The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-20
4 AT THE CAPITAL.
Congress Will Do No More Work.
The Alcohol Tax Provokes a Lively
Debate in the Senate,
The Presidential Signature Put to
the General Deficiency Bill.
Gen. Pleasanton Made a Regular
Army Major and Retired.
Annual Report OF the Superintendent of
the Railway Mail Service-Nomi-
nations and Combinations
Miscellaneous
Matters.
Gen. Pleasanton Made a Regular
Army Major and Retired.

WASHINGTON, Oct. l0.--[The Senate. i
The resolution offered yesterday authoriz-
ssng the finance committee to continue its
hearings on the tariff bill was adopted.
The resolution offered yesterday by Mr..
Teller in reference to the purchase OF con-
Wet labor wagons for the Indian bureau
was withdrawn by him.
Several letters from the commissioner OF
internal revenue in reference TO methyl-
lated alcohol and the facility for fraud in
connection Herewith was presented by
Mr.. Cockrell, read and ordered TO be
printed in the Record
Mr.. Allison stated that some of the
communications just read, some of them
dating back TO 1882, were of very little
value as illustrating the matter OF remov-
ing the tax on spirits used in the arts and
manufactures. Most OF them had refer
ence 10 House bills, varying in their pro-
visions from the proposition in the Senate
tariff bill. Every safeguard suggested by
commissioner OF internal revenue in his
last letter $50 far rs respected bonded
warehouses; had been provided for in the
Senate bill The most eminent chemists
in the country had ben consulted by the
subcommittee on finance before the pro-
vision had been reported. II the law now
on the statute books was sufficient 10 pre-
vent illegal dis,illation, the same law
would prevent the Redistribution OF methyl-
lated alcohol. But all objections 10 the
proposition were met by the fact that
since 1853, Great Britain, with tax OF
$3.50 a gallon on distilled spirits, had AL
lowed mcthyllatcd alcohol 10 be used in
the arts and industries. so did Germany.
The regulations adopted in Great Britain
were not cumbrous or difficult OF enforce
ment. III they could he enforced there,
he asked, "why not here2'
Mr. Cockrcll admitted the force Of Mr..
Allison's argument II rcdistillation was
-rccessary 10 demcthyllate alcohol, but hG
asserted that rcdstilation was not neccs
sary.
In the course Of the discussion Mr.. Ali.
son assentcd 20 asuggcsiion by Mr.. Dolph
that the tax on spirits uscd IN the art
aud industries had to be removed, and 6,
this Mr.. Cockrcll called attention IN ton,
OF sharp criticism, but Mr.. Dolph ex
plaincd that what hc meant was that i
could be done without facilitating fraud
on the revenue. OF course, Il that SHOULD
be found 10 he impractlcahle, no On'
would propose 10 remove the tax.
After further discussion, the matter WI
allowed 10 drop.
Mr. Blair underworld 10 have actor
taken on the House bill passed ycsicrda.
as To the employment OF army and nav!
bands. but Mr.. Cockcll objected an,
gave notice that no more bills would pas
at this session.
The committee on Indian Affairs wa
authorized to continue during the rcccs
lat Washington the examination ordcrc
last Congress as a. the condition OF th
Indian tribes on the reservations In Min
ncsota, Dakota aud Montana.
The senate then, at l:lj O'Clock, took
recess until $50.
After the recess the Senate, on motto
OF Mr.. Allison, went into secret session
and at 3 o'clock adjourned until iomo
row.