The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-10-05


WASHINGTON, Oct. 1.-Two of the
most eloquent and exciting speeches
that have been made in the Senate cham
Der since the debate on the silver pur-.
chase bill began were delivered to, day
by Southern Democratic Senators, But
Ter, of South Carolina, and Blackburn,
Of Kentucky. Each speech lasted
about'two hours and each speaker had
large and sympathetic audiences both
on the floor and galleries.
They were both against the repeal
bill and in favor OF such compromise
as would result in the permanent estab
lishment of bimetallism. Butler re-
ferred to the rumor connecting President
Cleveland with attempts to infiuenc @
the legislation, and proclaimed his
belief that there was no truth in the
suggestion that the minority was trying
to coerce the majority. He asserted
that 1T was neither coercing nor would
it be coerced.
Blackburn made an appeal for speedy
action on a compromise measure and
said that he would offer one himself to.
morrow. He declared emphatically that
he would have no part in the defarring
or delaying settlement of the ques-
ton. He appealed to the Democratic
Senators to disprove the insinuation
that the Democracy was unable to gov
ern the country. The third speech of
the day was also made by Southern
Democratic Senator (Call, of Florida
and WAS also in opposition to repeal.
Seven members only were present to
hear the chaplain's prayer, and the
usual roll call was resorted TO before a
quorum was secured. Morgan reported
back FROM the committee on foreign
relations, without recommendation, the
bill referred to it making an appropria-
tion to enforce the Chinese exclusion
act.
PETER offered resolution which went
over till tomorrow for the appointment
of select committee of three Senators
to consider and report whether any and
what Legislation is necessary to improve
the banking system of tho country.
Morgan offered a resolution instruct
ing the judiciary committee to inquire
and report what provisions of the act of
Jsriuary, 1897, the free coinage act, are
now in force, and to report by bill or
otherwise. Allison took exception to
the last clause of tho resolution as
the judiciary committee and the resolu.
ton went over until to morrow.
The silver purchase repeal bill was
taken up at 1880 q. m. and Butler ad.
dressed the Senate in opposition. He
began by criticising some of Palmer's
statements last evening, particularly
the insisting that the Senate should be
put in position to govern itself. He
would say to that Senator that the
minority was not attempting to coerce
anybody, buthe thought he might sa fely
say that the minority did not intend 10
be coerced by anybody. Tho Senate
was not town meeting. 1t was great
deliberative body, intended to put
veto upon hasty, unwise and improper
legislation.
Compromise, heEsaid, is the solution
of the struggle of to-day, but, he added,
we are told that compromise means de-
feat; means surrender to the minority.
Why, Mr.. President, the very govern.
ment under which we live is the result
of compromise. There is not con.
tested measure in this house, or in the
other which does not become law Of at
AID as the result of a compromise. And
SO feel inclined to protest against the
assumption of Senators who have said
that the minority is defying the ma.
jority, obstructing legislation and caus-
ing delay unnecessary.
Then Butler apoke of the supposed in.
terference of the President with the
legislation, and said. 81 am not here to
defend that great American citizen, but
| think may be permitted to say that
| believe that great injustice has been
done him.
The President of the United States
has the same right to his opinion about
the Legislation of this body that any
private citizen has. but it has been
whispered around when a suggestion
OF compromise mas been made that the
President will not accept compromise.
Whoever states that does that nigh off,
cial great injustice, because it is none
OF his business what the Senate does
do not believe that he has attempted
to use his high office ito influence the
legislation in this body.
After making lengthy speech Butler
pleaded fatigue and said that he would
now yield the floor to the Senator from
Kentucky, (Blackburn) although there
were some other points which he wished
TO discuss.
Blackburn addressed the Senate in
opposition to the repeal. He was not,
he said. the friend or apologist of the
ohoA oopt outi U60 oS VIC u0a6ur0
was, unfair and uncandid as he believed
it to be, he did not believe that it had
been the cause of the financial woes
which the country suffered. nor did he
believe that its repeal would prove the
panacea for all the financial ills.
He declared that an international
standard was myth and made an elo-
quent appeal on behalf Of silver.
Call addressed himself to the pending
bill and the bill to increase the circula-
ton of National banks. At $40 he not