Judge Alton B. Parker and Mayor McClellan are the principal speakers at the New York Jefferson Day banquet. They both urge harmony and conservatism. At the Chicago Jefferson dinner Mr. Bryan and Mayor Dunne urge Government control of public utilities. Secretary Taft informs the South American Ministers that the United States will maintain the open door in the Panama Canal Zone. Senator Burton, of Kansas, again indicted for acting as attorney for the Rialto Grain and Securities Company before the Post-Office Department at Washington. President Roosevelt leaves Oklahoma for Colorado. April 16.—The Legislative Investigation Committee inspects the lighting plants of New York City. National Congress of Women demands equality of the sexes. The United States agents who were to investigate the land frauds in Utah have been relieved of duty, undue influence being charged. April 17.—Secretary Taft formally takes over the Panama Railway Company for the United States Government. The Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce begins a hearing on railroad rates at Washington. The United States Supreme Court decides that the New York law limiting the working hours of bakers to ten hours per day is unconstitutional. April 18.—Sherman Bell, late Adjutant-General of Colorado, has been offered the command of the army of Venezuela. V. L. Morawetz, general counsel for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Railroad, testifies before the Interstate Commerce Committee. The American Asphalt Company asks the United States to obtain from Venezuela the restoration of its properties until the courts can decide the question of title. April 19.—Mayor McClellan and Comptroller Grout appear before the New York Legislative Investigation Committee and testify about the light contracts for New York City. Mr. Hunter, the builder of the Manchester Canal, has been selected as one of the consulting engineers by the Panama Canal Board. April 20.—Charles F. Murphy denies that he has any interest in the lighting contracts for the city of New York. Judge Grosscup makes permanent an order restraining the city of Chicago from enforcing the interchangeable transfer ordinance. April 21.—The Legislative Committee ends its investigation in New York City. No finding has been made public, though it is understood that there will be a reduction of about 25 per cent. in the cost of lights. Secretary Hitchcock dismisses eight clerks from the Indian warehouse in New York for misuse of Government funds. United States Cruiser _Tacoma_ goes to Santo Domingo to protect American interests there. The Executive Committee of the Panama Canal Commission gives a contract for twenty-four locomotives. April 22.—The Government summons several Chicago bank officials to testify against the Beef Trust.