The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-20
Another Strong Argument for Postponing the
Assembling of the National Legislature
Until the Festive Season Is Passed.
Some Members of Congress Who We're
Squeezed in the Wall-Street Nip.
The Mania for Gambling Leads to Ventures
in Stocks, Oil, Wheat and Other Seduct-
i've Schemes of the Fckle Goddess.
WAITING FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Congress Not disposed to Attempt Anything
Until the Merry Making Season Is Passed.
Special to the indianapolis Journaa.
| WASHINGTON, Dec 19-Congress is so de-
moralzed over the near approach of the holi-
days and the disposition of the Morrison tariff
bill that it will accomplish but very little this
week 1t is generally believed that ii will ad
journ on Wednesday afternoon until Tuesday,
Jan. A, and several Senators and Representa-
tives left the city for their homes last night and
to-day. not to return until the opening in the
new year. Quite a number of the members
had their sachels ready for departure as soon
as they were recorded in the vote on the tariff
bill, and scarcely waited to learn the result
Those who voted with the victors were so well
satisfied that they did not care for the subse
quent proceedings, while those who we're among
the vanquished were sufficiently disgusted
to 'let the thing take care of itself.s
as they expressed it. Mere matters of routine
are on the programme of the House for the three
days before the holiday recess. After the call OF
the States and Territories. tomorrow, for the
introduction OF new measures, there will be the
usual suspension of rules for the passage of bills
from committees. The call rests on the commit
tee on militia. Mr.. Forney, in the absence oil
Chairman Muller. will move to take up the bin
reported some time ago by the committee pro-
viding for increase of the appropriation for
arms for the militia TO $400, 900 year, the pres
ent annual appropriation being 100000. Is is
not likely that anything further under the call
of committees will be taken up until the invalid
pensions is reached, when Chairman Matson will
ask for the consideration of his substitute
for the Blair universal pension bill, giving uni
| form pension of $12 month to all disabled
soldiers in all wars for the Union The Blair
bill gave pensions ranging from ST. to $24
month, owing to disability. to those who served
in the late war, and who are now disabled from
any cause not the outgrowth of vicious habits.
1t is likely that this measure will consume the
day.
On Tuesday the committee on territories,
which had the floor yesterday, when tn tariff bin
was called for. and which was discussing the
Oklahoma bill, will demand the floor by right of
having possession of it as stated, but it will be
antagonized by by Chairman Bragg. of tho COM
mlttee on military affairs, for the consideration
of the army appropriation bill. Chairman
Hatch of agriculture. will try to get the floor for
his bill, providing for Cabinet Office on the
Bureau of Agriculture and Labor, and there will
be clash unless some understanding is reached
before that moment Mr.. Hatch's measure is on
the calender as privileged, and has as many
rights as that of an appropriation bill, but has
number of times been set aside and may be so
again. Tho committee on appropriations intends
to report the pension bill on Tuesday. but will
not try to have it considered before the holidays.
In the Senate the outlook for work is uncer-
tain. If Mr.. Evarts is present at the expiration
of the morning hour to morrow, the bill prohib-
iting members of Congress from acting as attor-
neys for railroads will be taken up, and he will
speak upon it. This measure was the unfinished
business last week, till the tenure-ofofice bill
was given precedence when it lost its position
and is now on the calendar as special order. If
this does not come up, and General Logan is
present, his measure authorizing the Secretary
of War to accept certain lands near Chicago will
receive consideration. On Tuesday, Mr. Cullon
will ask to have considered the conference
port on interstate commerce. providing there is
a good attendance of Senator's which is not
probable. He says the report cannot be referred
to the committee on any pretext; that when 1t
comes mp it must be accepted or concurred
in aud new conference ordered. It is his be-
lief that the report will be adopted. The urgency
deficiency appropriation bill is on the slate for
action before the holiday recess.