil.
lions that had been expended on them
there had been falling OF In tonnage.
All this meant. he said. that that sort
Of transportation Ii going out Of exist
ence.
"The miners Of Alaska had no trou-
BILE over their mining claims until the
lawyers got there. They had not de.
veloped the great American hog in
stinct. but settled everything amicably
through their miners associations"
This was the declaration today OF
Delegate Wickersham, Of Alaska, be-
fore the house committee on terri
tories, which had under consideration
the Alaska legislative bill. The Sec
tion of the bill regulating the granting
Of powers Of attorney In stalking claims
was immediate subject Of discussion.
Washington, April i4.-If not in
compatible with the public interest,
President Taft will tell the house what
facts, II any. existed that would make