Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The Red Cloud chief. (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 1900)
B-A4 JJsMt. I MthliL Red Cloud Chief. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. RED CLOUD, NEBRASKA A plo factory In Chicago la noted tor Its pumpkin pie, of whloh It sells thousands ovory day. The dlncovory has 1en mndo that thoy aro prepared without pumpklnB. Tlio substitute, Is n mlxturo of swoot potatoes, apples nntl chenp flour, with a ohomlcal ex tract which Imparts a pumpkin llavor. Women in China havo the prlvlle-ga of fighting In tho wars. In the rebel lion of 1850 women did oa much fight ing as the men. At Nankin, In 1853, 600,000 women from, various parts of tho country woro formed Into brigade of 13,000. each, under female officers. Of Uicso soldiers, 10,000 woro picked women, drilled and garrisoned In tho city. A statistician, from sources which ho docs not disclose, calculates that thero havo boon already exported to Australia, In preparation for tho Duke of York's visit, 50,000 Union Jacks (nlnoponny edition), 500 bales of "tid dlers," a million rounds of crackors (as well as quick-firing rockets), 6,700 roams of red, white and blue ribbons, 850 bushols of fog-horns, 1,300 gross of buttons, and 350 statuto miles of utreamers. Germnny and Switzerland produce over 2,000,000 glass eyes In a year; and n Paris manufacturer, with a reputa tion for finer work, somo 300,000. They are made in tho shape of n hol low hcmlsphore.and the utmost skill Is required In forming the pupil out of tho colored glasB. The great majority Df artificial eyes aro used by workmen, especially those In Iron foundries, whero many eyes nro put out by sparks. It Is soldom that a woman has a glass eye. Even tho unoffending dressmaker's dummy has fallen undor tho ban of the reformer, and may possibly give place to modols with normal waists. Oddly enough, the moat notable exponent of tight lacing In this century was not a woman, but Nloholas I. of Russia. To attain that military stylo which ho decmod essential, ho laced bo tightly that he often fnlntod when unglrthlng for sleep. Whllo the American re joices that the bedpost corsot-glrl la out of fashion, he ennnot holp wish ing that the present Nicholas had fol lowed the oxamplo of his ancestor In pinching his own waist rathor than In squeezing the breath out of Pin land. Thero is a young man In Flushing, Long Island, who has lost the use of his legs, and thorefore drives about In R little wagon drawn by a goat. Ho Is a registered voter, and at the late elec tion went to the polling place a fire engine house In his wagon. The en trance In use w3 too narrow to admit the carriage, so the great double doors were thrown open and he drove In. Having received a ballot, ho drove to ono of the booths, but this also was too narrow. Tho election Inspectors moved n canvas booth to his side, folded It about him and left him to mark his ballot In secret, as tho law requires. When this was dono the cripple drovo to tho ballot-box. depos ited his vote, and then drovo out. President McKInloy has a record of purchasing 37.000 clgarH of one brand In the fourteen years ho was In con gress. Whllo this Is a very largo num ber, yet It Is no moro than a great many men smoke In tho snmo period, as It avernges but seven cigars a day. Mr. McKlnley had a peculiar custom In handling his cigars. During his service In congress he always bought them by the box, leaving the box at the stand from which all his purchases wore made, it wn& a convenient plnco for him to call by to get a bundle of cigars, either In tho morning or tho evening. He had no tendency toward making changes In the brand ho smok ed. He chose a good one and stuck to It, though since he left congress and while ho has been In the White House ho has not patronized the same cigar, probably simply because It was not ns convenient to buy. The two-horned whlto rhinoceros of Africa Is considered one of tho rarest of nnlmnls. For years heedless sports men slaughtered the species until It was thought to havo been exterminat ed. Some tlmo ago six specimens wero discovered In a remote corner of Mash onnlrtnd, and n hunting expedition was organized which resulted In four much desired mountings being secured by museums. It was again concluded that the white rhinoceros hod been exter minated, but recently MaJ. Gibbons of tho British army ran ncrosa a stray ipeclmeu In the Nile region and shot It. This Andrew Carncslo succeeded In buying for the Carneglo museum of Pittsburg, and It Is a most desirable curio, for besides being exceedingly rare, It Is said to bo a fine mounting, standing six feet high at tho shoulders and measuring thirteen feet from the tip of the noso to tho root of tho tall. The discovery of a