The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-19
IN THE SENATE.
Our Relations WIN Mexico md Central
American Countries.

WASHINGTON, March 1s.-The third
week OF the called executive session OF the
Senate opened this morning with the
Vice-Prcsident in the chair.
Resolutions were offered and referred 10
the Committee on Contingent Expenses,
authorizing the Committee ON Woman
suffrage and on Additional Accommoda-
tons for the Library TO sit during the re.
cess.
The resolution heretofore offered by Mr..
Gibson for the appointment Of a select
committee on relations with Mexico and
Central America, was taken up.
Mr.. Gibson disclaimed utterly the sug-
gcstions made by Senators Plait and Nor
rill when the resolution was last under
discussion) implying that the motives
which prompted its being offered were the
expectation OF the mover to be appointed
chairman and the desire OF enjoying
pleasant trip at government expense. He
reminded the Senate that hc had origi.
nally offered IL ns an amendment 20 Mr.
Iloar's resolution for a select committee on
relations with Canada; and that II IL had
been accepted no additional committee
would have been required. lie had Of
iercd the resolution because the people OF
Louisiana were very largely interested In
the subject Of increasing trade relations
with Mexico. There were no less than
thirteen steamship lines plying between
New Orleans aud the seaports OF Mexico
and Central America. The imports IRON
Mexico into the United States amounted
10 $50, ,000,00 a year aud the exports from
the United States into Mexico only S.
100000 a year, and that great difference
between imports and exports showed that
there was some difficulty In the way Of
trade with Mexico. which difficulty re-
quired attention at the hands OF Congress
IL was natural enough that he should re-
; spOnd 10 the sentiment OF desire for an
interchange Of hospitality and commerce
between New Orleans and those countries.
Mr. Morrill, disclaimed any idea OF be-
liitling the important question Of CONNER.
cial relations with Mexico. lie had
thought, however, that thero had
been altogether too many peripatetic COM
miitces provided for. so far as Mexico
was concerned lac had been decidedly In
earnest In expressing desire 10 90 there
himself and examine into commercial in
icrcsts and relations.
Mr.. Coke referred 10 report mado by
Mr.. Schcichei when Representative
from Texas on trade relations with Mex
leo, was one Of the ablcst and most ex-
baustiye reports 30 be- found anywhere.
Tho resolution was referred 10 tho Com
mittcc on Commerce, and tho Senate pro.
ccodcd TO executive business.
When the doors were rcopencd (aftor
very short interval OF timo) the Senate
proceeded 10 the consideration Of the rcso.
luton heretofore offered by Mr.. Call, for
the appointment OF n select committee on
the relations Of tho United States with
Cuba and the other West India Islands.
The discussion turned on the question OF
the competency Of the Senate when sit
ting Ia called executive session, 10 enter
upon the performance OF legislative func.
tions Mr. Gray making a short argument
against II.
Mr.. Sherman said that the precedenis
on that point oil turned, not on the power
OF the Senate 10 do 30, but whether Il was
discreet and wise 10 enter upon legislative
Questions at an extraordinary session.
While be had no objections 10 the refer
cnce Of the pending resolutions he did
not think the Senate should adopt any
resolution making achafgc upon the treas.
ury or in the contingent fund, but should,
after they had discharged the duties for
which il had boen called, adjourn. The
discussion was further continued by Scna.
tors sherman, Blackburn, Gray, Call,
Plat, Georgc and Spooner. The latter
favored tho idea OF leaving tho whole
matter Of relations with Canada, Mexico,
Cuba and the South American States IN