The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-21

expended in tho pay ment of merchant steamship
lines for transportation Of foreign mails accord
ing to the schedules heretofore in force, and that
so much of the balance as may be required shall
be expended in increasing the frequency of the
postal service by American built and registered
steamships between the United States and such
ports of the foreign countries herein named, not
now connected with the United States by Amer
lean steamship lines, as the Postmaster general
may elect, including Buenos Ayres and Monte
video. Mr.. Burrows answered the objections
made to the Senate amendment, which, he said,
simply gave to the Postmaster-general the same
discretion in regard to the foreign service as ne
now possessed in regard to The coastwise and
star-route service. All the talk about paying
$3.50. 900 to the Pacific Mail Company was made
to alarm members. How any gentleman could
twist this provision into subsidy he could not
understand. The star route service could as
we'll be called a subsidy.
Mr. Mcmillan, of Tennessee, thought that the
efforts OF the friends Of the amendment to prove
that the appropriation was not a subsidy had
been futile. 1t was subsidy in the broadcast
and boldest sense and the question for the
House to determine was whether it was ready to
enter upon the policy of giving gratuities to
steamship companies. When reduced to the last
analysis this amendment was an entering wedge
to system which could work viciousuess and
corruption only.
Mr. Adams, of New York-Did you vote for
the river and harbor bil
Mr.. McMillan-Yes, and would do it again.
/ notice that everything that goes to the High
Bridge is satisfactory to the gentleman. and
everything that goes elsewhere is unsatisfactory
to him. This is policy in which we should
not enter. / glory in American institutions on
account Of their purity. Ii it paid better TO
work on the ocean than on the land, the people
of the United States, with their enterprise,
energy and intelligence, would navigate the
ocean.
Mr.. Golf, of West Virginia. maintained that,
by paying fair wages for labor rendered to the
chant marine endeavoring to extend American
commerce If he were Postmaster general.
every mail of this country would be carried In a
ship flying the American flag.
Mr.. Dougherty, of Florida. offered an amend
ment providing that 5000, 900 shall be expended
for the establishment of mail line from gulf
port to ports in Central and South America.
T. Taylor, of Tennessee, offered amend
ment providing that 100000 shall be applied to
the transportation of foreign mails by existing
lines running from New Orleans to Central ana
South American ports
Mr.. Hewitt. of New York. moved to strike out
the appropriation of $500, 900 aud insert one of
$400, 900. and to add to the Senate amendment
the following: "And the Postmaster-general
shall as far as possible. cause the mails of the
United States to be carried to and from said
places, respectively, in American built and reg
istered steamships, providing the same can be
carried for a reasonable compensation. not ex-
ceeding the rate OF fifty cents per nautical mile
for the distance usually travelled in the most di
rect and feasible course between the terminal
points hereinbefore specified.
Mr.. Barry, of Mississippi opposed the Senate
amendment on the ground that it was a subsidy.
Mr.. Mills, of Texas, characterized the amend
| ment as donation to American ship builders,
chief of whom was John Roach.
Mr.. Price. of Wisconsin, said that subsidy was
the theory that underlay every progressive insti-
tuition throughput the land Everything was
| subsidized down to the salt water. and then Con-
gress became frightened and stood still while
American ships were driven from the sea.
Mr.. Findlay of Maryland, favored the amend
ment.
Mr. Morrison, of Illinois. theoretically opposed
the return to the subsidy policy of former years
which was involved in the amendment OF the
Senate.
Mr.. Randall, of Pennsyly ania, called attention
to the curious spectacle presented by the Senate
amendment, which involved an expenditure of
$400. 900 but which had not one word of exective
suggestion or approval to commend it. There
| was no estimate for the appropriation. 1t en-
anated from the Senate, body which had been
contending for years against putting any general
legislation appropriation bills. In voting
upon this amendment he wanted every member
to range himself on the side where he expected
to stay to the end. lApplause on the Democratic
side. Last year the Senate amendment similar
to the pending proposition had been put through
the House by reason of absenteeism, but he in
voked every man to record himself on this
proposition now that he would no. find IL neces
sary to absent himself hereafter.
Mr.. Blount, of Georgia. in closing the debate
said that last winter under the threat Of an ex-
| ira session, the House had cOncurred in the Sen
ate amendment appropriatng 100000 for the
| foreign mail service The Democratic admins
| traton came into power and put the ban of its
condemnation upon the proposition. The policy
| of the administration this subject could not
be mistaken and when the United States Sem
ate, in violation of its rules in violation of the
principle that general legislation should not be
placed upon appropriation bills. sought to force
this proposition upon the administration there
was an auiacity and holiness exhibited that
needs to be met with courage. The issue was
plain and clear-cut, and. for one he was willing,
as Democrat, to take the responsibility for his
action.
Mr.. Burrows's amendment was rejected-32 to
l39
The amendments offered by Mr.. Taylor. Of
Tennessee. and Mr. Dougherty, of Florida, were
rejected without division. The Senate amend
ment was non concurred in without division,
and the cammittee and reported its action
to the House. The House confirmed the action
of the committee on the foreign mail service
amendment by vote of yeas u.s. nays 80 The
| following is tine vote in detail:
YEAS.
Allen. (Miss) Glass, Outhwat,
| Anderson, (Kan.) Oliver, Payson.
Anderson, TO- Green, (N. CO. Perry
Arnot. Green. IN j. Pncock
| Balentne. Guenther, Pndar,
Barksdale Hail. Randall.
| Barnes Halzen Reagan,
Berry, Hammond, Reid,
| Beach, Harris, Reese
Belmont. Hatch Richardson,
| Benner, Heard Riggs
Bland, Hemphill. Rowell
| Bliss Henderson. 0a.) RYAN