now gutta pcrcha is roported from Zanzibar. It Is ob tained from n tree. When the barW la cut a white fluid exudes, which when placed In boiling water coagulates Into a Biibstnnco resembling gutta percha. As tho mntorlal coola It bocomea ex ceedingly hard, but whllo soft can bo molded Into any desired Bhupo. Tho fruit of the treo resembles a peach In ebapo, but grows to tho size of a small melon. The treo is said to abound In Zanzibar, and it is expected that the now product can bo produced very cheaply. NATIONAL HOUSE Wednesday, December 13, The debate on the war revenue re duction bill opened In house yesterday. Mr. Payne, of Now York, chairman of the ways and means committee, spoke on behalf of the majority, and Mr. Swnnson, of Virginia, on behalf of the minority. The house adjourned early to porm'lt the hall to be decorated for the exercises in connection with the centcunlul celebration tomorrow. Be fore the war revenue, reduction bill was taken up a resolution was adopted for the appointment of a special com mittee of five members to investigate tho death of Oscar L. Poor., of Bristol, Pa,, who died recently, It Is alleged, as a result of hazing, received while a cadet at West Point. This course was taken over the head of the military committee, which reported In favor of allowing the war department to con duct the Inquiry. In opening the debate on the bill for tho reduction of war taxes, Mr. Payne said that in reporting the pending bill the committee felt as though they had gone to the farthest limit In the amount of reduction, with due regard to preventing deficits. The 80.1,000,000 remaining after the reduction pro posed by the commltte took effect would not meet the extraordinary ex penses sure to follow as a result of the Spanish war. Among such expenses wan the interest on the bonds Issued to prosecute the war, amounting to 85, 000,000; the Increased army, which both sides admit should be 100,000 men, for the next two or three years. This Increase In expenditure would amount at least to 800. 000,000. The In crease In naval expenditures for cquip ing out of the late war would add to our expenditures 810,000,000 more. Mr. Swuuson, of Virginia, a member of the committee on ways and means, followed, presenting the views of the minority. Mr. Swanson suld the demo cratic party fully recognized tho urg ent necessity for a reduction In the revenues of this government, during four years taxation had Increased over 8200,000,000, and he declared If this heavy burden was continued business and commerce would seriously suffer. He expressed regret that the republi cans hud failed to devise n more just, equitable and permanent system of taxation. He then argued that there should be a reformation of the tariff and an abolition of the custom duties which have created trusts and mono polies. Ho also Insisted that the gov ernment should correct more revenue from capital, incomes and profits, rath er than from the consumption nnd tho business and occupation of the people, that "taxes should be levied on what a man has and not upon what he needs." The bill should provide for a reduction of 870,000,000. The house adjourned at 3:05 p. in. Friday, December 14. The debate upon the war revenue re duction bill continued in the house yesterday. It was dull and feature less. Those who 8 poke were Messrs. Grosvcnor, Ohio; Bartholt, Missouri; Hill, Connecticut; Boutcllc, Illinois; McClollan, New York; Newlnnds, Ne vada; Levy, New York, nnd Under wood, Alabama. . Mr. liartholj criticised the action of the ways and means committee in not having made a deeper cut In the tax on beer, and gave notice that he would of fer an umcudment to reduce It to .50 per barrel. General debnte upon tho bill will close at 3 tomorrow, and r. Payne, tho lloor leader of tho majori ty, will nsk that the bill pass at once. Tho house adopted a resolution for a holiday recehs from December 25 to .January 2. Huturdity, December in The house yesterday adjourned with out disposing of more than half the war revenue reduction bill. General debate closed at 2 o'clock, after which the bill wus opened to amendments under the live minute rule. A deter mined effort was made to reduce still further the tax on beer below the com mittee rate of 81.00 a barrel, but the ways and means committee maintained the opposition. in connection with the beer tax Mr. Payne offered au amendment In tho language of the bill passed by the house last session deslguod to abolish the use of small beer packages, ono bixteeth and eighth barrels, but it was defeated by 85 to 01, after charges were made that its purpose was to crush out the small brewers. Another defeat occurred In connec tion with the amendment offered by Mr. Henry C. Smith, of Michigan. The bill nbollshed the 1 cent