The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-03
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS-.
THE SENATE.
Routine Observation-Disclosures of the De
A.. csI,ir,inor IliI

Routine Observation-Disclosures OF the De-
bate on the Shipping Bill.
WASHINGTON NAV l. The Chair laid before the
Senate a telegraphic communication from Mr. Wicker
late collector at Key West Fla, asking that full in
vestgation be made into his conduct in connection
with the discharge of his official duties.
Mr. Garland from the committee on Territories re-
ported adversely the House bill requiring Governors
of Territories to be for two years residents OF the
Territories in which they may be appointed Placed
on the calendar.
Mr.. Mcmillan, from the committee on commerce.
reported favorably the House bill amending the act
authorizing the construction of pontoon wagon
bridge across the Mississippi at or near Dubuque
The amendment merely modfes the width of draw
which, instead of being 500 feet, may be of such
with as the Secretary of War may prescribe, not
however less than 400 feet. Passed
Mr.. Cullum, from the committee ON Territories, re-
ported adversely the memorial and joint resolution of
the Wyoming Legislature asking additional compen-
sation. Agreed to.
Mr.. Van Wyck offered a resolution, which was
agreed to- calling on the Secretary of the Interior for
information to what action, any, had been taken
in regard to entries of public lands by the Estes Park
Company, organized under the laws of Great Britain
and doing business in Colorado and made in the inter
Land and Cattle Company English corporation;
Sykes & Hughes an English firm doing business in
northern Dakota and Falkner, Bell & Co., another
English firm doing business in California or for the
benefit of said corporations and companies, all OF
which entries, by report in the General Landoihce
alleged to be fraudulent Mr.. Van Wyck said the
public domain should be protected and these foreign
syndicates promptly told just what their rights are III
this country.
Mr.. Dawes offered resolution which was agreed
to, calling the Secretary of State for informa-
ton as to the provisions by which teegaphic cables
have been landed upon the shores OF foreign coun-
tries and whether any company is negotiating
for the privilege of landing any cable here, and II So
upon what terms.
The shipping bill was then taken up and Mr..
Vest made formal offer of his amendment permit
ting admission TO American registry of ships bought
abroad and the admission, free of duty OF ship
building materials. .
ships bought abroad from coastwise trade.
Mr.. Vest continued his remarks in support of his
amendment What needed, he said, was absolute
freedom from all burdens in order to induce Americans
to buy ships upon any terms. For years we
have been told that next year we should see i'm
pro prov men What would be thought of physician
who should daily promise an improvement in his pa
tent while the patient rapidly dyingE Free ships
would build up the American shipyards, which the
policy heretofore pursued had not done. For proof
he showed that American building was decreas-
ing. We were building very few iron ships. 1ooa
would build up American ship-yards.
Mr. Vest replied that there would come to pass here
what had come to pass in Germany. No matter
where ships came from, their presence would stmu,
late interest in shipping, and cause capital
to flow into shp-buildng. Until few years ago Ger
many had just such system as we have to-day, but
had abandoned it. and the interest in and the activity
of ship building in that country were greatly stmu-
lated.
Mr. FRYE said Germany had tried the plan of buying
ships in other countries but had become disgusted
with it, and the government had gone into the bust
ness of shipbuilding. France had also tried to pur
chase ships abroad, and gave it up, and now pays
bounty for every ship built and every mile sailed.
Mr.. Vest said German subjec could buy his ships
wherever he pleased. The mechanics of the country
were employed on repairs of ships, matter where
bought and thus the shipyards of Germany
were built up On the question of rela-
tive wages paid in this country and abroad,
Mr. Vest depressed his conviction that notwthstand
ing the higher wages paid in America the higher in
teigence and superior skill of American workmen
would enable them to compete with the labor OF any
European country. Notwithstanding England wages
were higher than those of Germany, England could
compete with Germany anywhere. He inquired who
was responsible for the condition of merchant ma
rine; who had charge of the government for many
years past He did not believe any action of Congress
would bring immediate return of prosperity to
American shipping, but when the attempt was made
in the right direction met with the cry,
no matter what happened. that the sacred
protective system Of the Republican party must not
be interfered with He did not expect his amendment
to pass the Senate and he had only spoken on it as
long as he had in the hope that public opinion might
be brought to bear the odious and barbarous sys
tenn which in his opinion, it was of so much i'm
portance to destroy.
Mr. Hale spoke in support of the bill and in opposi
ton to the amendment offered by Mr. Vest.
Pending debate the Senate went into executive ses
sion and when the doors reopened, adjourned to
Monday,