<DOC>
[Hinds Precedents -- Volume IV]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access]
[DOCID: f:hinds_c.wais]

 
                               Chapter C.

    HISTORY AND JURISDICTION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES--Continued.

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    1. The Committee on Banking and Currency. Sections 4082-4089.
    2. The Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures. Sections 
     4090-4095.
    3. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Sections 
     4096-4117.\1\
    4. The Committee on Rivers and Harbors. Sections 4118-4128.\2\
    5. The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Sections 
     4129-4148.
    6. The Committee on Agriculture. Sections 4149-4161.
    7. The Committee on Foreign Affairs. Sections 4162-4178.
    8. The Committee on Military Affairs. Sections 4179-4188.
    9. The Committee on Naval Affairs. Section 4189.
   10. The Committee on Post-Office and Post-Roads. Sections 4190-
     4193.
   11. The Committee on Public Lands. Sections 4194-4203.
   12. The Committee on Indian Affairs. Sections 4204-4207.
   13. The Committee on Territories. Sections 4208-4212.
   14. The Committee on Insular Affairs. Sections 4213-4216.
   15. The Committee on Railways and Canals. Sections 4217-4220.
   16. The Committee on Manufactures. Sections 4221, 4222.

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  4082. The creation and history of the Committee on Banking and 
Currency, section 5 of Rule XI.
  The rule assigns to the Committee on Banking and Currency 
jurisdiction of subjects relating to ``banking and currency.''
  Section 5 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to banking and currency: to the Committee on Banking and Currency.

  This committee is composed of eighteen Members.
  The form of rule dates from the revision of 1880,\3\ but the 
committee itself was established on March 2, 1865,\4\ to assume some of 
the burdens of the Ways and Means Committee.\5\
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  \1\ See also sections 4135, 4137, 4144, 4146 of this volume.
  \2\ See also sections 4036, 4165, 4219 of this volume.
  \3\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, p. 205.
  \4\ Second session Thirty-eighth Congress, Globe, pp. 1312-1317.
  \5\ See also section 4020 of this volume.
Sec. 4083
  4083. The Committee on Banking and Currency has reported generally on 
the subject of national banks, and also on the subject of current 
deposit of public moneys.--In 1906 \1\ the Committee on Banking and 
Currency reported on the following subjects:
  Current deposit of public moneys, national-bank loans, redemption of 
national bank notes, and verification of papers by national banks.
  4084. The strengthening of public credit, issues of notes and 
taxation, redemption, etc., thereof, and authorization of bond issues 
in connection therewith have been considered by the Committee on 
Banking and Currency.--The Committee on Banking and Currency has 
reported on the following subjects:
  In 1898,\2\ the bill (H. R. 10289) to strengthen the public credit, 
relieve the United States Treasury, and to amend the national-banking 
laws.
  In 1895,\3\ the bill (H. R. 8705) to authorize the Secretary of the 
Treasury to issue bonds to maintain a sufficient gold reserve and to 
redeem and retire United States notes.
  In 1888,\4\ in relation to a limit to the issue of United States 
notes.
  In 1893,\5\ on State bank failures.
  In 1891 \6\ and 1894,\7\ on State taxation of United States notes.
  4085. The Committee on Banking and Currency has jurisdiction of 
subjects relating to the Freedman's Bank.--The Committee on Banking and 
Currency has reported bills as follows:
  In 1888,\8\ the bill (S. 1138) to reimburse the depositors of the 
Freedman's Savings and Trust Company.
  In 1898,\9\ the bill (H. R. 7343) authorizing the commissioner of the 
Freedman's Savings and Trust Company to pay certain dividends.
  4086. A bill to incorporate an international bank was reported by the 
Committee on Banking and Currency.--The Committee on Banking and 
Currency in 1890,\10\ and several succeeding years reported bills 
providing for the incorporation of an International American Bank.
  4087. The jurisdiction of the subject of the issue of silver 
certificates as currency was given to the Committee on Banking and 
Currency.--On January 9, 1882,\11\ the House was considering in 
Committee of the Whole the resolutions distributing the President's 
message, among which was the following:

  That so much as relates to refunding the public debt, to the national 
finances, to the abolition of internal-revenue taxes, and to the issue 
of silver certificates be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
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  \1\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 1109, 1835, 
2284, 3349, 3617, 5043.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1575.
  \3\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1749.
  \4\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report, No. 115.
  \5\ First session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 147.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3277.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 862.
  \8\ First session Fiftieth Congress, House Report No. 3139.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, House Report No. 1641.
  \10\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2561; second 
session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 3054; second session Fifty-
fifth Congress, Report No. 1627.
  \11\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Journal, p. 247; Record, 
pp. 297-299.
                                                            Sec. 4088
  Mr. James B. Belford, of Colorado, at once raised a question that the 
portions of the message relating to ``the issue of silver 
certificates'' should be referred to the Committee on Coinage, Weights, 
and Measures. Mr. Aylett H. Buckner, of Missouri, made the point that 
the subject more properly belonged to the Committee on Banking and 
Currency. During the debate the Ways and Means Committee abandoned all 
pretensions to jurisdiction, and the question was taken as between the 
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures and the Committee on 
Banking and Currency. On the vote the Committee on Banking and Currency 
won the jurisdiction by a vote of ayes 106, noes 45. The resolution was 
agreed to by the House as amended.
  4088. On December 6, 1882,\1\ during the consideration of the 
resolutions distributing the President's message, Mr. Richard P. Bland, 
of Missouri, took exceptions to the resolution referring the subject of 
the ``issue of silver certificates'' to the Committee on Banking and 
Currency, and moved to substitute instead the Committee on Coinage, 
Weights, and Measures. The amendment was disagreed to, ayes 51, noes 
92, on a vote by tellers.
  In 1888 \2\ the Committee on Banking and Currency reported the bill 
(H. R. 8004) authorizing the issue of fractional silver 
certificates.\3\
  4089. A legislative proposition to maintain the parity of the money 
of the United States was reported by the Committee on Banking and 
Currency.--On January 29, 1901,\4\ the Committee on Banking and 
Currency reported the bill (H. R. 13769) ``to maintain the parity of 
the money of the United States.'' This bill provided for the exchange 
of gold coin for standard silver dollars at the Treasury.
  4090. The creation and history of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, 
and Measures, section 6 of Rule XI.
  The rule gives to the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures 
jurisdiction of the subject of ``coinage, weights, and measures.''
  Section 6 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to coinage, weights, and measures: to the Committee on Coinage, 
Weights, and Measures.

  This committee consists of seventeen Members and one Delegate.
  The form of the rule was made in the revision of 1880.\5\ The 
committee was established \6\ as a standing committee January 21, 
1864,\7\ when it was called ``Com-
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  \1\ Second session Forty-seventh Congress, Record, p. 58.
  \2\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 838.
  \3\ It is to be noted that in 1884 (first session Forty-eighth 
Congress, Report No. 1730) the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and 
Measures reported the bill (H. R. 7232) to retire the low denominations 
of Treasury notes and exchange the silver certificates of large 
denominations for ones of smaller denominations.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2535.
  \5\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, p. 205.
  \6\ In earlier days the subject was considered by select committees. 
Thus, on December 7, 1825, a Select Committee on Weights and Measures 
was appointed. (First session Nineteenth Congress, Journal, p. 30.)
  \7\ First session Thirty-eighth Congress, Globe, p. 297.
Sec. 4091
mittee on a Uniform System of Coinage, Weights, and Measures.'' On 
March 2, 1867, on motion of Mr. John A. Kasson, of Iowa, the name was 
changed to the present form.\1\
  4091. Bills for the establishment of a standardizing bureau and the 
adoption of the metric system have been reported by the Committee on 
Coinage, Weights, and Measures.--The Committee on Coinage, Weights, and 
Measures have reported:
  In 1900 \2\ the bill (H. R. 11350) to establish a national 
standardizing bureau.
  In 1898 \3\ a bill to fix the standard of weights and measures by the 
adoption of the metric system.
  4092. A bill relating to Hawaiian coinage was reported by the 
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.--In 1892,\4\ the Committee 
on) Coinage, Weights, and Measures reported a bill relating to Hawaiian 
silver coinage and silver certificates.
  4093. Subjects relating to the coinage of silver and purchase of 
bullion have been within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Coinage, 
Weights, and Measures.--On November 3. 1877,\5\ Mr. Aylett H. Buckner, 
of Missouri, introduced a bill (H. R. 905) to authorize the free 
coinage of the standard silver dollar and to restore its legal tender 
character. He moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on 
Banking and Currency. Mr. Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, raised the 
question of order that the bill should, under the rules, go to the 
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.
  The Speaker \6\ stated that when there was a dispute as to reference 
it was the custom of the Chair to submit the question to the House.
  The House, after debate, in which the precedent of 1873 was cited as 
a case where the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures reported a 
bill providing for the coinage of a special kind of silver dollar, the 
House voted, ayes 126, noes 34, that the bill should go to the 
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.
  On February 12, 1884,\7\ on motion of Mr. Richard P. Bland, of 
Missouri, and by a vote of ayes 84, noes 34, the House transferred from 
the Committee on Banking and Currency to the Committee on Coinage, 
Weights, and Measures the bill (H. R. 3356) to provide for the 
retirement of the trade dollar.
  On December 10, 1890,\8\ the resolutions distributing the President's 
message provided for the reference of so much as referred to the 
``purchase and coinage of silver'' to the Committee on Coinage, 
Weights, and Measures.
  This committee also have reported:
  In 1886 \9\ (adversely), the bill (H. R. 5690) for the free coinage 
of silver.
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  \1\ Second session Thirty-ninth Congress, Journal, p. 601.
  \2\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1452.
  \3\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1597.
  \4\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 260, 1180.
  \5\ First session Forty-fifth Congress, Journal, p. 128; Record, pp. 
232, 233.
  \6\ Samuel J. Randall, of Pennsylvania, Speaker.
  \7\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Record, pp. 1057, 1058.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Journal, p. 43; Record, p. 
303.
  \9\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 524.
                                                            Sec. 4094
  In 1892,\1\ on the subject of the free coinage of silver.
  In 1891,\2\ on the subject of silver bullion deposits, the bill (H. 
R. 5381) authorizing the issue of Treasury notes on deposits of silver 
bullion.
  In 1884,\3\ the bill (H. R. 4976) to retire and recoin the trade 
dollar.
  4094. Subjects relating to mints and assay offices are within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.--On 
December 6, 1882,\4\ the resolutions distributing the President's 
message referred to the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures 
subjects relating to the mints of the United States.
  The committee has reported:
  In 1902,\5\ on the subject of a branch mint at Omaha, Nebr.
  In 1884,\6\ the bill (H. R. 1689) to establish an assay office at 
Deadwood, S. Dak.
  In 1898,\7\ as to an assay office at Seattle, Wash.
  4095. Bills for defining and fixing the standard of value and 
regulating coinage and exchange of coin are within the jurisdiction of 
the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures.--In 1899,\8\ the 
Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures reported the bill (H. R. 
11917) to define and fix the standard of value and to regulate coinage 
and provide for redemption thereunder.
  The committee also reported:
  In 1891 \9\ and 1900 \10\ bills relating to exchange of gold coin for 
gold bars at the mints.
  In 1888,\11\ the bill (H. R. 7214) concerning the coinage of three-
dollar gold pieces.
  In 1888,\12\ the bill (H. R. 7933) concerning the exchange of 
mutilated coin.
  In 1887,\13\ the bill (H. Res. 255) relating to supplies of 
subsidiary coin; and also the bill (H. R. 11107) relating to the issue 
and redemption of minor coin.
  4096. The creation and history of the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce, section 7 of Rule XI.
  The rule gives to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
jurisdiction of subjects relating to ``commerce, Life-Saving Service, 
and light-houses,'' but not including appropriations therefor.
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  \1\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report Nos. 249, 1839.
  \2\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1086.
  \3\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 324.
  \4\ Second session Forty-seventh Congress, Journal, p. 40; Record, p. 
56. Also in a later Congress similar action was taken. (Second session 
Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 26.)
  \5\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2703.
  \6\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 969.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1110.
  \8\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1876.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3330.
  \10\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1513.
  \11\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 781.
  \12\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 780.
  \13\ Second session Forty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 3968, 3969.
Sec. 4097
  Section 7 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to commerce, Life-Saving Service, and light-houses, other than 
appropriations for Life-Saving Service and light-houses, to the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.

