The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-01
The River and Harbor Bill.

WASHINGTON, April 30.-Mr. Hatch, of Mis-
souri,, on behalf of the committee on agriculture,
called up resolution setting apart the 18th of
May for the consideration of business presented
by the committee. Mr.. Hatch stated that the
measure upon which action would be asked was
the oleomargarine bill. In response to questions
he stated that though this bill was revenue
bill the committee on agriculture would attempt
to confne the amendments to the subject mat
ter of the measure. and not allow them to ex-
tend to the tax on spirits and tobacco. The reso-
luton was adopted
Mr. Hatch also called up the bill creating the
department of agriculture, and the House pro-
ceeded to its consideration, in committee of the
whole but the morning hour expired pending a
controversy as to the limitation to be placed on
the debate.
The House then went into committee of the
whole-Mr. Mills, of Texas, in the chair-on the
river and harbor appropriation bill.
Mr.. Warner, of Ohio, offered amendment
providing that the appropriation for the i'm
provement of the Mississippi river shall be ex-
pended under the direction of the Secretary of
War instead of the Mississippi-river Commits
sion, and providing for congressional commit
tee to investigate the work of the Mississippi
river Commission.
Mr.. Dunn, of Arkansas, defended the plan of
the commission.
Mr. Hepburn, of Iowa, thought that the Mis-
sisslppi river Commission had wasted enough
money, and it was now time for Congress to re-
trace its steps.
Mr., King, of Louisiana, approved the plans of
the commission, and defended the members of
the commission from wastefulncss.
Mr.. Hepburn declared that the plans of the
commission had proved a failure.
Mr.. Holman, of Indiana, offered an amend
ment providing that the money appropriated for
the lower Mississippi shall be expended in con-
tinuance and completion of the work on the
Plum Point and Lake Providence reaches
Mr.. Butterworth, of Ohio, maintained that
the system OF levees was not necessary to the
Improvement of navigation He did not believe
even that the system tended materially to i'm
prove the navigation, but made that Improvement
incidental to the work Of protecting the lands
along the river.
Mr.. King. of Louisiana, advocated the levee
system.
Mr.. Burrows, of Michigan, thought that the
real friends or the improvement of the Missssp-
pi river ought to support the amendment offered
by the gentleman from Indiana Mr. Holmanl.
Mr.. Henderson. of Illinois, had confidence in
the members of the commission, but would pre-
fer to see the work of improvement directed by
the Secretary of War.
Mr.. Rowel of Illinois, thought the appropria-
ton for the lower Mississippi was fraud upon
the people.
Mr.. Blanchard, of Louisiana, approved the re-
Strictive proposition.
Mr. Holman's amendment was reiected-7I to
Shut it was agreed that there should be yea
and nay vote upon it in the House.
Mr.. Warmers amendment was also rejected.
Mr. Anderson, of Kansas. moved to strike out
the clause authorizing the building of levees, it,
in the opinion OF the committee. it should be
deemed as part of the plan, to afford ease and
safety to navigation. Lost-33 to l29
Various other amendments were offered and
rejected. A number of amendments were
agreed to increasing the number of places where
preliminary surveys may be made and then Mr..
Lafollette, of Wisconsin, moved to strike out
the entire section having reference TO this SUBJ
iect.
No quorum voting, the committee rose and
the House adjourned