February 14.—Senators Lodge and Spooner defend the action of the Senate in amending the arbitration treaties.
Representative Littlefield, of Maine, warns Congress that it is riding for an $80,000,000 deficit.
The Senate passes the Agricultural Appropriation bill, but amends it by prohibiting drawbacks on wheat imported to make flour for export.
February 15.—The House, by unanimous vote, adopts a resolution introduced by Representative Campbell, of Kansas, which directs the Department of Commerce and Labor to investigate the Standard Oil Trust.
February 16.—The House declares the Senate’s amendment of the Agricultural Appropriation bill a violation of the Constitution.
The House passes the bill for the government of the Panama Canal zone.
February 17.—The House Committee investigating the Panama Railway hears testimony to the effect that the commissioners pocket the fees paid them as directors. The Senate withdraws its amendment to the Agricultural Appropriation bill.
February 20.—By the aid of 46 Democratic votes the Naval Appropriation bill, providing for two new battleships, passes the House.
Representative Baker, of New York, denounces President Roosevelt for having sent a message of condolence on the death of the Grand Duke Sergius.
Representative William R. Hearst introduces a bill to make oil pipe lines common carriers, thus taking them out of the exclusive control of the Standard Oil Company.