  This committee has eighteen members.
  It dates from December 14, 1795, when the number of standing 
committees was increased from two to four, ``Commerce and 
Manufactures'' and ``Revisal and Unfinished Business'' being added to 
``Elections'' and ``Claims.''\1\ In 1819 the subjects of Commerce and 
Manufactures were separated.\2\ In early times the committee was 
sometimes in conflict with the Ways and Means over the jurisdiction of 
subjects relating to duties.\3\ In the revision of 1880 the Committee 
on Rules reported in favor of restoring to the Appropriations Committee 
the river and harbor bill, which had more recently been reported from 
the Committee on Commerce, allowing the Committee on Commerce to frame 
the bill, but requiring it to be reported to the Committee on 
Appropriations.\4\
  The House dissented from this plan, and after long debate agreed to a 
rule \5\ in this form:

  To commerce, Life-Saving Service, and light-houses, other than 
appropriations for Life-Saving Service and light-houses: to the 
Committee on Commerce. And the Committee on Commerce shall have the 
same privileges in reporting bills making appropriations for the 
improvement of rivers and harbors as is accorded to the Committee on 
Appropriations in reporting general appropriation bills.

  On December 19, 1883, the Committee on Rivers and Harbors was 
established, and took the jurisdiction of the river and harbor bill, 
with its privileges.\6\ In 1892 the present name of ``Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce'' \7\ was adopted.\8\
  4097. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has 
jurisdiction of bills affecting domestic and foreign commerce, except 
such as may affect the revenue.--The jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce includes ``subjects relating to the 
commerce of the United States, domestic and foreign, except so far as 
it affects the revenue.'' \9\
  4098. Bills establishing the Department of Commerce and Labor and 
relating to the Interstate Commerce Commission were reported by the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--In 1903,\10\ the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported the bill 
establishing the Department of Commerce and Labor; and in 1906 \11\ on 
the Interstate Commerce Commission.
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  \1\ Third and Fourth Congress, Journal, p. 375 (Gales and Seaton 
ed.).
  \2\ See Journal, first session Sixteenth Congress, pp. 9, 22; Annals, 
pp. 708, 709. (See also sec. 4221 of this volume.)
  \3\ First session Seventeenth Congress, Annals of Congress, Vol. I, 
p. 530.
  \4\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, p. 200.
  \5\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, pp. 663, 1261.
  \6\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Record, pp. 196, 214.
  \7\ On December 14, 1847 (First session Thirtieth Congress, Journal, 
pp. 76, 82; Globe, pp. 25, 27-30), a proposition was made to divide the 
old Committee on Commerce into two committees, one to have interstate 
commerce and the other foreign commerce; but it was not acted on at 
that time.
  \8\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Record, p. 653.
  \9\ Resolutions distributing the President's message (third session 
Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 25).
  \9\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2970.
  \10\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 591.
  \11\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 591.
                                                            Sec. 4099
  4099. Legislation relating to the construction of bridges over 
navigable waters belongs to the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--On April 1, 1884,\1\ the Committee on 
Commerce \2\ reported the bill (H. R. 6100) making general provisions 
of law in regard to the erection of bridges over navigable waters; and 
the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has exercised 
continuously jurisdiction on this subject, both for general and special 
bills.\3\
  In 1898 \4\ the committee reported a resolution of inquiry relating 
to obstructions in Niagara River which might have a bearing on a 
pending proposition for the authorization of a bridge.
  4100. The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce considers 
bills relating to dams in navigable streams unless they are related to 
improvements under jurisdiction of the Committee on Rivers and 
Harbors.--On April 15, 1884,\5\ the Committee on Commerce \6\ reported 
the bill (H. R. 6657) authorizing the construction of a dam across the 
Mississippi River at St. Cloud, Minn. And this general jurisdiction of 
the subject of dams across navigable rivers has remained with the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and has been exercised 
with great frequency.\7\
  On December 11, 1902,\8\ on motion of Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of 
Ohio, chairman of the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, the reference of 
House bills 15605 and 15606, providing, respectively, for the 
construction of a lock or locks and a dam in Bayou Vermilion and the 
Mermentau River, in the State of Louisiana, was changed from the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to the Committee on Rivers 
and Harbors. But Mr. William P. Hepburn, of Iowa, chairman of the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, said:

  I do not want to consent by this action to the idea that jurisdiction 
ordinarily in cases of this kind is lodged with the Committee on Rivers 
and Harbors, but in this instance, this stream being now in process of 
improvement and being the subject of appropriation, I think it would be 
better that the subject of this bill should be considered by that 
committee.

  On May 22, 1906,\9\ on motion of Mr. Frederick C. Stevens, of 
Minnesota, by direction of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce, the reference of the following bill was changed from that 
committee to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors:

