The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-07-21
VEST TALKS ON OPTIONS.
TIE BILL BEFORE THE SENATE
GIVEN FITS.

He Chsrscterizes 1t as Vicious and
Uncons titutionsl-He Declares That
He Cannot Vote For It Under Any
Circumstences-AVo Vote Not Reached.
WASHINGTON, July 20.-The first two
hours of the Senate was occupied to-day IN
discussion OF the bill to permit the Puy-
alIup Indians in the state OF Washington TO
ALLEVIATE a portion OF their land in the
neighborhood OF Tacoma. The matter was
still under discussion when at O'Clock the
anti-options bill came up as the unfinished
business. Mr.. Vest assaiied the measure as
an undue stretch of the constitution; as an
attempt on the part Of congress to
exercise police powers within the states, and
as a delusion to the farmers in whose
interest. he said, 1t was made. He declared
it TO be one OF the most pernicious measures
that had come before congress during the
fourteen years OF his service He would be
compelled TO give up every conviction be
entertained as to public matters, as to the
structure and autonomy OF the government,
before he could give his sanction to the bill.
He knew the aggressive and almost over
poweTing sentiment In some portions Of the
country in its favor. He KNEW that ex-
plantations would be required 10 every farm
ing community in the country why
opposition was made to the bill;
but he would rather explain bis vote in
every township in Missouri from now till
the November election than 10 put himself
ON record in favor OF the bill. OF the uncon-
stitutionality and vicious tendency of which
he had no doubt. II he could vote for it he
would support class legislation, as rule,
for be had seen no bill before the Senate,
which, in its welt and wool, contained so
much of the essence OF class legislation and
nothing else as this bill did.
GRAY QUERIES wAsHBURN.
Mr. Gray asked Mr.. Washburn whether
IL be mot the farmer undertook to
sell an article which he possessed, to
be delivered in the future, he would
be required under this bill before be could
do so to take out license, to pay 81 for it
and 81 su bmit his books TO the scrutiny of
an Internal revenue collector; and was all
the business OF the country to be in like
situation,
Mr. WashbUrn-Certainly.
Mr.. Gray-Ihat Is all.
Mr.. Vest went on with his argument
against the bill. He produced and read as
specimen of the literature about the anti
options bill letter written by Mr. w hitaker,
pork packer, to a friend asking
him to send night message" to the
southern senator's on the judiciary commit
tee, Messrs. Pugh, Coke, Vest and George,
The writer gave it as his opinion that
surely a little stretching of the constitu-
ton at this time will do no harm and quite
the reversel be a great benefit Mr.. Vest
predicted that the anti-options bill, il il
should become a law, would like Dead sea
fruit turn to ashes on the agricultural
lips. Its inevitable result would be
to drive all trading in futures to
foreign countries, into Canada, Great
Britain, Belgium and France. Mr.. Vest, in
the course Of further remarks, denounced
the bill as "a bold, wicked legislative high
wayman, booted and spurred." Other SEN
atCrs might find that they could, under
some sort OF excuse, vote for such a BILL
but be was u1able to do so. IL could not
be amended because it was vicious in prin-
ciple. It was an attempt to meet the popu-
lar demand, but that demand was, ID his
judgment, not based on a real condition of
affairs
wASHBURN DEFENDS THE BILL.
Mr.. Washburn defended the bill from
some Of Mr. Vests thrusts, and as several
other senators took part in the discussion,
interest in the measure was well maintained
for over three hours.
Mr.. Daniel had the floor and was arguing
against it on somewhat the same lines as
Mr.. Vest had done when the hour Of ad-
journment came. He gave notice that he
would move TO strike out sections IL and 10.
The bill was laid aside without action.
A conference WAS ordered on the de-
fioiency bill, ana Messrs Hale, Allison and
Cockrell were appointed conferees on the
part of the Senate. After a short execu-
tive session the Senate, at $50 o'clock, ad-
journed.