Governor Edwin Warfield, of Maryland, in a speech in New York warmly commends President Roosevelt’s policy on the negro question. February 25.—The Isthmian Canal Commission reports in favor of the Panama Canal being constructed at sea level with two or three sets of locks. Despite the higher offer made by Kansas citizens, President Roosevelt decides that the lease of Osage oil lands to the Standard Oil interests must stand. The Democrats of Chicago nominate Judge Edward F. Dunn for Mayor on a municipal ownership platform. Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw defends the action of his predecessor, Lyman J. Gage, in selling the New York Custom House to the City Bank. Joseph V. Quarles, of Wisconsin, whose term as United States Senator ends March 4, is appointed United States District Judge. The La Follette men bitterly oppose the appointment. February 27.—Four members of the California State Senate are expelled from that body for accepting bribes. The United States Supreme Court sustains the Texas Anti-Trust Act under which two oil companies were forced to give up their licenses as a penalty for pooling. February 28.—Word is received at Washington that Colombia will resume diplomatic relations with the United States. March 1.—Secretary of State Hay, in a letter to the Haytian minister, says that the United States has no intention to annex Santo Domingo and “would not take it as a gift.” In the contest for the Governorship of Colorado, thirteen Republican members of the committee appointed to conduct the contest report in favor of seating ex-Governor James H. Peabody, nine Democratic members sign a report favorable to Governor Alva Adams and five Republican members refuse to sign either report. March 3.—Commissioner of Corporations James R. Garfield reports on the Beef Trust, his findings generally favoring the packers. Former Land Commissioner Binger Hermann, of Oregon, is indicted in Washington for destroying public records. March 4.—Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as President of the United States in the presence of the largest assemblage and the most elaborate military display ever seen at an inauguration. _The Doings of Congress._ February 7.—The Senate passes the Statehood bill, but amends it to admit New Mexico as one State, leaving Arizona as a Territory. Oklahoma and Indian Territory constitute one State, as in the House bill. February 8.—The electoral vote is canvassed by a joint session of the House and Senate, and the result is declared as 336 for Roosevelt and Fairbanks, to 140 for Parker and Davis. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs disregards the wishes of the President and amends the arbitration treaties by striking out in each the word “agreement” and substituting therefor the word “treaty.”