  A bill (H. R. 17138) to provide for a commission to examine and 
report concerning the use by the United States of the waters of the 
Mississippi River going over the dams between St. Paul and Minneapolis, 
Minn.
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  \1\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1041.
  \2\ The name of the committee has been changed since that date.
  \3\ See index of Journal for first session Fifty-ninth Congress, p. 
1366, for illustration of this.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 663.
  \5\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1303.
  \6\ This was before the change of name of the committee.
  \7\ See especially index of Journal, first session Fifty-ninth 
Congress, p. 1366. (Reports Nos. 337, 2177, 3396, etc.)
  \8\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Record, p. 246.
  \9\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 7236.
Sec. 4101
  In 1906,\1\ under the same principle of jurisdiction, the Committee 
on Rivers and Harbors reported the bill relating to a dam \2\ across 
Rock River, Illinois.
  4101. Bills declaring as to whether or not streams are navigable and 
for preventing hindrances to navigation are reported by the Committee 
on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--On January 23, 1902,\3\ the bill 
(H. R. 9213) declaring the St. Joseph River to be not a navigable 
stream was, by order of the House, referred from the Committee on 
Rivers and Harbors to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
  The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported in 1894 \4\ 
on bill relating to licenses for persons residing on boats on navigable 
rivers.
  4102. The regulation of harbors, and the placing of works likely to 
be obstructive to navigation, such as pipes and tunnels, are subjects 
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has 
reported as follows:
  In 1888,\5\ the bill (H. R. 3333) to enable the city of Chicago to 
construct a crib in the navigable waters of Lake Michigan in order to 
get a city water supply.
  In 1891,\6\ a bill relating to the crib work of Chicago water works 
in Lake Michigan.
  In 1890,\7\ on bills relating to a tunnel under the Detroit River; 
also bill relating to a tunnel under New York Harbor between Long 
Island and Staten Island.
  In 1891,\8\ a bill relating to pipes under navigable rivers.
  In 1902 \9\ and 1903,\10\ on the tunnels under Chicago River; and in 
1906 \11\ on a tunnel under Lake Erie and Niagara River.
  In 1900,\12\ the bill (H. R. 8777) to confer certain powers on 
supervisor of New York Harbor.
  In 1893,\13\ a bill relating to anchorage of vessels in Chicago 
Harbor.
  In 1906,\14\ on movements and anchorage of vessels in Hampton Roads, 
Virginia.
  4103. The subject of a canal between the Atlantic and Pacific, and to 
a limited extent the general subject of canals in the United States, 
have been considered by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Com-
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  \1\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 692.
  \2\ Occasional instances are found where the Committee on Rivers and 
Harbors have reported bins which more properly belonged to the 
jurisdiction of the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee as to 
dams. See instances in 1892 and 1893. (First session Fifty-second 
Congress, Report No. 557; second session Fifty-second Congress, Report 
No. 2555.)
  \3\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Journal, p. 256.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1211.
  \5\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 729.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3659.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 786, 1977, 3221.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3354.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 3746.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1855.
  \11\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4981.
  \12\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 478.
  \13\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2373.
  \14\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 5020.
                                                            Sec. 4104
merce.--In 1888 \1\ and 1890,\2\ the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce reported generally on the subject of the proposed 
Nicaragua Canal, to connect the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific 
oceans. On April 28, 1894,\3\ the reference of the bill (H. R. 6053) to 
amend the act incorporating the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua was 
changed from the Committee on Foreign Affairs to the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce. In 1899,\4\ in the resolutions 
distributing the President's message, the jurisdiction was confirmed, 
and in 1900 \5\ the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
reported on the Nicaragua and other oceanic canals.
  In 1886,\6\ this committee reported a resolution relating to progress 
on the Panama Canal, and in 1906 \7\ on the general subject of this 
canal.
  In 1886,\8\ also, this committee reported the bill (H. R. 5885) 
relating to the Atlantic and Pacific Ship Railway Company and 
government encouragement thereto.
  The committee has also reported on the subject of canals within the 
United States: \9\
  In 1901,\10\ on the subject of the Duluth Canal.
  In 1895,\11\ the subject of canals to connect the Great Lakes with 
the Atlantic Ocean.
  In 1892,\12\ on the Welland and St. Lawrence canals.
  In 1893,\13\ the subject of a ship canal between Lakes Union and 
Washington and Puget Sound.
  4104. Bills establishing light-houses and fog signals and authorizing 
light-ships are reported by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has 
reported legislative bills relating to certain aids to navigation, as 
follows:
  In 1882 \14\ on bills relating to marine lights and fog signals.
  In 1884 \15\ bills establishing lights; and in 1906,\16\ bills 
establishing a light-ship at Brunswick, Ga., lights in Hawaii, and 
light-houses, light stations, and fog signals generally.
  In 1884,\17\ the bill (H. R. 3890) to establish a signal station on 
Nantucket Island and submarine cable communication with the mainland.
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  \1\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 530.
  \2\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3035.
  \3\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Record, p. 4228.
  \4\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 25.
  \5\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 351.
  \6\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 4137.
  \7\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 5017.
  \8\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 717.
  \9\ See, however, jurisdiction of Committee on Railways and Canals, 
section 4217 of this volume.
  \10\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 33.
  \11\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1840.
  \12\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 185.
  \13\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2395.
  \14\ Forty-seventh Congress, first session, Report No. 682; second 
session, Reports Nos. 1944, 1972, 1973.
  \15\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Reports Nos. 197-199.
  \16\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 158, 159, 1560, 
2279, 4251.
  \17\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1301.
Sec. 4105
  4105. Bills relating to ocean derelicts, lumber rafts, and 
hydrographic office charts have been reported by the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce has exercised a general jurisdiction as to certain 
obstructions to navigation, and has reported:
  In 1895,\1\ 1905,\2\ and 1906,\3\ bills relating to the removal of 
derelict craft in the ocean.
  In 1891 \4\ and 1893,\5\ bills on the subject of lumber rafts on the 
Great Lakes.
  In 1884,\6\ the resolution (H. Res. 134) for the distribution of the 
charts and other publications of the hydrographic office.
  4106. Bills relating to ocean cables have been reported by the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce has reported:
  In 1900,\7\ the bill (S. 2) for the establishment of a trans-Pacific 
cable.
  In 1902,\8\ on a submarine cable to Hawaii, Guam, and Philippine 
Islands.
  In 1898,\9\ a bill authorizing the Postmaster-General to make a 
perpetual contract with the Pacific Cable Company.
  4107. Bills relating to the Life-Saving Service and refuge stations 
in the Arctics have been reported by the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has 
exercised general jurisdiction of the Life-Saving Service, and has 
reported as follows:
  In 1889,\10\ bills in relation to life-saving stations.
  In 1887,\11\ the bill (H. R. 10996) providing for the establishment 
of a life-saving station at Kewaunee, Wis.
  In 1892,\12\ a bill providing for Virginia coast telephone service 
for assistance to Life-Saving Service.
  In 1902,\13\ a bill relating to a life-saving station at Nome, 
Alaska.
  In 1902,\14\ a bill relating to pensions for officers and men of 
Life-Saving Service.
  In 1889,\15\ the bill (H. R. 12215) to establish a refuge station at 
Point Barrow, Alaska.
  In 1899,\16\ the bill (S. 5144) donating life-saving apparatus to the 
Imperial Japanese Society for Saving Life from Shipwreck.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 125.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2515.
  \3\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3589.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3759.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2353.
  \6\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 325.
  \7\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1114.
  \8\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 568.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 664.
  \10\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Reports Nos. 3988, 4108.
  \11\ Second session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4034.
  \12\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1044,
  \13\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 4801.
  \14\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2646.
  \15\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3751.
  \16\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 2053.
                                                            Sec. 4108
  4108. Bills authorizing the construction of revenue cutters and 
auxiliary craft of the Customs Service are reported by the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce has general jurisdiction of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service, and auxiliary craft for the Customs Service, and has reported:
  In 1882,\1\ 1889,\2\ 1902,\3\ and 1906 \4\ on bills relating to the 
organization and efficiency of the Revenue-Cutter Service.
  In 1884 \5\ and 1902,\6\ bills authorizing the construction of 
revenue cutters for waters of the United States, including Alaska.
  In 1890,\7\ a bill providing for the Revenue Service a boarding 
vessel for Chicago Harbor.
  In 1896,\8\ 1900,\9\ and 1902,\10\ bills providing steam launches for 
various customs collection districts.
  In 1890,\11\ a bill providing a steamer for use of the civil 
government of Alaska.
  4109. The general subjects of quarantine and the establishment of 
quarantine stations are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce has reported bills relating to the subject of 
quarantine \12\ and regulation and establishment of quarantine 
stations,\13\ and also, in 1888,\14\ on the bill (H. R. 1526) to 
establish a bureau of public health and prevent the importation of 
infectious diseases into the United States.
  4110. Bills authorizing the construction of marine hospitals and the 
acquisition of sites therefor are reported by the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--Since 1880,\15\ the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce has exercised jurisdiction over bills 
authorizing the construction of marine hospitals, and the acquisition 
of sites \16\ for the same.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 926.
  \2\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 2100.
  \3\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 622.
  \4\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 4902, 2749.
  \5\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 802.
  \6\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 67, 253, 103, 
1317.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2861.
  \8\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1545.
  \9\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 481, 1220.
  \10\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 130.
  \11\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1203.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2210; first 
session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3161.
  \13\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 50; second 
session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3998; second session Fifty-
fifth Congress, Report No. 626; second session Fifty-eighth Congress, 
Report No. 1391; first session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 2277, 
2341.
  \14\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 498.
  \15\ First session Forty-sixth Congress, bill H. R. 1607; first 
session Forty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 48, 396, 400, 759, 1211; 
first session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 246, 1400, 2498; first 
session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 186, 1649; first session 
Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 270, 548, 948.
  \16\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 399; first 
session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1039; first session Fiftieth 
Congress, Report No. 1235.
Sec. 4111
  4111. Subjects relating to health, spread of leprosy, and other 
contagious diseases, international congress of hygiene, etc., have been 
considered by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, probably in consideration 
of the fact that it has jurisdiction of legislation relating to the 
Marine-Hospital Service, has also exercised a broad jurisdiction over 
bills relating to the subject of health generally. Thus it has 
reported--
  In 1904 \1\ and 1907 \2\ on the International Congress of Hygiene and 
Demography.\3\
  In 1886,\4\ 1889,\5\ 1890,\6\ and 1897 \7\ on bills for the 
prevention of the introduction and spread of contagious and infectious 
diseases.
  In 1886 \8\ on the bill (H. R. 1730) providing for a commission to 
investigate inoculation for yellow fever.
  In 1898 \9\ and 1899 \10\ on the investigation of leprosy, and in 
1905 \11\ on the subject of establishing a leprosarium.
  4112. Bills to prevent the adulteration, misbranding, etc., of foods 
and drugs have been reported by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce.--On March 4, 1882,\12\ the Committee on Commerce reported the 
bill (H. R. 4789) to prevent adulterated foods and drugs from being 
shipped from abroad into this country, and to prevent the manufacture 
and sale of such drugs in the District of Columbia and the Territories.
  In 1900 \13\ the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
reported the bill (H. R. 9677) for preventing the adulteration, 
misbranding, and imitation of foods, beverages, candies, drugs, and 
condiments in the District of Columbia and the Territories, and for 
regulating interstate traffic therein.
  Also in 1900 \14\ and 1902,\15\ bills to prevent false branding of 
food and dairy products.
  And in 1902,\16\ 1904,\17\ and 1906,\18\ bills relating to purity of 
foods and drugs.
  In 1900 \19\ the committee reported the bill (H. R. 5) to appoint a 
commission for the investigation of water supplies.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 4208.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 8020.
  \3\ See, however, section 4177 of this volume.
  \4\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1230.
  \5\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3587.
  \6\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 539.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 3047.
  \8\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2914.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1215.
  \10\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1759.
  \11\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Reports Nos. 4599, 4624.
  \12\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 634.
  \13\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1426.
  \14\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 872.
  \15\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 258.
  \16\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1319.
  \17\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 381.
  \18\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2118.
  \19\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 89.
                                                            Sec. 4113
  4113. The regulation of exportation of live stock, meat, and other 
agricultural products has been to a certain extent within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--On 
February 14, 1894,\1\ the Committee on Agriculture was discharged from 
the consideration of the bill (H. R. 88) to prohibit monopoly in the 
transportation of cattle to foreign countries, and it was referred to 
the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
  The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has also reported as 
follows:
  In 1886 \2\ and 1891 \3\ on bills providing for the inspection of 
live stock and meats for foreign shipment.
  In 1884 \4\ and 1887 \5\ on bills providing for inspection of live 
stock and meats for exportation, prohibiting the importation of 
adulterated articles of food and drink.
  In 1891 \6\ on the subject of inspection of vessels engaged in 
exportation of animals.
  In 1882 \7\ and 1884 \8\ a bill regulating the exportation of 
imitation butter and cheese.
  4114. The regulation of railroads through the relation which they 
bear to interstate commerce is within the jurisdiction of the Committee 
on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce has exercised a broad jurisdiction over the subject of 
railroads.\9\ The subjects of intercolonial and interstate railways 
have been given to this committee by resolutions distributing the 
message of the President.\10\ It also has reported--
  In 1888 \11\ the bill (H. R. 8367) for the regulation of railway 
companies chartered by the United States; also the same year on a 
resolution requesting the Interstate Commerce Commission to investigate 
the strike on the Reading Railroad.
  In 1889 \12\ a resolution in relation to a meeting of railroad 
presidents.
  In 1893 \13\ as to an investigation of alleged coal combination among 
certain railroads.\14\
  In 1895 \15\ on railroad train wrecking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Record, p. 2183.
  \2\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1644.
  \3\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2985.
  \4\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1036.
  \5\ Second session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3777.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3752.
  \7\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1706.
  \8\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1669.
  \9\ The Committee on Railways and Canals has in fact retained little 
if any jurisdiction over this subject in recent years.
  \10\ See second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 26, and 
third session, Record, p. 25.
  \11\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Reports Nos. 2514 and 170.
  \12\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 4092.
  \13\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2278.
  \14\ But the subject of State jurisdiction over railroads was 
reported in 1896 by the Committee on the Judiciary. First session 
Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 102.
  \15\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1726.
Sec. 4115
  In 1891 \1\ on a bill relating to rates of fare for commercial 
travelers; and in 1897 \2\ and 1898 \3\ on bills relating to ticket 
brokerage.
  In 1896,\4\ 1900,\5\ 1902,\6\ and 1904,\7\ on bills to provide for 
the safety of railroad employees by requiring common carriers engaged 
in interstate commerce to equip their cars with couplers and brakes of 
a certain kind.\8\
  In 1906,\9\ the railroad rate bill, which became a law; and on the 
subject of railroad discriminations and monopolies.
  4115. Bills relating to commercial travelers as agents of interstate 
commerce and the branding of articles going into such commerce have 
been considered by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--
The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce in 1886,\10\ 1888,\11\ 
and 1892,\12\ reported bills on the subject of license fees required by 
States of commercial travelers or agents of interstate commercial 
transactions.
  In 1906,\13\ a bill, which became a law, relating to the misbranding 
of merchandise made of gold and silver and entering into interstate 
commerce.
  4116. Bills to prevent the carriage from one State to another of 
indecent or harmful pictures or literature have been reported by the 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--The Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported, in 1896,\14\ a bill relating 
to the carrying of obscene literature and articles designed for 
indecent and immoral use from one State to another; also, in 1904,\15\ 
a similar bill.
  In 1897,\16\ the bill (H. R. 10369) to forbid the transmission by 
mail or interstate commerce of any picture or description of a prize 
fight.
  4117. The subject of protection of game through prohibition of 
interstate transportation has been considered by the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--In 1900 \17\ the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported the bill (H. R. 6634) to 
enlarge the powers of the Department of Agriculture and prohibit the 
transportation by interstate commerce of game killed in violation of 
local laws.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3600.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 2586.
  \3\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 232.
  \4\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 727.
  \5\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1757.
  \6\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2563.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2605.
  \8\ In 1894 (first session Forty-eighth Congress) the Committee on 
Railways and Canals reported the bill (H. R. 313) to regulate the 
coupling of cars on railroads in the United States (Report No. 950); 
also in 1890 (first, session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3014); 
and in 1884 the bill (H. R. 312) to establish a uniform code of signals 
for the railroads of the United States (Report No. 951).
  \9\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 591, 1557, 2274.
  \10\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1762.
  \11\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 1310.
  \12\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 186.
  \13\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2402.
  \14\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1363.
  \15\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 383.
  \16\ Second session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 3046.
  \17\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 474.
                                                            Sec. 4118
  4118. The creation and history of the Committee on Rivers and 
Harbors, section 8 of Rule XL.
  The rule gives to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors the 
jurisdiction of subjects relating ``to the improvement of rivers and 
harbors.''
  Section 8 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to the improvements of rivers and harbors: to the Committee on Rivers 
and Harbors.

  This committee has eighteen Members.
  It was authorized as a standing committee on December 19, 1883,\1\ 
with the same privilege for reporting the river and harbor bill \2\ 
that had been enjoyed by the Committee on Commerce.\3\ This privilege 
still remains, being provided for in section 61 of Rule XI.\4\
  4119. A subject of which the River and Harbor Committee has 
jurisdiction may be reported in the river and harbor bill.--On February 
23, 1905,\5\ the river and harbor appropriation bill was under 
consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, when this paragraph was read:

  Upon the completion of the dredging of said Snake River and the 
construction of the bulkheads and jetties, so as to form a channel from 
the ocean into Snake River not less than 50 feet wide and 6 feet deep 
at mean low tide, the said Nome Improvement Company shall have the 
right, during the time it may maintain the channel aforesaid, to 
collect as toll on freight and passengers entering or leaving the mouth 
of the jetties so constructed, as follows: On all freight carried in or 
out, $1 per ton; passengers, 25 cents each; horses and cattle, $1 per 
head; hogs and sheep, 25 cents each: Provided, however, That these 
rates of toll and any wharfage rates charged or imposed by the said 
company may be revised, modified, or changed by the Secretary of War 
whenever he becomes satisfied that the same are unreasonable or 
oppressive: Provided, further, That all native Indians and Eskimos 
shall have the right of free ingress and egress through said channel 
and jetties to and from Snake River with their boats, provisions, and 
personal effects.

  Mr. James R. Mann, of Illinois, raised a question of order.

  Mr. Chairman, this is a bill which is reported originally by the 
Committee on Rivers and Harbors, not a bill which has been referred to 
that committee by the House, and anything in the bill which they have 
not authority to report as a privileged matter under the rules is 
subject to a point of order. Under the rules they are permitted to 
report at any time bills relating to the improvement of rivers and 
harbors. This paragraph has nothing whatever to do with the improvement 
of either a river or a harbor. It is a paragraph granting a franchise 
to a company and authorizing the company to collect tolls on freights 
and passengers, and is not related to the improvement of the river and 
harbor at Nome at all. It contains a large number of provisions in 
reference to wharfage rates, not one of which, I contend, is within the 
jurisdiction of the committee to report in this bill. * * * This bill 
is a privileged bill under the rule--a bill which they can call up as a 
privileged matter under the rule with a right to report it at any time. 
Now, clearly, the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, if it had a Senate 
bill referred to it--and which it has already reported, by the way, and 
which is within the jurisdiction of that committee--clearly that bill 
was not subject to be called up at any time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Record, pp. 196, 214.
  \2\ For an exhaustive discussion of the jurisdiction over river and 
harbor bills from the foundation of the Government, see Congressional 
Record of December 4, 1877 (second session Forty-fifth Congress, pp. 
18, 20, 21, etc.).
  \3\ See section 4096 of this volume.
  \4\ See section 4621 of this volume.
  \5\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Record, pp. 3225, 3226.
Sec. 4120
  That bill would go on the Union Calendar, or whatever calendar it 
goes onto, and be subject to the rules. Now, giving the committee this 
jurisdiction to report at anytime upon one kind of a proposition would 
not enable it to insert in the bill which it reports some other 
proposition which is not privileged and have that considered in that 
bill.

