Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-12-21

Washington, D. c., December 20
The United States Senate, by unani-
nous vote and without the formality
of a roll call. to-day passed the bill, al
ready adopted by the House Of Repre-
sentatves, empowering the President
to appoint a commission to determine
the Venezuelan-Briish Guiana bounary.
This action was the elimination of a
debate adding a memorable page to
Congressional history. 1t was day Of
notable speeches by notable men. The
subject of war between the United
States and Great Britain was the pre-
vailing theme which found expression
in lofty patriotic sentiments, in stirring
appeals for preparation and defense, in
graphic poruayals of the horrors of war,
and at times in defiant warnings to the
people across the water.
BY a singular coincidence the session
which was to be marked by such vigor-
Gus debate and action, was opened by an
invocation of classic beauty from the
blind chaplain Of the Senate, breathing
the spirit Of good will between the two
prominent Engl.sh-speaking nations.
This was speedily followed by the adop-
. ton of Mr.. Aliens somewhat ironical
resolution, calling on the finance COM
mittee to investigate the needs Of the
unlimited coinage Of silver.
At all times during the four hours OF
discussion the galleries were besieged
by an eager crowd, whose patriotic IN
pulses found frequent expression in ap-
| plause. which the presiding officer
sought vainly to suppress.
MANY NOTABLE SPEAKERS.
The most notable uJterances Of the
day were those of Senators sherman,
| Teller. Mills. Lodge, PlaJt, Turp.e,
Chandler. White. Caffrey, Call and
Stewart. representing the three shades
OF political sentiment, and ye, in the
main uniform n urging the support Of
| the Presidents vigorous assertion OF the
Monroe doctrine, and, if need be, any
action essential 20 MAINTAIN the national
dignity.
There was strong expressions also
against the panic in American stocks
and securities. which it was sad the
I London commercial houses We're seeking
to bring about Throughout the de-
bate there was an undercurrenJ OF feel
ing that while the country would not
shrink from war if it must come, yet
that such a calamity was not imminent.
Shortly before o'clock Mr. Morgan
Unexpectedly withdrew the amendments
TO the bill. leaving it in its original
form. There was no demand for roll
call. as the sentiment of the Senate was
clearly q unit, and by a loud viva yOce
vote the bill was passed without a dis
senting vote THIS completed the legis-
lative enactment Of the measure, which,
with the signature of the President, has
the full force and effect of law
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
The passage of the bill was not, how
ever. the only exciting event of the day.
for at $50 o'clock the Presidents mes
sage urging the gravity Of the financial
situation and calling on C0ngre. not
to adjourn for the holidays until relief
was afforded was presented to the Sen
ate.
It's reading was followed with close at
tentiOn. but the Senators. absorbed with
the stirring events of the debate. were
ready 10 adjourn without immediate
consideration Of the message.
A resolution was agreed to asking
the Postmaster General for information
as TO the alleged practice of fining pos
tai employees.
The resolution of Mr.. Allen pop,
Neb) for a consideration of the coin
age of silver to meet the eXigencies of
war was agreed to without division
This cleared the way for a renewal
of the direct consideration Of the Vene-
zuelan bill
Mr. Morgan presented and briefly ex-
planned the amended bill.
Mr. Platt urged that the House reso-
luton be adopted without change. He
deprecated the talk of war. The Amer
lean people would not seek war. nor
would they, if need be, avoid any re-
sponsibility. But the conditions did
not warrant heated talk of hOstilities.
In referring to the committee amend
ments. Mr. Platt said Any amend
ment would be construed in England as
a refusal by the Senate to uphold the
President There should be nothing
done to allow this false impression to
sc abroad
DELIBERATE MR.. SHERMAN.
Mr.. Sherman followed Mr. Platt. re-
peating his declaration of yesterday
that he could not see the necessity for
haste. The controversy was ancient
and the Presidents message invites no
haste. Il am firmly convinced" said
he. that this controversy will be set
tied by England and Venezuela and that
not a drop of American blood will be
shed in its adjustment"
Mr.. Mills Dem. Texas thought the
Senate had overlooked the most i'm
portant consideration Senator Allen
had announced that money was the
most essential element in the success
ful prosecution of war. He agreed
with him. When we proposed to go to
war with the greatest nation on earth,
the question of where Our revenues
were to come from was confessedly a
vital matter. War was no child's play.
The Senator demanded before We
plunge into this conflict that this Con-
gress adopt a constitutional amendment
to be at once submitted to the State
legislatures. for the federal taxation Of
real and personal property. The Ameri-