The morning call., 1893-10-11

Dolph of Oregon. calling for information
as to whether China has requested tue
extension of the time in which Chinese
Iaborers are required by the act OF May,
1892, to register, was laid before the Sem
ate. Dolph started to speak in favor OF
its adoption, when Sherman suggested that
the matter be discussed in executive ses-
sion, and the Senate went into executive
session.
When the doors reopeped Hill of New
York presented a petition by $1,000 mer-
chants of New York, asking the uncondi-
tional repeal of the Sherman law.
The repeal bill was then taken up, and
Mcpherson of New Jersey spoke IN its
favor. He complimented the President on
his prompt action in calling Congress to-
gether, and counseled the Senate to take
his advice.
He expressed the belief which was
shared in, he said, by two-thirds of the
people of the United States who had any
opinion upon such subject, that the Sher-
man law was the main. true and on Its
face the only visible cause operating to
produce the recent Ianic. After the re-
peal of the Sherman law reformation OF
the laws relating to coinage becomes
duty dev0lving upon Congress. and is not
at present subject for executive action
or interference. 1t remains to be seen
whether Congress will act wisely as the
President has done and promptly repeal
the Sherman law. give the nation chance
to get back to the normal condition, re-
store confidence in the ability Of the Gov
ernment 10 maintain its financial policy,
help crippled banks to resume, light again
the fires in the furnaces and start the
wheels in our faclories Then let Congress
pause and reflect
In conclusion Mr.. Mcpherson said:
THAT the minority of this body should be
allowed TO stand as an obstacle to the other
branch of the Legislature in giving effect
to the Will OF the majority of the people
is not to be endured, and the Senate must
find a way to exercise its constitutional
functions or cover itself with contempt"
When Mcpherson had concluded his
speech Stewart (R) of Nevada asked
whether he accused the inority in the
Senate Of attempting to thwart the will of
the majority other than by legitimate de-
bate.
Mcpherson replied that he had not
yet made such an accusation, but he did
not know what he would do before the de-
bate closed.
Stewart then argued as to the import
ance of unresrained debate in the Senate,
expressing the belief that this Govern
ment would be monarchy to-day had it
not been for the Senate.
Cockrell of Missouri then resumed his
argument in opposition. He said any In
ternatonal agreement with the Govern
ments of Europe was impossible, and
after he had been speaking in this strain
fur nearly two hours only eight Senators
were present. On the rollcall, however,
| quorum responded, and COckrell con-
| tinued. He read extensively from the re-
ports of the International Monetary Con-
| ference of 1867 to show the part taken
! by Senator Sherman, whom, be said, had
never been given proper credit for his eff
cient work in aid Of the establishments of
| a single gold standard. To that conference
the United States sent Samuel Ruggles as
| its representative but Senator Sherman
was in Paris at the time. unauthorized,
and he was introduced to the conference
as chairman of the Finance Committee of
the United States Senate. That was the
only opportunity the United States ever
agreement, but it had been rejected. and
Senator Sherman was more responsible
| for its rejection than any other man.
"Internation bimetallsm is a mere
DREAM" he declared. You might just as
we'll seek an international language.
II have not yet found solitary nation
In all the international conferences" went
on Cockrell. (which was willing to give up
its monetary system for any other pro-
posed"
| Cockrell produced statistics to show that
| the depreciation of silver was not due to
! oyerproduction Of the metal. On the con-
trary, the depreciation had been caused. he
said, by legislation closing the mints
against silver. Without concluding he
yielded the floor and the House bill repeal
inc the Federal election laws was laid be-
fore the Senate. Pugh, chairman of the
Judiciary Committee, was in the chair at
| the time and was about to refer it to that
commtte when Hoar suggested that the
bill should go to the Committee on Privi-
leges and Elections. Pending determine
tion as to its reference the bill was laid on
the table and after short executive ses-
sion the Senate adjourned.