Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-03-24


WASHINGTON. March %.
Mr.. Hoar introduced . bill to prevent
fraudulent claims against the United States,
and to discourage speculation thereon. Re-
ferred.
Pending debate the morning hour ex-
pired, and the Geneva award bill was taken
up,
Mr.. Garland addressed the Senate. He
quoted legal authority to show that insurers
who became owners Of property insured, At
ter il has been abandoned by the persons in
sured, are subrogated 70 all rights of the
original owners, including the right TO sue
for loss of property. etc.
Mr.. Dawes spoke against the bill. He held
that the award was from the British to the
American government, not for . specific pri-
vate indemnity, but for National satisfaction.
1t should be distributed according to equity.
Those who lost by reason Of acts for which
the award was made should be paid first, be-
fore bonuses are given to those who really
lost nothing Insurance companies agreed
in effect, for payment If certain premiums,
to run the risk of the very disasters which
happened to such vessels. snd they must
therefore be regarded as having insured them
selves against consequences. To pay further
compensation would in this instance be pay
ing them twice over. What a perversion Of
the language Of the award that would be. As
no claimant has legal right to any part of
the fund, the insurance companies cannot he
snbrogated to any ones rights. He would
support bill Identifying those who actually
suffered.
Mr.. Herman obtained the fioer. but the Sem
ate went into executive session and when the
doors were re-opened
Adjourned.
The bill Incorporating the National Educa-
tional Association was taken up and discussed.
Mr.. Conger called attention to the fact
that the bill introduced by Mr.. Townshend,
amending the 3Oth section of the revised
statutes, had been referred in violation of the
rules, to the Committee on Revision of the
Laws.
A motion by Mr.. Garfield to refer the bill to
WAYS and Means committee was tabled.
Mr.. Townshend moved to reconsider and
then attempted to withdraw his motion, but
was not permitted.
Mr.. Townshend appealed, but on motion Of
Mr.. Garfield the appeal was tabled.
The question then REQUIRED on the motion
to reconsider the vote by which Mr.. Garfeld's
original motion to refer the bill to the WAYS
and Means committee was laid on the table,
and the House voted to reconsider.
"a motion to again lay it on the table was
lost.
A debate then occurred, in the course Of
which Mr.. Garfield asserted that Mr.. Towns:
bend had deceived the House, by placing =
meaningless title on his bill and having it re-
ferred to the Committee on Revision of Laws.
in the face of rule which requires reference
of all bills relating to revenue to the Ways
and Means committee.
Mr.. Townshend explained his motives for
having the bill referred to the Revision COM
mittee, and finally said: want the gentle
man to understand he cannot, under cover Of
moonshine, get rid of his responsibility,
want him to understand am his peer here,
loud laughter on the republican side), and
here, before this House, say to him that If be
insinuates that I deceived the House he 10
guilty Of wilful, deliberate falsehood. ZAP
plause on democratic side, and laughter on
republican side.) l do not expect other gen.
tlemen, who profess the same sentiments as
himself, to answer in any other way than by
derision, but l desire him to understand that
I stand on my responsibility rs q representa-
tive, and say to him that I do brand his
charge as wilfully and deliberately false.
| (Great excitement).
Mr.. Garfield-After indecent exposure Of
his person and Of his mind, have nothing
whatever to say to the gentleman. daughter. }
The House finally adjourned without ar
irving at any decision.