The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-29
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS-
THE SENATE.

Debate on the Bill to Provide Additional
Cruisers for the Navy.
WASHINGTON, Feb 2S.-Mr Ingalls, intro
duced a bill to remove the injunction of secresy
from the court-martial that tried General Fitz
John Porter, in order that members of it may
give the details to the public and testify to the
case if called upon.
The Senate resumed consideration of the bill
to authorize the construction of steel vessels.
Messrs. Mcpherson. and Miller of California,
took part in the debate. The latter was in favor
of making liberal appropriations for building a
navy The United States should be prepared to
meet the entertainments of those who may be
come Jealous of her progress, The example of
free government and free institutions is spread
ing contagion of free thought and free govern
ment among all peoples of the globe, and is en-
rendering the hatred malice and I'M
friendlness of imperiaiists and menarchists
throughout the world He wanted to see
America ready to meet the insults that might be
heaped upon her, come from what quarter they
might
Mr. Bayard reviewed the action of Congress
the last few years in regard to the navy, and
continues 1t was impossible for the senator's to
ignore the fact that there was, for one reason or
another, great deal of distrust in the head of
the Navy Department. In the opinion of many
men the Presidents selection OF the incumbent
for that position was not a wise one. This was
net question of personal assault, but OF fitness
of person for the place. There was nothing In
the antecedents requirements of the individ-
al referred to that rendered his selection wise.
He (Bayard) would be reluctant to give pain to
any man, but these were public questions, and
should be discussed in plain, open and public
manner. 1t was in no other spirit that he re-
ferred to this subject. 1t was partly for this
reason that Congress placed restrictions upon
the building of ships in the course of construc-
ton.
Mr.. Hale remarked that he had given notice of
an amendment to the pending bill which would
throw the protection of the acts Of 1882 and
1883 around the ships now proposed, and that
the amendment was itself suggested by the Sec
rotary of the Navy.
Mr.. Hale then offered as substitute for the
amendment of Mr.. Mcpherson the following:
And said vessels shall be designed and constructed
in al respects in accordance with and subject to the
conditions and provisions of the naval appropriation
acts of Aug. 5, 1882. and March 8 1883, authoriz-
ing the construction of four steel cruisers.
Mr.. Mcpherson objected to the amendment at
this time, and it went over
Mr.. Hawley stated he, for one, while public
rnmor had been busy with the probability of the
appointment Of the present Secretary of the
Navy, had ventured to prophesy that he would
prove one of the ablest officers and illustrious
heads of that department. As to that prophecy
Mr.. Hawley had now nothing to take back. The
distinguished ability of the Secretary Of the
Navy was well known. and when his duties were
closed his record would compare favorably with
that Of any Secretary who had ever filed the Of
fee
After further debate vote was taken ON Mr..
McPherson's first amendment reducing the num-
Der of proposed ships from seven to four. De-
feated--yeas, IL nays, "a.
The question recurring on Mr. McPhersons
second amendment. which provided the condi-
lions under which the contracts should be made,
Mr.. Hale offered the amendment as above set
forth
Mr.. Sewell offered as substitute for both an
amendment providing that the vessels be built
at one or more of the government nayy-yards.
The Chair stated the substitute was not at this
time in order.
A vote was then taken on the amendment of
Mr.. Hale to the Amendment
Mr.. McPherson's and Mr. Hale's amendments
were agreed to. The question recurring on the
Mcpherson amendment as so amended, it was
agreed to.
1Estr; Sewell then presented his substitute
Nj a,ranes, of Florida. offered an amendment
10 II, Gould pg that the construction of the YES
seis 0a1.osof tpportioned between the different
NaYss'ae The country.
Pending the DEBATE on the amendment the
Senate went into executive session and soon ad-