The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-02-04
House OF Representatives,


The consideration Of the report of the Com.
mittee on Rules was resumed in the House
to-day, the pending amendment being that
offered by Dir. Boatner, Of Louisiana. strik-
ing out all that pant Of the rules giving per-
mission 70 legislate on APPROPRIATION bills
when in the interest of retrenchment in ex-
penditures. In support of his position Mr..
Roatner said he did not think the increased
expenditures were due 10 the increase IN
clerks IN the departments but TO the
large eXpend ture for public buildings
and other national Improvements. The SEN
ate was co-equai with the House and both
leglsated for tie interests OF the country.
Mr.. Bland said the Senate was Gn autocratic
body and should not be allowed 10 dictate %
the House in the matter Of appropriations.
Ihe number of Government officers should
be curtaled. 1t was tho duty or the House
% reduce the expenditures of the last bill
ion dollar" Congress Taxation should he
reduced and the two should so hand IN hand.
3lr. PendletOn said that under present
circumstances riders on appropriation bills
were iustifable rider on al Appropriation
bill made II impossible taat Federal soldier
should interfere at the polls against the cast
ing OF ballot. Ia 1874 legally elected
Democratic Legislature of Georgia was driven
from the Capitol building at the point Of the
bayOnet.
Mr. Butler Democrat supported the Com
mittee on Rules and said the last Democratic
party was pledged TO retrenchment and re-
form and should have such rules as would
make this reduction IN expenditures possible.
Mr.. McKenna (Repubhcan). OF California,
argued that the justification for putting money
into the public treasury was to put 1t out
again tor the public good. The Government
should consult the well-being of its citizens.
The recommendation of the Committee on
Rules placing riders on Appropriation bills
was the last straw that broke the back OF IN
dividua power on the floor Of TIE House.
The debate having assumed a wide range
and 10 being evident that the rest Of the day
wOnld probal 'y be consumed. Mr.. Catchings.
of Mississippi. ia charge of the report, moved
the previous question on the pending amend
ment Of Nr. Boatner 10 The whole clause or
amendment Of tho Committee on Rules.
THE AMENDMENT LOST.
The previous question was ordered by 10
toI4 Mr.. BOatner's amendment was lost
90 20 49,
Tho question recurring on the amendment
Of the committee was adopted providing that
no legislation would be germane on approprl-
alton bills except such as Tetrenched expen-
dture.
NJ Dingley. Of Maine, submitted an amend
ment providing that House bills with senate
amendments not involving appropriations
might be considered in the House immedi-
ately, without reference 10 a committee.
Mr. Breckinridge of kentucky, thought the
rules 90 far adopted manaced the House and
in his opinion no legislation would be passed
at this session.
Mr.. Reed. Of Maine. said that bill which
had passed the House and was returned with
Senate amendments was a privileged matter
and could be taken up at once. Bills nearest
completed were tho first to be considered.
This. he said was the policy OF the last Con-
gress and be vas surprised TO see that the
Democrats could not dwell together IN unity.
There seemed 70 be lacK of br0therly love
between them and they might as well under
stand that nothing whatever could be accom-
plished by continuous fighting. He believed
the system OF passing bills by unanimous
consent was vicious. Any one man could
Obstruct the passage of any bill and would
receive the odium OF the members Interested
in the bill If the legislation ship sailed
through the stormy sea OF last session how
much better would be the summer weather
that will characterize this session of Con
gress
Mr.. Dngley's amendment was lost.
On the rule setting apart Friday for the
consideration of private business. Mr.. O'Nelh,
IF Missouri moved an amendment that the
House meet three days week at 10 O clock
A. NJ, and that two hours be devoted to prl-
yate business.
Mr.. Stone Dem.) of Kentucky, thought
that Congress should provide some means TO
settle private claims. He said no private
claims could be passed if the amendments of
the Committee on Rules were adopted. Mr..
O'Nells amendment was lost sc to 1873.
Several other amendments were offered and
rejected, and the House, at 4:5O 7. NJ, ad-
iourned until tomorrow.