New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-07
MR.. REED ROUTS Mr.. HOLMAN.
LUDICRCUS POSITION OF THE APOSTLE OF
INFRINGEMENT.
PRIATrON IN TIE RIVER AND HARBOR BILL
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TkIBUNLl

AANHA-ON IN iiiE nv EN- An hAhDoh Dibb'
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TKIBUNLl
Washington. MAY 6.-The main and post interesting
feature Of the discussion of the River abor bill
In the House to-day extremely lively tilt be-
tween Messrs Reed and Holman. Before II ended
the Indiana economist made thoroughly I'M
comfortable, and his discontinue was heartily enjoyed
by nearly every member OF the House. irrespective of
party. For nearly three days he had been fighting
the BILL tooth and nail. but when certain item was
read this afternoon he suddenly became kitten
who spies the cream jug. 1t carried an appropriation
OF $4,000 to he expended in completing the embank
ment the south side of the Great Miami River near
its junction with the Ohio River TO conne the waters
Of said Miami River In great foods to the general
course Of its channel at the Ohio to the end
that the formation of the bar in the Ohio now OBJ
structing navigation may be arrested"
The item was inserted at the request OF Mr. Hoi-
man. and IL is understood that the chief purpose OF
tho "embankment"-he would coll 1t lcvee' If 1t was
on the lower Missssippi-s to protect from overflow
lands which belong TO and are occupied by several
hundred Democratic voters in Homan's "deestricK'
This is the fourth appropriation for llolmans en-
bankment"-a work which, ii appears was never
recommended by any Army engineer. Inc 'ronDe
began when Mr.. Reed offered an amendment 10 Strike
out the item and supported It in OF his inimitabe
speeches. speech that kept the House in a TEMPEST
of applause and laughter While it lasted poor lioi
man wriggled In his chair where he cut about as I'M
posing figure the kitten does when caught win us
paw in the cream Jug OF course he had 10 Try 10
reply and explain and the attempt did not mend MS
position because showed only Chagrn and anger and
disgust at being found out lie was obliged to confess
that he had been working" the Government during
the last seven years for this Improvement which Is
about 3 per cent for the benefit of navigation and %
per cent the benefit Of private landowners. Inc
Hoosier economist" has successfully turned many
extremely sharp in the Of his legislative
career but to-day he fairly caught, and he
pitcouely appealed to Chairman Blanchard OF the
Rivers and Harbors Committee, for relief
Mr. Blanchard is generous man and he responded
but il e doubtful II Holman felt extremely grateful
OF course the chairman of the Rivers and Harbors
Committee was bound to do the best he could to
Justify its action. but he made rather poor showing
on that score. lie did better when he exposed the
Inconsistency Of Holman who wants levce built by the
Government in his own district. but is opposed to
having them so built in other districts.
The moral Of the proceeding WAS that Holman WAS
forced to attempt to defend In open House item
In a River and Harbor bill for work which is of at
least doubtful utility and value far As navigation is
concerned while there appears to be no doubt as TO
its value and utility 10 private land owners In his own
district. Upon this work nearly $4,000 OF public
money has already been expended and Holman's cry
Is still for "more."
1t has leaked out that representatives who have
asked for appropriations amounting altogether to about
50 100000, which not in the bills as reported
have received quiet limitations that If
strenuous opposition to them In the House. This
arrangement is by no means without precedent.
When the House went into Committee OF the
Whole Mr. Hatch. Of Missouri, in the chair on the
bill. Mr.. Caruth created some amusement by Offering
amendment appropriatng $1,000 for the improve
ment Of Salt River, KY. After expatiating upon
the great benefits which would accrue 10 commerce
from the improvement of the navigation OF this stream
he alluded to the advantage which the appropriation
would bring defeated candidates for the Presidency
He further referred to the fact that almost every
amendment offered voted down Were 1t not for
the fact that too many members had pork In the
pot" the votes these amendments might be diff
ferent. Many members sat silently In their chairs
he said. because they were afraid Of offending the
distinguished chairman Of the Rivers and Harbors
Committee. He congratulated that gentleman upon
his influence and strength.
Mr. Blanchard said that plan for the improvement
Of Salt River had been presented to the committee
Mr. Caruth inquired whether he had not spoken
TO that gentleman las chairman Of the committed in
favor of the navigation OF. Salt River.
Mr.. Blanchard replied that many gentlemen had
spoken to him on so many subjects that he did not
member. He did remember however, that some Ken
lucky Representative had asked for survey of Salt
River.
"will you get it ready before the November cleo
tons - Mr. Caruth's paintive rejonder, and the
House, bursting into laughter promptly defeated the
amendment.
Then Mr.. Reed the opportunity TO stir up Mr.
Holman and he did by moving TO strike out the
appropriation Of $4,000 for completing the embank
ment on the south side Of the Great Miami River. In
sarcastic manner he called upon the chairman Of the
Committee Appropriations TO rise and protest
against this extravagant expenditure, even though 1t
was TO be expended within his district ii seemed that
the gentleman had a rcdeeming tIait-that he
human that when II to appropriation for HIS
district the great principle Of economy, retrench
mcnt and reform no mole applicable 10 him than
10 the weakest Of Representatives Laughtcr)
Mr.. Holman, referring to an Illusion made by Nj.
Reed to the town Of Lawrenccburg INDIANA, said
I'm the gentlemans district the gentleman could
think OF nothing that too for him to reply
ii. denied emphacaly that IN advocating the para
graph he was ~ any way actuated by a personal
motive.
Mr. Reed replied that he had said that the gentle
man was actuated in legislation by personal motives.
but In fifteen years he had never seen the gentleman
vote against an Indiana project
Mr.. HOlman-les, You have. You have seen me
do so over aid over again You have seen me vote
against the Swamp Land BILL In which Indiana was In
Mr.. Reeds motion was lost without division.
Mr. Whiting, OF Michigan moved to strike out the
depth, connecting the waters OF the great lakes be
tween Chicago Duluth and Buffalo. and inserting In
lieu thereof provision authorizing the secretary OF
War 10 appoint a BOARD Of Engineers. 70 whom Will
be referred the report Of Colonel o. VI. Poe upon the
subject OF twenty foot channel from Duluth 10
Buffalo through the great lakes The Board shall also
level OF the lakes and connecting hal bors by damming
the Niagara River. Pending action the committee
and the House took recess until O'Clock the
evening session be for the consideration Of private
pension bills.
PROCEEDINGS IN The SENATE.
EULoGY OF THE LATE SENATOR WILSON OF