The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-12-19
THE f|FTY.FOURTA CONGRESS
Prompt Action on the Message
Recommendation
A VENEZUELAN COMMISSION
Authorized by a Bill introduced by Con.
gresham Hit
senator Chambers Bill Directs the Pre- sident
to Strengthen the Military Armament
of the United States

Associated Press sp ecial Wire.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.-Hitt OF Illinois,
morning as soon as it had been called to
order, and called for unanimous consent
for consideration of bill to empower the
president to appoint a commission to con-
slider the Venezuelan boundary question
and the appropriation Of 900 for the
expenses thereof. The text of the bill il
as follows:
"A bill making an appropriation for the
expense of q commission to in ,estigate and
report on the true divisional line between
the republic Of Venezuela and British Gui-
ana. Be 1t enacted by the sepate and house
OF representatives OF the United States of
America, in congress assembled, that the
sum of 100000. or AS much thereof as
may be necessary, be and the same is
hereby appropriated for he expenses of
president to investigate and report upon
the true divisional line between the repub.
lie of Venezuela and British Guiana.
scene of considerable excitement fol-
lowed the request of unanimous consent to
consider the bill, which had been
loudly applauded when read by the clerk.
Boutele of Maine, Republican, stated
he disliked to object to the considers ton
of such bill. "But," said he, "it seems
this subject is one of such serious import-
ance the house OF representatives should
proceed in dscorous manner to consider
it. The presidents message was read but
yesterday. aud It seems to me the gentle
men may not be ready TO pass upon bill
OF this importance without elaboration"
Cries of "Rsady, ready" from the Rs.
publican side interrupted Boutells, but he
proceeded, urging the matter was one
which affected the relations OF tho two
great Enslish speaking nations of the
world. He said: II have been accused of
being lingo, Whatever that may mean.
l hope no one in that part OF the country
where l am knewn would believe l would
hesitate, II the honor, dignity or safety of
the country required. to take up arms
against any or ali the nations of the
world. But she press shows the country to
be in q state Of fsvsrish excitement. Is
seems We ought TO give this matter as
much confederation As We would give to
the appropriation Of q few thousand dol
lars" Boutells referred to the presidents
message as an extraordinary one, and
went on: ''It seems we should send TO
Committees, 10 Ge calmly considered, this
great question, and the message in which
the executive himself, for the first time in
the history of such correspondence, has
outlined the possibility of war between the
two great Anglo-SaXon nations of the
world"
Speaker-Does the gentleman object?
Boutelle said he had merely suggested
hope that the bill go to committee.
Hit announced he only desired 10 say a
word concerning the bill and its purpose.
He would do so, he said, without mention
ing this side or that side," for he hoped
there would be no two sides when it came
to question like this. There was a re-
quest made by the president for help from
the house to enable him to exercise his eX-
ecutve functions.
The first thing for us to remember as
patriots said Hit, sis that the success of
our country depends upon our maintaining
a united front, that our government should
speak for all the people of the United
States" He WAS sure it was made in the
proper spirit and the occasion required the
country should act as one man. I'm such
a time of the executive is hamperei by criti-
eism that comes from our own country, it
would be urged by the Britt 81 press that
the president was not backed up by his
country, but only by his own party We
may not agree with all the details outlined
by the president and SECRETARY Oiney. bus
any discuss on here will prove hell to
those across the sea. l hope the bill will
pass"
Hit moved the previous question, hut
Crisp. Democrat of Georgia. secured per-
mission to say a word. He began: Il
there is no division "a to the propriely of
passing this bill. This house respectfully
invited tue goverpmen of Great britain to
arbitra Q ms botihdary question between
Venezuela aid British Guiana. Great
Britain has declined. Now. what are We To
do? If the American people have n fixed
opinion on am question. they have "a de-
cislve opinion that no European country
can acquire territory on the American con-
tinent by force
Hit entreated Crisp, in view of the mag
nj ude of the interests involved, not 10 pre-
cipitate hasty discussion OF them.
Crisp replied the Republicans had intro
duced a bill he at emplet TO bring in yes
terday, and continued, saying il the bound
airy could not he ascetained by arDi,ra-
ton. with the participation by Great
Britain, the United States should ascer-
tain it at once. And when we have as
oertaued where it is" he conclud ed. I'VE
should have the courage and manhood to
main ain it,
McCreary, Democrat of Kentucky. and
Boutelle were shouting for recognition,
but HIT refused to yield the floor and the
previous question was carNed with a shout
of AYE" and no oppoSing voice.
A resolution was abpsed that the holi-
day adjournment be from Friday. Deem
Der 20 to Friday, January 3. House at
1910 adjourned until friday.