The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-12-19
SENATE BELLIGERENT.
Spirit of Patriotism and Prepare
ton.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.-The Senate
shared the general sentiment of bel
liEerency prevalent today, and from the
outset of the session. the measures pro-
posed breathed a spirit of patriotism
and OF preparation for any emergency
thaS might arise concerning Venezuela.
TIE first bill introduced was that of
Mir. Chandler, of New Hampshire, pro-
Vidhng al appropriation of $100,000.000
for a heavy increase III the national
armament. This was quickly followed
by propositions authorizing the secre-
taly of war To purchase a late device
OF heavy battery and for a report on
the feasibility for equipping for service
the old ship Constitution
Mn Hill. of New York, added to the
suggestions of the defensive by asking
immediate consideration for bill MAX
ing ex-confederates eligible to service in
the army and navy. Aside from these
steps inaugurating legislation, the day
was passed without decisive action on
the Venezuelan question.
The first investigation of the session
DyaA started by the passage of Mr.
Calls long pending resolution for an
inquiry into alleged corporate influences
operating in the election of United
States sen 3torS ard representatives.
AS a further expression on the subject
ekSritish encrodchments the senate
aE-eed TO a resolution introduced by
Mr. Davis. calling on the president for
information as to the British or
Canadian occupation, military or CIVIL
of any part of the United States ter
rito4y of Alaska.
Throughout the day the Senate gall
leries were crowded beyond their capa-
city, showing the keen public interest
IL authorization of DEVELOPMENTS of the
British-VeI' zUelan question.
The Proceedings.
Though less than a dozen senators
" erA present when the session opened
today the Venezuela issue at once came
into prominence, but not directly as
in the House. the Senate's business talk
ing the form OF measures for national
defense.
In presenting a bill for the repeal
Of the law imposing disabilities on
those who served in the war of the re-
bellion. Mr.. Hili Oem.). of New York.
spoke briefly. The main purpose, he
said. was to wipe out the feature of
the statute which prevented eX-con-
feGerateS 1roI1 serving IN the United
States navy and army.
I'll IS most opportune at the present
moment" said Mr. Hill, that these
men IRON, the south cooperate with
those of the l:orch in giving the coun-
try amy military or naval defense that
anag be required
Patriotic Measure.
He spoke of the measure as q. pa
triotic one, tending to obliterate the
animosities of war long ago closed.
In conclusion Mr.. Hill asked that tine
rules be suspended and the bill put on
its immediate passage
Mr.. Platt (Rep0, Of Connecticut sug-
gest ID that it was rather q. novel pro-
coed IRE to ask the Senate to pass a
measure of this character before the
senators had considered the subject.
There is no immediate haste" said
Mr.. Platt, 1.-THE country is not likely to
Glave a war before Congress reassem-
bles after the holidays. There may be
no objection to the repeal after it has
been examined"
Mr.. Hin consented to let the bill go
ors the table for the present
Mr. Chandler Immediately followed
with a bin "to strengthen the military
armament" The reading Of the title
oo2asioned much whispered comment