Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-12-28
NATIONAL LAW MAKERS.


Washington, Dec. 1S.-The reading
of the presidents message concluded
at p. IN. and Chandler called for the
reading of the instructions to Minister
Willis. The first paragraph was read
when Butler suggested that the com
municaionS be printed instead of
read. An hours debate followed, par
ticipated in by many senators. Butler
withdrew his motion and the vice
president ordered the instructions
read.
Hoard moved the message and ac-
companying documents be printed and
referred to the committee on foreign
relations and that the motion under
rules go over until tomorrow. The mo-
ton was agreed to.
After some further business the sen
ate adjourned.
Washington, Dec. 1S.-The fight over
the Hawaiian matter in the house
followed fast and furious on the heels
of the reading of the presidents Ha.
waiian message, which was delayed
on account of the pension debate until
3:3l
The first skirmish occurred over the
question of reading the instructions
upon by Boutelle, of Maine The
house finally agreed and Immediately
after the conclusion of the reading
Boutelle began an assault in bringing
forward a resolution declaring that
the administration policy was incon-
sistent with the spirit Of the consti-
tuition and traditions of the govern
ment.
Great excitement reigned and in the
confusion Boutelle failed to follow up
his parliamentary advantage and was
ruled out of order.
A resolution of Mr.. Cochran for
the appointment of a committee Of
seven to examine into the rights, pow
ers, privileges and duties of the house
of representatives on questions and
proceedings affecting or involving the
territorial integrity of the United
States and report their conclusions as
to the nature, extent and character
of such right, forms and privileges
and duties together with such recon-
mendations for defense of the same
as may seem proper and eXpedlent,
also went down under the objection
of Boutelle.
/ The confusion was so great that the
ISergeant-at-armS was called in to pre-
serve order. Adjournment was caused
by the lack of a quorum on a motion
to go into committee.
Party feeling ran high at the close
of the session and no doubt the strug-
gle will be continued as soon as OPP
portunity offers in the house tomor-
row
| Washington. Dec. 19-After a speech
by Mr. PETER in advocacy of the bill
introduced by him yesterday appropri-
ating S6.300,0OO to relieve want and
destituticn throughout the country,
! the senate, on motion Of Mr.. Cameron,
republican, of Pennsylvania, proceed
ed to the consideration of executive
business.
| When the doors were reOpened
I Cockrell moved to take up the bill
amending the laws SO as to require
that the original receipts for deposits
by postmasters be sent direct to the
auditor for the postoffice department.
After considerable discussion the
bill went over without action and the
senate adjourned.
Immediately after the journal had
been read in the house this morning
Mr.. Cochran offered his resolution
looking for the appointment of com
mittee to investigate the Hawaiian
question and the privileges of the house
in such matters. 1t was referred TO
the committee on rules.
Mr.. Boutelle endeavored to securr
immediate consideration by the house
for his condemnatOry resolution and,
speaking to a point of order made
by Mr.. McCreary, vigorously attacked
the administrations Hawaiian policy
as calculated to plunge the country
into war.
He held, he said, that it is the i'm
perative duty of congress, reluctantly
recognized by the president, to dis
avow and discredit a policy designed
to bring the country into discredit in
the eyes of the civilized world. Il
care not from whence the policy ema-
Mates" continued Boutelle, whether
from a republican president or a demo
cratic usurper."
The confusion that followed the word
''usurper" drowned the rest of his
sentence. He continued to talk amid
loud cries for order.
Finally his resolution was referred
to the committee on foreign affairs
over his protest. Mr.. Boutelle appeal
ed from the decision and his appeal
was tabled.
Shortly thereafter the house ad
journed without accomplishing any
, thing.
: Washington, Dec. Ex-senator HOal
addressed the senate on the Hawaiian
, question this afternoon, calling up the
resolution for the reference of the
presidents Hawaiian message to the