  The Chairman \1\ said:

  The question is upon the point of order raised by the gentleman from 
Illinois. In the opinion of the Chair, the fact having been established 
by the statement of the gentleman from Ohio that this legislation 
contained in the Senate bill was referred to the Committee on Rivers 
and Harbors, leads the Chair to believe that that committee has 
acquired jurisdiction, and the point of order is not well taken.
  * * * The Chair will call the attention of the gentleman from Iowa to 
the rule which says that the bills may be reported at any time--
clearly.
  * * * This is clearly a provision coming from the River and Harbor 
Committee, and if the committee has jurisdiction of the subject-matter 
they may report it to the House.
  * * * The gentleman from Illinois is wrong. The tolls provided for by 
this section are intended to be for the improvement.

  4120. To a bill providing generally for the improvement of rivers and 
harbors an amendment providing for an additional harbor was held to be 
germane.--On February 1, 1899,\2\ the river and harbor bill (H. R. 
11795) was under consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the 
state of the Union, and the following paragraph had been reached:

  Improving harbor at Milwaukee, Wis.: For maintenance, $14,000.

  To this Mr. Theobold Otjen, of Wisconsin, proposed this amendment:

  After the word ``dollars,'' insert ``improving the harbor of South 
Milwaukee, Wis., $10,000.''

  Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, made a point of order against this 
amendment.

  The Chairman \3\ held:

  The Chair desires to state to the gentleman in charge of the bill 
[Mr. Burton] that, in the opinion of the Chair, the point made that it 
is not germane is not well taken, and the Chair will overrule that; and 
if there is no further debate, the Chair will put the motion.

  4121. A proposition to improve the harbor of a foreign country was 
held not to be germane to the river and harbor bill.--On March 20, 
1902,\4\ while the river and harbor appropriation bill was under 
consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, Mr. Samuel M. Robertson, of Louisiana, proposed the following 
amendment:

  Between lines 2 and 3 on page 52 insert: ``For improving the harbor 
of Habana, Cuba, to be expended under the supervision of the Secretary 
of War, $2,500,000.''

  Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, having raised a question of order, 
the Chairman \5\ said:

  The Chair is of the opinion that the amendment is not germane to that 
part of the bill to which it is offered, and also is of opinion that it 
is not germane to the bill at all, and therefore sustains the point of 
order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ William A. Smith, of Michigan, Chairman.
  \2\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 1364.
  \3\ Albert J. Hopkins, of Illinois, Chairman.
  \4\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Record, p. 3093.
  \5\ Marlin E. Olmsted, of Pennsylvania, Chairman.
                                                            Sec. 4122
  4122. River and harbor improvements not authorized or placed under 
contract may not be appropriated for in the sundry civil appropriation 
bill.--On May 5, 1900,\1\ the sundry civil appropriation bill was under 
consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, and Mr. D. W. Shackleford, of Missouri, offered this amendment:

  ``Improving Missouri River at Jefferson City, Mo.: Continuing 
improvement, $50,000; and at Overton, Mo., continuing improvement, 
$50,000.''

  Mr. Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois, made a point of order against the 
proposed amendment, which did not relate to a work authorized by 
existing law and under contract.
  The Chairman \2\ sustained the point of order.
  4123. On February 12, 1903 \3\ the sundry civil appropriation bill 
was under consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
the Union, when Mr. Charles Curtis, of Kansas, proposed the following 
amendment:

  Insert in line 13, page 108, after the word ``dollars,'' the 
following:
  ``To continue the work of repairing and renewing the revetments on 
the Kansas bank of the Missouri River, in Elwood and Belmont bends, 
near the city of St. Joseph, Mo., the sum of $40,000, or so much 
thereof as may be necessary, to be immediately available.''

  Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, made the point of order that the 
matter was not within the jurisdiction of the committee reporting this 
bill, and that it was not authorized by law.
  After debate the Chairman \4\ held:

  The Chair is ready to rule. Upon the facts conceded in the discussion 
on this point of order it is clear to the Chair that if the item 
proposed in this amendment had been originally included in the pending 
appropriation bill as it came from the Committee on Appropriations it 
would not have been in order, on the ground that the Committee on 
Appropriations under the rules of the House has no jurisdiction of the 
subject-matter of this amendment. The Chair therefore sustains the 
point of order.

  4124. On March 30, 1904,\5\ during consideration of the sundry civil 
appropriation bill in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, the Clerk read:

  Improving harbor at Toledo, Ohio: For continuing improvement, 
$70,000.

  Mr. R. B. Scarborough, of South Carolina, offered the following 
amendment:

  Amend line 6, page 100, by inserting:
  ``Improving Waccamaw River, South Carolina: For special improvement 
of Waccamaw River, South Carolina, between Conway and Bucksville, in 
Horry County, $15,000.''

  Mr. James A. Hemenway, of Indiana, made the point of order that the 
proposition was not authorized by law.
  In the debate it was shown that the proposed work had not been 
authorized by law.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Record, pp. 5198, 5199.
  \2\ John Dalzell, of Pennsylvania, Chairman.
  \3\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Record, pp. 2081-2083.
  \4\ James A. Tawney, of Minnesota, Chairman.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Record, p. 4000.
Sec. 4125
  The Chairman \1\ held:

  The river and harbor bill alone provides for authorizations of 
appropriations for rivers and harbors. The sundry civil bill simply 
makes provision for such improvements as are authorized and placed 
under contract by the river and harbor bill.

  4125. The preservation of public works for the benefit of navigation 
and the use of water power on improved streams have been within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Rivers and Harbors.--As an incident of 
its function of improving the rivers and harbors the Committee on 
Rivers and Harbors has sometimes reported on bills as to related 
subjects. Thus it reported:

  In 1890 \2\ a bill to prevent the obstruction of navigable waters and 
to protect public works from injury.
  In 1891 \3\ on the use of surplus water in the Kentucky River for 
industries, and the same year on certain commercial statistics.
  In 1900 \4\ the bills (H. R. 11876) regulating the construction and 
operation of a water power canal at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; (H. R. 
9542) extending the time for completion of the works of the Muscle 
Shoals Power Company of Alabama; \5\ (H. R. 9824) relating to the 
floating loose timber and logs and rafts in navigable streams.
  4126. The Committee on Rivers and Harbors has reported on the subject 
of an international arrangement as to the use of water at the outlet of 
the Great Lakes.--The Committee on Rivers and Harbors has exercised 
jurisdiction over legislation inviting the Government of Great Britain 
to join in the formation of an international commission to investigate 
into the conditions and uses of the waters on the boundary line whose 
outlet is the St. Lawrence River, and as to the advisability of 
locating a dam at the outlet of Lake Erie.\6\
  4127. An amendment prohibiting the employment of nonresident 
foreigners, on certain river and harbor works was held not to be 
germane to the river and harbor bill.--On January 16, 1901,\7\ the 
river and harbor bill (H. R. 13189) was under consideration in 
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, and Mr. John B. 
Corliss, of Michigan, offered this amendment:

  That all persons hereafter employed by the United States or by any 
contractor or subcontractor, under and by virtue of the authority 
hereby granted and appropriations hereby made, shall be bona fide 
residents or citizens of the United States; and all contracts or 
subcontracts made for the expenditure of the moneys hereby appropriated 
shall expressly prohibit the employment of nonresident foreigners in 
the execution of said public improvements. A violation of said 
provision by any contractor or subcontractor shall render such contract 
or subcontract null and void.

  Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, made the point of order that the 
subject of the proposed amendment was not germane to the bill.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, Chairman.
  \2\ First session Fifty-first Congress (Report No. 1635).
  \3\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 3278, 3460.
  \4\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 731, 1759, 1816.
  \5\ In 1906 the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported 
on the subject of the dam at Muscle Shoals, Ala. (First session Fifty-
ninth Congress, Report No. 1350.)
  \6\ River and harbor act of 1902. (32 Stat. L., p. 373.) The river 
and harbor act of 1906 also contained legislation on this subject. This 
jurisdiction must be regarded as exceptional, however, as ordinarily it 
would belong to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. (See sec. 4165 of 
this volume.)
  \7\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Record, pp. 1095, 1096.
                                                            Sec. 4128
  After debate the Chairman \1\ held:

  The Chair will state that in the judgment of the Chair this is a 
separate and independent proposition, without reference to what may be 
its merits, and the Chair must hold that it is not germane to the 
purposes of the bill, and sustains the point of order.

  4128. An amendment providing for a system of irrigating arid lands 
was held not to be germane to the river and harbor bill.--On January 
15, 1901,\2\ the river and harbor bill (H. R. 13189) was under 
consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, when Mr. William H. King, of Utah, offered an amendment 
providing for a plan of irrigating arid public lands.
  Mr. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, made the point of order that the 
amendment was not germane.
  The Chairman \1\ said:

  The Chair holds that it is neither germane to the purpose of the 
bill, nor does the Committee on Rivers and Harbors have jurisdiction of 
the subject-matter contained in the amendment.

  4129. The creation and history of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries, section 9 of Rule XI.
  The jurisdiction of subjects relating to the ``merchant marine and 
fisheries'' is given by the rule to the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.
  Section 9 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to the merchant marine and fisheries: to the Committee on the Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries.

  This committee has eighteen members.
  It dates from December 21, 1887,\3\ when it was established to take 
the place of the old Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and 
Shipowning Interests.
  4130. The subjects of navigation and the navigation laws and 
regulation of shipping in Hawaii and even in the Philippines have been 
considered by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--The 
Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries has general jurisdiction 
over bills relating to navigation and the navigation laws.\4\ It has 
also reported:
  In 1899 \5\ and 1900 \6\ bills extending the laws relating to 
commerce, navigation, and merchant seamen over the Hawaiian Islands.
  In 1904 \7\ the bill to regulate shipping between the United States 
and the Philippine Archipelago and between ports and places in the 
Philippine Archipelago. Two years later the Committee on Insular 
Affairs reported a bill on the same subject, but not without a protest 
on the part of the Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries.\8\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Albert J. Hopkins, of Illinois, Chairman.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Record, pp. 1057, 1058.
  \3\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Record, p. 146.
  \4\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 69; second session 
Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 441.
  \5\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1694.
  \6\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 375.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1904.
  \8\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 5337.
Sec. 4131
  In 1884 \1\ the bill (H. R. 3056) to constitute a bureau of 
navigation was reported by the old Select Committee on American 
Shipbuilding and Shipowning Interests.
  4131. The subjects of tonnage taxes and fines and penalties on 
vessels are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.--The subject of tonnage dues is within the jurisdiction 
of the Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries; \2\ and in 1898 
\3\ and 1902 \4\ this committee has reported bills relating to tonnage 
taxes. It also reported in 1894 \5\ on the subject of fines and 
penalties on vessels.\6\
  4132. The naming and measuring of vessels are subjects within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--The 
Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries has reported:
  In 1890 \7\ a bill to change the law in relation to marking the names 
of vessels.
  In 1896 \8\ on vessels' names and draft.
  In 1906 \9\ on the subject of changes of the names of sailing 
vessels.
  In 1895 \10\ on the subject of the measurement of vessels.
  4133. The inspection of steam vessels, as to hulls and boilers, is 
generally within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
reported, in 1904 \11\ and 1906,\12\ bills relating to the inspection 
of steam vessels; and in 1898 \13\ on the subject of steamboat 
inspectors in Alaska.
  This committee has also reported:
  In 1900 \14\ a bill creating a new inspection district for inspectors 
of hulls and boilers in the vicinity of Toledo.
  In 1901 \15\ the bill (H. R. 13782) relating to the inspection of 
hulls and boilers.
  In 1902 \16\ on the subject of certificates as to boiler 
inspection.\17\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 281.
  \2\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Record p. 301.
  \3\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 760.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2966.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1381.
  \6\ Before the creation of the Committee on the Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries the Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and Shipowning 
Interests, in 1885 (second session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 
2381), reported a bill to remove certain burdens on the American 
merchant marine, and in 1884 (first session Forty-eighth Congress, 
Report No. 1443) the Committee on Commerce reported a bill relating to 
fees levied on vessels in domestic commerce.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1974.
  \8\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1867.
  \9\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3397.
  \10\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Reports Nos. 1515, 1780.
  \11\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2471.
  \12\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1347.
  \13\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 566.
  \14\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2642.
  \15\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2642.
  \16\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 432.
  \17\ While the subject of inspection of hulls and boilers logically 
belongs to the classification of subjects within the jurisdiction of 
the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, and the recent practice 
has largely been in harmony therewith, yet the subject belonged to the 
old Committee on Commerce before the creation of the Committee on 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries (see second session Forty-eighth
                                                            Sec. 4134
  4134. The general subjects of shipbuilding, admission of foreign 
built ships, registering and licensing of vessels are within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--On 
December 3, 1878,\1\ a question arose as to the jurisdiction over the 
bill (H. R. 5299) to authorize the purchase of foreign-built ships by 
citizens of the United States. Mr. Fernando Wood, of New York, on 
behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, claimed the jurisdiction; 
but the House denied this claim, ayes 66, noes 91, and referred the 
bill to the Committee on Commerce. In 1884 \2\ the Select Committee on 
American Shipbuilding and Shipowning Interests took jurisdiction of 
this subject and reported the bill (H. R. 3230) to authorize the 
purchase of foreign-built ships by citizens of the United States for 
use in the foreign carrying trade.
  In 1887 the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries was created; 
and in 1888,\3\ and again in 1892,\4\ the new committee reported bills 
to authorize the purchase of foreign-built ships by citizens of the 
United States.
  The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has also reported:

