The record-union., 1894-12-19
sneclal to the REcoRD-UNIoS.

Special to the RECoRD-UNToS.
WAsHIN GToN, Dec. Ex-senator Turpie
renewed his attack on the Nicaragua
Canal bill to-day. His speech attracted
considerable attention on both side OF the
Senate chamber, principally for the rea-
son that MIR. Turpie always attacks his
subject with Incorporate heat.
In beginning his speech Senator Turple
introduced several amendments to the
pending bill, the most important OF
which was the following: ''No part OF the
contract for said work shall be let to the
NIcaraguan Construction Company, nor
to any other corporation associated with
or allied or legally succeeding the saId
Nicaraguan Canal Construction Com
pany. Contracts in said work snail De
let only by the Maritime Canal Company
OF Nicaragua and shall be settled and
paid for only by the officers of said COM
pany. subject only to such prior inspec-
ton of the said work, in sections, when
completed, as Congress may hereafter
provide, and subject to the previous ap-
proVal of the Secretary OF War;"
Notwithstanding Turpie's vigorous op-
position, it is the general feeling that
Inere will be a sufficient number OF votes
to pass it through the Senate. and IN the
House it will be supported by Dotn DEM
OcratS ana RepubllcanS auu Will noI 10 d
partisan question.
The Rep1blicans, the majority OF whom
favor the bill, have resolved to let it come
to vote as early as possible.
Senator Mitchell OF Oregon, one of the
stanch Supporters of the bill, had intended
TO make speech in It's favor, but VIII
forego his intention IN the hope of speed
ily reaching vote. There will be no
partisan or factional opposition on the
Republican side," said he.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
WAsHIN GToN, Dec. lS.-One of the first
acts OF the Senate to-day was to pass an
appropriation Of 100000 for public print
ing, Chairman Cock rell OF the ApprOpri-
ations Committee saying it was abso-
lutely necessary or pubic printing would
come To a stop this evening.
Dolph, in reporting adversely the gen.
eral land grant forfeiture bill, expressed
his belief that Congress had not the
power to forfeit these lands, but the right
to them was vested in the railroads.
Even If Congress had the power to for
lett them it would be unjust ana inequit-
able TO the railroad companies.
Berry of Arkansas said the majority in
the committee for reporting the bid adj
VerSely was but one. Five members, in
Guiding himself, had voted for its pas
endar one member had changed his vote
aud had consented TO an adverse report
lor that purpose. He declared the Senate
ought to pass the bill and said the rail-
roads were not entitled to one foot of the
land.
ON motion of Carey OF Wyoming the
Senate passed bill TO perfect the Title of
the toWnsite OF una.
Gallinger oi New hampshire presented
resolution inviting the annexation OF
Canada. Gallinger said it was written by
a strong advocate OF a continental union,
a member for nine years OF the dominion
Parliament, and now CONNECTED with a
New York paper. He asked reference of
the resolution TO the Committee on For
eign Affairs.
Lodge introduced resolution calling
on tue President for correspondence i'll
the eXtradition case OF General EZeta and
asked for its present consideration, but
Gray of Delaware objected.
Hill of New York then made a speech
favOrlng changes in the rules OF the Sem
ate 20 expedite business.
Mr.. Hill said: The sentiment OF the
country manifested through the press,
the roStrun. and other avenues through
which public opinion is usually commu-
nicated, seems to desire the adoption OF
some new methods of procedure here.
whereby necessary Legislation may be
facilitated, the sessions OF Congress may
be materially shortened, and the best in
tereStS OF the country, SO interviewer
with or largely affected by Congressional
action, may be more seriously preserved
in their normal condition. The demand
Tor a change is not limited by any party
environments; it is not sought merely to
secure partisan advantages; it does not
challenge either the patriotism or the in
tegrity of the Senate itself, but it reflects
the deep conviction that time is unneces-
sarily wasted; that useful legislation is.
ut times unreasonably restricted.
81 assert that the privilege of unlim-
tied debate in a legislative body is incon-
sistent with anG destructive OF the right
and power OF legislation. Such d condi-
ton of affairs naturally forces compro-
misses ana concessions OF doubtful pro-
priety as condition OF any legislation
before permitted. 1t is an open secret, or
at least Ii is largely believed. that during
the recent tariff debate many concessions
were made and amendments accepted to
the bill for the purpose of avoiding inter
minable debate, which was threatened by
and proposed by some of the minority.
''IU is believed that the present affords
an opportunity for the colnplishmenU
OF the proposed innovation, especially
when there is not pending in the Senate
any general political measure upon which
unusual interest is concentrated and de-
nanding discussion. II is wise to autici-
pate the future, and II Is folly to shut our
eyes TO the signs OF the times. IL Is as
certain as anything in political affairs can
be, thatif our Republican friends obtain
control of this body and desire to enuct
important legislation to carry out their
principles, they Will boldly amend the
rules 10 enable them to do it promptly
and their reluctance to join with US now
in framing reasonable rules TO regulate
debate leads to the suspicion that they
intend something altogether more radical
aud sweeping than anything we have
supposed. 1he path OF safety lies in
moderate and conservative action now
while the opportunity remains to use the
time by satisfying the demands of the
people. who have become impatient at
our delays and disgusted at our inability
to act promptly at critical points.
besides, there is another view of our
duty which presents itself, and which
ought not to be ignored. The President,
in his report, has seen lit 10 recommend
certain legislation pertaining 10 the tariff,
a lew material Inodltications of the exist
ing law. l believe that these recon-
mendations are entitled 10 consideration.
But a spirit OF lethargy seems 10 haze
crept over this body creating the general
impression that nothing Is 10 be enacted
a this session OF a political nature, or at
least nothii.g to which the minority does
not consent. / ain strenuously opposed
TO any such policy OF inaction."
The Senator also argued IN favor OF
counting u quorum, and closed by de-
claring that no silly cry OF gag law"
should prevent amendment TO the rule.