The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-25

bill for the relief OF settlers and pur-
chasers OF lands in the public domain
in Nebraska and Kansas.
The education bill was thentak6n up,
and Senator Blair addressed the Sem
ate in reply TO the objections and crit
icisms made against it. He denied
that the people Of the South were OPP
posed TO the measure, and insisted
that they favored ii. II was very
easy, Senator Blairfaid, to eriticise, but
that was not the way to remedy a
great evil.
Senator George fald the House of
Representatives Of his State (Missis-
sippi) had passed resolutions request
ing the United States Sena ors from
Mississippi TO support the measure.
Mississippi was not here, however.
Senator George said, as a suppliant for
the national bounty, 1t regarded the
measure az a generous offer from the
Northern States towards removing the
illiteracy prevailing In the South.
Senator George would be compelled,
however, 10 decline the offer II he be-
lieved il TO be unconstitutioI al. He
cited a number OF instances in which
money had been appropriated from
the National Treasury for purposes
not in any manner enumerated in the
constitution, which amounts, il the
theory OF the opponents OF this edu-
cational bill were correct, had all been
unlawfully and Improperly paid out.
Among the items specified by Senator
George we're the following: The pur-
chase Of Louisiana Territory by JEFF
ferson, the acquisition OF Florida, the
purchase Of Alaska, the payment Of
8 ,veral thousand dollars to refund
the amount paid by American
citizens captured by Algerian pirates
the appropriation Of $50 5000 in 1912, |
approved by President Madison, to re-
lieve the people OF Venezuela, VITO
had suffered from on earthquake.
Where did Senators find authority for
those appropriations on their theory
OF tho constitution Senator Harris
suggested, soto voce, that the power
for the last mentioned item prot ab'y
came from the Earthquake" clause
Of the constitution. [Laughter.1 Sem
ator George inquired where, in their
view OF the constitution, Senators
found the authority for the sending OF
ships in 1847 to Ireland, and in 1875
to France and Germany and relieve
distress in those countries. In 1875
We had given millions OF money to a
centennial exposition. We had last
year given a good deal Of money to
the New Orleans Exposition. Where
was the authority found in the con-
Btitution 10: any one OF the acts II not
In the general welfare clauseP Where
did we find authority to establish a
bureau tf a~griculture2
Senator Morgan said Senator George
might as we'll ask where the power ex-
isted for the creation OF the Interior
Department.
Senator George inquired where Sem
ators found constitutional authority
for sending an expedition ID observe
the transit Of Venus?
Senator Gray thought it was found
In the power TO maintain a navy
Senator George then inquired where
was the authority for an expedition to
the North PoleP We needed no navy
there; and whore did Senators End In
the constitution power to tax the PEG.
pie for the education OF the Indians
II We could spend money to educate
Indians, why not educate colored PEG.
ple2 Where was the authority 10
establish and maintain a Congressional
library2 II to educate Congressman,
why was an appropriation for their
education more constitutional than an
appropriation to educate their con-
t~tituentsP
Senator George inquired whence
came the power to pay pensions.
Senator Gray raid from the powerto
raise and maintain armies.
Senator Morgan said from the four
teenth amendment.
Senator George disagreed with both
Senators, saying ii was a benefcence
and a bounty proceeding from the
government, a very proper and dutiful
beneticence and bounty.
Senstor Hawley remarked that as 10
all matters affecting our relations with
foreign nations the general govern
ment had ell rights, In none OF the
things mentioned by Senator Georpe
had 1t interfered with any OF the pow
ers that for a century had been exer-
cised by the States.
Senator George continued his argn-
ment at some length, but finally yield.
ed for an executive session, after
which the Senate adjourned.