Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 October 1903 — WASHINGTON GOSSIP [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WASHINGTON GOSSIP

Commissioner of Pensions Ware, in his aonpal report, predicts that the pension roll is not likely to again cross the million mark, as the highest point was made a year ago. He suggests that men convicted of an infamous crime be deprived of the right to a pension and recommends cutting off the pensions of women who marry soldiers after the men have become pensioners. He places the total number of pensioners now on the rolls at 996,545, of which 728,356 are soldiers and 267,189 are widows and dependents. The cost of the pension system per capita of population for 1903, is given as 11.75. The system was the greatest as : u burden to the people of the United States in 1893, since which time it has eltrunk from $2.24 to $1.82 per SI,OOO of taxable wealth, and in ten years, he says, the burden will cease to be noticed. Mr. Ware estimates that the unpensioned survivors of the Civil War, exclusive of deserters, is In round numbers 200,000. The. great bulk of the roll Is as follows: Civil War, Invalids 708,456, widows 248,390; Spanish war, invalids 9,200, widows 3,662; regular establishment, Invalids 8,170, widows 2,988. The roll •bows a net loss of 2,901 pensioners during the year. Out of a total of 804,800 applications on hand during the year 130,109 were admitted and 113,794 rejected. The average annual value of each pension is now $133. The annual value of the Spanish war pension roll has reached $1,765310. The Fan-American conference of the Episcopal bishops, which will convene in Washington Oct. 15, promises to be the most important gathering of the churchmen of that denomination ever held in the United States. Mone than fifty bishops of the American church will be present and participate in the discussions. Twelve of the Canadian bishops have accepted Invitations to attend, and there will be in addition bishops of several of the South American natkuys, notably Brazil. Missionary bishops from China, Japan, Hawaii, the Philippine Islands, Africa and the Weet Indies will alto be present. One of the subjects most Vkely to come t-efore the conference Is the union of the Christian churches of the world. Churchmen are looking forward to a noteworthy advance in this direction to be taken by this conference.

The interests of the old soldiers are always well cared for by Congress, but they are certain not to be neglected in the Fifty-eighth Congress. Although the Civil War ended over 38 years ago there will be 77 men in Congress who fought in it. Forty-seven fought oa the Union side and 30 served in the Confederate army. In the Senate there are 13 Union soldiers and 13 ex-Confederates. But in the House, where the representation is more fairly apportioned, there are 34 Union veteran* and 17 ex-Coufederates. The Grand Army has declared in favor if flhc service pension for all Union veterans over G 2 years old, and an effort will be made to pass such a bill. But as any veteran Who needs help gets it now, regardless of ‘ age, there is thought to be poor prospect of the success of such measure.

When President Roosevelt jumped to the wharf at Ellis island from the immigration cutter H. B. Chamberlain the other day a powerful gust caught the skirts of has frock coat and whirled them against the back of hia head. Those standing behind the President aaw sticking out es hia right hip pocket the handle of a revolver. One of the secret service men has explained that the President invariably carries a revolver when he goes to a public place. Thq, President has carried a pistol ever since he took the oath of office after the aaaarsination of McKinley. Ha has the greatest faith in the abiHty of the dosen or more secret service agents who guard him, bat prefers to be armed in case of emergency. At the capitol the positive statement is made by those engaged in getting the building in readiness for the assembling of Congress that the date of the extra session has been definitely fixed for Nov. 9. Superintendent Elliott Woods has been ordered to have the building in complete readiness on that date. “Uncle Joe’’ Cannon ls on deck, waiting to get busy. He has opened his headquarter* in the appropriations committee room, where he can keep one eye on the Speaker’s chair and at the same time straighten out some of the hold-over details In connection with his former duties as chairman of the appropriations committee.

Formal announcement Is made that Representative John H. Ketcham of New York is to succeed Eugene F. I»ud as chairman of the postofflee committee of the House. This committee is expected to be one of the most Important during the next Congress, as H will conduct the investigation of the postal scandals which it Is generally understood Congress will carder. All offer* of silver bullion for the Philippine coinage were rejected by the Treasury Department on account of the high price* demanded. The offers amounted to 800,000 ounces, and the price* asked ranged from 00.25 to 00.58 cents per ounce. Oommissioner Richards of (he general land office baa named Nov. 10 next, at 9 a. m., as the date of the opening to settlement of tho three-quarter* of a million of acre* of ceded Chippewa lands in Minnesota, recently segregated from the timber land of that reservation. t -I A private letter received in Washington from Oyster Bay says that the President now tip* the Male* at 220 pound#, and that there la every indication of a still further increase in his weight. The President'is somewhat concerned at hi# growth, as he feels that it interferes with his outdoor exercise, of which he is so fond. He ha* been trying to reduce Ms weight, but his flesh is as hard as a knot and steadfastly refuses to yield to (he ordinary method* _ When he was swore In as President Mr. Boosersk weighed 180 pound* . * . .