  In 1894,\5\ and 1902,\6\ on vessel registers and licenses.
  In 1890,\7\ 1901,\8\ and 1902,\9\ on bills to admit vessels, some 
specifically mentioned, to American registry; \10\ and in 1906,\11\ on 
registry of repaired foreign wrecks.
  Also this committee has reported on the general subject of 
shipbuilding.\12\
  4135. The subject of rules to prevent collisions at sea and 
international arrangements therefor have been reported by the Committee 
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Congress, Reports Nos. 2179, 2365, and first session Forty-eighth 
Congress, Report No. 1967), and from time to time bills on this subject 
have found their way to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce and been reported therefrom. Thus, in 1898, the bill (H. R. 
5640) relating to the salaries of inspectors of hulls and boilers in 
the customs districts of the United States (first session Fiftieth 
Congress, Report No. 1136); and similar bills in 1890 (first session 
Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 540, 638) and 1894 (second session 
Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 456); and as late as 1906 a bill on 
the inspection of hulls and boilers. (First session Fifty-ninth 
Congress, Report No. 2754.) In 1893 also this committee reported a bill 
relating to inspection of steam-boiler plates. (First session Fifty-
third Congress, Report No. 25.)
  \1\ Third session Forty-fifth Congress, Record, pp. 22, 23.
  \2\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 750.
  \3\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 1874.
  \4\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 966.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1451.
  \6\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1099.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 1820, 3158.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 2619, 2734, 
2962.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 3771, 3784.
  \10\ The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce has reported, 
however, in 1885, before Merchant Marine and Fisheries was created, the 
bill (H. R. 6662) to authorize the registration of certain steamships 
(Report No. 2611, second session Forty-eighth Congress); and as an 
exceptional instance in 1892 a bill relating to admission of foreign-
built vessels to American registry. (First session Fifty-second 
Congress, Report No. 966.)
  \11\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 926.
  \12\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 927, 1634; 
second session Fifty-third Congress, Reports Nos. 148, 1272.
Sec. 4136
  Lights and signals on vessels are subjects that have been considered 
both by the Committees on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and Interstate 
and Foreign Commerce.
  The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has reported:
  In 1890 \1\ and 1894 \2\ bills relating to an international marine 
conference.\3\
  In 1890,\4\ 1895,\5\ and 1896,\6\ bills for adoption of rules to 
prevent collisions at sea.\7\
  In 1895,\8\ on subject of lights on vessels.
  In 1894,\9\ on lights on fishing vessels.
  But in 1893 \10\ a bill relating to lights on vessels, barges, etc., 
in tow was reported by the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce, and in the same year the same committee reported a bill for 
protection of distinguishing flags and signals for vessels. But in 1900 
\11\ the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries reported a bill 
relating to lights on steam pilot vessels.\12\
  4136. The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has jurisdiction 
of the subject of pilotage.--In 1888,\13\ 1890,\14\ and 1906 \15\ the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries reported bills exempting 
American coastwise sailing vessels from obligations to pay State 
pilots.
  In 1901,\16\ the bill (H. R. 5462) to regulate pilots.\17\
  4137. Bills of lading, liability of shipowners, and entering and 
clearing of vessels are subjects which have been within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--
While the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has a wide 
jurisdiction over the subject of the merchant marine, yet on certain 
branches of the general subject the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce has jurisdiction. In 1884,\18\ before the creation of the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, the Committee on Commerce
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3208.
  \2\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Reports Nos. 110, 150.
  \3\ In 1901 (first session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2581), 
however, the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported on 
an international commission of congresses of navigation.
  \4\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2551.
  \5\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1911.
  \6\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 2134.
  \7\ In 1884 (first session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 731), 
before the creation of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 
the Committee on Commerce reported on international regulations to 
prevent collisions at sea.
  \8\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1615.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1271.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 2491, 2167.
  \11\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 197.
  \12\ In 1895 the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
reported on the subject of international signals on the Great Lakes. 
(Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1682.)
  \13\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 956.
  \14\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 38.
  \15\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1482.
  \16\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2027.
  \17\ In 1884 the Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and Ship-
owning interests had reported a similar bill. (First session Forty-
eighth Congress, Report No. 791.)
  \18\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1665.
                                                            Sec. 4138
  reported the bill (H. R. 7163) to regulate the forms of bills of 
lading and the duties and liabilities of shipowners and others; and in 
1901 \1\ the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce reported on 
the navigation of vessels and bills of lading.
  The Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce also reported:
  In 1889,\2\ the bill (H. R. 12414) authorizing the collector at 
Sabine Pass to enter and clear vessels.
  In 1900,\3\ the bill (S. 4615) to facilitate the entry of steamships 
engaged in the coasting trade between Porto Rico and the Territory of 
Hawaii and the United States.
  In 1894,\4\ on the subject of the entry of steamships.
  4138. Bills to extend and increase the merchant marine, even when 
including the subject of a naval reserve, have been reported by the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--On December 10, 1890,\5\ 
the resolutions distributing the President's message provided for the 
reference of so much as related to ``the development of American 
steamship lines and the extension of the merchant marine'' to the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
  In 1889 \6\ and 1900 \7\ this committee reported bills to increase 
the commerce of the United States and provide auxiliary cruisers for 
Government use when needed, by the granting of subsidies.
  In 1906,\8\ the bill ``to promote the national defense, to create a 
naval reserve, to establish American ocean mail lines \9\ to foreign 
markets, and to promote commerce.''
  In 1890,\10\ the bill ``to place the American merchant marine engaged 
in the foreign trade upon an equality with that of other nations.''
  In 1896,\11\ a bill to improve the merchant marine engineer service, 
and thereby increase the efficiency of the naval reserve.
  4139. Bills relating to the titles, conduct, and licensing of 
officers of vessels, under the more recent practice, have been 
considered by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--The 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has reported--
  In 1901,\12\ on bills relating to the titles of officers of vessels, 
and the conduct of officers of steam vessels.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 739.
  \2\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3994.
  \3\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1641.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Reports Nos. 829, 994.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Journal, p. 43; Record, p. 
303.
  \6\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1866.
  \7\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 890.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 6442.
  \9\ In 1884 the Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and Ship-
owning Interests reported the bill (H. R. 4987) for the encouragement 
of the American merchant marine in relation to carrying the mails. 
(First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 363.)
  \10\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1210.
  \11\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 728.
  \12\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 2336, 2357, 
2359, 2360.
Sec. 4140
  In 1900,\1\ on a bill to prevent fraud in obtaining licenses as 
officers of steam vessels.\2\
  In 1906,\3\ a bill on the subject of licensed officers of vessels.
  4140. The shipping, wages, treatment, and protection of seamen are 
subjects within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has 
reported on subjects as follows:
  In 1890,\4\ a bill to amend the law relating to duties of shipping 
commissioners \5\ in shipment of seamen.
  In 1896,\6\ a bill relating to the amelioration of the condition of 
American seamen; also on the subject of wages of seamen.
  In 1901,\7\ on the subject of hens for mariners' wages.
  In 1900,\8\ the bill (H. R. 5067) relating to the boarding of vessels 
by persons having designs against the sailors.\9\
  In 1906,\10\ on the subject of shanghaiing.
  4141. Protection from fire on vessels is a subject which, under the 
later practice, has been considered by the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.
  Conditions relating to the health of seamen are within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
  The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries reported in 1906 \11\ 
a bill relating to the use of fire pumps and hose on steam vessels; and 
on April 18, 1894,\12\ the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
was discharged from the consideration of the bill (H. R. 6667) to 
require that vessels engaged in the fruit trade should be manned by 
acclimated seamen, and it was referred to the Committee on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 71.
  \2\ Before the establishment of the Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries, the Committee on Commerce, in 1882 (first session Forty-
seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 50 and 51), reported on license fees of 
officers of vessels, and in 1884 (first session Forty-eighth Congress, 
Report No. 801) on a bill to authorize the employment of certain aliens 
as engineers and pilots. And as late as 1894, after the establishment 
of Merchant Marine and Fisheries, the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce reported a bill relating to mates on passenger 
steamers. (Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 489.)
  \3\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4993.
  \4\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2071.
  \5\ In 1884 and 1885 bills relating to shipping commissioners had 
been reported by the Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and 
Ship-owning Interests. (First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 
362; second session, Report No. 2494.)
  \6\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report Nos. 1034, 1868.
  \7\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report Nos. 2352-2355.
  \8\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 301.
  \9\ In 1885, before the establishment of the Committee on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries, the Committee on Commerce reported the bill (H. 
R. 4691) to authorize the purchase of snug harbors for disabled seamen. 
(Second session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2390.)
  \10\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4267.
  \11\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4446.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Record, p. 3822.
                                                            Sec. 4146
  On the subject of life-saving appliances on steam vessels \1\ and the 
safety of passengers on excursion steamers,\2\ however, the 
jurisdiction has been exercised by the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce; but later than any of these reports, on January 12, 
1905,\3\ the House changed the reference of the following bills from 
the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to the Committee on 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries:

  H. R. 15613. A bill for the better protection against fire on steam 
vessels carrying passengers and for the protection of life thereon.
  H. R. 16789. A bill for the prevention of fire from electrical 
apparatus on steam vessels carrying passengers.

