The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-02-21
GOLD BONDS.
\ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THEM HOTLY DISCUSSED
In the House-The Administration
Scored Numerically Alike by Dem
Gratis and Republicans-Th Res
olution Practically Defeated.
Senate Proceedings.
SENATE.

w
day voted to make no changes in the
present railway mail system. The sub
ject has been the chief point of conten-
ton of the postofice appropriation bill.
The bill, as reported, gave to the post
master general complete discretion in
expanding $3,200,000 for postal cars and
cut off the present fast mail line from
north to south.
Proposed changes have created live
ly discussion, lasting several days, as
they embraced complete revolution in
the present system. All of theamendments
were refused, however, by decisive
votes. By similar votes the senate sus-
tanned the present fast mail line from
New England south.
After a sharp debate the senate de-
clined to extend the policy for subsidiz-
ing fast mail lines.
The postoffice appropriation bill was
not passed up to the time of adjourn
ment.
During the day the senate received
the lengthy letter of Secretary Carlisle,
conveying the information as to the CON
dition of the treasury, in response to a
senate resolution.
When the senate met the high
tension over the financial situa-
ton was clearly evident from
The animated groups of senators
rumor soon gained currency that the
suggestion had been made that reso-
luton be introduced directing the eXecu-
tive branch of the government to cancel
the contracts with bankers for the sale
of $62,4O0,000 of bonds. With the sew
eral financial bills on the calendar and
on the table it was felt that decisive ac-
, ton one way or the other was not lar
off.
Mr.. Platt Rep., Conn., presented n
petition and gave dramatic details con
corning the barbarous executions in the
Choctaw Indian country. lie said the
facts, if. known, would shock the civil
lied world, as they presented barbarties
unparalleled in this country.
The petition urged that law be passed
giving an appeal to Indian courts. Mr.
Plat said the time had been reached
when such q law was imperative in order
to end the shocking condition of affairs
A favorable report was made by spe-
cial committee allowing $4,000 to the
widows of those killed at Ford's theatre
disaster.
Mr.. Dodge Rep.) offered resolution
which was agreed to, asking the sccre-
tary of the treasury for information as
to the returns from distilled spirits and
what reduction would come from the
prospective closing of distilleries.
Mr.. Call Oem., Fla.) then brought
forward his irrepressible resolution for q
senate investigation of the Honduras lot
terry company's operations in controlling
Florida elections.
Mr.. Blackburn sought to cut it off by
moving to refer it to the committee on
privileges and elections and this caused
heated debate for q time, during
which Mr.. Morgan Dem., Ala.) sharply
criticised the course of Mr.. Call, who,
Mr. Morgan said, was seeking to take
the advice and assistance of politicians
anxious to thrust federal inquiry into
the state affairs of Florida.
Mr.. Blackburn then moved to take up
the postoffice Appropriation bill. Dis
cussion was resumed on the amend
tents, first to give to the postmaster
Z general discretion over the $4,000 for
railway postal cars, and second, for the
purchase and maintenance by the gov
eminent of all postal cars.
The presiding officer INTERVIEWED at
this point to present the response of Sec
rotary Carlisle to the resolution pre-
scented by Mr.. German for information
rs to the condition of the treasury. Its
elaborate detail was followed with close
attention by Mr.. German, Mr.. Cock
rell and Mr.. Allison, although it was too
statistical to engage general attention.
Before it's reading ended Mr.. German
proposed that it would be desirable to
tomorrow, and this was, done.
AS on yesterday the amendment was
generally discussed. Messrs. Villas, Teller,
Plat, Carey and others participated.
The votes on the various railway mali
amendments were taken at 3 o'clock. A
point of order having been made against
the committee amendment giving the
postmaster general discretion over the
$3,500,000 for postal cars, on the ground
that it was general legislation, the pre-
siding officer submitted to the senate the
question, and the amendment was voted
to be not in order-yeas, IT; nays, 80.
Mr.. Villas substitute proposing govern
ment purchase and management of postal
cars was laid on the table-yeas, 81; nays
10.
The amendment of Mr.. Blackburn pro-
posing q 10 per cent reduction in postal
card rates was laid on the table.
Discussion then turned to the committee
amendment proposing the abandonment
of the special appropriation OF $l96'OOo
for the fast mail service from Springfield,
Mass via New York, Washington and
Atlanta to New Orleans.
Mr.. Sherman said the Atlantic coast
service had heretofore enjoyed the privi-
lege of a fast mail service. The West now
wants the service, and he suggested
service connecting Cincinnati, Louisville,
Nashville, Chattanooga, New Orleans
ana Qtner pOlnLS. Lie dluenuulenI Loi ~
S15OOOO subsidy for a fast route through
Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama
.g,rsas defeated-22 to 33.
y The committee amendment striking out
the $4,000 subsidiary for the Atlantic
coast fast mail service from Springfield,
Mass, via New York, Atlanta and New
Orleans and intermediate points was de-
feated, q to 33, thus leaving the service
as heretofore established.
Mr. Villas offered an amendment revis-
ing the pay of railway mail clerks. Ruled
out of order.
Mr.. Davis Rep., Minn.) offered an
amendment that railway mail clerks here
after appointed shall reside on their
routes Agreed to.
Mr.. Blackburn sought to secure an
amendment reducing by 10 per cent the
allowance for the Atlantic coast fast
mail line. The amendment was pending
when the postoffice bill was laid ASIDE. :,
At 6:15 p. IN. the senate held brlef
executive session and adjourned.
HOUSE.
The third attempt of the administra-
ton at this session to secure Legislation
Il e 4 t1rnr lr.vt