The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-02-19
BADLY BORED BY BLAIR.
THE SENATE INFLICTED WITH
MORE OF HIS SPEECH.

The Benevolent Old Fellow Now Mad
Because the Newspapers Fail to In
hict Full Reports Of His Harangues
on the Public-The Jails OF Texas Far
Better Than the School Houses.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17-At the close of
the morning business the Senate at 1850
o'clock, on motion of Mr.. Sherman, pro-
ceeded to the consideration of executive
business. The doors were reopened at $3.50
o'clock. The educational bill came up as
the unfinished business" and Mr.. Blair
proceeded with his speech. Having read
some extracts from the report Of Mr..
Dawson, a former commissioner of
education, he said he would like to call
attention to those extracts, particularly the
attention Of the bureau of mendacity in the
Office Of the New York EUeninQ Post,
which furnished material for many of the
falsehoods with which the bill was assailed
throughout the country by newspapers
generally. Incidentally referring to an
extract which he had read from a letter Of
Robert D. Winthrop of Massachusetts,, Mr..
Blair remarked that the bill had not origi-
mated III the fact that there was a surplus in
the treasury. II had originated before
there was a surplus and it would continue
to be pressed, whether there was a surplus
or whether it would be necessary to obtain
funds by additional taxation, by the issue of
bonds or in some other way. But the fact
that there was full treasury left congress
without the slightest excuse in the matter.
A COMPARISON FROM TEXAS.
Among numerous extracts which he read
was one from the recent report OF the school
superintendent Of the state of Texas, to the
effect that in many counties of that state
the value of the county Jail was greater
! than that of ell the school property
in that country. He repeated
that staement with emphasis.
and asked the special attention OF the sena-
tor from Massachusetts (Mr. Dawes) to 1t.
He did not suppose, he said. that any notice
| OF the remarkable statement would appear
In the newspapers. One would suppose, he
said, that the press was under
bonds to keep the people In
ignorance of such facts as he
had been bringing before the Senate. lie
ventured to say that Of all the facts which
he had laid before the Senate as to these
terrible facts, indicative of approaching
ruin, the false press Of this land had not
circulated them to the people to the amount
Of half a column. That faithlessness on
the part of the American pres indicated
corruption and danger Of the deepest dye to
"
that the press was in league-a corrupt
league--a league to prevent the spread of
the facts which he laid before the Senate,
and he was not wholly, he declared, with
out evidence to justify his belief. There
were agencies in this country at the bottom
of that Internal work.
At 8 O'clock Mr.. Cullom suggested that it
was about time for adjournment, but Mr.
| Blair replied playtullV, that he had a good
| deal of matter still to lay before the Senate,
and which the senators appeared to be most
| anxious to hear. He also inquired in the
same tone of bodinage whether the presid-
| ing officer would ascertain If there was a
| quorum present. He did, however, yield
| the floor.
MORTGAGES ON THE HOMES.
Mr. Hale, from the conference committee
on the bill to require the superintendent of
the census to ascertain the number of
people who own their farms and homes, and
the amount Of the mortgage Indebtedness
thereon, made report recommending that
the House amendment be agreed TO. Mr.
Platt inquired whether the bill made all
farmers and others who should be called
upon to answer questions as to their debts,
subject to fine and imprisonment If they
refused to answer
Mr.. Hale answered that all census ques-
tions were placed in the same category; but
the penalty did not include Imprisonment.
1t only extended to a fine of 800. The con-
ference committee did not think it wise to
make discrimination between different
classes Of questions.
Mr. Platt remarked that TO him IL seemed
harsh to extend the provisions of the census
law to the interrogations under the pro-
visions Of the bill.
The conference report was agreed TO.
On motion of Mr.. Dawes, the House bill
for the relief Of the Sioux Indians at Devils
Lake Agency, North Dakota exactly sim
liar to the Senate bill passed few days
| since), was passed, and the Senate bill was
| recalled from the House.
After another brief executive session the
doors were reopened and the Senate, at sos
o'clock, adjourned till tomorrow, Mr..
Blair mentioning that he would occupy two
days more in presenting his facts to the
Senate.