  4142. The regulation of small vessels propelled by naphtha, etc., and 
the transportation of inflammable substances on passenger vessels are 
generally but not exclusively reported by the Committee on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
has reported:
  In 1890,\4\ a bill relating to restrictions on use of small vessels 
propelled by steam, gas, or fluid.
  In 1902,\5\ on subject of vessels propelled by gas, fluid, naphtha, 
or electric motors.\6\
  In 1906 \7\ on a bill to permit the transportation by vessels not 
carrying passengers for hire of gasoline or any of the products of 
petroleum for use as a source of motive power for the motor boats or 
launches of such vessels.
  In 1906 \8\ a bill relating to the carrying of dangerous articles on 
passenger steamers.
  4143. The licensing, registering, etc., of pleasure yachts are 
subjects within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries has 
exercised a jurisdiction over legislation relating to yachts. Thus, it 
reported:
  In 1896,\9\ a bill (H. R. 8038) to give certain advantages in 
entering and leaving ports to yachts built in American yards.
  In 1888,\10\ a bill relating to licensing pleasure yachts.\11\
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 773; second session 
Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 3464; second session Fifty-third 
Congress, Report No. 455; first session Fifty-fourth Congress, Record, 
p. 834.
  \2\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1679.
  \3\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Record, p. 764.
  \4\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1251.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 3780.
  \6\ This jurisdiction was exercised also by the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce for a time, and that committee reported 
in 1894 (Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 454) and in 
1896 (First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 726) bills 
relating to inspection of small craft propelled by gasoline, etc.; and 
in 1901 (Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2565) on a 
bill permitting steamboats to transport automobiles carrying gasoline.
  \7\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 7204.
  \8\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 3354, 4261.
  \9\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1451.
  \10\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 1468.
  \11\ Prior to the creation of the Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries, the Committee on Commerce had reported a bill of this kind. 
(First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 15.)
Sec. 4144
  In 1889,\1\ a bill providing register for a steam yacht.
  4144. The privileges of foreign vessels in American ports, bills of 
lading, contracts in export trade, and wrecks in international waters 
have been reported on generally by the Committee on Interstate and 
Foreign Commerce.--While in 1902 \2\ the Committee on Merchant Marine 
and Fisheries reported a joint resolution to establish a joint 
commission on the subject of the policy of international navigation; 
and the old Select Committee on American Shipbuilding and Shipowning 
Interests considered somewhat and reported on the subject of foreign 
port charges in 1884,\3\ yet the general jurisdiction of this class of 
subjects has been with the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce, which has reported:
  In 1886,\4\ the bill (H. R. 9210) allowing the President to exclude 
from commercial privileges vessels of nations that discriminate against 
United States vessels.
  In 1892,\5\ relating to bills of lading, contracts of common carriers 
in foreign export trade.
  In 1892,\6\ and 1896 \7\ the bill (S. 661) to provide sufficient time 
for vessels from foreign ports to discharge their cargoes.
  In 1893,\8\ on subject of coastwise transportation by foreign 
vessels.
  In 1890,\9\ a bill relating to aid to vessels wrecked \10\ in waters 
between the United States and Canada.
  4145. Bills of lading as evidence, bonds in admiralty cases, willful 
destruction of vessels, mutiny, etc., are subjects within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary.--Both before and since 
the establishment of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries a 
certain class of bins which might seem to fall within its jurisdiction 
have been considered by the Committee on the Judiciary, which has 
reported:
  In 1884,\11\ and 1888 \12\ bills making bills of lading conclusive 
evidence in certain cases.
  In 1888,\13\ a bill relating to willful destruction of vessels on the 
high seas.
  In 1893 \14\ and 1894,\15\ bills relating to punishment for mutiny 
and riot and other offenses on vessels on the high seas.
  In 1899,\16\ the bill (H. R. 11178) relating to bonds in admiralty 
cases.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3798.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 3854.
  \3\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Record, p. 2871.
  \4\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3361.
  \5\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1988.
  \6\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1129.
  \7\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 295.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2288.
  \9\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1111.
  \10\ See, however, section 4166 of this chapter.
  \11\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1259.
  \12\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 84.
  \13\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 226.
  \14\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 2187, 2521.
  \15\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 467.
  \16\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1691.
                                                            Sec. 4146
  4146. Collisions, coasting districts, marine schools, etc., are 
subjects of doubtful jurisdiction between the Committees on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries and Interstate and Foreign Commerce.--On a certain 
class of subjects the line of jurisdiction has not been marked 
definitely. Thus, in 1906,\1\ the Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries reported on the subject of collisions in inland waters; and 
also on the subject of great coasting districts, while the Committee on 
Interstate and Foreign Commerce at the same time reported on the 
anchorage and movement of vessels in St. Marys River.\2\
  In 1892,\3\ however, the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce 
reported on statistics of the coasting trade in the Great Lakes; and in 
1902 \4\ on the subject of public marine schools.
  4147. The authorization of fish-culture stations and the regulation 
of fisheries generally are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries has reported generally bills for the establishment of fish-
hatching and fish culture stations.\5\ It also reported in 1890 \6\ a 
bill for the protection of fish in the Potomac River in the District of 
Columbia; \7\ also in 1892 \8\ on District of Columbia fisheries.
  But in 1886,\9\ before the creation of the Committee on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries, the Committee on Judiciary reported the bill (H. 
R. 4690) relating to the rights of citizens of the several States to 
fish in the navigable waters of each State, the question involving the 
title to the lakes and waters referred to.
  In 1901 \10\ Merchant Marine and Fisheries reported on the Pacific 
Coast fisheries, and in 1889 \11\ and 1904 \12\ on the Alaska seal \13\ 
and salmon \14\ fisheries.
  4148. A bill for the protection of game and other birds, through the 
instrumentality of the Fish Commission, was reported by the Committee 
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.--The Committee on Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries reported in 1898 \15\ a bill (H. R. 3589) relating to the 
protection of game birds and other wild birds, through the 
instrumentality of the Fish Commission.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Reports Nos. 3798, 4903.
  \2\ Report No. 2823.
  \3\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 688.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 3420.
  \5\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2467; first 
session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2246; but in 1891 Interstate 
and Foreign Commerce reported several such bills. (See second session 
Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 3654, 3285, 3606, 3630.)
  \6\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2288.
  \7\ See, however, section 4282 of this volume.
  \8\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1953.
  \9\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2385.
  \10\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1873.
  \11\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Reports Nos. 3883, 4126.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2099.
  \13\ The fur seals generally have been under jurisdiction of Ways and 
Means. (See sec. 4025 of this volume.)
  \14\ The Committee on Territories, however, has more often exercised 
this jurisdiction. (See sec. 4211 of this volume.)
  \15\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 522.
Sec. 4149
  4149. The creation and history of the Committee on Agriculture, 
section 10 of Rule XI.
  The rules give to the Committee on Agriculture the jurisdiction of 
subjects relating ``to agriculture and forestry'' and the 
appropriations for the Department of Agriculture.
  Section 10 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

to agriculture and forestry: to the Committee on Agriculture, who shall 
receive the estimates and report the appropriations for the 
Agricultural Department.

  This committee has eighteen Members and one Delegate.
  It was first established as a standing committee on May 3, 1820, by a 
resolution offered by Mr. Lewis Williams, of North Carolina.\1\ In the 
revision of 1880 the Committee on Rules proposed the simple rule ``to 
agriculture: to the Committee on Agriculture.'' But during 
consideration by the House the words ``and forestry'' \2\ were inserted 
on motion of Mr. Mark H. Dunnell, of Minnesota, who said that bills 
relating to tree culture had formerly gone to the Public Lands 
Committee, but more recently had gone to the Agriculture Committee. 
More important still was an amendment offered by Mr. D. Wyatt Aiken, of 
South Carolina, adding these words: ``who shall receive the estimates 
and report the appropriations for the Agricultural Department.'' \3\
  This committee may report at any time its appropriation bill.\4\
  4150. Bills for establishing the Department of Agriculture and for 
transferring certain bureaus to it were reported by the Committee on 
Agriculture.--On January 23, 1884,\5\ the Committee on Agriculture 
reported the bill (H. R. 1457) for the establishment of a Department of 
Agriculture.
  This committee also reported, in 1896,\6\ a bill providing for the 
transfer of the Fish Commission and Geological Survey to the 
Agricultural Department.
  4151. Legislation relating to the Weather Bureau is within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.--Subjects relating to the 
Weather Bureau, including appropriations therefor, have, by resolutions 
distributing the President's message, been placed within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.\7\ This committee also 
reported, in 1900,\8\ the bill (H. R. 3988) to reorganize and improve 
the United States Weather Bureau.\9\
  4152. The subject of agricultural colleges \10\ and experiment 
stations is within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.--
The Committee on Agriculture has reported:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Sixteenth Congress, Journal, p. 479; Annals, p. 
2179.
  \2\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, p. 694.
  \3\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, pp. 684-686.
  \4\ See section 4621 of this work.
  \5\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 100.
  \5\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 863.
  \7\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Record, p. 25.
  \8\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 125.
  \9\ In 1890 the Committee on Agriculture reported a bill relating to 
the Signal Service, the predecessor of the Weather Bureau. (First 
session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1043.)
  \10\ See, however, section 4243 of this volume.
                                                            Sec. 4153
  In 1895 \1\ on agricultural colleges.
  In 1894 \2\ on agricultural experiment stations in Alaska.
  4153. The subject of a highway commission has been considered by the 
Committee on Agriculture.--The Committee on Agriculture reported, in 
1896 \3\ on the subject of a highway commission.
  4154. The animal industry, inspection of live-stock and meat 
products, and diseases of animals are subjects within the jurisdiction 
of the Committee on Agriculture.--In 1888 \4\ the Committee on 
Agriculture reported the bill (H. R. 10320) to provide for the 
inspection of all slaughtered live stock intended for human consumption 
in any State or Territory other than that in which slaughtered or for 
exportation to foreign countries; to prohibit the introduction of 
adulterated or misbranded food \5\ or drugs into any State or Territory 
or the District of Columbia from any other State or Territory or 
foreign country, and to provide through the Department of Agriculture 
for carrying out the regulations.
  The Committee on Agriculture also has jurisdiction of subjects 
relating to ``the destruction and eradication of diseases of domestic 
animals, and to the inspection of cattle and pork products intended for 
shipment to foreign countries.'' \6\
  The Committee on Agriculture has had jurisdiction of the subject of 
animal industry in the United States, and reported bills:
  In 1896,\7\ on the Bureau of Animal Industry, and on cattle 
importation regulations of Great Britain.
  In 1890,\8\ 1891,\9\ 1894,\10\ and 1897,\11\ on the subjects of meat 
inspection, the inspection of live stock, and the export trade in 
cattle.
  In 1903,\12\ on diseases of animals; and in 1905 \13\ on quarantine 
districts for cattle.
  4155. The Committee on Agriculture has reported as to export 
bounties, regulation of importation of trees, shrubs, etc., and as to 
the effects of the tariff on agriculture.--The Committee on Agriculture 
has reported on the following subjects:
  In 1888,\14\ the bill (H. R. 6109) for an export bounty on 
agricultural products exported from the United States. (Adversely.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1997.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 880.
  \3\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1439.
  \4\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3341.
  \5\ The subject of pure food, in the later practice of the House, has 
been within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce (see sec. 4112 of this volume); although in 1892 and 1897 the 
Committee on Agriculture reported on this subject. (First session 
Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 914; second session, Fifty-third 
Congress, Report No. 1397.)
  \6\ Congressional Record, third session Fifty-third Congress, p. 71; 
first session Fifty-fourth Congress p. 301.
  \7\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Reports Nos. 1031, 1670.
  \8\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1792.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 3761.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Reports Nos. 846, 1443.
  \11\ Second session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 2868.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 2819.
  \13\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 4200.
  \14\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 1305.
Sec. 4156
  In 1898 \1\ and 1900,\2\ bills to provide regulations governing the 
importation of shrubs, trees, plants, grafts, cuttings, and to provide 
regulations for the inspection of such articles grown in the United 
States, and the subject of interstate commerce.
  In 1892,\3\ a resolution of inquiry relating to the effect of the 
existing tariff on agriculture; also a report on the subject of the 
tariff and agriculture.
  In 1905,\4\ on the subject of the use of alcohol in the arts.
  4156. Bills imposing an internal-revenue tax on oleomargarine are, by 
action of the House, included within the jurisdiction of the Committee 
on Agriculture.
  The Committee on Agriculture has exercised a general, but not 
exclusive, jurisdiction of legislation relating to imitation dairy 
products, manufacture of lard, etc.
  In 1886,\5\ the Committee on Agriculture reported the bill (H. R. 
8328) to prevent the sale of imitations of dairy products. This bill, 
or rather a similar bill for which this was reported as a substitute, 
was presented in the House on March 8, and by a vote of 67 to 40 
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, although Mr. Speaker Carlisle 
said that it belonged to the Committee on Ways and Means under the 
rules of the House, as it proposed an internal-revenue tax.
  And this jurisdiction continued with this committee, which reported 
bills on the subject of oleomargarine, several involving the internal-
revenue tax feature, in 1892,\6\ 1894,\7\ 1896,\8\ 1900,\9\ and 
1902.\10\
  In 1890,\11\ a bill subjecting oleomargarine to the laws of the 
several States was reported by the Committee on Commerce.
  In 1888 \12\ and 1890 \13\ the Committee on Agriculture reported 
bills to regulate the manufacture and sale of counterfeited lard.
  4157. The adulteration of seeds, insect pests, protection of birds 
and animals in forest reserves, grading of grain, etc., are subjects 
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.--The Committee 
on Agriculture has exercised jurisdiction over several subjects related 
more or less closely to the general interests of agriculture. Thus, in 
1904 \14\ and 1906 \15\ it reported on the subject
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 456.
  \2\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 304.
  \3\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 191, 2114.
  \4\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 4791.
  \5\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2028, Record, p. 
2193. Previously in 1884 (first session Forty-eighth Congress, Report 
No. 251) this committee had reported on a proposition to investigate 
the subject of oleomargarine or imitation butter.
  \6\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 913.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1398.
  \8\ First session Fifty-fourth Congress, Report No. 1015.
  \9\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1854.
  \10\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 255, 1602.
  \11\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 2187.
  \12\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3082.
  \13\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 970, 2857.
  \14\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1842.
  \15\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3337.
                                                            Sec. 4158
of the adulteration of grass seed; \1\ in 1902 \2\ on protection of the 
eggs of game birds, and in 1906 \3\ on the protection of animals, 
birds, and fish in forest reserves; in 1905 \4\ on insect pests; in 
1902 \5\ on nursery stock.

