The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-02-13
Last NIGHTS Dispatches.
XLVL CONGR ESS.


the same rule the following: Genera
appropriation bills shall embrace nothing
but appropriations for ordinary expenses
OF the different epartments of the govern
ment aud interest on the public debt. AL
other appropriations shall be made by
bills containing only the items OF appro-
priation relative to the subject matter OF
the bill. He spoke in favor of the amend
ment which would make it impossible for
| the appropriation committee to legislate
upon appropriation bills.
Mr.. Conger pointed out the inconsistent
cy which members from the south had
shown in voting for the famous rule 100,
which permitted legislation to be placed
upon appropriation bills. inasmUch as the
constitution OF the confederacy prevented
any such legislation. That constitution
was in direct opposition to the vote of
every man from the south as to any ex.
penditLre not previously authorized by
law unless in continuation of an appropri-
alton for such public works, and the pro-
priety and expediency of that rule. 1t
| had become necessary for the present
speaker to ask his southern friends to
change their views and sustain him in
changing the old rules of the house. He
locked upon the action of the speaker,
when he placed himself at the head of the
whole confederate army in the house and
compelled them to ignore the action of
their wisest and best men and follow him,
as the greatest triumph which northern
man ever gained over the brigadier gener-
ais of the house.
| Mr. Randall was not familiar with the
confederate constitution. but he said he
believed there was no such clause as Mr..
Conger had stated. He was proud to lead
the army of the Forty fourth congress,
regardless of where they came from In
regard to economy. Applause,
After further sharp shooting. Mr..
Goode urged the propriety of the rule
from the point of safety in time of need
1t was right to withhold appropriations 10
case of bad legislation. The rule had per-
mitted the majority to repeal laws allowing
the use of troops at the polls and allowed
saving of $30,000,0G0 in one year, and
put white jurors 10 the box where colored
| had been almost exclusively.
Mr.. Reed reminded Mr., Goode that in
his enumeration of the varied benefits
which resulted to the country from that
rule he had forgotten to enumerate the
greatest the extirpation of the Demo
cratic party which was to occur the next
time the people of the United States had
an opportunity to pass upon it. Ap
plause. Il showed the people what that
party was eager to do and what it
wou d do whenever it had the power, and
| the result of erring OF the Democratic
| Iarty before the country was always a
great aud interesting benefit 10 the people.
| Mr.. Springer called the attention of the
| House to the fact that when Mr.. Garfield.
a few years ago, had been at the head of
the Committee on Appropriations $50
sections of legislation had been passed up
OF appropriation bills. There had never been
time when legislation had not been
placed upon appropriation bills. and he
thought it Just and righteous way Of
! legislatiBg. The House must not give up
this rule, 1t would save millions of dol-
| lars.
MIR. White withdrew his amendment
and allowed Mr.. Speer to introduce one
making it in order to insert less sum of
money for greater in bills. He was above
partisan consideration. He depicted
the anarchy, Reputation, desrotisms and
| slavery which would ensue II appropriation
bills failed. lAppIause
Mr.. Hawley quoted from the state CON-
stitutions showing that twenty FIVE out Of
thirty eight prohibited Legislation on ap-
| priation bills.
| Mr. Cox supported the rule as a means
OF repeating by riders laws which had been
enacted by riders. and for repeating obnox-
ious legislation. lie was by no means sure
that the Democracy would be beaten as
Mr.. Reed predicted
Mr.. Spear withdrew his amendment and
| Mr.. Lowe offered an amendment prohibit
ing any partisan amendment to appTopri.
atiDg bills and favored it,
/ MIR. Garfield offered an amend ment that
it may be in order to strike out any sum
Of money from any appropriation bill and
insert less sum. He offered it regard
less of party. or minority, or majority. but
as plain business work,
blr. McMahon thought that the young
member, (Mr. Speer,j ought to shake 10
his boots to find Republicans standing
sponsor for his amendment.
Mr.. Speer said be was young, but was OF
the number whose tollies cease with their
youth. Laughter
: Mr.. McMabon urged bis party not to
: give up the rule. 1t was substantially
giving up their cause in the next Presi-
dental election, being a virtual confession
of the failure of economy, He was sur
} prised at the unanimity of the Republi.
cans. 1t was one of the worst parties
ever in power. The rule provided, first
: that legislation must be germane; second
that it should retrench expenditures. He
was proud that the Democrats supported
, it.
Mr.. Garfeld's amendment was rejected
122 to 12I.
Mr. Speer's substitute was again offered
; and Mr.. Warner offered the following
amendment to that substitute:
Section 3. No appropriation shall be
reported 10 any general appropriation bill
or be in order as an amendment thereto
for such objects as are already in progress;
nor shall any provision of such bill or
amendment thereto changing an existing
law be in order. except that it shall be il
order to reduce amounts of money pro-
vided for by existing law and covered by
the bill, and to that extent only to change
the law.
He declared himself opposed to any
, proposition which would deprive the House
of its control of the appropriation bills
but on the other hand, he conceded thai
to make use of the threat to withhold
appropriations was entirely unjusti6able
Applause on the Republican side
Mr. Warmers amendment was agreed
to I23 to ID, and the question required on
Mr.. Speer's substitute as amended, pend
: ing which the committee rose and the
House adjourned.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 12.-SENATE.-Mr
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