Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1901 — PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS. [ARTICLE]

PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS.

Summary of Legislation in National Body. MEASURES IN BOTH HOUSES. Klr.r and Harbor Bill Carrying Appropriation of •60,000.000 Is Fuuxl by 800m —Senator* Allen, Money and MoComber Denounce Hazing at Wwt Point. Tuesday, January IS. In the senate: Army reorganization bill still held right of way. Mr. Bacon’s amendment striking out of bill discretionary authority conferred upon president to increase size of army was laid on table by decisive vote of 39 to 20. Bill granting pension of SSO a month to Horatio N. Davis, father of late Senator Davis of Minnesota, was passed. Mr. Davis was captain in commissary department. In the house: Day devoted to consideration of river and harbor bill. Wednesday, January 16. Resolution adopted by house authorizing president to Invite Great Britain to join in forming commission to maintain lake levels. River and harbor bill carrying appropriation of 160,000,000 passed by house. Senate will increase amount. Naval Constructor Francis T. Bowles nominated chief constructor to succeed Hichborn. In the senate Allen, Money and McCumber denounced hazing at West Point in vigorous terms, Money declaring he would kill any one treating him in the manner followed at West Point. Thursday, January 17. The senate passed bill fixing compensation of district superintendents of life-saving service at $2,500 per annum, except in case of superintendent of eighth district, whose salary is fixed at $1,500. Also passed bill extending to Milwaukee privileges of act in relation to immediate transportation or dutiable goods. Rest of day devoted to debate on army reorganizzation bill. West Point hazers referred to in senate as “bullies” and “scholars of charity.” Proctor intimated bill covering offense will be introduced soon.

In the house: Entire day spent upon bill to revise and codify postal laws. It is simply revision of existing laws. Some disposition was manifested to inject into the measure some amend-' ments to present law in interest of certain classes of mail employes, but such attempts were,, successfully resisted. President signed apportionment bill. The agricultural appropriation bill, carrying about $4,000,000, is practically completed. It probably will contain a plan for the rearrangement of the Agricultural Department into four new bureaus of plant industry, soils, chemistry and forestry. The president sent in and the senate confirmed yesterday the nomination of Col. H. B. Freeman of the Twenty-fourth infantry to be brigadier-general. Friday, January 18. Senate'passed army * reorganization bill by vote of 43 to 23. Strength of forces to vary from 60,000 to 100,000, as President may determine. Special provisions made for retiring Lee, Wilson and Shatter. Several amendments being prepared to ship subsidy bill. Congress facing problem of keeping gold and silver at par. Roberts favors subsidiary coin only. Saturday, January 19. Consideration of revenue repeal bill practically concluded by senate committeee. Brewers’ lobby successful. Stamp tax on telegrams may be retained. Senate will reduce tobacco tax. Ship subsidy bill will not be allowed to displace legislative appropriation bill.