Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-12-19
FIFTY-FoURTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10.

aged assistant doorkeeper of the Senate,
was the theme of the chaplain's OPEN
ing prayer to-day.
As soon as the journal of yesterday
was read, clerk from the House de-
livered to the Senate the Venezuelan
commission bill; and the Vice President
laid it before the Senate.
Mr.. Sherman moved that the bill be
referred to the committee on foreign
relations; but as his attention was call
ed to the fact that the present chairman
of that committee (Mr. MorgaD) was
not in the chamber, he withdrew the
motion temporarily.
Mr.. Cockrell, chairman of the com.
mittee on appropriations, reported
back, favorably, the concurrent resolu-
ton for the holiday recess, from Fri.
day, December Goth, until Friday, JAN
uary 8.
Mr.. Chandler objected to the present
consideration of the concurrent resolu-
ton; and it went over till tomorrow.
Mr.. Hale introduced bill providing
for an increase of the navy; and it was
referred to the committee on naval at
fairs.
The House bill appropriating 500, 600
for the expenses of the proposed COM
mission to Venezuela was laid before
the Senate and Mr.. Morgan, chairman
of the committee on foreign relations,
addressed the Senate on the subject.
The Senate, ne said, in considering
question of such gravity ought to de-
liberate as long as was proper and
necessary in order to come to an abso.
lutely correct judgment, and he there
fore favored the reference of the bill to
the committee on foreign relations.
But he should object to any such refer
ence unless the Senate agreed that it
would take no recess until the commit
tee should make its report. For, while
he would hasten slowly in the matter,
he would still make all necessary
speed. 1t was question that was asi-
| tating the people of the United States
and of the whole world, and delay
would give an opportunity for the
formation of incorrect opinions that
might become very unfortunate.
Senator Sherman in speech follow
ing Mr.. Morgan applauded the Presi-
dent for his message, but thought that
the Senate should proceed cautiously
in the matter. The bill as passed by
the House should be amended. he
| endorsed the Monroe doctrine, but its
application by this country to specific
ease was matter of the gravest. i'm
portance to the whole civilized world.
The controversy was serious enc, but
| Mr.. Sherman said he believed it
would end peaceably. The English
people would halt when they perceived
that the doctrine of Monroe was also as
serted by Charming, when Prime Min
lister. Mr.. Sherman thought the ques-
ton should be referred to proper
committee.
Mr.. Morgan said he, for one, would
enter protest against any attempt to
adjourn for the holidays until this mat
ter was disposed of.
Mr.. Lodge thought Congress ought
not to adjourn for the holidays until the
bill was disposed of. The subject was
of SO grave character that it might
bring about hostilities between the two
greatest English-speaking nations of
the world. What is of vital Importance
is that we should show the world we
are not divided on this question, but
deal with it as Americans. The EGG
lish press profess to see 10 this an cleo
pioneering dodge. Nothing can be fur
| Their from the truth. He had no desire
to limit the executive; the House had
upheld his hand: the Senate would do
| the same, but it might desire to
strengthen it. The world should knew
we were able to maintain the Monroe
doctrine. He would suggest and urge
an amendment requiring the commits
sion to report on or before April l,
1896. This would give notice to the
world that We meant what we say and
arc able to maintain our position.
Mr.. VOORHEES, urged that the bill be
passed as it came from the House. BE
was not in haste. and he did not be-
lieye those on the other side of the wa
ter were either; it had taken them FIVE
months to reply to Mr. Olney's note. 81
am willing to join issue with greet
Britain on this subject, and as pre-
liminary step let US look into the claim.
England has always been the oppressor
of the weaker nation. Hook upon war
as horror; but there will be no war.
England don't dare to fight; the CON-
merce of the world is in English bot
toms, and she does not dare to subject
| it to peril. Let the President appoint
the commission and the work go on.
Mr.. Allen said the Monroe doctrine
was the doctrine of self-defense; it YVES
| a law of nations because it was the law
ofself-defense. Congress ought to name
| the commission, because Congress was
the only power that could declare war.
At least the names of that commission
should be sent to the Senate for its
approval.
Mr. Hawley said it was not wise
to assume that great peoples will
not fight, as he regretted the exceed
ingly warlike tone of the speech of the
Senator from Indiana. What the
Senate of the United States wanted
was the facts and they could only be
had through a commission. The bill
should 90 to the committee for careful
consideration.
Mr.. Teller took the position that the
President had the power to determine
the facts for himself and did not need
to ask Congress for authority to appoint
commission. We must consider these
matters seriously. but if we DO go to
war it should be in a spirit that will
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