The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-01-11
FIFTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
LIVELY DEBATE IN THE SENATE OVER
BL0UNTs COMMISSION.
Senators Hoar and German Consume most
Of the Session in Sharp Controversy
Over the Resolution-Tariff
Bill Under Discussion.
SENATE.


controversy waves warmer from day
to day in the United States senate.
Nearly score of resolutions have al
ready been introduced on the subject,
but the end is not yet in sight. After
an hours sharp discussion on the Frye
resolution on Wednesday, and the
possibility of Turpie's resolution today
presented being called up tomorrow,
Senator Hoar succeeded in accentu-
ating with practical certainty the fact
that Commissioner Blount was paid
from the secret fund OF the state de-
partment, this being substantially ad-
mitted by the Democrats. Senator
Frye made an Intellectual effort to
secure Il vote on his rest lu-
ton on declaring for noDin-
terventiOn by this government. in
Hawaiian affairs, but there was strong
objection and it went over until Wed.
nesday, when Senator Davis (Minn. }
will speak on the subject.
Senator Turpie Qud.) presented
resolution alleging the inexpediency
of annexing travail to the United
States, but declaring that interter-
ence of foreign nations with that
country should be regarded as hostile
20 this couutry, and ne will probably
discuss the question in Il few days,
The opening prayer Of the chaplain
when the senate met today contained
a tender allusion to the bereavement
of Senator Cockrell MO in the recent
loss his wife.
After the introduction of few me.
MORALS and resolutions Senator
Chandler introduced a resolution di-
rectlng the judiciary committee to
make Inquiry and report to the sen
ate its opinion as to the cases in
which the president may constitution
ally send to foreign nations agents,
representatives. or commission
ers without the advice or con-
sent of Congress and whether
or not there was constitutional au-
thority for the appointment without
the advice and consent of the senate OF
Jas. II. Blount to the Hawaiian
islands, with the power conferred
upon him by letter of appointment
and such other authorities ds were
given 10 him. He asked it's imme-
1iate consideration, but Senator Cor
man objected.
The chair laid before the SENATE the
resolution of Senator Hoar intro
duced last week calling upon the sec
retary of the treasury to report the
of money which has been paid
Jas. II Blount, and from what fund
and what authority.
II move TO refer resolution to the
committe on foreign AFFAIRS said Sen"
Ator German.
This is merely an inquiry as to how
much money was paid Tor certain y
pOses," said Eeuator Hoar.
Il; is very extraordinary" )" said SEN
ator Gormau, ITO inquire as to expen
Iture from fund that has been placed
al the disposal of the department OF
state in the nature of Il secret fund. ."
Does the senator understand,
uueried Hoar, "rhat this moAey has
been paid from the secret fund.-"
II take it for granted that IL has.
"ThaG is merely what / want TO
know by resolution.
Il assume that it is, reiterated Cor
man.
''In every administration congress,
the slightest hesitation, mas
placed at tho disposal OF the president
a sufficient amount OF money to con.
duct the business of the department OF
S ate and he has expended it without
further inquiry
Senator Hoar-"I only ask that
what has been expended by the presi-
dent as secret service shall be stated to
the senate"
What object do you have in asking
this statementT inquired senator
Gray (Del).
Il want TO know" replied Senator
Hoar, land | want the Senate to know
and want the country to know wheth-
er this gentleman whose mission was
conferred upon him without the con-
sent or advice of the senate, was treat.
Ell in all respects as public officer OF
the United States"
The senator from Massachusetts"
said Senator Gorman, knows that
there is not any expenditure made by
the administration that the Democrat
ic party is not content 10 have the
greatest publicity given 70 it, bpt the
Senator from Massachusetts, knows
very well thai compensation paid this
could not be paid from
any other fund than the secret fund.
Likematter5 such as public treaty, 1t
il o matter which should be kept with
in tho state deDArtmeut."
HAS the senator any reason To be-
lieve that rhis was a secret expendi-
ture?' inquired Senator Hoar, 'for
that is all | wanted to know"
Senator Gorman-"I have no more
knowledge OF it than the senator him
self"
Senator Hoar-'Does the senator be-
lieve with empnasis that it was Sc
cret transaction
Senator German II have never
known a case where agents of this sort
were employed that they were com
pensated i'll any other way than from
this fund. There is no other TO do it.
Deeper interest was suddenly de
veloped when Senator Morgan
(Ala.), chairman of the com
Inittee on foreign relations. aros'
to participate in the discus
sion. L think, " said the senator viii
great deliberaticn, that in dealing
with this question the senate should
be consistent with itself. The senat'