The great West., 1890-05-16
CONGRESSIONAL.
A Resume of the Proceedings
Of Congress During the
Past Week.
SENATE.

Mr.. Gray moved to proceed to the consid-
grafton of the bill to transfer the revenue
marine service to the navy department
Agreed to;
The Senate then proceeded to the consider
alton of the senate bill authorizing the issue
of treasury notes on deposit ofsilver bullion.
The debate concluded with an execu tive
session.
Mr.. Rowell. of Illinois, presented the report
Of the committee on elections ON the Alabama
contested election case of McDuf1e vs. Turpie.
The report (which favors the claims OF the
conteetant) was ordered printed.
Mr.. Mckinley, of Ohio, moved to go into
committee of the whole for the consideration
OF the tariff bill, and the whole day was spent
in discussion, Mckinley and Mills being the
principal speakers.
The Republicans put off the discussion of
the silver bill until Monday in hopes they
may before that time come to some kind OF
an agreement and pass Republican bill.
But there is no possibility of reaching such a
conclusion.
ating for the next fiscal year $97, 900, 761).
was then taken up. Amendments offered by
Mr.. Sherman and Mr.. Washbufn, to increase
the number of pension agents from 18 to 20
and to 21, gave rise to q long discussion and
then went over.
Members of congress are not paying very
much attention to the tariff debate thus far
and in this regard do not differ from the
public at large. While distinguished repre-
sentatives were talking less than half doz-
en- members were in their seats. The only
men that have commanded attention are Nc
Kinley, and Mills. There are no other mem
bers of the Repu blican side of the committee
who will get much attention except Lafollette
of Wisconsin.
The senate spent the day in discussing the
pension appropriation and army appropria-
ton bills When the pension appropriation
bill was taken up Mr.. Sherman's resolution
offered increasing the number of pension
agents by two led to q lively debate on pen
sions in general. The bill was passed, and
the military academy appropriation bill was
up and passed. The army appropriation
amendment to the bill providing that no IL
quors, beer or wine be sold or supplied to en-
listed men at military posts which was dis
cussed, but NO vote was reached.
HOUSE.
The house spent most of its session in q
tariff discussion. Mr.. Fitch of New York
was the first speaker, who criticised the bill,
and said it was a mere make-shift to meet q
particular situation.
projections; Mr.. Kerr of Iowa opposed boun-
ties; Mr.. Fithian of Illinois voiced like views;
Mr.. Atkinson of West Virginia, thought he
gave his support to the bill.
SENATE.
North and South Dakota delegations are
unanimous in their expressions of dssatis-
faction with the river and harbor bill as it
has been fixed by the senate committee on
commerce Seven hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars were asked for improving the
Missouri river above Sioux City, as on that
portion of the river there is no railroad com.
petition, and much greater necessity exists
for Improvement.
The army appropriation bill was then tax
en- up, the pending question being Mr.. Hale's
amendment providing that no alcoholic H.
quors, beer or wine, shall be sold and supplied
to enlisted men in any canteen or building in
garrison or military post; and Mr.. Cock
relPs amendment to it, striking out the words
"beer or wine" The latter amendment was
disagreed to-yeas 16, nays 2s-and then the
bill was passed.
Another day was devoted to discussing the
tariff bill.
SENATE.
The feature of the senate proceedings was
a long speech by Mr.. Jones of Nevada in
support of his silver bill. Senator Jones
spoke for three hours, and claimed the
closest attention from the senators on both
sides of the senate chamber. He made a
strong argument in favor of the free coinage
of silver, increased volume of currency the
reconciliation of silver and bi-metallism.
The senate committee will take up and de-
cI0o Tho nondino Morrill, mansion hill vyhiob
was substituted in the house for Davis bill.
The members of the senate committee are
not inclined to the Morrill, bill. 1t will cost
about $40, 600, 900 more per year and gives
the disabled and dependent veterans and the
millionaire alike So per month, while the
Davis bill gives the needy $12 per month
The house committee has been working hard
for the Morrill, bill
HOUSE.
After the reading of the journal the house
went into committee of the whole on the tar
id bill, agreeing to motion offered by Mr..
Mckinley that the general debate be limited
to one minute.
Representative Comstock had q hearing
before the senate committee on public lands
in regard to his bill for the relief of settlers
who had settled upon the indemnity lands OF
the Northern Pacific road. Some members of
the committee thought the bill would create
the issue of scrip, the right to enter lands
elsewhere tacitly meaning that a settler could
use the right as scrip and transfer this right
from man to man. The first section of the
bill is objected to ON this ground, and may
be amended SO rs to prevent transfer of the
lands.
The senate resumed consideration of the
silver bill. and Mr.. Jones Of Nevada COM
menced his second days. speech.
The senate committees resumed the hear
ing upon plans for improving the Mississippi
river channel. Senator Washburn says the
testimony before the committee is that the
present method of improvements is the best
that could be adopted considering the recent
floods.
Senator Davis, with the unanimous con-
currence of the other members Of the senate
pension committee, submitted report re.
commencing that the senate do not agree to
the amendments made by the house to the
senate pension bill. The differences between
the two bodies are radical, and the members
of the senate committee announce their de-
termination not to agree to the house bill
under any conditions The bill m it passed