The House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce resumes its investigation of the Panama Canal and Railroad, and brings out testimony to the effect that supplies were bought without bids, and that the President’s instructions were not always heeded.
The Naval Appropriation bill, as amended by the Senate, directs the Secretary of the Navy to investigate the cost of armor plate and report to the next Congress.
February 28.—The Senate votes an amendment to the Indian Appropriation bill providing that a portion of the educational fund may go to sectarian schools.
Senator Kearns, of Utah, in his farewell speech, makes a sensational attack on the Mormon Church, which he says is ruled by a “monarchy.”
March 1.—The day is spent on the appropriation bills, a large number of which are agreed to in conference, and pass both houses. The Senate does not attempt to reinstate the item for the rent of the New York Custom House from the Rockefeller bank. An objection by Representative Baker, of New York, prevents the President’s salary from being raised to $75,000. The House votes itself $190,000 for mileage for the “constructive recess.”
March 2.—Both houses spend the day on the appropriation bills. The Senate adopts the Kean resolution for a railroad rate inquiry during the recess.
The Senate kills the $190,000 mileage grab of the House.
March 3.—The Fifty-eighth Congress practically completes its work, both houses agreeing on all appropriation bills. Freight-rate legislation and the Statehood bill go over to the next Congress.
March 4.—The Fifty-eighth Congress ends and the new Senate convenes in special session.