  The Committee on Agriculture reported in 1896 \6\ on a bill providing 
for the extermination of the gypsy moth.
  The Committee on Agriculture reported in 1892 \7\ the bill (S. 797) 
fixing a uniform standard of classification of grading of wheat, corn, 
rye, oats, etc.
  4158. The subject of improving the breed of horses, even with the 
improvement of the Cavalry as an object, belongs to the jurisdiction of 
the Committee on Agriculture.--On January 18, 1906,\8\ by action of the 
House, the Committee on Military Affairs was discharged from the 
further consideration of the bill (H. R. 10707) to provide for the 
improvement in breeding of horses for general purpose uses, and to 
enable the United States to procure better remounts for the Cavalry and 
Artillery service, and the same was referred to the Committee on 
Agriculture.
  4159. Bills to incorporate certain agricultural societies have been 
reported by the Committee on Agriculture.--In 1892,\9\ 1894,\10\ and 
1898,\11\ the Committee on Agriculture reported bills to incorporate 
the Society of American Florists; and in 1893 \12\ on a bill relating 
to the Holstein-Friesian Cattle Association.
  4160. The Committee on Agriculture has jurisdiction of subjects 
relating to timber, and forest reserves other than those created from 
the public domain.--The Committee on Agriculture has exercised 
jurisdiction over the subject of forest reserves other than those 
created from the public lands, and has reported bills:
  In 1906,\13\ the bills to create the Appalachian and White Mountain 
Forest reserves; and also in 1902 \14\ on the bill to create the 
National Appalachian Forest Reserve.
  The Committee on Agriculture reported:
  In 1892,\15\ on the subject of the necessity for and condition of 
forest reservations in California.
  In 1894,\16\ on bill (S. 313) appropriating funds for investigations 
and tests of American timber.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ But in 1884 the Committee on Commerce reported on a bill for 
fixing the tare on hops and standard weight of hop bailing. (First 
session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1974.)
  \2\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 4401.
  \3\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2494.
  \4\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 4401.
  \5\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 557.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 709.
  \7\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1232.
  \8\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 1265.
  \9\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 476.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 408.
  \11\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1258.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 2379, 2511.
  \13\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4399.
  \14\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1547.
  \15\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2096.
  \16\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1442.
Sec. 4161
  4161. Bills to discourage fictitious and gambling transactions in 
farm products have been considered within the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on Agriculture, even when an internal-revenue question was 
included.--On February 17, 1888,\1\ Mr. William H. Hatch, of Missouri, 
called attention to the fact that the bill (H. R. 7051) ``to prohibit 
fictitious and gambling transactions on the price of articles produced 
by American farm industry'' had been referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary. He moved that the reference be changed to the Committee on 
Agriculture, and this motion was agreed to by the House, although Mr. 
Speaker Carlisle expressed the opinion that the jurisdiction belonged 
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  In 1894,\2\ a bill relating to the sale of options on agricultural 
products was at first referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, as 
it provided for affixing internal-revenue stamps to the contracts; but 
the House changed the reference to the Committee on Agriculture.
  And bills on this general subject were reported by the Committee on 
Agriculture in 1889,\3\ 1890,\4\ 1892,\5\ and 1894.\6\
  4162. The creation and history of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 
section 11 of Rule XI.
  The rules give to the Committee on Foreign Affairs jurisdiction of 
``the relations of the United States with foreign nations, including 
appropriations therefor.''
  Section 11 of Rule XI provides for the reference of subjects 
relating--

  To the relations of the United States with foreign nations, including 
appropriations therefor; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  The committee consists of 18 Members.
  It was made a standing Committee \7\ on March 13, 1822.\8\ The 
present form, excepting the words ``including appropriations 
therefor,'' was made in the revision of 1880.\9\ The words relating to 
the appropriations were added in 1885.\10\
  This committee may report its appropriation bill at any time.\11\
  4163. The general affairs of the consular service and the acquisition 
of land and buildings for legations in foreign capitals are within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.--In 1906 the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs reported on subjects as follows:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Record, p. 1308.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Record, p. 2423.
  \3\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 4141.
  \4\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Report No. 1321.
  \5\ First session Fifty-second Congress Report No. 969.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 845.
  \7\ On December 7, 1815 (first session Fourteenth Congress, Journal, 
p. 29; Annals, p. 380) such a committee had been proposed by Mr. 
Richard H. Wilde, of Georgia.
  \8\ First session Seventeenth Congress, Journal, p. 351. Before this 
select committees on foreign relations had been appointed (first 
session Eleventh Congress, Annals, p. 90).
  \9\ Second session Forty-sixth Congress, Record, p. 205.
  \10\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Congressional Record, pp. 
168, 196, 278.
  \11\ See section 4621 of this volume.
                                                            Sec. 4164
  Acquisition of land or buildings for United States embassies or 
legations in foreign capitals.\1\
  Consulates in the Orient.\2\
  Reorganization of the consular service.\3\
  4164. Resolutions of intervention abroad and declarations of war are 
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.--In 
1898,\4\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported the resolution (H. 
Res. 233) recognizing the independence of the people of Cuba, and 
directing Spain to withdraw her forces from the island; also the bill 
(H. R. 10086) declaring war with Spain.
  4165. A provision relating to a commission to investigate the 
conditions and uses of waters adjacent to an international boundary 
line was ruled out of the river and harbor bill as not being within the 
jurisdiction of the Committee on Rivers and Harbors.\5\--On February 7, 
1907,\6\ the river and harbor appropriation bill was under 
consideration in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the 
Union, when the Clerk read:

  Sec. 6. That those members of the International Waterways Commission, 
created in accordance with section 4 of the river and harbor act of 
June 13, 1902, who represent the United States shall have power, and it 
shall be their duty, to investigate and report upon the conditions and 
uses of the waters adjacent to the boundary lines between the United 
States and Canada, and of waters flowing from the United States into 
Canada or from Canada into the United States, and of the tributaries of 
such waters; also upon the maintenance and regulation of suitable 
levels; and also upon the effect upon the shores of these waters and 
the structures thereon and upon the interests of navigation by reason 
of the diversion of these waters from or change in their natural flow; 
and, further, to report upon the necessary measures to regulate such 
diversion, and to make such recommendations for improvements and 
regulations as shall best subserve the interests of the two Governments 
in said waters. They shall, upon the order of the Secretary of War, 
locate the boundary line upon international waters between Canada and 
the United States as heretofore established, wherever the same is not 
clearly defined or wherever for any other reason a relocation is 
desirable, and shall prepare a series of modern charts upon which it 
shall be delineated; they shall also recommend the erection of such 
monuments as they may deem necessary to enable such boundary line to be 
accurately ascertained, etc.

  Mr. James R. Mann, of Illinois, made a point of order against the 
section.
  The Chairman \7\ held:

  The Chair has not examined the section very closely, but the Chair 
feels very certain that a proposition to give power to a boundary line 
commission on an international water course is not within the 
jurisdiction of the committee. If the chairman of the committee desires 
to offer an amendment, the Chair will first recognize him.

  4166. The boundaries between the United States and foreign nations, 
and naval strength, bridges, and dams on waters along such boundaries 
are subjects within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs.--On February 4, 1882,\8\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
reported the bill (H. R. 2929)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1345.
  \2\ Report No. 2168.
  \3\ Report No. 2281.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Reports Nos. 1071, 1173.
  \5\ See also section 4126 of this volume.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 2469.
  \7\ Frank D. Currier, of New Hampshire, Chairman.
  \8\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 234.
Sec. 4167
in relation to the navigation and bridging of certain rivers which 
constitute the boundary line between the United States and Canada.
  In 1904,\1\ on the subject of a clam and reservoir on the Rio Grande.
  In 1900,\2\ on a resolution requesting of the Secretary of State 
information as to the status of the agreement with Great Britain in 
regard to war vessels on the Great Lakes.
  In 1888,\3\ on the bill (H. R. 8063) relating to vessels wrecked \4\ 
in American and Canadian waters, and their relief; and the same year 
\5\ on the resolution (H. Res. 112) for the creation of an 
international commission to settle the Mexican boundary question.
  In 1902,\6\ on the subjects of the Alaskan boundary, and a dam across 
the St. Lawrence River.
  4167. Bills creating courts of the United States in foreign countries 
are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.--On 
March 26, 1906,\7\ the House changed the reference of the bill (H. R. 
17345) creating a United States district court for China, and 
prescribing the jurisdiction thereof, from the Committee on the 
Judiciary to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and on April 7 \8\ the 
House also changed from the Committee on the Judiciary to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs a bill (H. R. 17297) providing for the establishment 
of a district court of the United States for China and Korea.
  In 1886 \9\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported the bill (H. R. 
333) providing a more perfect system of courts and a body of law for 
the protection of American citizens residing in places where pagan or 
Mohammedan law prevails.
  4168. The Committee on Foreign Affairs has exercised a general but 
not exclusive jurisdiction over projects of general legislation 
relating to claims having international relations.--The Committee on 
Foreign Affairs has exercised jurisdiction of general legislation as to 
claims having international relation, and has reported--
  In 1882,\10\ the bill (H. R. 5885) to provide for the adjudication of 
the French spoliation claims by the Court of Claims.
  In 1884,\11\ the bill (H. R. 745) referring the French spoliation 
claims to the Court of Claims.
  In 1887,\12\ the bill (H. R. 10241) to authorize a commission to 
investigate losses sustained by American citizens engaged in the 
fisheries in regions included within the provisions of the treaty with 
Great Britain.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 3990.
  \2\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 44.
  \3\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 1812.
  \4\ See, however, section 4144 of this volume.
  \5\ Report No. 1008.
  \6\ First session Fifty-seventh Congress, Reports Nos. 1531, 1888.
  \7\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 4309.
  \8\ Record, p. 4899, Report No. 4432.
  \9\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 864.
  \10\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1067.
  \11\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 109.
  \12\ Second session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 3648.
                                                            Sec. 4169
  In 1882,\1\ the bill (H. R. 1052) to provide for the return to Japan 
of a portion of the Japanese indemnity fund.
  In 1884,\2\ the bill (H. R. 1062) authorizing the adjustment of 
claims of foreign steamship companies for tonnage dues, said claims 
arising out of certain treaty stipulations.
  On December 6, 1888,\3\ the resolutions distributing the President's 
message sent to the Committee on Foreign Affairs ``Chilean war claims 
of American citizens,'' and similarly, in 1889,\4\ the subject of 
Spanish and Venezuelan claims was referred to the same committee.
  In 1885,\5\ a resolution empowering the President to negotiate in 
reference to the Venezuelan awards was reported by the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs; and in 1893 \6\ and 1894 \7\ the same committee 
reported bills for the application of the Venezuelan awards of 1868 to 
new awards of 1889 and 1890.
  This committee also reported, in 1893,\8\ the bill to carry into 
effect the Chileans convention for the settlement of claims; in 
1894,\9\ the bill for the disposal of interest on the Virginus 
indemnity fund; and in 1892,\10\ a bill to distribute the awards under 
the convention of 1868 with Mexico.
  4169. Questions relating to the protection of American citizens 
abroad and expatriation belong to the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs.--In general the Committee on Foreign Affairs has 
jurisdiction of the status and protection of American citizens abroad, 
and has reported--
  In 1899,\11\ a resolution of inquiry relating to outrages on American 
citizens in China.
  In 1900,\12\ a bill providing for the protection of the estates of 
Americans dying abroad.
  In 1906,\13\ a bill relating to citizenship, expatriation, and 
protection abroad.
  4170. The enforcement of treaty regulations as to the protection of 
the fur seals has been considered by the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs.--The Committee on Foreign Affairs has exercised jurisdiction 
over the following subjects:

