Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-03-18
UNITED STATES SENATE.
BxTRAssESsIOiG
The Hawaiian Treaty Discussed
at Length.

WASHINGTON, March 1T.-Immediately
after the reading Of the journal Of yester-
days proceedings, the Senate, on motion
Of Mr.. Hamlin, went into executive ses-
sion.
Just after the Senate went into execu-
tive session, the following resolution was
submitted by Mr.. Boutwell, ard laid over
tilEtO-mOrrOW:
Resolved, that the special Committee ap-
pointed TO examine the severa. branches Of
the civil service with a view ID the reorgan-
iZatiOn Of the several departm ants thereof,
be authorized 10 act during the recess Of
the Senate, to employ a steI ographer, to
administer oaths, and to send for persons
and papers.
The resolution was submitted as public
business, the doors being considered as
cOnstructiyely open
The Senate then took up the Hawaiian
reciprocity treaty, Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont,
being entitled to the floor. He argued that
it was unconstitutional, first, because it af-
fects the revenue, and all such matters
should originate in the House of Represen-
tatives; and, secondly, because it fixes GER
tain customs duties for seven years, and
depriVes Congress Of the power to regulate
them during that time. He further opposed
its ratification upon commercial grounds,
heretofore stated, and because the Legisla-
ture Of Vermont passed resolutions con-
demning all reciprocity treaties as contrary
to public policy.
Mr.. Hamlin replied briefly and was fol-
lowed by Senators Mitchell and Kelly, of
Oregon, both fayoring ratification. These
gentlemen argued that, as this treaty does
not impose any rates Of duty, but merely
proposes TO remove certain duties altOgeth-
er, it is not liable to the objection based on
Congressional requirements, that all bills
for raising revenue, leyying taxes or appro-
al action. @"f HoTRgENssft originate 9Elg in the
they called attention to the fact that
in osder to avoid possible objections, the
treaty itself provided the fina- ratihcations
shall not be exchanged until Congress
shall have passed all laws necessary TO car
" it into effect. They also contended that
under Mr.. MOTTill's rule of sTict cOnstruc-
ton, the government could not make
loan, pledging payment Of interest, or lease
a building for a term Of years, or otherwise
pledge any of the revenue in advance. As
precedents showing the constitutional
power of TIE President and Senate TO make
such treaties, contingent upon ap-
propriate legislation by Congress, they
referred to the tonnage treaty with France,
negotiated in the year 1922, and also to
the Canadian reciprocity treaty, which
went into effect in 1854, and continued in
force twelve years. Messrs. Mitchell and
Kelly, in the course of their remarks,
stated that the English Colonies on the
Pacific Ocean have already made a propo-
sitiOn to the Government of Hawaii for
similar reciprocity arrangement, which, If
consummated, would enable British Co
/ lumbia to entirely deprive the
State of Oregon of its present
profitable trade, in supplying the Sandwich
| Islands with such articles az lumber, lime,
| preserved salmon, ETC., which are produced
| equally as well in the British colony. MIR.
| Mitchell spoke for an hour and quarter,
showing the great advantage to the Pacific
| coast in the exchange Of commodities. He
also alluded to political advantages to the
United States acquiring control of the Ha-
waiian islands to the exclusion Of the
/ British.
The debate was deferred until tomorrow,
and the Senate adjourned.