stamp tax on railroad and steamship freight receipts and telegraph messages, but retained the tax on railroad andsteam bhlp freight receipts. Mr. Smith's amendment restored tho tux on ex press receipts and altered the form of he section so as to compel the com pany Instead of the shipper to pay the tax. The amendment caused a lively debate, In the coursu of which Mr. Smith made a pprsonnl allusion to a United States senator, who Is connect ed with one of tho express companies. Mr. Payne vigorously fought tho nmendmeut, but it was curried 123 to 100. The text of the amendment Is as follows; "Express and freight: It shall bo tho duty of every railroad and steam boat company, carrier, express com pany or corporation, or person whoso occupation it is to act as such, to make within the Hist fifteen days of each month a sworn statement to tho col Hie event of war. The article In ques tion declares, however, that because America desires a concession Is not Biifllclent ruason for taking it without giving an equivalent In return nnd suggests that "a way out of tho dlfll culty is to settle the vexatious Alaska boundary against the abrogation of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty." Cuming Duck to NolinniUu. Last spring .1. V. Bennett, owning a farm near Thayer, Neb., sold It for 810 per acre und with tho proceeds of the lector of Internal revenue In each of their respective districts, stating the number of shipments received for car riage aud transportation, whether iu bulk or in boxes, bales packages, bundles, or not so inclosed or included, for which any charge whatsoever has been made, nnd for each of snch ship ments received for carriage and trans portation the said railroad or steam boat company, carrier, express com pany or corporation or person whoso occupation it Is to act as such shall pay u tax of one cent; provided, that but one payment of such tax shall bo required on bundles or packages of newspapers wnen enclosed in one bundle at the tlmo of shipment." Monday, December 17. Tho house Saturday passed tho war revenue reduction bill. The opposition sought to recommit the bill with In structions to report back a measure reducing tho revenue nt least 870,000, 000, and Including a provision for nn income tax, so drawn as to escape on adverse decision of tho supreme court. The motion failed, 131 to IBS. There upon the bill was passed without tho concurrence of the minority, who re frained from voting. The nmendment placed In the bill Friday to tax ex press receipts wus defeated on nn aye and nay vote In the house, 125 to 130. The pension appropriation bill, carry ing 8145,145,230, was passed iu exactly unriceo minutes. R. W. Wilcox, the delegate from Ha waii, was sworn In immediately after the approval of the journal. The war revenue bill was then re ported to the house. Mr. Payno de manded a separate vote on the Smith amendment placing a tax of one cent on each express package. Mr. Underwood, Alabama, demanded a separate vote on the Powers inherit ance tax amendment, which specifical ly exempted the estates of persona who (lied prior to June 13, 1808. On an aye and nay vote the house reversed Its action of yesterday and defeated the Smith express receipt tax amendment, 125 to 130. The Powers amendment was adopted 84 to 53. Mr. Richardson, Tennessee, on be half of the minority, then moved to recommit tho bill with Instructions "to forthwith report a bill reducing the revenues under the war revenue act at least the sum of 870,000,000, tho taxes remaining to be apportioned so as to more equally and justly distrib ute the taxes and to remove from the articles most nearly the necessaries of life anil which enter generally Into consumption." The committeo also included in the bill a provision so framed as to accomplish the just ends of an Income tax aud yet escape the decision of the supreme court of the United States in cases growing out of tho Wilson tariff law. Mr. Hopkins, of Illinois, observed facetiously, that the motion was sub ject to a point of order. "It Instructs the committee to report back an in come tax provision that will circum vent the decision of the supreme court," said he, "showing that It Is requiring tho committee to perform an impossi bility." The motion to recommit was lobt, 131 to 155. The bill was then passed, the democrats refraining from voting- Tho speaker announced the resigna. tlon of Mr. Marsh, Illinois, as a mem ber of tho Boo. Investigation commit tee and Mr. Dick was appointed In his stead. Mr. Dick becomes chairman of tho committee. At 3:30 p. m the house adjourned. Tuesday, December 18. Under suspension of the rules the house yesterday passed rules to divide Kentucky and West Virginia into two judicial districts; to cieate another district in the northern district