The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-05-14


WASHINGTON, May 13.-The river and
harbor bill was reported back from the
Committee on Commerce with amend
mentS.
Consideration Of the naval bill was re-
sumed, and after the rejection of McPher
sons amendment appropriating $250,000
toward the construction OF a drydocll at
Algiers, La, regular consideration of the
bill was resumed at the point where the
increase in the navy was provided for.
The bill as it came from the House pro-
vides for one armored cruiser of about
5000 tons displacement, the cost (exclus-
i've of armamentl not to be more than
S3,500,000. The amendment, as reported
from the Senate Committee on Appropri-
atoms, provides, in addition, for one sea-
going coast line battleship of about 5000
tons, to cost not exceeding $1,000, 900; one
harbOr defense double-turret ship, OF the
monitor type of about $500 tons, and
cost not exceeding S., 000, 600; four light
draught gunboats Of 800 to 200 tons dis
placement, and to cost not exceeding
$i5O, 900 each, and six torpedo boats at a
cost not exceeding $4,000 each.
MCPHERSON, from the Naval Committee,
offered an amendment to the Senate
amendment providing for three harbor
defense double-turret ships OF the moni-
tor type instead of one ship.
After long discussion he modified the
amendment SO as to strike out the House
provision for one armored cruiser, and
the Senate provision for one sea-going,
coast-line battle ship, and for one harbOr
defense, double-turret ship of the monitor
type, and substitute therefor provision
Tor three harbor-deiense, double-turret
ships OF the monitor type.
German spoke of the great advance in
recent years in establishing steel war ves
sells. They could be built here Tor within
s per cent. of the cost OF building them
on the Clyde. The progress was
due to the policy Of building a
new navy, which policy was inaugurated
under the last Administration. He,
therefore, was prepared TO vote for a pro-
portionate increase in the navy. He
knew the financial problem was a serious
one, ana Congress was being criticised
for the great amount OF money expended.
Expenditures had grown from year to
year, and now economy and careful APP
preparations would have to be the order
OF the day. If not, increased taxation
would follow. And sill he knew of no
great appropriation that could be reduced
without stopping the great works of the
Government and paraly wing the steel in
duStries of the country. He, for one.
was not prepared, until the country
should have navy to be proud Of to
allow the cry of economy to prevent him
from voting for proper appropriations
for it.
German presented table showing the
figures of the appropriations for several
Congresses, and said there had been an
increase every year no matter what Adj
mlnlStTatIOn was IN power, and said:
AS the country grows and you go on
with the construction Of your navy, and
open harbOrs and deepen rivers, and
make great guns for the army and navy,
these expenditures must increase. The
Senator from Mississippi (George) asks
how can they be reduced. They can be
reduced when we reach the point (Which
will be within year or two of stopping
further construction of the navy; when
you have on hand guns enough to place
in the forts; when you you have enough
torpedo boats to look after the harbors:
and when you stop your appropriations
for rivers and harbors. When you come
to pensions the expenditures for them,
outrageous as II was to increase pensions
to such an extent, IL must continue
until time operates to reduce them. Both
sides of the chamber must face these
stubborn facts. The Senator from Texas
Mills reminded me that the treasury
would be without money to-day, but for
the fact that it had taken money set aside
for the redemption of national bank
notes and for the sinking fund. AS sur
plus is thing of the past, how the mat
ter may be bettered, we are powerless
now IN this Congress to give relief from
eXtravagant appropriations or from UNI
juft tax laws. That relief can come only
when we shall have every branch of
government. Anxious as / am for
economy, and firmly as my party be-
lieves in it, l understand my party to
mean by economy and retrenchment
that is in favor Of every proposition that
looks to the development and glory of
this great country"
After debate, and without action on
McPherson's amendment, the Senate adj
journed till Monday.
IN TIE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, May BIN the House
this morning, after call OF committees
for reports, to which no responses were
made, the Sibley tent claim bill was
taken up on report from the Committee
OF the Whole referring the claim to the
Court of Claims for hnal adjudication.
which was agreed to-ayes 156, noes Al,
The vote then REQUIRED on the passage
of the bill as amended, pending which
Taylor of Ohio moved to recommit the
measure, but it was lost-ayes %, noes l5I.
He then moved TO lay the bill on the
table, pending which Hooker of New
York moved an adjournment. This
being defeated, further filibustering was
INDUCED in and continued till O'Clock,
when the Speaker pro tenn, Montgomery
of Kentucky, declared the House adj
journed.
His action was applauded by the Demo-
Gratis, while the Republicans took it good
naturally, though a few misses were
heard.