Skip to main content
The largest online newspaper archiveArchive Home
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 5

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 5

Location:
Brooklyn, New York
Issue Date:
Page:
5
Extracted Article Text (OCR)

THE BKOOKLYN DAILY EAGLE SUNDAY, DEOEMBEE 5, 1897. LOCAL BILLS IN CONGRESS, COMING SESSION MAY BE UNEVENTFUL pruner, "the country has had billion dollar congresses In the past, and It is likely to have many more of them in the future. The people do not seem to take Into consideration that this Is a growing country and that It oosts more money to maintain it every succeeding year. For my part, I do not see where our appropriations are to be cut down. The "coming Congress will, in all likelihood, end with the expenditure of a billion dollars to Its credit.

There Is only one way in which to keep down the expenses to a reasonable limit, and that is to stop further river and harbor Improvement. The reckless work of the river and harbor committee during the be called up at an early day, and as the House passed the bill In the last Congress by over a two thirds vote, there seems to be no reason to doubt its speedy passage. It may be delayed in the Senate by obstructive tactics on the part. of Senators Chandler, Allen and others, but whenever a vote can be reached it is reasonably certain that the Senate will also pass it. The views of Congressman Cannon on river and harbor work, coincide exactly with the Ideas of Speaker Reed.

It is well known that the latter did not approve of the enormous outlay for river and harbor Improvements last Congress, and he severely criticized the action of the committee in allowing so many Items to creep into the bill. Providing Against the Landing of Illiterates. The immigration question will come, in for a general consideration, and It is likely that some definite legislation will be enacted In this direction. Senator Lodge, the chairman of the immigration committee, is making arrangements to press this bill excluding illiterates, and he is confident of having It adopted. The immigration league has been busy at work disseminating literature on this subject, and agitating the enforcement of more rigid laws.

While Commissioner of Immigration Pow derly will not say that he believes the present immigration laws should be radically changed, he Is of the opinion that some additional restrictions should be placed upon immigration to the United States. "The number of foreigners arriving in this country during the past few years," said the commissioner to day, "has been greatly reduced, and for this reason this would be a suitable time to enact new regulations which could be easily enforced. I think, however, that the re are a disgrace to the nation, and the only remedy is to have a uniform law. "In order to have a uniform law," said Mr. Howe, "It is necessary to amend the constitution.

According to our existing laws a man can be married as many times as there are states In the Union. The principal opposition to the bill last session was from the men who live in the West and the South. They believe In state rights and they don't want anyone to Interfere." Another bill which Congressman Howe Intends to present to Congress Is to the effect that any United States employe who reflects discredit on the American flag must be peremptorily discharged. Mr. Howe says that during the time he has spent in Washington lie has observed that a great many employes of the government care very little about the American flag and that they frequently refer to it in a slurring manner.

The bill Mr. Howe has in mind would, he believes, tend to correct this abuse. Congressman Howe is a member of the com mltteo on manufactures and the pensiou committee. He is ready for any suggestion the Kings and Queens County Manufacturers' Association may have to make In regard to desired legislation. "As for pensions," said Mr.

Howe, In conclusion, "I hope to see the time when every honorably discharged soldier will receive one. It Is just possible that I may Introduce a bill with that end in view. It would bo advisable to do away with the vast army of medical and pension examiners now in the employ of the government, and grant pensions to soldiers without an examination as to their ability to earn a livelihood. It costs as much for the medical examination as It would to pension all the soldiers." Congressman Hurley's Pet Metric System Bill. Congressman Denis M.

Hurley Is already settled in Washington for his winter's service. Of local measures to which the Brooklyn representatives will turn their attention during the session Mr. Hurley mentioned fuj ther Improvements of Jamaica Bay. It has been the policy of the government for some years past to appropriate $3,000 or $4,000 annually to keeping the channels In the bay open. Mr.

Hurley believes that much more good might be accomplished through the expenditure of a lump sum upon the work, and It Is the intention to secure, if possible, an appropriation of suitable magnitude under which permanent Improvement may bo had. To this end a bill providing for an expenditure of at least $50, 000 will be introduced and pressed by the local representatives. In discussing the plans of improvement Mr. Hurley said It was the Intention to dredge the bay that the large Increase in shipping might be properly accommodated. The Inlet between Rockaway and Barren Island, according to the congressman, should be broadened and deepened to insure a premanent channel for the passage of vessels of considerable draft.

Among other bills which Congressman Hurley purposes fathering during the coming session is one for the establishment of tho Fort Greene monument. While Mr. Hurley Is warmly in favor of such a memorial to the martyrs as a proper and patriotic expression of public sentiment, he is in doubt as to whether Congress will look with favor upon shown that Spain does not propose to keep her promises In regard to Cuba. One thing Is certain, the Jingo element In Congress Is not nearly so rampant as It was during the extra session. Whether the news from the island will be such as to stir them into activity later on remains to be seen.

