Morning journal and courier., 1884-04-11
FOrty-Eighth COngress---First Session.
WAsH1NGroN, April 10.

WASH1HGIUNs ADEA 4Us
 sENArE-Among the bills introduced were the following: By MT. Hill to forfeit the land grant of the New Orleans, Baton Rouge and. Vicksburg railroad company; by MT. Bowen to protect employees of railroad con- panies engaged in interstate commerce. Ct compsls the adoption of automatic coup hngs)
 The naval appropriation bill was taken up shortly after o'clock. When the amend ment for tho construction of new steel cruis- CTS was reached MT. Beck submitted the question that it was new legislation and out of order.
 The chair (Mr. Edmunds) held that it was in order for the reason that it did not relate to new provisions, but related to an execu- tien of affairs relative to the Naval depart ment.
 s'Then under that ruling" Said Mir. Beck, 'sit would apply to the building of one hun dred cruisers 2''
 s'The number would make no difference, :" said the chair. MT. Edmunds claimed that he was sustained by previous rulings and the standing rules of the Senate. The amend ment provided for doing thing which when done exhausts it's own force. The building of new cruisers was not permanent legisla- tion it's force ceased as soon as the cruisers were built and was consequently applicable to an appropriation.
 This parliamentary point was discussed by Messrs. Bayard, Hale, Frye, McPherson and others MT. Hale said the utmost courtesy should exist between the two houses. Noth- ing should be done which looked like men, ace or monition to the House. This amend ment simply again called the attention of the House to measure which the Senate deemed important.
 Mr. McPherson contended that no greater discourtesy could be offered the House than the amendment under discussion. It was in tended as indignity and would be treated as TIA nn dIEaHEsInFl of the general subject of building new cruisers urging that it was unwise to appro- priate money for their construction until the sea worthiness of those already on the stocks and the efficacy of their machinery was tested.
 Mir. Beck said he knew his objection would be overruled It was necessary, however, to understand exactly what are the powers of the Appropriation committee. They could build one hundred ships just as easily as seven under this ruling of the chair "It would perhaps be as well. continued Mr. Beck, Ito insert ProV1s- ion that Mir. Roach shall build the seven new vessels and that he shall contrib uts ten per cent. to the presidential cana- paieu fund or for the interests of the public service, or perhaps, to use phrase We have heard so often of late, for tho general vel fare' That will cover it if nothing else will. This ruling means that the Appropriation committee can do what it pleases; that ma iority of the Senate can do what it pIeases. 1t is simply saying to the House, You must agree to this, or the Sena- tors who have nice pleasant resi- dences here will compel you to stay here all summer. FThe Senator then attacked the policy of building the cruisers, contend ing that they would be simply mischief makers for the purpose of gain and would bs of no real value in time of war. The amend ment was nos pressed for the legitimate pur- pose of defending our cities ana coasts; It was simply desirned to find ships for junksting purposes and to avoid big gums He urged the adoption of measures to build up merchant marine which in his opinion was the trae nursery of navy. The present maritime and naval ocean carrying trade of thesEworld in her hands Yet that policy was to bs perssver- ed in for the benefit of John Roach and not to meet the actual needs of the nation.