The Morning herald., 1876-01-19
WAsn1NaToN, Jan. 1S, 1876.


preparation.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1S, 1876.
By American Press Association,
The House went into Committee of the
Whole to-day, on the Centennial Appropria-
tion bill, Mr.. Wood of New York in the
chair.
Mr.. Hopkins of Pennsylvania, addressed
the Committee in favor otthe bill. He said
the National honor was involved in the sue
cess of the Centennial, and the National
Government was invoked to save the enter
prise from failure. He referred to the sew
eral acts of Congress passed in relation to
the celebration, and contended that Congress
was thought the sponsor and endorser of the
enterprise. 1t was National but it was to
be celebrated in an International manner,
and its international character appeared in
all the acts ofCsngress passed in relation
thereto. tn view of all the legislation Con-
gress could not escape its pccuniary obliga-
tions in the matter. In siew of the fact that
so many nations had accepted invitations,
we were bound by all the claims of hospi-
tality and decency to give them a joyous
and cordial greeting, and not to permit them
to come to lot of unfinished buildings.
He knew the country was grCaning under
great debt, b.t the good name of the
country was worth more than accumulated
treasure. Mr. Wadlcll, Of North Carolina,
said he had been an unwavering supporter
of an appropriation for the Centennial Gel
ebration, and if it had been supposed that
the irritating discussion of the past few
days would drive countless men from the
support Of this measure, he hoped the vote
would develop the fact that it had engen-
dered no feeling of eDmity.
He hoped the vote of the Southern men
would Show that they were not yet fully
understood and appreciated. He knew
there were gentlemen from the South who
did not intend to vote for the bill until this
irritating discussion sprang up but would
new vote for it. He could not, of course,
speak for all, but he appealed to his South
ern colleagues to show such spirit OF pa
triotism as would make this year of jubi-
lee indeed
MIR. Sheakley, of Pennsylvania, offered an
amendment providing that no entrance fec
should be charged TO the exhibition on the
4th of July, 1876, and that admittance
should also be free on Thursday of each
week. Mr.. Willis, of New York, said he
had received numerous requests by mail
and personal appeals to vote for this bill.
He regretted that he could not comply; his
official oath was the guage of his official
conduct and being trustee for the United
States he could not reconcile it with his
oath to vote for this bill. He opposed the
appropriation on Constitutional grounds.
The expenses of the Exposition should be
borne By the capitalists who have the means
and who will be most benefited by it. It
was not proper that Congress should re-
spopd to this prayer of Philadelphia.
Mr.. Kelley, of Pa, said Philadelphia had
no prayer in this matter. The gentleman
is talking about an International Exhibition
ordained by Congress, and this appropra-
tion is asked for by the Commissioners ap-
pointed by the President of the United
States.
Mr. Willis said it was all the same this
proposition belongs to that species of legis-
lation which makes Subsidy and Credit
Mobilier legislation possible.
Mr.. Hewitt, of New York, said he had
proposed to remain silent, but he could not
do otherwise than respond to the speech Of
his colleague, Mr. Willis. He earnestly
advocated the passage of the bill as mea-
surement which was demanded by the
honor and fair fame of the country, he Op.
posed Mr.. Sheakely's proposed.amendment
because il would not be of benefit to the
people of Philadelphia.
Mr.. Kelley said as representative of
Philadelphia, he protested against Mr..
Sheakley's proposition.
Mr. Chittenden of New York, said he had
lust received telegram from the Mayor Of
Brooklyn, who urged the members to vote
for the appropriation, he Chittenden felt IT
pleasure to do so, and he hoped the bill
would pass unanimously, the Committee
then rose, and the House soon after adj
journed, thus ending the debate for the
day.