The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-27
THE BILL.

Discussed Mt Length In the Lower House
Of Congress.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 25.-In tue house
Grosyenor spoke III favor Of he shipping
bill. deyoting most Of his attention to the
Mckinley bill. which he euiogized. The
reason democrats would be in the majority
iii the house. WAS that there had been MIS-
representation and misunderstanding OF the
Mckinley bill. The commodities that en-
tered into the daily life OF the people are
cheaper than on the first of September last,
and cheaper than ever before in the history
of the country. At the same time. agricuI-
tural products brought better prices. Cole
man. of Louisiana, said he WAS autho1a-
lively informed that since the passage OF
the Mckinley bill the price Of jute bagging
and ties to cotton planters had been greatly
reduced. Grosvenor, in closing his re-
marks, said congress should take advantage
of the Mckinley bill and send American
vessels. covered by the American flag. car
rying American products to seek for the
markets of the world.
Mills. Of Texas, opposed the bill and
ridiculed the reciprocity policy OF the pre-
sent administration Ii reciprocity is
wanted, why not negotiate with England,
France and Germany! A few months q
the republicans put up tho bars against
foreign trade. now they want it. and In
order to trade further want to tax the peo-
pie in order to send ships to foreign ports.
to show the American flag and return IN
ballast. The Mckinley bill, he said. had
~cheapened the wages Of American b in
all parts of the country. In conclusion,
Mills laid down the doct.inesof the demo-
cratic party. quoting from horna Jeter-
son. He affirmed and reafirmed that the
will of the majority. when expressed. was
the will of God. but that will must lie
reasonable, it must be rightfui. 1t must, by
equal laws. prot CT the rights of the minor
ity: that was what democrats were con
tending for.
Cumming. of New York. advocated the
bill az tending to build up American mer-
chant marine and extend American com
mercc. The bill would achieve results that
could not be achieved by the passage Of a
free ship substitute. Free trade and sailors
rights Was good democratic doctrine. The
maritime prosperity of England might be
cited as All example. but even with free
trade hundreds and humid Of millions
had been drawn from England in order to
increase her carrying trade. This only IL
Illustrated the skiiiful policy OF Great Britain
to secure snd maintain the carrying trade
of every other nation. II was by use of
such means that England maintained her
supremacy on the seas. She knew how es.
sentjal it was for her greatness that she
should maintain that supremacy and
she did not carp at methods
or higgle at expense. This WAS rot a pro-
.ectiye measure, nor was il q gratultous
subsidy like tine sugar subsidy. Ut was a
measure to build up our decayed shipping
industry. The passage Of the measure would
open the markets of the world to the pro-
ducts of the Tarmers of the west and north
west: it would stimulate the building of
ships to an extraordinary extent: would
give profitable occupation to sailors, and
provide employment for 5000 or 10000
American machinists and Artisans. !.
Fitch. Of New York, opposed the bill.
denying that it wouId prove of any benefit
to the laboring man. The stock of the
Pacific Mail Steamship company was yes
terday quoted at $50. this afternoon it was
quoted at 4Ossc. The stockholders of this
company were honest laboring men whom
congress- was going to help. Laughter.