The Cuban Junta will be on hand next week, and will lose no opportunity create sympathy for the Insurgents, and they will be backed up by the yellow Journals. But a vote cannot be reached In the House on the Cuban question except by the aid of a special order from the committee on rules, and that is not thought likely, and in the Senate the Hawaiian matter will be brought up promptly and discussion on it at once begun. The house will undoubtedly take up the bankruptcy bill at a very early date, and put the matter in conference, the outcome of which will most likely be a compromise along the lines of the Torrey bill, which passed the house at the last session. The immigration bill will then follow, sandwiched between the pension appropriation bill and possibly the legislative and Judicial bill, as sub committees on these two bills have been in session and will be ready to report ten day after the session commences. The pooling bill will also be called up In the Senate at an early day, and may lead to considerable discussion.

Its passage by the House at the coming session is not so certain, although it is believed after debate a vote can be reached before the end of Congress. Senator Gorman May Become Speaker. It has been suggested that Senator Arthur Pue Gorman should next fall take a nomination for the next House of Representatives with a view to becoming speaker. The suggestion meets with tbe approval of several Democratic members now here, while a leading Southern member suggests also that ex Senator David B. Hill should stand for the next house from the Albany district and compete with Senator Gorman for the speakership.

The great Empire State has had but one speaker, John W. Taylor, and as It Is claimed that New York will have at least fifteen Democratic members in the next house, while Maryland will have but three or four at the most, there Is some ground for pressing the suggestion that ex Senator Hill should return to public life by coming to the House of Representatives. It will be re memhered that ex President John Qulncy Adams, at the close of his term as President In 1S29, was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served for seventeen years, and especially distinguished himself by his advocacy of the right of petition In connection with the slavery agitation, and that in 184S he was attacked with paralysis on the floor of the house and died in the speaker's room two days afterward. It will also be remembered that the President some two weeks since announced that no appointment will be made until after Congress convened. An immense pressure has been made for consular appointments.

A careful investigation of the situation in that regard disclosed the interesting fact that not a single consular appointment of any importance or value remains undisposed of. This will be a great disappointment to the party patriots who were expecting rich plums of this character. Will Get to Work Early. Owing to the fact that all the committees of the House were appointed during the extra session Congress will be ablo to get to work sooner than usual this year on the appropriation bills. After Speaker Reed brings down his gavel and calls to order the House ot Representatives on Monday the usual proceedings will be bad, which consists, first, of a call of the roll to ascertain the presence of a quorum, the adoption of resolutions directing the clerk to notify the Senate that a quorum has appeared, and, third, the appointing of a committee to wait upon the President and notify him that a quorum of the House is present and that that body is ready to receive any communication which he may be pleased to make.

Should the President not be in Washington it is not likely that House will enter on any business until he returns, but adjourn over until Wednesday and then In case the President is till absent, further adjournment will then be taken. Nomination of recess appointments and some now appointment might be sent to the Senate In the absence of the President without impropriety, and It is not likely that the Senate will adjourn, even should the President be absent. One of the first things that the House will do on Monday will toe to swear in the five new representatives who have been elected since the extra session. One ot these new members is Edmund F. Driggs of the Third New York District, who succeeds Francis H.

Wilson. Mr. Driggs has been in Washington for a couple of days past, and he has called at the Capitol and talked with the sergeant at arms and other officials there. Ho has also made the rounds or some of the executive departments. Wherever ho went Mr.

Driggs created a most favorable impression, and his frank, unpretentious manner, and stalwart appearance caused much pleasing comment. The young Brooklyn member elect is stopping temporarily at the Ebb It House. He has not yet decided upon permanent quarters, but he will remain at the MISCELLANEOUS. Dewey's Unfermented Grape Juice. The blood of Grapes." fr is with creat confidence we $2 I Juice "Fruit of the Vine" to the public.

It being absolutely free from I alcohol or salicylic acid. It is just what physicians are looking for. Hundreds of churches use our i Grape Juico for communion pur poses. Physicians prescribe its use largely in the sick. room.

It nourishes tho system and re 2 freshes the tired brain. i Pint Bottle, 30c. 1 doz. $6.00 gj I Qt. Bottle, 50c.

2 doz. $7.00 jj "Dewey's Wines are Pure." Send for Illustrated Price List. H. T. Dewey Sons' Co.

5 13M FULTOS N. SS 5 Cellars Egg" Harbor. X. J. St MUST SHUN CUBAN WATERS.

Special Instructions Given to the North Atlantic Squadron. TRYING TO PLACATE SPAIN. Admiral Sicard Ready to Sail Away Next Week on the Annual Winter Cruise Along the Southern Coast Key West the Lowest Point the Squadron Can Touch Vessels Going Form Most Powerful Fleet. Next week the North Atlantic squadron will be on its way south on Its annual winter cruise. Secretary of the Navy Lorig has issued orders that all repairs on the warships in the squadron must be completed by December 10.

The greater part of the fleet is at this station, undergoing repairs at the Navy Yard. Admiral Montgomery Sicard, commander in chief of the squadron, is on his flagship at tho Navy Yard and in pursuance of the orders of the secretary, the repairs will be pushed with all possible dispatch. As the repairs are completed the warships will start for the Hampton Roads' rendezvous and as soon as all the fleet, has gathered there, a start will be made for the south. In the orders sent to Sicard, special instructions are given that the fleet is not to cruise in Cuban waters. Until last year, it was the custom for the flee: to touch at the West Indies during the winter drill, but since the Cuban question has come to the front the authorities have carefully avoided any action that could be construed as offensive by the Spaniards.

