The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-22

freight shorter than longer distance. He
believed the section was deadly to the interests
Of the part of the country he representative
great agricultural interest.
Mr.. Reagan opposed the notion Not to pro
hibit greater rate for shorter than a longer
haul was to submit to the railroads the regula-
ton of the entire commerce of the country.
Mr.. Wilson, of Iowa, said that ninety-nine
times out of one hundred the section would be
found to be right; but he declared it would per
NIT the worst kind Of discrimination against the
farmers of Iowa.
Mr.. Henderson, of Illinois, thought the rule
laid down in the section was unjust. The only
fair rule to adopt was that no railroad company
be permitted to charge any unreasonable rate
between any two points.
Mr.. Reagan here yielded to Mr.. Randall to
permit him to report the conference disagree
ment on the temporary naval appropriation bill.
Mr.. Randall explained the points of difference
between the House and the Senate, ana long
debate ensued
Mr.. Thomas was opposed to the temporary
bill 1t was a slipshod attempt on the part Of
the House to dodge a stern duty,
Mr.. Cannon said the strongest argument
against ratification of certain treaties was that,
in case the United States saw proper to follow.
policy which would rebound to its credit, it
stood powerless to enter upon that policy, be-
cause it was crippled, so far as the navy was
concerned.
The House insisted on its disagreement to the
Senate amendments, and further conference
was ordered.
Mr.. Randall moved that when the House ad-
journ, to-day, it be to meet on Wednesday, the
oath inst. The Constitution, he said, prohibited
the adjournment for more than three days with
out the concurrence of the Senate He asked
unanimous consent that it should be agreed that
on the 24th further adjournment be had until
the 9th, then to the 3lst, and then until the 9th
of January, and that on those days no business
be transacted.
There was barely a quorum in the House to-
day, and it will be impossible to get one next
week.
Mr.. Randalrs motion was a greed to, but unani-
nous consent not given to the agreement
for further adjournment.
Consideration of the interstate commerce bill
having been resumed, Mr.. Reed called the at
tention of the Speaker to the ruling made yeSter
day by Mr.. Springer, Speaker pro tenn, to the
effect that motion to close debate was not de-
batable He thought the temporary Speaker
should be instructed in that knowledge of par
hamentary law. courtesy and good sense which
so distinguished the occupant os the chair.
Laughter
Mr.. Springer replied that when he made the
ruling, yesterday, he believed it to be correct,
and he believed it to be 50 still There was no
opinion by any previous occupant of the chair
taking an opposite view. His decision was based
on common sense and on that he stood, though it
might not commend itself to the gentleman
from Maine.
The amendment of Mr.. Henderson was reject
ed-yeas 81 nays ll8
Mr.. Peters offered an amendment to the 'long
and short haul" provision, by adding the words.
1.-THE longer distance to be limited to the nearest
competing point at which two or more railroads
compete for business"
On this amendment no quorum voted. and n
call of the House was ordered The call disclosed
the presence of 1876 members, and further pro-
ceedngs under the call were dispensed with.
Mr. Peters withdrew his amendment and
further consideration of the bill was postponed.
Mr.. Randall introduced bill making tenn
porary provision for support of the navy for the
month of January, 1885 He said the bill was in
PRODUCED with the concurrence of such members
of the committee appropriations as he had
been able to consult 1t was an exact copy of
the bill which had been passed last session, pro
vdng temporarily for support of the navy for
the past six months. and with notifications
necessitated by the difference in time covered by
the bill. The bill was passed without dis
cussion
On motion of Mr. Hopkins a Senate joint
resolution passed declaring Christmas and
New Year days holidays for all per diem gov
eminent employees.
Tho House then adjourned until Wednesday,
Dec "a Though there is no definite agreement
that no business shall be transacted Wed
nesday, there is tacit understanding to that
effect, and it is also understood that consecu-
tive adjournments shall be taken for three
business days at time until Jan. 5.