  In 1893,\14\ a bill (S. 3629) to give the Executive power to enforce 
regulation under the convention between the United States and Great 
Britain for the protection of the fur seals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 138.
  \2\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1568.
  \3\ Second session Fiftieth Congress, Journal, p. 53; Record, p. 68.
  \4\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Record, p. 188.
  \5\ Second session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2610.
  \6\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2341.
  \7\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1360.
  \8\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report Nos. 2367.
  \9\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 963.
  \10\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Reports Nos. 1142, 1143. 
Also in 1892, on refundment of moneys to Mexico (first session Fifty-
seventh Congress, Report No. 420).
  \11\ Third session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1671.
  \12\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 1451.
  \13\ First session Fifty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4784.
  \14\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2355.
Sec. 4171
  In 1894,\1\ a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for 
correspondence relating to damages to Great Britain for seizures of 
sealing vessels in Bering Sea.
  In 1903,\2\ the subject of the fur seals in the North Pacific Ocean 
and Bering Sea.\3\
  4171. The treaty rights of American fishermen in waters adjacent to 
foreign shores are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs.--The Committee on Foreign Affairs has exercised jurisdiction 
of subjects relating to the rights of American fishermen under treaties 
with foreign nations, and has reported:

  In 1886,\4\ a resolution making inquiry of the President in relation 
to the treatment of American fishermen in Canadian waters.
  In 1887,\5\ the bill (S. 3173) to authorize the President, by 
nonintercourse measures, to defend the rights of American fishermen.
  In 1888,\6\ the bill (H. R. 11309) relating to the protection of the 
rights of American fishermen.
  In 1890,\7\ the resolutions distributing the President's message 
referred the subject of the Canadian fisheries to Foreign Affairs.
  4172. The subject of immigration of Chinese and Japanese is within 
the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.--The first 
legislation in relation to Chinese immigration was in 1875, when an act 
was passed prohibiting the bringing in of Orientals for immoral 
purposes. This bill (H. R. 4747), supplemental to several acts in 
relation to immigration, was reported from the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs \8\ and became a law.\9\
  In 1879,\10\ the first general exclusion act as to the Chinese was 
passed by Congress and vetoed by President Hayes. This bill was 
reported from the Committee on Education and Labor.\11\
  The act of 1882,\12\ to execute certain treaty stipulations with 
China, which was in fact an exclusion act, was, as the bill H. R. 5804, 
referred in the House, on April 6, 1882,\13\ to the Committee on 
Education and Labor. Other similar bills were referred to the same 
committee.
  In the next Congress, however, on January 9, 1884,\14\ the 
resolutions referring the President's message referred to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs subjects relating to the violation of the laws 
regarding Chinese immigration and pauper immi-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
  \1\ Third session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 1500.
  \2\ Second session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1500.
  \3\ The Committee on Ways and Means also has a jurisdiction over this 
branch of the subject. (See sec. 4025 of this volume.)
  \4\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Record, p. 3563.
  \5\ Second session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 4087.
  \6\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Report No. 3373.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Record, p. 188.
  \8\ Second session Forty-third Congress, Journal, p. 487.
  \9\ 18 Stat. L., p. 477. The Committee on Immigration and 
Naturalization had not been created at this time. (See sec. 4309 of 
this volume.)
  \10\ Third session Forty-Fifth Congress, Record, p. 791.
  \11\ This committee has since been divided into two committees, 
Education and Labor. (See secs. 4242, 4244 of this volume.)
  \12\ 22 Stat. L., p. 58.
  \13\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Record, p. 2678.
  \14\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Journal, p. 256; Record, p. 
319.
                                                            Sec. 4173
gration from Great Britain; and at this session a bill was introduced 
to amend the act of 1882. It was the bill H. R. 1798, reported from the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs,\1\ and became a law.\2\
  At this session also the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported \3\ 
the bill (H. R. 614) to execute certain treaty stipulations in relation 
to Chinese exclusion.
  In 1886,\4\ during the next Congress, the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs reported a bill (H. R. 171) supplementary to the act regulating 
the coming of Chinese.
  In 1888 \5\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported the bill (H. R. 
10605) to prohibit the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States. 
This bill did not become a law, but a bill (H. R. 11336) presented from 
the floor without reference to any committee was enacted.
  The jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, being thus 
established as to this subject, was not disturbed by the creation of 
the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization on December 20, 
1889,\6\ for at that session several bills to prohibit immigration of 
Chinese were introduced and referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs. A bill (H. R. 11657) to absolutely prohibit the incoming of 
Chinese was reported \7\ by that committee.
  In the next Congress the bill (H. R. 6185) to absolutely prohibit the 
coming of Chinese persons into the United States was reported \8\ from 
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and became a law.\9\
  And the same jurisdiction has continued in 1893,\10\ 1898,\11\ and 
1901.\12\
  In 1900 \13\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported on a 
resolution relating to the immigration of Japanese laborers, and the 
House acted on it. A similar resolution was referred also to 
Immigration and Naturalization, and was reported back adversely after 
the House had acted on the report from Foreign Affairs.
  4173. The incorporation of the American National Red Cross and the 
protection of its insignia are subjects within the jurisdiction of the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs.--In 1892,\14\ 1894,\15\ and 1898 \16\ the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs reported bills to protect the insignia of 
the Red Cross; and in 1900 \17\ and 1904 \18\ bills to incorporate the 
American National Red Cross.
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  \1\ Journal, p. 737.
  \2\ 23 Stat. L., p. 115.
  \3\ Report No. 614.
  \4\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 2043.
  \5\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Journal, p. 2196; Record, p. 
8226; Report No. 2727.
  \6\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Record, p. 336.
  \7\ Reports Nos. 1925, 2915; Record, p. 977.
  \8\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 407.
  \9\ 27 Stat. L., p. 325. (See also Report No. 1231, first session 
Fifty-seventh Congress.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 2549; first 
session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 70.
  \11\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1628.
  \12\ Second session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 2503.
  \13\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 1425, 1569.
  \14\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1790.
  \15\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 477.
  \16\ Second session Fifty-fifth Congress, Report No. 1135.
  \17\ First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Report No. 758.
  \18\ Third session Fifty-eighth Congress, Report No. 3146.
Sec. 4174
  4174. The Committee on Foreign Affairs has exercised jurisdiction of 
the subjects of commercial treaties and reciprocal arrangements.--On 
December 6, 1882,\1\ the resolutions distributing the President's 
message contained the following:

  To the revenue provisions of the reciprocity treaty with Hawaii and 
to commercial relations with foreign countries having connection with 
revenue questions to be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.\2\

  After debate, this was amended so as to refer the subject of the 
revenue provisions of the Hawaiian treaty to the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs.\3\
  And the Committee on Foreign Affairs has reported legislation as 
follows:
  In 1884,\4\ the resolution (H. Res. 32) requesting the President to 
negotiate for the renewal of the Canadian reciprocity treaty.
  In 1886,\5\ the bill (H. R. 7884) authorizing the President to 
arrange for a conference to promote arbitration and commercial 
relations of a reciprocal nature with the other American nations.
  In 1888,\6\ the bill (H. R. 1473) to arrange a conference to promote 
reciprocity and arbitration with the other nations of America and the 
bill (H. R. 129) to promote commercial union with Canada.
  In 1890,\7\ a resolution recommending the negotiation of reciprocity 
treaties and a resolution relating to the promotion of commercial union 
with Canada. Again, in 1892,\8\ on the same subject.
  In 1892 \9\ and 1894,\10\ on the subject of reciprocity with Mexico.
  4175. Measures for fostering commercial intercourse with foreign 
nations and for safeguarding American business interests abroad have 
been considered by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.--On June 20, 
1882,\11\ the Committee on Foreign Affairs reported the bill (H. R. 
6023) to authorize the appointment of a special commissioner to promote 
commercial intercourse with the nations of Central and South America.
  In 1890,\12\ the resolutions distributing the President's message 
referred to Foreign Affairs the subject of West India trade.
  The Committee on Foreign Affairs also reported:
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  \1\ Second session Forty-seventh Congress, Journal, p. 41; Record, p. 
58.
  \2\ It should be noted. however, that the legislation to carry into 
effect the reciprocity treaty with Cuba in 1903 was reported from the 
Committee on Ways and Means. (First session Fifty-eighth Congress, 
Report No. 1.)
  \3\ The Committee on Ways and Means has exercised this jurisdiction, 
however. (See sec. 4021 of this chapter.)
  \4\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 2149.
  \5\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1648.
  \6\ First session Fiftieth Congress, Reports Nos. 369, 1183.
  \7\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Reports Nos. 1827, 1870.
  \8\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1957.
  \9\ First session Fifty-second Congress, Report No. 1145.
  \10\ Second session Fifty-third Congress, Report No. 878.
  \11\ First session Forty-seventh Congress, Report No. 1457.
  \12\ First session Fifty-first Congress, Record, p. 188.
                                                            Sec. 4176
  In 1884,\1\ the bill (H. R. 6926) to authorize the appointment of a 
special commissioner for promoting commercial intercourse with the 
countries of Central and South America.\2\
  In 1886,\3\ the resolution (H. Res. 14) requesting the President to 
invite the cooperation of the governments of American nations in 
securing the establishment of free commercial intercourse and an 
American customs union.
  On December 10, 1890,\4\ the resolutions for the distribution of the 
President's message provided for the reference of subjects relating to 
``extension of commercial and banking facilities with Mexico, South and 
Central America'' to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  Foreign Affairs reported--
  In 1890,\5\ on the subject of an intercontinental railway.
  In 1885,\6\ on the subject of discrimination against American 
products by the German Empire.
  In 1896,\7\ on the exclusion of American life insurance companies 
from Germany.
  4176. Preliminary jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs as 
to the canal between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.\8\--In certain of 
the steps preliminary to the undertaking of a canal between the waters 
of the Atlantic and Pacific the Committee on Foreign Affairs exercised 
jurisdiction, and reported:
  In 1882,\9\ the bill (H.R. 6799) relating to the Nicaragua Canal.
  In 1889,\10\ the resolution (S. Res. 122) declaring the sense of the 
United States Government in respect to the connection of European 
governments with ocean canals at the isthmus of Darien and in Central 
America; and the bill (S. 3949) for the relief of laborers on the 
Panama Canal.
  In 1890,\11\ the resolutions distributing the President's message 
referred the subject of ``Isthmian transit'' to Foreign Affairs.
  4177. The Committee on Foreign Affairs has general jurisdiction of 
the subject of international conferences and congresses.\12\--On 
December 6, 1882,\13\ the resolutions distributing the President's 
message provided for the reference to the Foreign Affairs Committee 
subjects relating to legislation touching the sending
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  \1\ First session Forty-eighth Congress, Report No. 1445.
  \2\ In 1900, however, the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
Commerce reported the bill (S. 1939) authorizing the President to 
appoint a commission to study trade conditions in China and Japan. 
(First session Fifty-sixth Congress, Reports Nos. 484, 878.)
  \3\ First session Forty-ninth Congress, Report No. 1645.
  \4\ Second session Fifty-first Congress, Journal, p. 42; Record, p. 
303.
  \5\ First session Fifty-firs