During the forthcoming maneuvers, the fleet has been directed not to go south ol an imaginary line between Dry Tortugas and Key Wes. The maneuvers will thus be restricted to tho north of this line and along the Florida coast. Key West will be the base of operations during tha. maneuvers. Although naval officers and the administration unite in saying that there is no political significance in the ordering of the fleet South, there Is no doubt that great advantage would be derived from the fact that the fleet was so near Cuba, in case any trouble arose over the Cuban question.

It is not by any means certain what action Congress will take this session In regard to that question and Jingoism In the Senate may not result so peaceably as last yi ar. The presence of a powerful licet of warships in the near neiEh an immense advantage in case the controversy an imcnsu advantage in case tiie controversy grew to be an open one. Key Wet, the ren the Bay of Haiana and this distance could tho Bay of Havanafi and this distance could be covered in ss than six hours. The vessels forming the squadron will make the most powerful ever gathered under the Stars and Stripes and one that could give a very good account account of itself with any fleet that tho Spaniards could gather. There will be three battleships, the Iowa, Indiana and and two st eond class battleships, tho Maine and Texas.

Besido there will bo the armored cruisers Now York and Brooklyn and the cruisers Detroit, Montgomery, the monitor Terror and the gunboat Vesuvius. The most important of these, the New York, Massachusetts. Texas. Brooklyn, and Iowa, are at. the Navy Yard here, while the Maine and Terror are at the Norfolk Navy Yard.

The Detroit. Montgomery and Vesuvius aro now in Florida waters engaged in patrol Ing the oast for filibusters. With the exception of the last three, the other warships will gather at Hampton Roads as near December 10 as possible and will at onee start for Key West. The squadron drills will be continued until warm weather sets iu and during the latter portion of the maneuvers the torpedo fleet which is now drilling along the coast, will join the squadron and drills in torpedo boat maneuvers will be instituted. The fleet will be back at this station in April and after refitting will start out on the stiinmpr maneu vers along this portion of the Atlantic coast.

THE FUTURE OF ALASKA. Viereck Talks to the Technical Society of Brooklyn About Its Development. Tho members and guests of the Technical Society of Brooklyn, which held its regular meeting last night in tho Crystal Palace. cor nor of Broadway and dates aveuuo, had occasion to listen to an interesting locturo on Tho Development of tho Futuro of Alaska," delivered by Mr. L.

Vioreck. Mr. Viereck is a former deputy of tha German Reicnstag, where he hold his Hont for four successive years. Ho then took to traveling and passed tho entire summer of this year in the now famous gold region. Ha engaged actively in mining, but devoted most of hiH time to tho thorough study of the land of which he took many photographic views.

Ho intends to return to'Oormany within a fow months, where ho will publish a book bearing tho same title as last night's lecture. The audience wan numerous and apprecl ative. After having given an exhaustive roviow of the history of Alaska, the lecturer said ia part: As a mattor of cnurso, civilization is still in its childhood in Alaska and its population too conservative in its ignorance to permit of quick advance. Numbering somothing over 40,000, it cousiats of about 10.000 whit men, tho rest being colored, of all shados. Indians, Chinese.

Negroes and Esquimaux hold tho power and all the white man can do at present is to bridle his less cultured brothers. Still, howover. the annexation of lM(i7 has proved a blessing to that rich land of tiie North, and will in time prove itself one to this country. We should not lose sight of tho fact that its manifold resources havo been only exploited to a very small extent; and notwithstanding tnis, fur industry yields some JIO.OOO.OOO annually, while tho proceeds of tho fisheries and tho gold output rise to from 25 to 30.000.000. Tho Tread well miiio alone has produced noarlv 000.

It ia my belief that "the fish cries will. in due time. prove na oven greater source of income than the mining industry. At present, however, they are not at all organized and are being run on a wild plan. Tho men who own them manago to make thorn pay, bocnuse the field is inexhaustible.

They are, however, lacking in business knowledge and hampered by tho laoU of machinery, skilled labor and, above all, mmii IS It Plans of. Brooklyn's Representatives for the Coining Session. BENNETT ALONE IS ABSENT. Howe Will Pay Especial Attention to Improvements at the Wallabout Hurley to Look After Jamaica Bay and His Pet Metric System Bill Fischer Is No Mind Reader Driggs Ready for a First Experience at National Lawmaking. The Brooklyn congressmen have turned their faces toward Washington, where the nation's lawmakers are assembling for the opening of Congress to morrow.

They have all had experience in the work of the capital with the exception of Congressman Driggs, who goes as the successor to Francis H. Wilson, now postmaster of Brooklyn. Very naturally they have been turning their attention to the work before them. Of general legislation there may be no details in so broad a field, but the representatives of Brooklyn have to do with measures local to their home community, and for the purpose of learning what they CHARLES G. lUCNNKTT, Congressman From the Fifth District, Now in Europe.

have so far mapped out several of them were questioned for information. Congressman Bennett is now abroad with Congressman Foote of New York, but he will return in time to take a hand when the lawmakers settle down to business. Congressman Howe Has Many Things in Hand. Congressman Jans R. Howe of the District, who has already succeeded in pjss ing a number of important bills in the national Legislature, will Introduce several Interesting measures at the coming session.

