National Republican., 1883-02-28

house, at 7;45, went into committee Of the
whole (Mr. Cannon in the chair) on
THE RIVER AND HARBoR BILL.
Mr. Cox, of New York, insisted on the first
reading of the bill in full.
The reading having been concluded, Mr..
Page briefly explained its provisions. IL con-
tanned 81 items for harbors and 1l2 for river
work. of these the Mississippi river received
more than S2,500,000. He appealed to gentle
men on both sides Of the house, who had not
been whipped by tho newspapers into tho
idea that there should be no appropriations
for the improvements of rivers, TO vote for
this bill. Then referring to n remark made
by Mr.. Cox, in allusion to his failure to obtain
a reelection Mr.. Page denied that his failure
was attributable to his championship of the
river and harbor bill. IL i'll became the gem
tleman from New York TO criticise every gem
tleman who failed Of an election, for he, him
self, had failed good many times lie had
been driven out Of GIiU once because he could
not DC elected, and then failed in New York.
Laughter.
Mr.. Cox. That Is not true. Twas always ap.
preCinted. laughter
Mr.. Page. II lie Is benten in New York he will
30 to Kansas or some other state. lLaughtorl
Mr.. Hoar further explained and defended
the bill. Touching briefly on the question of
the improvement of the Mississippi, he stated
his belief that any system for that improve
menu WITHOUT u DIONlslOu leNPcS WOulu
prove n failure.
Mr.. Guenthcr supported the bill and Mr..
Richardson argued against il. During the
progress of Mr. Richardson's speech he was
Interrupted by Mr.. Hutchins, and noisy,
humorous, stormy, and wholly unintelligible
discussion arose as to the benefits which New
York had received from the federal treasury.
The committee was in perfect uproar, nearly
every member being on his feet, and two or
three dozen addressing the chair at the same
time. The declination of the chairman to
recognize any one until the committee came
to order had no effect, rs no recognition was
asked for Several members kept up a run
ming debate, amid cheers, applause, and
laughter, which rendered not only their words,
but the directions of the chair inaudiblc.
Mr.. Page at last managed to catch the caI
of the chairman, and the committee, on his
motion, rose.
The condition Of tho house in regard to the
uproar of the proceedings was no improve
ment over that of the committee, and IL took
five minutes of continuous ruppings of the
gavCl and some very sharp words from tho
speaker pro tcmporo (Mr. Robinson, of Massa.
chusetts) to secure any degree Of quiet
Mr.. Page then moved to limit debate to two
hours.
Mr.. Dwight moved to amend by making II
three hours.
Amid good deal of renewed confusion the
vote was taken, and no quorum voting, the
point was raised with good deal of vehe
mence by Mr. Van Voorhis.
Mr.. Holmes suggested that in order to save
time compromise might be arrived at fixing
the limit at 2l hours. 81 will not malle any
arrangements with the gentleman from New
York" (NIr. VanVoorhis), replied Mr. Page.
"And," shouted Mr.. NanNoorhis, with en-
phasis, amid cries of "Oh, sit down." "nC
mule driver or stage driver from California
can crack the whip over this house."
| Finally Mr., Dwights motion was lost and Q
compromise Of q hours was, ON Mr.. Burrow:
suggestion, agreed to-.
Mr.. Hiscock then suggested that those two
aud u half hours be consumed at once, but
there was storm of objections, Mr.. Burrows
| placing his opposition ON the ground that the
members of the select Mississippi committee
desired to present their views in an intelligi
BILE manner, and Mr. Cox stating his unwill
ingness to address "a pack of wolves hore to.
night"
After another noisy wrangle the house
again went into committee, but in a few mo-
ments rose.
| Mr.. Page then moved for recess until 10
o'clock to-day, but no quorum voted, and (at
10:30) the house adjourned.