Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1897 — WORK OF CONGRESS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WORK OF CONGRESS.

THE WEEK'S DOINGS IN SENATE AND HOUSE. A Comprehensive Digest of the Proceedings in the Legislative Chambers at Washington Matters that Concern the People, Lawmakers at Labor. Senator Mason, of Illinois, made his maiden speech in the Senate Wednesday and signalized it by some breezy criticism on the rules of the Senate. It was such a variation from the prosy debate of recent days that the Senator was accorded close attention and twice received the hearty applause of crowded galleries. Mr. Hoar, of Massachusetts, replied briefly, pointing out that the other branch of Congress was more open to criticism than the Senate. He was in accord with Mr. Mason, however, on the need of new rules. A vote was taken on Mr. Gorman s motion to refer the Mason resolution to the Rules Committee, which prevailed—veas, 32; nays, 24. Most of the day was given to the bankruptcy bill. The House, after a ten-minute session, adjourned one day out of respect to the late Representative Milliken. of Maine. The session of the Senate Thursday opened with a proposition for an official expression of sympathy to the Greeks in their struggle with Turkey. This was soon mprged into a turbulent debate over the disorganized state of the Senate. Later in the day the Nelson bankruptcy bill was passed by the decisive vote of 49 to 8. The bankruptcy bill as passed is the substitute framed by Mr. Nelson of Minnesota. The “free homestead bill” was theD taken up. Mr. Morgan offered an amendment providing that all public lands not taken up by public entry by Jan. 1, 1900, shall be granted to the States and Territories where the lands are located for dedication purposes. The homestead hill was made the unfinished business and then laid aside.' At 4 o’clock a message from the House announced the death of Representative Holman. Mr. Turpie of Indiana presented a resolution voicing the regret with which the announcement was reeeived and providing for a committee of five Senators to accompany the remains. The resolution was agreed to. The presiding officer named Senators Turpie, Fairbanks, Spooner, Kyle and Rawlins as the committee. The Senate adjourned to Monday. The House did nothing of importance. The House Friday completed the consideration of the Senate amendments to the Indian appropriation bill and sent the bill to conference. The main contention centered about the Senate proposition to open the Uncompahgre Indian reservation under the mineral laud laws. Finally nn amendment was recommended to the effect that no corporation should be allowed to obtain possession of these gilsonite deposits, but that the Government should lease the lands in limited areas and for limited terms of years. The Senate amendment striking from the blouse bill the provision for the ratification of the oil and gas leases made by the council of the Seneca Indians last December was disagreed to. A resolution was adopted by which a committee of twenty-five was appointed to attend the dedication of the Grant tomb in New York on Tuesday, and the House agreed to a program of threeday adjournments. The Senate chamber had a deserted appearance when the session opened Monday. Mr. Harris of Tennessee was at his desk for the first time in many weeks, and was congratulated on his recovery from a serious illness. In the absence of the Vice President and President pro tem., Mr. Frye, Mi-. Nelson of Minnesota occupied the chair. Dr. Milburn’a opening prayer made eloquent reference to the gathering of thousands to pay tribute to the great chieftain, Grant, and invoked that the glow of patriotism freshly enkindled may strengthen our nation, our Government and the Union of the States. When the Indian bill was reported back from the House an effort was made to send it to conference, but Mr. Gorman objected, saving it had been understood that no business whatever was. to be transacted. Thereupon, at 12:05 p. in., on motion of Mr. Morrill, the Senate ad. journed to Thursday.

President Diaz of .Mexico hasissued a decree establishing a naval school at Vtra Cruz, to be opened July next. Holman’s son may be the Democratic nominee to succeed his father from the Fourth congressional district of Indiana. To get rid of an objectionable street railway the municipal authorities of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., tore up three miles of track. Antonio Maximo Moria, the principal party to. whom Spain recently paid the famous claim of $1,000,000, is dead in New York. The Turkish minister at Washington denies that Edhem Pasha has been superseded in command of the army operating in Thessaly. Three persons were struck by Pittsburg trolley cars Sunday. Of these one is dead, another is expected to die, while the third will recover. Matters in Bulgaria are said to be very serious and a declaration of independence is being discussed by prominent officers of the Government. Emperor William "of Germany, in a speech made Saturday at Carlsruhe, expressed the hope and belief that the peace of Europe would be maintained. The budget committee of the Mexican Congress reports an estimated revenue for the fiscal year, beginning July 1, at $50,425,000, and disbursements some $15,000 less. Germany is said to be working to interest France and Russia against Great Britain's policy in South Africa. Germany, pi return, promises to support French policy in Egypt. The General Assembly of Arkansas convened in extra session nt Little Rock. At it will come up the railroad commission bill, which blocked all legislation iu the regular session. The executive committee of the National Association of Life Underwriters, In convention nt Cincinnati, adopted a resolution in respect to the late Mujor Calef of Bostou.

The man accused of attempting to secure the Kentucky Senatorship by bribery.

Sparks from the Wires.