While the majority of the bills to be proposes are of local interest, there are two or three which, if they become a law, will materially affect the whole country. Mr. Howe expects, first of all, that the bill which was introduced last session for the opening up and improvement of the Wallabout Channel, will be passed without very much difficulty. It is generally admitted that the Wallabout Channel ought to be widened and deepened at once, in order to conform with certain improvements which are under way at the Wallabout, the expense of which is being borne by the City of Brooklyn. The provisions of the bill have been frequently printed In the Eagle.

It will shortly come up fir a hearing before the river and harbor committee, and it is anticipated that it will be re DENIS Who Will Look Out lor Jamalea Ray Improvements. ported on without delay. The exact amount of money which wuuld be expended on the work, provided the bill becomes a law. is not known. That is a matter for tho War Department to determine.

Last year Congressman Howe made an attempt to improve the entrance to the Walla bout Channel by cutting oft a portion of the cob dock and glviiiK to the Navv Yard in return the dock and about fifty feet of the water front at the foot of Little street. The Navy Department was pleased with the scheme, but the Board of Aldermen would not give its consent and the plan had to be abandoned. With the Greater New York and the municipal assembly Congressman Howe flopes to bring the matter to a head. He says that the entrance to the Wallabout Channel is very narrow and it is dangerous for boats to enter under present conditions. With a portion of the cob dock cut off this difficulty would not be formidable.

Some of the bills which Congressman Howe intends to Introduce will doubtless receive the warm support of all the citizens of Brooklyn. Mr. Howe believes that a monument to General Washington should bo erected In Brooklyn and he thinks tho place for such a monument would be in the vicinity of the fountain at Bedford and Division avenues. At any rate Mr. Howe will make an effort to have the Washington monument bill passed and he Is iuclined to believe that he will not meet with much opposition.

"I have a nuniber of other matters in mind." said tbe Congressman to an Eagle reporter last night. "I am of the opinion that Lincoln's birthday ought to be a national holiday, and I shall try and have ISUw l. K. FISCHER, Congressman From the I 'ourth Kings County District. a law passed this winter so uhat hereafter we will celebrate the anniversary of Lincoln's birthday the same as we do Washington's.

We have too few holidays as It is. At least tbe working people do and for that reason, If for no other, I think it would be for us to celebrate Lincoln's birthday." Mr. Howe also Intends to push his national divorce law tthrough the house and Senate this winter. It was killed In the Judiciary committee lost year. The divorce laws ot this countrx.

according to Mr. Howe, If "the President's Becommendations Are Closely Followed. RUMORS OF RETRENCHMENT. Bowling Green Site Will Probably Be Selected for New Custom House in New York Legislation Against the Landing of Illiterates Hawaii Will Be Annexed During This Session and the Admission of New Mexico Will Be Advocated Congressman Driggs Makes Many Friends in Washington An Assault on the Civil Service System Expected. Eagle Bureau, 608 Fourteenth Street.

Washington, D. December 4 The sudden and dangerous illness of Pre3ldent McKinley's mother, which necessitated his hurried de parture from Washington, has created an un usual condition of affairs both in regard to the of the President's message and the opening of Congress The return of the President to Washington 'will depend largely upon the termination of Mrs. McKinley's Hlne3S. Unless it appears that the end is very near to morrow morning President will come back to this city in order to be here at the opening of Congress. Should he be prevented from being at the White House when Congress convenes, his message of course cannot be sent In and Congress will have to adjourn until the President arrives.

The law requires that a committee composed of members of the Sen ate and House shall wait upon the President and formally notify him of the convening of Congress and that its members are ready for Dusiness. During his absence from the city, of course, this committee cannot inform him, i um itsaemoung ot me inrty nfth Congress. It is customary for the President, upon receiving this notification, to message and send It to the Capitol. This important document is not yet completed, for whan the President left for Canton the unfinished message was locked up in his desk. It will be an easy matter, however, for Congress to adjourn for two or three days, or as lone as.

Is necessary. If the occasion were anything ut tne opening of a new Congress matters could go on without requiring the presence of the chief executive in the city, but as his must be signed by him in person, it cannot be transmitted to Congress until be affixes his signature to it. Upon his return iiore vie worn or finishing this document will be rapidly pushed through. Most of the manual labor connected with Its prenaration wa completed before the President left. The first uaiuu oi proors nau been received at th White House from the government printing Putting the Message Into Shape.

The customary precautions were observed this year in putting the message into print After the President's first draft had been put into shape it was sent to the big printing establishment, where it was set up in type. For this work a specially picked set of conipos itors is selected, and the same men perform this duty every year. They are the heads of the various divisions of the printing office, they do their writ at night. After the big office is closed, the doors are locked, and "small sections of the typewritten pages are distributed to the men. The printers have a proper sense of the duty they have to per orm and no evidence is to be had that any of them ever betrayed his trust, although the most strenuous efforts are made every year by outsiders to secure some advance information in regard to what the President's recommendations are.

It would be a difficult matter for one of them to get much of a definite or connected idea about the message, however, as only very small portions ot it are distributed at a time. The proof is gone over 'very carefully by the President and Secretary Porter, and it was at. this stage of the proceedings that the President was called out of the city to Canton. Secretary Porter has made a radical'change in the method of giving to the public the President's message this year. Heretofore the Western Union Telegraph Company has handled this matter, sending special messengers to New York and Philadelphia with copies of the document, the day before it was to be released.