of Ohio, and to refer to the secretary of the interior for investigation the claim of the state of Texas for moneys ex pended on public improvement ii Greer county before the decision of the supreme court placed it within the jurisdiction of Oklahoma. An attempt was made to pass a bill to give soldiers mid sailors of the civil war, the Spanish wur and tho war iu the Philippines preference In the mat ter of appointment to and retention in positions lu the executive departments of the government, but It nroused op position on the groiuid that It would practically shut out of the government employ for years to come all civilians, and was overwhelmingly defeated. One hundred and two private pension bills were passed. Just before the house adjourned a fine tribute was paid to Representa tive Charles A. Boutelle, of Maine, who served eighteen years in congress nnd who has been re-elected to the fifty-seventh congress. Mr. Little field, of .Maine, asked unanimous con sent for the consideration of a bill to place him on the retired list as a cap tain in the navy, Mr. Boutelle hav ing been in the navy during the civil war. Mr. Llttleflcld said that Mr. Bou tcllo's condition was such that he would undoubtedly resign. The coudltlon of Maine representative was well known to representatives, and they were In clined to protest against the proposed legislation ns establishing a dangerous precedent, no objection was made and the bill was passed. Illff Tannery llurns. The immense tanning plant of Zschistschu &. Sons, Sheboygan, Wis., was totally destroyed by lire. Loss 8180,000, fully covered. It Is assorted by Walter Wellman that Secretary Huy will not resign from the cabinet. Secretary Hay has intimated that ho Is ready to step out if tho president considers his presence in the cabinet a detriment, but he bus nut resigned. sale of farm, Htock, implements, grain, etc., cleaned up iu cash over 825,000, tho earnings of a few years, taken out of York county's productive soil. Since then he has been traveling look ing for a location that he imagined would suit him better. A friend of his at Thayer has just received a letter from Mr. Bennett, saying that he had traveled 8,000 miles and found no place equal to eastern Nebraska, and espe cially York county, and that he wan coming back to Nebraska as fast as the trains could get him here. NATIONAL SENATE Wednesday, December 13. The first speech In opposition to the hip subsidy bill iu the senate was de livered yesterday by Mr. Clay, Georgia, ono of the minority members of the committee on commerce, which re ported It to the senate. He is recog nized us one of tho most vigorous op ponents of the bill In the senate, and during nearly two hours was accorded close attention by senators on both sides of the chamber. Mr. Ilunnu, who expects to reply to Mr. Clay's argu ment, gave hi in a particularly atten tive Hearing. In the early part of the session a lively colloquy was precipitated over the reference of the committee of the Grout oleomargarine bill, Just passed by the house of representatives. It finally went to the committee on agri culture. This was a victory for the friends of the bill. There also was a sharp debate over the Montana senatorial case, but no action wns taken, the matter by con sent going over tempoiarlly. No business session of the senate will be held today as the day will be devoted to the celebration of the centennial of thecstablluhtncntof the soatof govern ment at Washington. Au order pre sented by Mr. Cockrell Missouri, was ratified by the senate directing that the vacancies on the committees of the District of Columbia, geological survey, Indian affairs, mines and mining, Pacific islands, territories nnd rail roads, be filled by the appointment of Senator Towne of Minnesota. The resolution of yesterday by Mr. Haven, for the appointment by the president pro tem of a committee of three senators to make the necessary arrangements for the Inauguration of the president of the United States on the 4th of Murch was adopted without debate. The Grout oleomargarine bill, passed by the house, was laid before the sen ate and President Pro Tem Frye an nounced that he felt obliged, in view of previous action of the senate on a similar measure to refer the bill to the committee on agriculture. Mr. Aldrlch, chairman of the com mittee on finance, said ho would offer no objection to that reference, but Mr. Vest of Missouri, a member of the finance committee, contended vigor ously that the bill, being to 'pass Mon day, a revenue measure, ought to be referred to the committee on flnunce. He declared that if the bill was an honest measure it was a revenue bill, and if it were a dishonest measure it was an effort to use the taxing power of the government as a police regula