Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-04-30
How it Passed and Was Hurried
to the President.
The Veto Considered Sure Before.
hand.
Correspondence New York Herald.l

1850
WASHINGTON, April 25.-The army
appropriation bill, as finally passed by
the two houses of congress, is in the
hands of the President tonight, to
whom its sudden presentation so soon
after its passage by the senate was
quite a surprise. The concluding vote
in the seate was taken about 4 o'clock,
resulting in Al yeas to 30 nays. The
bill was at once hurried over to the
house, where it was signed by Speaker
Randall. 1t was then brought back
TO the senate, where it was
signed by Senator Thurman, president
pro TEN. of the latter body. 1t was
next taken in charge by congressman
Kenna, chairman Of the committee on
enrolled bills, who made the usual
inspection to see that it was duly en-
crossed, a mere fOrmality in this in
stance, as the caucus determination of
the Democrats in the senate not to
allow of the bill as it passed the house
precluded any chance Of alterations
and enabled the enrolling committee
to keep the bill in shape all the time.
This brief inspection concluded Mr..
Kenna made his way to the White
House, and at few minutes before 6
o'clock placed the document in the
hands of President Hayes.
Before the concluding vote was
taken in the senate a number of the
Republican senators who are classed
among the stalwarts we're quietly talk
ing over the final result, and one of
the New England senator's said with a
firm and emphatic voice:
The President will veto the bill
almost as promptly as it is sent to
him."
The report was circulated on the
Republican side Of the Senate as a
positive assertion and helped to con-
sole the minority for their strong pro-
testation against the course pursued
by their political opponents. When
the bill as it passed the Senate was
delivered 10 the enrolling clerk, the
latter official Immediately proceeded to
the house and interrupted the debate
on the legislative bill with a message
from the senate. Mr.. Ewing, ofOhiO.
had the floor and he was requested TO
suspend his remarks until the message
could be received. The formal an
nouncement that the army %appropria-
ton bill had passed the senate without
amendment was received with APP
plause on the Democratic side Of the
chamber. This was followed by a
significant remark from General Gar
field, on the Republican side, which
was spoken loud enough TO be heard
in the galleries:
Wait, gentlemen, they laugh best
who laugh last y
1t is understood from high author
ity that the President has nearly com
pleted his veto message and will be
ready 10 send it to the House, where
the bill originated, on Monday next.
When the Senate adjourned to-day il
was to meet on Monday, SO that the
House only will be in session to-mor-
row, but it is generally believed that
the President will not send in the
veto until after cabinet session on
Tuesday, unless he should call a
special session OF the cabinet on Mon.
day for the purpose Of considering the
message. 1t is also said that the
Presidents decision to veto the bill
was reached several days ago and that
he has not even considered it neces.
sary to consult the members Of the
cabinet on the subject, the opinion
being 80 unanimous in favor Of (,
veto.