From those points it was distributed to the different papers which were entitled copies of it. The telegraph company never received any compensation for the service, the only benefit accruing to it being the prestige that came from their being intrusted with so important a mission. This year J. Addison Poiter, secretary to the President, decided that it would be more satisfactory all around to give the message directly the representatives of the three press associations, who will in turn distribute it to their subscribers. The three associations which have headquarters in this city the Associated Press, the Scrlpps McRae League and the New York Sun press Association have been selected to receive the copies, and they will be charged with its Eafe delivery to the papers.

The message will be given to them under the seal of the President, and they will be required to sign an agreement not to permit any portion or synopsis of it to escape from them before permission is given to print It. This notification wll b6 sent to them by wire from Private Secretary Prudeu. In case the President returns to the White House to morrow night the message may be gotten Into such shape as to allow its being handed to the three press association representatives late Sunday night. There will be fewer advance copies of the message struck off tbis year than ever before. In addition to those for the press associations only two copies will be made up prior to its announcement at the Capitol.

One of these will be for the President himself and the other one will go to the State Department, as a great diplomats will be anxious to examine it and ascertain what the President has to say about our foreign relations and also to see wbat position is taken in regard to the pending reciprocity treaties. Interest in the Coming Session of Congress. Great interest is being displayed as to what Congress will do during the coming Bessi'on. If it follows tbe recommendations of the President It is likely to be an uneventful session, during which little of importance will be enacted beyond the pas sago of the general appropriation bills and the annexation of Hawaii. A great hue and cry has been raised recently to the effect that retrenchment arid reform will be the watchwords in the deliberations of the appropriation committees, and that the estimates for running the government will be cut to the bone.

Startling stories have been sent out from Washington, Intimating that the clerical force of the various executive departments were to be greatly reduced, and that dozens of chiefs of would be removed from office. TheBe reports while serving to somewhat frighten officeholders have had little effect on the legislators themselves. Experienced congressmen who have helped to make up appropriation bills in the past, take no stock in the stories and are preparing to go about the routine business of Congress this session Just about the same aB In the past. Congressman Cannon, the chairman of the important committee on appropriations of the house, was asked by the Eagle Correspondent torday whether the coming Congress would reach the billion dollar mark in the matter oi expeoaicurer. WRP.

vwran estlmtb.l last Congress obligated this government to pay cut $20,000,000 this year, an equal amount for next joar and another $20,000,000 In the year after that for river and harbor Improvements. Big appropriations were made fcr areaging and widening creeks, bays and rivers all over the country, and the blli re. ported by the committee carried no less than $70,000,000 for this one project alone. We nave baa enough of that kind of legislation to last us for several years. If the people really want economy in the expenditure of pumic money, they should demand that there snouiu be no additional river and harbor work authorized during the FUty flfth Con gress.

That is the only place that true re trenenment can be had, as tbe other branches of government work have to go on without interruption. $150,000,000 for Pensions Alone. "There are plenty of other items which will serve to roll up the amount of our appro pnatlon bills. There is almost $150,000,000 that will have to be provided for pensions alone. Who will have the courage to propose cutting aown those figures? The Republicans and Democrats alike vote this money every year no economy need be looked for in that direction.

The navy has to be maintained and provision made for increas ing the number of enlisted men in. this serv ice in order to properly man the vessels we now have. I might state in this connection tnat ao not believe it necessary to con struct more ships at this time. We have not finished paying for those that are now on the stocks, and as soon as all that are now under construction are completed, we will nave a very respectable little navy. Then there Is the army that has to be supported and the appropriations for this branch' of the military will be larger than ever this year.

Fortifications have been laid down all along our coast, and money will have to be set aside for maintaining them, In keeping the machinery of the guns, carriages and other armament in order. Then we will have to increase the artillery force In order to provide enough men to properly take care of these extensive works. "We have not had a public building session for several congresses. With the exception of a few federal buildlng3 at New York, Chicago and at other large cities, very few public buildings have been authorized for many years past. What will be done in this direction during the coming Congress remains to be seen.

The people should realize, however, that economy where money is withheld that is necessary for an efficient public service is not true economy. The expenditures become extravagant when you. provide a useless and unnecessary public service." New Customs House Site in New York. It will be difficult for the speaker to restrain members whose political salvation depends on securing large appropriations for local improvements and the same Is true with respect to public building bills. Mr.

Mercer, chairman of the House committee on public buildings and grounds, thinks that but few bills from his committee will be passed, but refers to the necessity for a new custom house in the City of New York, and the contest over the Quigg and Murphy bills for this improvement in the last Congress. It is said that Mr. Quigg will not press his bill of the last Congress, for the reason that he is satisfied that it cannot pass in that form, on account of its being a radical change of policy in respect to the construction of public buildings, as well as a repeal of the acts of September 14, 1888, and March 3, 1891. The act of 18S8 authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to designate and select a site for an appraisers' warehouse and custom house. Secretary Wlndom took up the matter where Secretary Fairehlld left it and after giving hearings to New York merchants and personally examining all sites suggested, decided in favor of the Bowling Green site.