tion. Mr. Proctor, Vermont moved that the bill be referred to the committee on agriculture. In again objecting to the proposed reference, Mr. Vest declared that here It was proposed in this bill to turn congress into a stato legislature nnd make it exercise purely police power in the various states. The motion to refer the bill to the committee on agriculture was agreed to. After an executive session the senate adjourned. Friday, December 14. For nearly three hours yesterday Mr. nanna, of Ohio, addressed the senate upon the pending ship subsidy bill. While he hud spoken heretofore on the floor of the senate, this effort really was his first formal speech to the body since he became a member of it. Since coming to the senate Mr. Hanna has devoted much tlmo and lnpor to the preparation of the ship subsidy bill, and ns he Is regarded by his colleagues as one of the best In formed public men on the question, Ills speech was given unusually close attention. Senators on both sides of the chamber remained In their seats throughout the delivery of the address. He spoke without manuscript. . After dwelling at length upon the efforts of the maritime nations of Eu rope to prevent the investment by Americans of capital in tho up-building of an American marine aud urging that tho proposed construction of the Nicaragua cunal, together with the rehabilitation of this country's marine power was only a part of the great problem of transportation. Mr. Hanna said that no plainer proposition than that contained in tho pending bill was ever printed. It would attract capital and lay the foundation for a great in dustry. The enactment of the meas ure into law, he urged, would benefit materially the ship-building Industry und create tho demand for labor in every department of business aud com merce. Mr. Hannn in conclusion said: "In my appeal to tho American peo ple for the re-establishment of the great ship-building Industry, I wantto put It on higher grounds than mere dollars and cents. It is away nnd be yond that point in patriotism und pride in our national life. As to the popularity or unopularlty of this measure, I stand here to say that every Hue of it is In the interest of the peo ple. On that basis 1 make my ..appeal for Its passago and leave the question in your hands." Haturday, December IS. After reporting to the senate In exe cutive session yesterday the new amendments to the Hay-Pnuncefote treaty, us mnde by tho committee on foreign relntions, Senntor Lodge made an effore to have a dny sot for the tak ing of n voto upon the treaty. He suggested next Thursday as the gener ally acceptable time, but Senator English Interests Hare Diminished. In his address to tho senate on the Hry-Pauncofote treaty Monday last, Senator Money, of Mississippi, among other things said that conditions hud changed greatly since 1850, when the Clayton-Bulwer treaty was made, and udded that while the interests of Great Britain in constructing a canal across the isthmus und iu maintaining Its neutrality had diminished grently be cause of the construction of the Suez canal, the Interest of tho United Stales in the cunul hud been enhanced be Mason first made objection and when ho withdrew It Senator Money sug gested that Senator Morgan had given notice that he wotild ask that the voto upon tho treaty shouls be postponed until a vole, could bo secured upon tho Nlcaraguau canal bill. Senator Mor gan, however, stated that he was not disposed to make that contention any longer, because he did not wish to do anything which would lead Great Britain to conclude that this country desires to take a threatening position. Senator Butler then entered objection to fixing a tlmo for n voto. Ssnntor Lodge said that In view of the position taken, ho should press the treaty upon tho attention of the senate early and lute until a vote could be had, and he afterwards declined to move an ad journment from yesterday until Mon day because of the refusal to allow a day to be named for a vote. Aside from these Incidents and the reporting of the amendments sug gested by tho committee on foreign re lations, tho proceedings consisted wholly of speechmaklng, the speakers being Senators Culberson, Spooner, Llndsny, McCumber and Elldus. Senator Culberson spoke for the ndoptlon of amendments similar to those outlined in the Monroe act which provides for the abrogation of the Bui wer treaty by diplomatic methods. He suld that ho was opposed to pro ceeding by piecemeal to get rid of a compact so objectionable to American ideas as the Clayton-Bulwer treaty Is. He thought It entirely competent for this country to pass the Hepburn canal bill and proceed with the canal Inde pendently of all treaties either In force or pending. Senator Spooner combattcd the argu ments of Mr. Culberson. He