The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-03-06
HOUSE WORK

WASHINGTON, March 4-The House
made good progress to-day and virtually
| finished the consideration Of the diploma
| tic and consular appropriation bills. This
is more work than has been done in any
other week of the session, and the House
having practically completed three appro-
priation bills. The outlook for the next
week is squally. There is likely to be
breezy contest on three subjects, begin
ming Tuesday: First the special order to
consider the question as to special legisla-
ton involving the principle Of the Spring
er bill; and third, the new propositions of
the republican ma ajority from the committse
on rules. Each Of these projects is likely
to excite spirited discussion.
Mr. Kasson says he will not again aban
don his attempt to bring up the tariff com
mission bill, unless compelled to yield
by the force of votes.
THE DEBATE ON THE DIPLOMATIC BILL.
to-day took much wider range than has
been the custom this session upon appro-
priation bills. They covered the Irish ques
ton, the subject of naturalization, the pro-
lection of American citizens, the relative
position of the two parties as to foreign
born citizens, and, least of all, the diplo
matte and consular service. The sparring
between leading members of the two par
ties was often sharp and entertaining.
Hiscock evidently thought it was necessary
to the vindication of his position as chair
man of the committee on appropriations,
and as one of the leaders of the house to
make political speech. His points were
neither new nor were they stated with force
or effect.
The notable incident Of the day was the
passage between Cox and Robson. Cox
declared that Americans always received
protection at the hands of the democratic
party, and he pressed Robson, as mem
Der of Grants cabinet, to state whether be
approved the Bancroft naturalization
treaty. Robeson, in reply, with some
skill, eyaded direct answer to this ques-
ton, except to make. the drgunaeatuna dd
hona7aatns that George Bancroft was born a
democrat, raised democrat and is still a
living representative of democratic prin-
ciples.
cox TAINTED RoBEsoN
With having evaded direct answer TO the
question as to the Bancroft treaty, when
Robson, with swelling air and an en-
phasis which Is characteristic, characteriz
ed Cox's efforts by quotation, evidently
long preserved for such an occasion. He
compared Cox and his party to the great
Republican leaders in the sentence of
the bough is not the only occupant of the
field where a thousand noble cattle chew
theirzcud and are silent"
Sunset was not in his best mood to-day.
He was looking at the bill IN serious as
pect, and was very earnest in endeovoring
TO press forward the work, even at the ex-
pense OF the loss OF an opportunity to dis
play his remarkable power as a wit. He
did, however, find time to retort upon what
he called Robesons large and magnii-
cent congratulations and rhetoric.
The subject connected with the bill in
which the Western people will have the
most interest is proposed in an amendment
late in the day, that was ruled out on
point of order. 1t is the proposition of
Hewitt to embody in the bill q provision
making it lawful for the state of New
York, and all other states to exact
HEAD MONEY TAX
of one dollar from every immigrant land
ing at its port, the fund to be collected by
the state, managed by the state and appro-
priated in the laws of the state, solely for
the care of the immigrants and to protect
them from imposition and to prevent the
introduction of disease. The proposition
has been before the last two congresses,
and originates in the fact that the United
States supreme court declared that the law
of the state of New York imposing this tax
was unconstitutional, in that the tax was
levied upon commerce The subject is be-
fore the house commerce committee in the
form of bill, and Howe of Michigan,
member of the committee, notified the
house that the commerce committee is
unanimous in favor of the proposition, and
that the bill would be reported to the house
in due time.
Western opinion is divided as to the
merits of the measure. The Eastern men
make the strong case that such law is
necessary, as national protection from dis
case, and that would be kindly and humane
law for he immigrants themselves