The Alaska citizen., 1913-12-08


 to Huerta as dictator with rapidly diminishing authority. The prediction was made that peace would be restor- cd in the southern republic within d short time. without interference on the part of the United States
 The lawmakers were urged to sup port constitutional amendment giv- ing the voters of the nation the right to nominate their presidents by the direct primary, and reform plans for the holding of conventions were brief ly outlined
 WASHINGTON. Il. C., Dec An effort on the part of the Democrats to hasten the passage of the currency reform bill in the upper house of congress was frustrated today by those opposed to immediate action, and another conference has been called for tomorrow. in the hope of reach ing an agreement on the question
 'iltii tiit IiidtltI was ldhtn up tO- day it was believed that no serious , opposition would be raised, but it was soon apparent that the final passage of the measure would be endangered unless further time was allowed. whereupon the friends of the measure withdrew for further consultation.
 It is thought that another attempt will be made on Saturday to fix the date for the vote upon the bill
 pesirous or relieving Alaska rail roads of the burden of excessive taxa tion. Delegate Wickersham has intro- duced a bill in congress providing for the abolition of the federal tax of $l00 Der mile which is imposed upon all of the railroads in the Northern territory.
 Congress Was appraised of the fact that two of the roads in Alaska had been compelled to close down entire ly on account of the tax-one on Seward peninsula and the other on the Kenai peninsula. It was also pointed out by the delegate that th" collection of such tax from the Tanana Valley railroad would work a great hardship upon that company
 Chairman Houston. of the house ter ritorial committee, stated today that it is his intention to urge the early passage of the Alaska railroad bill, which was reported favorably by his committee last Friday. No action will be taken before the senate has had the opportunity to consider the bill but in case the upper house post pones action. Congressman Houston declares that he will take the matter up with the members of the lower ure ahead of the senate.
 In their present form, both of the bills are identical. the house committee having altered the original Wicker sham bin to conform to the bill re- ported by the senate committee
 Chairman Houston states that nc has been assured of the support Of Congressman Underwood and numer- ous other prominent members of the lower house. and anticipates no diff culty in carrying out his plans.
 In a speech before the annual cor vention of the Rivers and Harbors ccncress. Senator George E. Chamber lain. of Oregon. pointed out the need for improvements along the entire Pacific coast and in Alaska to meet the requirements of the increased busi- ness which will follow in the wake of the formal opening of the Panama canal next year
 The senator declared that there was not point on the entire coast from Panama to Nome which would not be benefited by the completion of the great canal. and he urged the congress to take immediate cognizance of the needs of the various ports and har- bors
 Particular attention was called to the need of additional aids to navisa- ton in Alaska waters.
 WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec b. Many delegates are in the city to at tend the annual convention of the Ma tional Rivers and Harbors congress which was opened here yesterday The purpose of the organization is to im- prove the waterways of the Un- ited States and to secure T united action in having the im- provements made. Secretary Yandell of the Seattle chamber of commerce, is the Washington state representa- tive at the convention and has been appointed a member of the board of directors.
 Congressman William F. Humphrey. | of Washington. is endeavorins to have the government hold its sales of Alas kan furs at Seattle instead of at St. l Louis. The Seattle congressman has