Subsequently that aot was modified so as to permit the selection on the west side, north of Liberty street, for an appraisers' warehouse, and the present site was chosen. The condemnation proceedings resulted in an appraisal of the Bowling Green property at $2,100,000, while but $1,500,000 was available for that purpose. This stopped further proceedings. Secretary Foster repeatedly recommended a sufficient appropriation to acquire the site, but the House refused to aot. The act of March 3, 1891, approved and ratified the decision of Secretary Windom In selecting the Bowling Green site, and provided for the sain of the Wall street property.

Secretary Car lisle, nowever, tanea to recommend an appropriation, and so no bill to that effect was introduced in either house during the Fifty third Congress by any of New York's repre sentatives. Although the Quigg bill was reported a vigorous protest was made to it in a strong minority report, and no vote was reached thereon. Senator Murphy Introduced a similar bill in the Senate, which was pushed tnrougn tnat body by Senator Hill, as it pro vided for a snug place for ex Mayor Hugh tyrant, benator Murphy son ln law. That bill was also favorably reported to the House, to which a further minority report was ap pended, and so vigorous were the protests made against the passage or the bill that Speaker Reed refused to recognize Mr. Quigg or anybody, so that the rules might be suspended and a vote taken on the measure.

It is now thought that Senator Piatt may introduce a bill at the coming session making a further appropriation for the erection of a custom house at New York, which, added to the $1,500,000 now available In the Treasury for the purpose, will be sufficient to acquire the Bowling Green site and provide for the sale of the Wall street property, which has largely appreciated in value. It would seem, therefore, that there is a fair prospect that New York City will before the end of the present administration have a new and commodious Custom House in which business can be satisfactorily transacted, which is impossible in the present cramped and unsuit able quarters. Under an order passed by the Senate last session providing. for a report on all private claim bills, which had heretofore passed that body, and also passed the House of Representatives, but not in the same Congress, it is proboble that an omnibus claim bill will be reported appropriating ber.ween $5,000,000 and $0,000,000. To this possibly may be added the Indian depredation, French spoliation and other claims passed upon, either by the Court of Claims or the accounting officers of the Treasury, which will make a grand aggregate of between $7,000,000 and $8,000,000.

While such a bill may possibly and probably will pass the Senate, it Is not likely to pass the House during the coming session. Rules of the House of Representatives. One of the first things likely to be taken up in the House of Representatives Is the matter of the rules of the House. It will be remembered that on March 15, last, a sharp contest arose in tho House over the adoption of the rules of the Fifty fourth f'ongress, "until the further order of the House." A resolution to that effect, submitted by Mr. Henderson of Iowa, was contested by his colleague, Mr.

Hepburn, who was supported by some twenty odd Republican members, not, nowever, a sufficient number to prevent the adoption of the rules of the last House by 24 majority. It was then promised by Mr. Henderson that the committee on rules would report within thirty days, and but for that statement the resolution would have been defeated. No report was made, however, and the tariff question consumed the time of the house when In session, although as will be remembered an order was finally adopted for recess from Thursday to Monday, thus giving no opportunity for the transaction of business. The session terminated on July 24, on which day the speaker announced the remainder of the standing and select committees.

No opportunity was afforded for the committees to meet and organize, and very few if did so. It is not probable that an early report from the committee on rules will be made, and there is a great deal of feeling in regard to the adoption of a code of rules, which may result In a sharp contest. It Is stated to the Eagle correspondent upon excellent authority that Speaker Reed will not be as aggressive and arbitrary In his action this year as during the last Congress and the last, sessionv and Chat the committee on rules will report less special orders and not attempt, as heretofore, the role of a steering committee. More leeway, It is believed, will be given the House In regard to the order of business, and that the House or committee of the whole, will he permitted to vote as to the selection of bills. It will take up without the Intervention of a special order It to liiety that tho anU wtiU turn of prosperity will cause an Increase In the Immigration, although I do not think that the figures of several years ago will be reached again for a long time to come.

The present laws are being rigidly enforced, and this is having the effect of discouraging attempts on the part of undesirable immigrants to land here. We are deporting persons every day who do not come up to the legal requirements." Owing to the fact that Commissioner Pow derly has not yet been confirmed by the Senate he does not care to discuss for publication the measure now pending before that body. As has before been stated it is likely that Hawaii will be annexed during the comine session. The annexation treaty will not be unanimously adopted, for opposition to it will be sure to develop. It is not thought, however, that sufficient strength can be brought to bear to entirely defeat the annexation scheme.

If a Joint resolution should fail the island could be annexed by the adoption of a majority resolution. Senators Proctor. Morrill and other leaders on the Republican side confidently predict the passage of the necessary law which will give possession ot the far off island to the United States. Notwithstanding all the work of the currency commission In this city and the numerous essays on financial matters that have been written by bankers, lawyers and college professors for the past four months it looks very much as though the Fifty fifth Congress will adjourn without solving the currency pnoblem. The self appointed commission has spent a pretty penny in equipping its extensive quarters at the Arlington Hotel, where a good sized corps of typewriters, clerks and assistants has been employed.

