Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1912-05-08
RIGHT OF-WAY BILL PASSES
Morris Measure Affecting Union
Pacific in House.
AIM IS TO END ALL LITIGATION
Chief Engineer of War Department
Agrees to Devote 1880 to
Revetmentx on Missouri
at Elk Point.


WASHINGTON. D. c.. May T-tspecisi
WASHINGTON. d. c.. May S-tspecial
Telegram.l-The Norris blu to ouiet title
to lands along the nght-of-way OF the
Union Pacific railroad in Nebraska, Kan
sas and Colorado passed the house with
Union Pacific railroad in Nebraska.
Kansas and Colorado passed the house
without opposition yesterday after
being brought up under the unsni-
nous consent calendar. It affects
strip 100 feet wide on either side
Of the right-of-way, title to which
was In many cases claimed by the ratl-
road under the original grant giving
strip 100 feet wide for right-of-way pur-
poses. A later grant from the government
over the two grants and subsequent
claims by the railroad cloud was cast
upon the title to thousands of acres OF
farm land and city property. The bill
has been passed TO end II possible the
litigation which resulted. A similar bill
by Senator Bristow has been pending
in the senate for some time and either
the MOTIFS OF Iuc btiSttN tucHcuiS "ih
probably soon pass the upper branch.
The bill to authorize the sale of the
unallotted lands OF the Omaha Indians
was brought up today by Representative
Stephens and passed without opposition.
The senate approved the measure early
in April. 1t will open for sale and settle
ment a considerable tract Of land in the
Omaha reservation, II approved by the
president.
Elk Point Gets Cash.
The chief engineer Of the War depart
ment has agreed to devote 1850 In the
construction OF revetments work and
other necessary improvement for the
action was taken as the result of the
sctivities OF Representatives Burke and
Martin Of South Dakota. The Elk Point
people notified them some days ago that
the river was damaging property and an
appropriation of $4,000 was urged. A re-
port from the War department. engineer
In charge was made recommending inn
mediate action to prevent further damage.
The sum agreed upon by the department
Is believed to be sufficient for present
needs Should more funds be found neces-
ssry an additional appropriation will be
asked of congress to be added to the
river and harbor bill now in the senate.
Government engineers will begin work at
Elk Point at once, rs was said.
Reeds Expense Account.
The expense account OF willis Z. Reed
Of Madison. senatorial candidate at the
late Nebraska primaries was filed with
the secretary of the senate today. II
shows that Mr.. Reed expended a total OF
80, sio4. 70 of which was paid to various
newspapers in the state for advertising.
$50 was expended for advertisements
placed on thsster programs and the bal
ance Of s7a.io was for cards and miscel-
laneous ADVERTISING.
e. c. Holder. an Omaha attorney, 10 in
the city today endeavoring to persuade
the Interior department to furnish gov
eminent water for private bitches In
western Nebraska where Mr.. Holder has
farming interests. He Ia on his way home
from business trip to New York and
Philadelphia.
Compensation Bill Passed.
The workmen's compensation bill was
passed in the senate today, g. TO Is. sub
stantially as framed by the employers
liability commission and amended only
to increase its benefits. The measure.
sharply fought by some Of the democrats
for several days. now goes TO the house.
A number of amendments were offered.
but only few were accepted. and these
were with the acauiescence Of Senator
Sutherland. In charge Of the bill.
The principal changes made during
three hours Of roll calls provide that
compensation for accidental injury and
death Of railroad employees shall continue
to children until they are sixteen years
old, and would extend payment in the
case Of daughters until they are twenty.
unless sooner married.
In general, the bill would provide an
exclusive remedy and compensation for
accidental disability or death to employees
of railroads in interstate commerce or
the District Of Columbia, on the theory
Of insuring each employe against results
Of injury in employment without refer
ence to contributory negligence or any
of the rules of common law limiting EN-.
ployers' liability. II would provids medl.
cal service for the injured and means fol
money recovery proportioned to the pay