The Semi Weekly Messenger

Washington, December 16.—The House indulged itself again today to the extent of four hours, of what was many times termed an academic discussion of federal control of insurance. It was the fourth day of the debate and the interest of members had appreciably diminished. Democratic contention for states rights predominated in the oratory. The Republicans confined themselves more to the committee reference which should be made on subject of insurance in the President's message. On this, many views were expressed.

None of them, however, supported the pending proposition to send the subject to the ways and means committee. During the latitude permitted by debate, a protective tariff was inveighed against by Mr. Hardwick, of Georgia. He said the value of the property of his state was $400,000,000 that Rockefeller could buy it twice over: Rockefeller was a product of the protective tariff. Mr. Sullivan, of Massachusetts, paid his respects to President Roosevelt, by stating that he did not believe him infallible, either in his law, his state policy or in his recollection of conversations with distinguished visitors. The discussion finally was concluded by Mr. Finley, of South Carolina, who spoke against federal control of insurance.

The holiday recess was fixed from next Thursday to January 4th. For the purpose of bringing out information showing the existence of a civil pension list the House asked the President for the number of civil employees of the government who have reached the age of 70 years.