said that he favored the canal, and believed the United States should have the right to fortify and defend it, but could not ac cept tho view that we should proceed on that great work In total disregard of the existence of the ngrecment of 1850. Great Britain, he said, is a friendly power, and he would not con sent to any ruthless proceedings. Throughout nenrly the entire legis lative day tho senate was in secret ses sion, discussing the Hny-Puuncefote treaty. No business of Importance was transacted in the brief open ses sion. Monday, December 17. The proceedings Saturday consisted of a brief speech by Senator Teller, in which ne suggested tlie substitution of the word "abrogate" for the word "supercede" In the first of the amend ments reported yesterday by the com mittee on foreign relations, the effect being to declare the Clayton-Bulwer treaty abrogated in express terms. He then made an argument, in support of this suggestion, contending that any nation has a right to abrogate a treaty entered into with auother nation. lie said that if the committee intended the old treaty to be abrogated that word should be used. When Mr. Teller concluded Mr. Lodge renewed his efforts to get a time fixed for a vote. Senator Morgan stated that if tho time should be named for a voto on the treaty he would also insist that there should be an understanding that a vote be tuken on the Nlcaragunn canal bill at the same time. When, however, Mr. Lodge, after au intermission, renewed his suggestion for fixing a time, Sena tor Morgan said nothing further about a vote on the canal bill. A number of objections were made to forcing a vote. A number of amendments wero offered, ono by Senator Allen being: To amend article one by striking out the word "under" In line 13, page 2. and Insert the word "by," strike out the words "auspices of the" at tho beginning of line 14, and the words "either directly" at the end of the same line, aud striking out the follow ing iu lines 15, 10, and 17: "Or by gift or loun of money to individuals or corporations, or their subscriptions to or purchaco of stock or shnres," that when thus amended the aJtlclo will read as follows: "Article 1. It Is agreed that the canal may be constructed by the gov ernment of tho United States at Its own cost, and that subject to tne pro visions of the present convention, the said government shall ' ave nnd enjoy nil the rights Incident to such con struction, us woll m the exclusive right of providing for the regulation and management of the cnnal." A bill was passed amending the cri minal laws of the District of Columbia relative to the deposit of money us surety. Considerable minor routine business was disposed of, and then nt 12:25 p.m. on motion of Mr. Lodge, (Mass.) the senate went Into executive session to further considor the Hay-Paunccfote treaty. At. 2:45 p. m. the senate adjourned. Tuesday, December 18. The senate was in open session only an hour yesterday. After opening Senator Chandler, of New Hampshire, created n little Hurry by ondeavorlng again to get up the resolution relating to tho Montana ease. It was futile. Mr. Money, of Mississippi, speaking to a question of personal privilege, di rected attention to a newspaper publi cation of today lu which tho state ment was made that a commission of senators hud been formed to press certain claims now pending before the senate. Tho publication asserted that thd commission had determined upon the passage of those claims, even though an extra session of congress was forced In tho effort. Mr. Money declnred that, so far as he know, no such commission existed. Soon after the senate convened to cause of growing trado und our newly acquired possessions in tlie orient. He said that while Englnnd demanded the United States should not fortify tho propesed Isthmian canal, she her self had fortifications which practical ly control the Suez canal. Ho read copious extracts from speeches by Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary Fre llnghuyson nnd Secretary Blaine (the lust mentioned In his instruction to Minister Lowell), in support of his po sition. He called attention to the fact that tho Hepburn bill provides ex day a bill extending to homestead set tlers on the Chippewa Indian reserva tion lu Minnesota tho right to com- ttnuto their entries was reported by Mr. Nelson of .Minnesota. Carter (Mont.,) Introduced a resolu tion calling upon tho judiciary com mittee to Investigate and report to tlie senate the facts in the matter of tho charges against Judge Noyes of Alas ka. It wus referred to the judiciary committee. At 12,30 p. nl., on motion of Mr. Lodge, tho senate went Into executlvo session to resume consideration of the Hay-Pnuncefote treaty. Justboforo adjournment the senate gave Its consent to the