It has sent out a great quantity of literature and has sought for the opinions of hundreds of public men on the financial question, but the chances are that its labor will be lost. From talks that have been had with leading members of the Senate and House it appears that there is ab solutely no hope for the passage of any radical financial scheme. Senator Teller has announced in the most emphatic manner that he and his silver associates will not support any bill that does not favor free silver and in that with the closeness of the political might any measure which does not advance the cause of their pet hobby. It is therefore generally conceded by well Informed men that with the closeness of the political bodies In the Senate there Is no prospect of the passage of a straight out currency reform bill, such as would have the indorsement of President McKinley and the members of his cabinet. Little trouble would be experienced In pushing an admiuistratlon measure through the house, but it would be sure to stick in the Senate.

An Assault on the Civil Service System Expected. From the talk that has appeared in the press recently a determined assault on the civil service system may be looked for early in the coming session. The opponents of tho classified service have gathered into their ranks a large number of recruits lately and they will be prepared to make a stiff fight against the appropriation for the mainten ance of the Civil Service Commission. Sim ilar attempts have been made in the past, however, and it is probable that the spoilsmen will accomplish nothing beyond stirring up a good deal of strife on the floors of the House and Senate. Commissioner Proctor, in his forthcoming reports, intends to give a black eye to the statements that his commission Is an expensive and useless luxury.

It has been said that the cost of appointing, through the civil service machinery, the five thousand or so clerks who are put into office every year, Is more than the salary paid to these five thousand employes. Mr. Proctor will show that if these persons were appointed by the heads of the various departments, a large outlay of money would have been entailed in the different appointment divisions, in receiving, briefing, classifying and arranging the thousands of applications that would have poured in. All of this work, which would have gone on in each department, is now done exclusively in the Civil Service Commission by one set of clerks. They are, of course, able to do it much cheaper than tho total cost of maintaining separate appointment divisions in the eight executive departments.

The coming Congress will have to make provisions for the preliminary work of taking the twelfth census, which will begin in 1900. This undertaaking will require the employ of several thousand clerks, statlsticans and field agents. Already the friends of civil service are laying plans for the extension of the civil service rules to this branch. Their efforts will. In all probability, be defeated, for many Congressmen have been putting off persistent office seekers with promises of positions under the next census.

These politicians will oppose any move which will put these places under civil service, notwithstanding the statement of Carroll D. Wright, who superintended the last census undertaking, that $2,000,000 would have been saved to the Federal treasury had the employes been under the classified service. There are enough disappointed office hunters in town, who got left in the presidential distribution of plums, to more than fill up all positions that will be created when tho next census work Is begun. It is also said that the administration Is opposed to extending the civil service to the employes. To Advocate the Admission of New Mexico.

Governor Manuel Otero of New Mexico, one of PresidentMcKInley's recent appointees, will be here during the coming session with a delegation, composed of both Democrats and Republicans from tile territory, to urge upon Congress tho admission of New Mexico into the Union. A similar effort will also be made to secure the admission of Arizona as a state. There is not much prospect, however, of either of these territories being taken into the Union this year. Both parties are uncertain as to tbe political status of the new states and, for that reason, their early admission Is not probable. Senator Gray of Delaware, who is alwayB conservative in his predictions, is of the opinion that the session will be a long one, and that the debate upon the Hawaiian annexation scheme will last for several weeks.

Senator Gray has caused quite a surprise also by stating that he believes some action will be taken in regard to Cuba. This opinion, however, is not held by the majority of his associates. The administration Senators are all to any precipitate course, but rather advocate leaving tho matter entirely with the president. They want to give the new Spanish cabinet an opportunity to show the sincerity of Its claims that home rule will be granted to Cuba. It Is worthy of comment that a number of Senators and Congressmen, who uuiiiis uuc cAna ouxwii moi 'inJ6, auu uui i ing the Fifty fourth Congress, were in favor of vigorous action by Congress In behalf of the Cuban revolutionists, are now talking in a very much more conservative way.

The general feeling, certainly among the leaders now Is that the recommendations of the President in respect to Cuban question should be followed. Mr. Hltt, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, is as usual very cautious, conservative and non committal, as are Congressmen Dingley, Dalzell, Henderson and other prominent Republicans. But In pri vate conversation they deprecate any. action oa behalf of Congress until it Is JAJIKS 11.

HOWE, Interested in Legislative Measures for Ihe Wallabout. the expenditure of money for such a purpose, at least, at the present time. But of all the measures to which Congressman Hurley Is committed heart and soul the one providing for the adoption by the United States of the metric system of weights and stands pre eminent. Since its appearance at the last session the measure has undergone some changes, as it now seeks to render use of the system compulsory only in the executive departments. Mr.

Hurley presented the bill at the last session and it is now in the hands of the committee on coinage, weights and measures. It Is understood that there will be steps taken during the coming session to increase the shipping facilities along the South Brooklyn shore and where such matters are In hand thc re will Congressman Hurley he especially when they have to do with the Interests of South Brooklyn. Congressman Fischer Is No Mind Reader When Congressman Israel F. Fischer was asked if he had anything to propose to anyone and what of importance to Brooklyn was on the carpet for the coming session, he smiled. "I am not a mind reader." he said, "and never was much of a success as a prophet.

