The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-04
|Cleverly Rushed Through the
House to q Conference,
But Are Not Things Just to Van
Benthuysens Likingp
If 1t Passes and the Old Charter
Is Repealed, Where Are We?
For the Railroad Officials Still Say
8 They Can't Afford to Build a Bridge
IN with Wagon way-Is Memphis
IA About to Be Whipsawed9
Special Dispatch to The Appeal.

Special Dispatch TO The Appeal.
WASHINGTON, April S.-By clever polt-
ical management in the House, the Mem
phis bridge bill has been placed in such
position as to take il entirely out of the
power OF any one or two men TO impede
4 its passage. Its final and favorable dispo-
sition has been made absolutely certain
and in short time, possibly within the
week, the bill will have become law and
work on the great trans Mississippi high
way may be commenced. Mr.. Phelan is
entitled 10 the credit Of securing this hap
ply result. This morning Immediately
after the reading Of the journal, the
bills from the Senate on which conferences
were asked. Among these was the Mem
phis bridge bill. Judge Crisp at once
arose and moved that the House concur
in the Senate amendments without hav-
ing them read, and that conference COM
mittee be appointed on the part OF the
House tomcet the Senate conierrees The
question was put and no objec-
ton was heard, so Judge Crisp's
motion was declared carried. Mean
while up stairs in committee
room Mr.. Phelan was engaged in animated
conversation with Mr.. Lagan, OF Douisi-
ana, one Of the two men from whom OBJ
lection could he expected since he has
been representing the Van Benthuysen
interests. The conversation would have
been extremely interesting 10 q citizen Of
Memphis II he could have overheard Il. IL
was all about the bridge bill. and Mr..
Phelan was cxerting himself 10 the utmost
TO entertain Mr.. Lagan and at the same
time convince him of the error OF his ways.
IL continued for over an hour, and unsus-
pecting Mr.. Lagan was getting quite
warmed up over the subject when some
one dropped into the room and congratu-
lated Mr.. Phelan upon the shape into
which he had got his bill. Mr.. Phelan
did not seem much surprised, but Mr..
Iagan's jaw dropped. lie looked at Mr..
Phelan moment with an uniorgiv-
ing stare, and, seizing his hat, he
rushed down stairs 10 the floor Of
the House to find out what had
been done In his absence In his haste he
almost ran into a gentleman coming the
opposite direction with detected mien
Dunn, Of Arkansas, who proceeded 10 tell
the sad news Of how he was detained
down town rather later than usual, how
he heard something about the Memphis
bridge Just as he was entering the house,
and how, upon inquiry, he had found that
q conference committee had been granted
on the bill. The two men fell on each
others necks and wept tears OF anguish
and then retired arm in arm TO the res
taurant 10 seek aolace and refreshments.
These two enemies Of the bill had reason
for their anguish. The effect Of the action
taken BY the House is 10 insure the passage
OF the bill The report OF the con,
ference committee, when u is made, viii
be a privileged question and may
be brought up at any time, no matter
what discussion may be pending IL vii
be subject 10 n yea and nay vote, and
there Is decided majority in both fous'
and Senate In favor OF the bill. The con
ference committee may meet tomorrow
and II il not expected that there will III
s-y great difficulty In coming 10 salts
fi1fory conclusion. The House conierreei
are McsSrs. Crisp, Phelan and Lagan
Senator Harris says that he voted agains
Mr.. Bary's amendment 10 the bill yester
day In the Senate, requiring wagon ant
foot way across the bridge, because he un
derstood that the Memphis Cotton ant
Merchants exchanges and n majority o
the people OF Memphis thought Il wa
., unnecessary. Personally, he says, he j
glad that the amendment was made
Mr.. Phclan says that he hopes the inclu
sion Of this amendment may not proven
the railway company from using the char
Ter. lie Is In favor Of compromising th'
matter by making II obligatory ON tn
part Of the company 10 build the wagol
and foot way at some future time when
shall become more urgently necessar,
than at present. lie Is very much please'
with the present status Of the bill, and ex
poets Il 20 become q law in short time.
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