Los Angeles herald., 1891-02-07
AT THE CAPITAL.
Lively Proceedings in Both
Branches Of Congress.
The Senate About to Vote On
the Eight-Hour Bill.
Free Coinage Given a Backset in
the Lower House.
An Interesting Debate On Worlds Fair
Expenditures = Pension Commits
sioner Raum Kalsomined.
Associated P ress Dispatches.

Associated P ress Dispatches.
WASHINGTON, Feb. Elm the senate
today, Paddock presented resolutions OF
the Nebraska house of representatives
against the passage of the Conger lard
bill, for the reason that it would inflict
a great loss on the cattle industry OF
Nebraska, and in favor Of the passage of
Paddock's pure food bill.
The naval appropriations bill was re-
ported with sundry amendments, and
Hale gave notice that he would ask the
senate to take it up tomorrow or Mon
day.
35awley offered resolution, which was
agreed to, calling on the president for
the correspondence in reference to the
conduct OF the senior naval officer pres
ent on the occasion of the arrest and
killing OF General Barrundia, and the
action of the navy department.
Morgan addressed the senate in sup
port OF the bill reported from the COM
mittee on foreign relations, to aid the
construction of the Nicaragua maritime
canal.
At the conclusion OF Morgan's speech,
the senate resumed consideration OF the
house eight-hour bill, and was addressed
by Morrill, in opposition to it.
Stewart argued in favor of the bill.
An amendment reported from the
committee on education and labor, was
read. It strikes out of the house bill
the clause to provide that it shall not be
operative wherever the court of claims
shall find the work or service was per-
formed under any contract, express or
implied, and that the workman had
been paid therefore the amount agreed
upon.
Sherman said he would vote for the
bill as it passed the house. He consid-
cred it an excellent bill, recognizingl as
it did the general principle that eight
hours is fair day work, but not deny
ing the right of men to work more hours
If they chose. and make contracts.
Vest moved to amend by inserting the
words without duress or coercion of
any sort by any officer OF the govern
ment."
Blair opposed the amendment, and
6uXkCSUcU CIl6 SuDStlluSlOu vi U.l6 WOTUS
''undue influence"
Teller spoke in favor of the principle
OF the bill and opposed Vests amend
ment.
The bill having been laid aside in
formally, Edmunds offered an ordar that
after this week the senate daily take a
recess from to s p. m. The order was
laid over on objection by Cockrell.
The house amendment TO the Sc nate
amendment to the act forfeiting certain
railroad land grants was presented and
concurred in.
WoIcott orereu resolution (Which
was agreed toy instructing the commit
tee on foreign relations to request from
the Nicaragua canal company informa-
tion as to its affairs, regarding construc-
tion, stockholders, etc.
Consideration of the eight-hour bill
was resumed. ingalls, inquired whether
any estimate had been made of the
amount involved in the bill.
COckerell said an estimate made by
distinguished member of the house gave
the amount as $30,000,00
Vest said Morrill, had given his esti-
mate as $4,000, 900, and Secretary Whit
ney had stated that for the navy depart
ment alone it would be $3,000,000.
Reagan complained that the senate
was absolutely without information as
to the amount involved in the bill. The
senate was asked to pass the act blindly,
without even an attempt having been
made to ascertain what the liabilities of
the government would be under it.
Ingalls, characterized the bill as pal
try, quibbling evasion OF the real ques-
tiOns at issue.
By unanimous consent Blair withdrew
the committee amendment, and offered
as a substitute for the house bill the one
passed by the senate last congress. 1t
directs the payment of days pay for
every eight hours work OF government
employees since the eight-hour law was
enacted. The court of claims is to ad-
just the claims on that basis.
Davis moved substitute for that Of
fered by Blair. 1t directs the proper
accounting officers of the treasury to re-
adjust the accounts OF the government
workmen on the basis of eight hours for
days work, and report the result to
congress.
In was agreed that the bill should be
voted on tomorrow.
Adjourned.