It would be about as Impossible to foretell what will come up and what, will bo put down at this session as to guess how the currency matter will be handled. Two things arc pretty likely to be discussed anil they are Cuba ami currency. How they will be treated I haven't the slightest Idea now. There will probably be several army and navy bills passed and possibly some appropriations made in this line. "There will be a deal of detail work to get away with and before this is cleared up only a vague outline of important bills will be known.

As for Brooklyn, she will not be for KDMfxn ii. nitrons. Francis II. Wilsun's Su.v ossor From the Third Di.strlot. gotten at any lime though 1 cannot say now how she will be benefited.

Will It be a lively session? Well, that depends." The Congressman smiled again and said no more. Congressman Driggs' Plan. Edmund 11. Driggs, who succeeds Postmaster Francis H. Wilson as Congressman from the Third District, has not definitely settled on any plan of action as to bow be will proreed in the next Congress, nor does he yet know on what committees he may serve, so he Informed a reporter Just before he started for Washington on Thursday afternoon.

Ho has, however, a number of bills In preparation, which he will introduce soon after tho opening of Congress. They are measures affecting local interests. Mr. Driggs does not Intend to move to Washington, at leant for the present, but will make weekly visits to his home here. He will thus be enabled to confer with the local leaders.

The newly elected Congressman from the Third takes a deep interest in all naval affairs, as already told in the Eagle, and will lead his aid to strengthen the present Navy and build coast defenes. He also has a desire to sec the Brooklyn Navy Yard improved and, if possible, made one of the best In the country. He believes it has every facility for turning out much more work than It has for some time past. lie is desirous of seeing the present dry dock completed and also another one built beside it. The new Congressman Is a firm believer In the Monree doctrine and he says his vote will always be found on the side which upholds it.

In relation to the Cuban question, Mr. Driggs declares that when a vote is called fcr will cast his ballot fcr the Cubans. ATTORNEY BLODGETT DEAD. Schenectady, N. December 4 Goorgo R.

lilodgott, tho attorney for the General Elcctrio Company, who was shot by a burglar at his howejvesierdas.iad.oa.dj Ebbit until the Christmas recess. He takes great Interest in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and will do what he can to Induce Secretary Long to give more repair work to this yard. He thinks that with its fine plant and splen did equipment it should be given more of the government work than has gone to it in the past. A. B.

A. A KNOCK OUT DROPS LETTER Found in the Possession of a Prisoner Charged With Grand LarcenyA Deadly Prescription. John O'Neill, 19 years old, of 33G East Sixty sixth street. Now York, who has served nino months on the island for grand larceny, and who was arrested on Friday for stealing a silver cake basket from Mrs. Annie Simons of 240 East One Hundred and Nfnth street, was taken to tho Harlem court next morning.

When the man was arrested he had a prescription tor knockout drops his valise, beside two chisels. O'Neill is a well dressed young man with a good appearance. He was in the employ of tho Japau Tea Company, of 781 Second avenue, for two days. Ho went to the homo of Mrs. Simons, on Friday afternoon, and tried to sell her some tea.

Ho had a big valise with him. Ho induced Mrs. Himons to got some of her own tea to bo comparod with his and while nlio was gone from tho door he stole a cake basket. He was running away with Mrs. Simons following when oliceman Triea tan, of tho East One Hundred and Fourth street station, stopped him.

O'Neill coolly tried to bargain with Mm. Simons for his release, saying that ho would give, her back the cake basket if sho would consent not to prose cuto him. The woman laughed at him and he was arrested. In the valise wore two chisels, four papers of tacks, a knife, a lot of clippings of advertisements of patent medicines arid a postal card with a prescription written on it for "knock out" drops. The prescription read as follows: R.

X. No. 62,197. Hyd. 1 dr.

10 sr. powders wax papers. SlfT. Take as directed. R.

X. Atrop. 1 dr. M. V.

W. F. MAYNAHD. The postal was addressed to Frank Dra the rest of the name waB illegible. O'Neill said that tho postal had beeu sent to him by Frank Green, whom ho met on Blackwell's Island.

He said that Green bud been a pharmacist and had promised to send him the prescription for "kmck out" drops when ho left tho Island. He loft tho island Decombor 1. O'Neill said that he got the card the next day. Ho also received a letter which tho polico found, but whose writer is unknown. It is believed to be Green or tho man who wrote tho prescription.

Part of it reads as follows: "Tho one most dangerous is anyone most affectod with heart failure It takes immediate action on tho hoart causing tho heart to beat so rapidly as to finally kill. Fifteen drops of aromatic spirits of ammonia given immediately with a hypodermic injection of atropine will always counteract the effect. When you are about to adminster vial, hold it in the palm, draw the cork witn tno tnumb and ncl torenngor or same nana, reach over tho patients glass calling his attention, and, why, he is yours. This is about as explicit aB is posBiblo without demonstrating. You know tho penalty to bo caught with it in your possession." Tho letter is torn and all of it is not there.

O'Neill said that ho had not nsod tho prescription. "I don't know what I might have done in these hard times," ho added. Magistrate Wentworth held O'Neill in 8500 bail for trial at General Sessions. Ho said that they could look Into the knookout drops oaie down texe.

Get access to Newspapers.com

  • The largest online newspaper archive
  • 300+ newspapers from the 1700's - 2000's
  • Millions of additional pages added every month

About The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archive

Pages Available:
1,426,564
Years Available:
1841-1963