Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-04-25
CAPITAL CHATTER.
DISCUSSING THE APPROPRIATION
BILLS.
Debate in the House to Close To-Day
The Supposed Treachery Of Chief
hOses-ArlingtOn Estate
War Claims.
WASHINGTON, April "a.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mr.. Dawes presented the petition oi
Mrs Caroline Webster, widow Of Col.
Fletcher Webster, asking an increase in
her pension from $50 to $50 a month.
The lady was the only surviving repre-
sentative of Daniel Webster's family,
and had been made poor by the destruc-
ton OF the Marshfield property. Re-
ferred to the Committee on Pensions.
The discussion of the Wallace resolu-
ton occupied the morning hour, after
which the army appropriation bill was
taken up and Mr.. Conkling began his
speech, the floor and galleries being
crowded.
Mr.. Conkling, in the course of his
speech, said that the effect of this bill
was to prevent the suppression of any
violence by any armed men acting un-
der national authority upon election
day. In New York every thug, shoul-
der-hitter, carrier of dirk or bowie
knife; every graduate OF rat pits, bucket
shops and slUms, nurseries OF what
is nowadays called Democracy, and
every man from Kings bridge to the
battery is advised before hand that no
enOrmity of his will bechecked by the law
officers of the Government. Sensation.
Another bill to be brought forward
provides that even il elections are
turned into bloody burlesques the ma
tional authority must keep away, though
White Leaguers may take an active part,
armed, perhaps, with muskets furnished
by the Government. If there ever was
a time when such law would be safe
that time is not now.
Mr.. Blaine moved 10 strike out the
sixth section, but the motion was lost
yeas, 25 nays, 35; a strict party vote.
Mr.. Blaine offered an amendment
previously offered and withdrawn by
him, which is as follows: At the end
of section 6 to add the following words,
"and any military, naval or civil officer,
and any other person who shall, except
for purposes herein named, appear
armed with deadly weapon OF any des-
criptiOR, either concealed or displayed,
within a mile OF any polling place where
a general or a special election for Repre-
sentatives to Congress is being held,
u,
a fine not less than 500 nor more than
5000, or with Imprisonment for period
of not less than six months nor more
than five years; or with both fine and
Imprisonment at the discretion OF the
court"
A vote was taken on Blaine's amend
ment and it was rejected-yeas, %; nays,
30.
Mr.. Window offered the following
amendment to be added at the end OF
the sixth section: "And any person
who shall. with the intent to hinder, OBJ
struct, or prevent free exercise OF the
right of suffrage, appear armed with a
deadly weapon OF any description, either
displayed or concealed, within a mile OF
any polling place where an election
Tor a Representative in Congress Is be-
ing held, shall, on conviction thereof, be
punished by a fine OF not less than $500
or more than 5000, or with imprison-
ment not less than six months or more
than five years, or with both such fine
and Imprisonment, in the discretion OF
the Court"
A long discussion took place between
Messrs. Window, COnkling and Eaton.
To the final question OF Mr.. Window,
elias the Government of the United
States of America the right to punish
armed men who come to the polls for
the express and avowed purpose of pre-
venting the free exercise of the right
of suffrage at an election for members
of Congress?"
Mr.. Eaton replied, No. not until a
law is made to allow it, and | will never
vote for that law.
Mr.. Windom-Has Congress a right
to pass such a law?
Mr.. EatOn-No; therefore l will vote
against it.
Mr.. Windows amendment was then
voted on, and rejected-yeas, 2i; nays,
32; party vote.
A discussion arose on the time to be
fixed for closing the debate on the 9th
section. 1t was finally agreed to vote
on the section and that the pending
amendments should be taken up at 8
o'clock p. NJ. tomorrow, and with tins
understanding the Senate adjourned.