Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-16
HOUSE,.

The Senate bill making further appropria-
ton for the relief of the sufferers from the
overflow of the Mississippi, with the amend
ments recommended by the appropriation
committee increasing the amount to $780,,
600, and authorizing the secretary of war to
strengthen the levees of the Mississippi
where there is danger of immediate breaks,
was passed.
The House then resumed the consideration
of the ''Chinese BILL" and was addressed by
Mr.. Page, of California.
Mr. Hawk, of Tennessee. chairman of the
committee on war claims, reported back the
bill for the allowance of certain claims, re-
ported allowed by the accountant of the treas
ury department.
After debate the bill was passed. 1t appro-
pirates S29l 200, mainly for claimants in
Tennessee.
Mr. Rice offered an objection, directing
the committee on judiciary to inquire whether
the conviction of Sergeant Mason BY the
military court and the proceedings there
under, are not in violation of the laws and
constitution of the L. s., and report their
determination to this House, and giving the
committee leave to send for persons and pa
pers. Referred.
Mr.. Hscock, of New York. chairman of
the committee on appropriations, reported
bdCh SeUdtt Dlil UldklUK IuTtneT dppTO-
priations to relieve the sufferers by the over
flow of the Mississippi. The committee rec
ommend the adoption of an amendment in
creasng the amount appropriated from $780,
900 to 100000. and authorizing the secre-
tary of war to expend such part thereof as is
proper, for labor in Strengthening the levees
along the Mississippi river, but providing
that he shall only employ persons to whom
he is issuing rations on account of desti-
tuition.
Mr.. Page said that California wanted white
labor but white laborers would not 90 to a
State where one-sixth of the male population
were Chinese. He was willing to extend his
hand to every laborer who sought in this
country to better his condition or obtain an
asylum from tyranny, but would not extend
his hand TO slave brought here under con-
tract.
The republican party, he said, had solemn
ly proposed in the National Convention that
Chinese immigration should be checked. Was
the Chinese plank put into the platform for
the purpose of catching votes, or as a plank
to notify the people Of the country that the
great republican party was in full accord with
the sentiment of the Pacific Coast.
Mr. Page sent to the clerks desk and had
read the celebrated 'Morey'' letter, and
President Garfeld's letter of denial, and as.
serted that there was not person who did
not believe that the "Morey" letter was an
absolute forgery. 1t was impossible for
Garfield ever to have written such an infa-
nous letter as that, and vet what as in the
letter beyond the sentiments expressed by the
advocates of Chinese immigration. The
pretectionists demanded protection for
American industry, he demanded
protection for American labor. The
democratic party in the House would
support the bill. Let the republican party
do so also and thus redeem the pledge that
it had made to the country. In conclusion
he contended that 20 years limit was not too
extended.
Mr.. Robinson. Mass. Let US have an
experience Of 10 years, and if the people
consider it wise it can be extended.
Mr.. Page-Will you vote for the bill at 10
years?
Mr.. Robinson-with some other small al.
terations | will
Mr.. Tyler spoke in favor of suspension
of 5 or 10 years.
Mr.. Rice. Mass, opposed the bill. and
a war of words ensued between that gentle
man and Mr.. Page.
In reply to question of the latter as to
whether he stood by the platform in the last
national republican convention, Mr. Rice re-
piled decidedly in the affirmative and added.
LET me explain what the republican platform
really means and show that stand on it bet