Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-12-20
FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 90.


SENATE.
In anticipation of renewal of the
exciting debate on the Venezuelan DIFF
fculty, there was large attendance of
spectators in the Senate galleries when
that body met at noon. The seats OF
Senators, on the other hand, were very
sparsely occupied. The popnlist Senator
from Nebraska (Mr. Allsn), was how
ever, early on hand and was passing
from one side of the chamber to the
other, as if in consultation as TO his
course to-day. 1t was his objection to
the second reading of the House bill
that prevented its reference yesterday
{, the committee on foreign relations.
It was that subject which formed the
APPLE of the opening prayer by the
blind chaplain of the Senate, Mr.. Mil.
burn, who prayed that as the time
draws near the period of Christmas,
a I'd peace on earth good will to mer !,
the spirit of the season would forbiu
that the two foremost nations of the
world which bear the name of Chris
tiap, with one language, one faith, one
baptism, one LORD shalt be embroiled in
war with all its horrors and barbarisms.
At the suggestion of Mr. Mitchell
unanimous consent was given to the
printing In the Record of this invoca-
ton by the chaplain.
of numerous bills, Mr.. Mitchell offered
q resolution instructing the finance
committee to incorporate into any
revenue bill that may come to that
committee from the House of Repre-
sentatiyes, provision imposing duties
on wool. The resolution was laid on
| the table.
Mr.. Chandler offered a resolution,
which was agreed to, calling on the
Secretary of the Treasury for state
ment showing, during each of the last
Eve years and for the whole period, the
gross amount of imports from and ex-
| ports to ports of Great Britain, her col
onies and dependencies, with the
number of entries of British vessels into
American ports and their gross ton
mage.
The resolution offered yesterday by
Mr.. Allen for the free coinage of silver,
and the issue of Treasury notes to pro-
vide for the contingency of war between
the British empire and the United
States of America was taken up; and
Mr.. Allen proceeded to deliver some
very caustic remarks at the expense of
the President and his supporters on
both sides of the chamber. He said
that he could conceive of no sufficient
cause for the delivery of the Presidents
message. There did not seem to be
any demand for it. 1t occurred to him
that the President, having lost the con-
fidence of the people, to some extent,
during the administration of the last
TWO years and nine months, was
seeking to restore himself and his
party to that confidence, and thus in
duce the people to forget the business
condition of the country. Mr.. Allen
referred to the bill recently introduced
by Mr.. Hill to enable ex-Confederate
| officers to be commissioned as officers in
the army or navy of the United States;
the one introduced by Mr.. Chandler for
an appropriation of$100, 000, 600 for rifles
Eand cannon; and the two introduced
by Mr. Hale for an increase of the navy
and for q reconstruction of the q. S.
hip Constitution as 30 many proofs of
the war spirits in the Senate.
In a sarcastic speech Mr.. Allen rep.
sented his resolution as the populist
contribution in the war sentiment. a
motion to refer it to the finance COM
mittee was made by Mr. Platt and that
motion vas defeated, yeas "a, nays Sc,
and the resolution with the preamble
stricken out was then adopted.
Mr.. Morgan then took the floor on
the House bill providing for the Venezu-
elan commission. He stated that the
foreign relations committee had con-
sidered the question and had some
amendments to offer, although he was
in favor Of passing the bill as it came
from the House. These amendments
fixed the number OF commissioners at
three, to be appointed by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, who
shall report to the President.
| Mr.. Platt differed from the committee
on foreign relations. He thought the
House bill ought not to De amended.
There was no need of talking about a
probable war, although the American
people would not shun it fit was forced
upon them. It made no matter what
the Monroe doctrine was called
there was determination to
maintain that American policy.
Mr.. Piatt reiterated his opinion that
any amendment would strengthen the
belief already existing in England, that
the Senate was hesitating about giving
the President a hearty and cordial sup
port.
Mr.. Sherman said he could not 9. 9
| the necessity of haste. The foundation
of this dispute was an ancient one. The
message Of the President invited no
haste. Why should there be such
avidity to seize upon this subject fer
the purpose of arousing the war spirit?
Mr.. Sherman said he had no doubt
but that the trouble would be settled
| by an amicable agreement between
Great Britain and Venezuela-he had
no idea there would be drop of Amer
lean blood shed over this matter. We
ought not to show the signs of fear
that does not exist. We should be de-
liberate and not take this bill upon the
grounds that il is imperative; we should
pass il at once.
Mr.. Lodge wanted TO see the idea
that this is an electioneering dodge
| wiped out. He wanted the people in
London who are selling stocks and call
ing their loans for the purpose of Great
| ing panic to know it is not an honor.
| III. ..okho9 of aaff1;no f6;s <,t,o,t:or