fixing of a defi nite time to vote upon tho Hay Paunce foto treaty. Senators Money nnd Mnson hntf occiinlcd the time of the session lu making speeches and when Mr. Mason concluded Mr. Lodge re newed his request to tnke a vote next Thursdny. No voice was raised In op position, and the unanimous agree ment was recorded. The understand ing Is thut the voting shall be on the amendments at 3 o'clock and that the senate shall continue in session until the first voto on tho treaty itself is reached. Senator Money's speech wns a flat protest against tho entire proceeding in connection with the trenty. He talked for two hours, contending for the right of tho United States to net in this matter independently of other nations. Senator Mason spoke in support of his suggested amendment authorizing rho United States to defend tho canal as It may deem proper in cobo it con structs the canal. He presented the argument in support of our right to defend tho waterway in concise and forcible terras and received careful at tention. Ho declared that the present In stance furnishes the first precedent of a great nation being asked not to de fend a great public work, the construc tion of which it is contemplating. He did not consider that Great Britain should undertake to Bay what we should do In the matter. He wus not hostile to England, ho said, but ho wanted the senate to protect all tho natural rights of the nation. Merely Misunderstanding. In connection with the decoration ot the house of reprkscntntives December 14, considerable discussion was aroused by the omission of certain lings In the scheme of decoration. In the original plans, tho British, German, French, Russian and other Hags were draped about the chamber. But through a misunderstanding of olllcluls it was thought that the British jack was the only one displayed, nnd, in order that no inviduous distinction should be shown, a piece of bunting was placed over this flag, tlnm omitting it from the general plan, while the other na tional flags remained. The incident is looked upon as unimportant. Want Christiana Protected. About the only subject of popular interest discussed In tho verv short cabinet meeting December 14 wub the application of tho Rev. James F. Hill, of Cannonburg, Pa., for governmental aid in protecting native christians in the New Hebrides islands. The sub ject was brought before the cabinet by Secretary Long, to whom the up pllcution had been made for a war- ship in behulf of the missionary in terest, i ue islands lie about a thous and miles east of Ausfalla, and just north of New Caledonia. Tlnv lmvn been under a divided French and British protectorate. llonu for the Farmers. Senator Allen of Nebraska, Decem ber 14, proposed a substitute for the Shin Sllbsldv bill nrnviilliir fnr "fVio protection of agricultural staples and nuierieun snips in tue lorelgn trado by authorizing the payment of bount ies on exports of agricultural products of the United States." The substitute provides for a county of 10 cents a bushel on wheat, 60 cents a barrel on wheat flour, 10 cents a bushel on rye, 50 ccuts a barrel on rye Hour, 5 cents a bushel on corn, 7 cents per cental on corn ground; 1 cent a pound on cotton, 2 cents a pound on hops, and Scents a pound on tobacco. Want Missouri Improved, Representative D. II. Mercer appear ed before the river aud harbor commit tee December 13 and presented argu ment for his bill for the improvement of the Missouri river in tho vicinity of Omaha. Tho other towns Interested lire South Omaha, Florence nnd Coun cil Bluffs. Mr. Mercer's bill carries an appropriation of 875,000. Nebraska Postal t'liiuigc. L. V. oepson has been appointed postmaster at St. Mlchuel, Buffalo county, vlco W. L. Clark, resigned. The postofllco at Mascot, Harlan county, has been ordered dlscontlncd and mall sent to Oxford. Dr. T. C. McClerry has been appoint ed a pension examining surgeon at Ge neva. Postal receipts at Omaha for No vember were 832,514 against 832,122 for the same period last year, an increase of 8302. Ray lllll Postponed. The senate and house committees on Judiciary havo reached an agreement to postpone consideration of tho Ray bill for tho amendment of tho bank ruptcy law until next congress. pressly for tho defense of tho canal, and ho asserted thut tho treaty should bo defeated outright and the caual bllj passed In its stead. HncKests n Compromise. Discussing tho attitude of tho United States senate relative to tho Hay Paiincefote treaty Tho Westminster Gazette, of London, iu Its issue of Dec. 17, says that it is perfectly natural that the United States should desire to exact a guarantee against the use of the Nicaragua canal by un enemy in ' ' H4M m I Nf ?i v. I I". r t IIVM aVf V i 'a .44ai'M ft; m AfW t I , M jl4tvf-WflrarewliiiWflW