This department is without further information regarding the situation discussed in its report of May 10, 1912, than it had at the time that report was made, and, although there are, as stated, 80 entries for which the act of June 7, 1912, affords no relief, this department is not in favor of extending the time within which proofs should be made upon the entries for such a long period of time as specified in the bill.

An extension of one year would enable the entrymen to determine whether they are ever likely to be able to carry out an effective irrigation project. It would also furnish a real incentive for definite action by the entrymen during that time. If during the year they are able to make a showing that would justify a further extension, action can be taken based on the facts as they then appear. To grant an extension now until 1916 would, in the judgment of this department, encourage delay and inaction. WALTER L. FISHER,

Very respectfully,

Secretary.

The following telegram was presented to the committee from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: [Telegram.]

Hon. JOHN E. RAKER,

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., January 21, 1913.

House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.:

We understand Raker bill (H. R. 26943), extending time for entry on desert lands, Chuckawalla Valley and Palo Verde Mesa, Cal., will appear to-morrow before Senate and House Committees on Public Lands. This legislation is of vital importance to California, and we urge your best efforts toward securing favorable action thereon. WILLIAM T. SESNON, President San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

APPROPRIATION FOR SUPPORT OF MILITARY ACADEMY.

FEBRUARY 8, 1913.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed.

Mr. HAY, from the Committee on Military Affairs, submitted the following

REPORT.

[To accompany H. R. 28699.]

The Committee on Military Affairs, to which was referred the estimates for the support of the United States Military Academy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1914, having considered the same, report the accompanying bill with the recommendation that it be passed. The total estimates submitted aggregate $1,666,735. The amount appropriated for the last fiscal year was $1,064,668.26. The accompanying bill carries an appropriation of $1,064,372.87. The amount appropriated for the Military Academy in this bill is deemed by the committee amply sufficient to meet all the needs of the institution for the coming fiscal year. The War Department asks for an authorization of $3,000,000 to proceed with the work at the Military Academy in accordance with the general plan approved by the Secretary of War January 27, 1904. Your committee did not include this authorization in this bill because of the fact that it was stated in the hearings by the Superintendent of the Military Academy that the $3,000,000 would not complete the work, nor could the committee obtain with any certainty a statement showing what would be necessary to complete this work, and was of opinion that until the amount needed could be specifically stated it would be unwise to make the authorization requested. The committee, however, included in the bill an appropriation of $70,500 for the completion of the east academic building.

This bill carries an increase of $400 for the pay of 11 assistant professors, which is an increase over last year, made necessary because while 11 assistant professors were provided for last year no appropriation was made for the additional professor, who was then provided for. There are three stenographers and typewriters employed at the Military Academy, one in the department of law, one in the department of modern languages, and one in the department of history. Upon

the recommendation of the superintendent of the academy the committee has increased the salary of these employees from $750 to $840, and has provided that they be appointed by the superintendent of the United States Military Academy. Heretofore these employees have been supplied from the civil service register. The superintendent of the academy represented that it has been impossible to keep these employees, as there was no way of promoting them and they became dissatisfied and soon gave up their positions, nor could he obtain efficient service. It is therefore thought best to permit the superintendent to appoint these employees and to increase their compensation as above indicated.

All other items in the bill are the usual items for the support of this institution, and while some of them are new, they are such as are necessary for the proper conduct and upkeep of the institution.

PROTECTION OF MONUMENTS ON BATTLEFIELDS OF BULL RUN, VA.

FEBRUARY 8, 1913.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed.

Mr. HAY, from the Committee on Military Affairs, submitted the following

REPORT.

[To accompany H. R. 1330.]

The Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1330) to protect the monuments already erected on the battlefields of Bull Run, Va., and other monuments that may be there erected, having considered the same, report thereon with a recommendation that it do pass with the following amendment:

Strike out all of the bill after the enacting clause, and insert the following:

That the Secretary of War is hereby directed to inquire into the practicability of purchasing the land upon which the aforesaid monuments stand, the advisability of making the purchase thereof, and the price which will have to be paid therefor.

Your committee after extensive hearings on this bill was not satisfied as to the price asked for the land; and while it is thought that some steps should be taken to protect the monuments which have been erected thereon, yet it is deemed advisable that full information should be had before any appropriation is made for the purpose of acquiring the property.

O