The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1895-12-19

WASHINGTON, ID, C., Dec, lS,-To-
days session of the house did not last
m hour, but II sufIiced for the passage
OF bill authorizing the President to
nppolnt a commission 10 Investigate
the Venezuelan boundary and appro-
priatlng 100000 for the expense OF the
commission.
The bIII, which carries into effect the
recommendations OF tho Presidents
message, was prepared by Mr.. Hit.
(Rep., Ills.), this morning and met the
approval OF Speaker Reed, Although
several Republican leaders expressed
themselves in conversation as favor
ing the reference Of the message 10 the
committee on foreign affalrs for u re-
port, Mr.. Boutelle. OF Maine, was the
only one who voiced that view on the
floor.
Speeches for the bill were made by
Mr.. Hit and Mr. Crisp and attempted
by other members who could not secure
recognition. There was no vote against
n and considerable applause was given
10 the patriotic references In the
speeches. The house decided to have
lis holiday recess extended from Fri
day, December 20, TO Friday, January
8 a vacation OF two weeks. There VIII
be but one more session before the hol-
idays, that on Friday next. when
Speaker Reed will probably defy su-
perstitIon and announce the house COM
mlttees.
The text OF the bill introduced by Mr..
Hit to-day, follows;
"a bill making an appropriation for
the expenses OF q commission To inves-
tlgate and report on the true divisional
line between the republic OF VeneZu-
Ella and British Guiana
BE II enacted by the senate and tho
house OF representatives OF the United
states OF America, in Congress assem-
bIed, that the sum OF 100000, or so
much thereof as may be necessary, and
the same Is hereby appropriated for
the expenses OF a commission to be APP
pointed by the President TO investigate
and report upon the true divisional line
between the republic OF Venezuela and
British Guiana"
A scene OF considerable excitement
followed the request OF Mr.. Hit for un-
anlmOus consent to consider the bill
which had been read by the clerk and
loudly applauded.
After the brief debate referred to the
bill was passed.
Inths Senate.
Though less than q dozen senators
were present when the session opened
to-day the Venezuelan issue at once
came into prominence. but not directly
as In the house. the senate's business
taking the form OF measures for ra.
tional defense.
In presenting bill for the repeal Of
the law imposing disabilities on those
who served In the war OF the rebellion,
Mr. Hill. (Dem.. New York;, spoke
briefly. The main purpose, he said. was
10 wipe out that feature OF the statute
which prevented ex-confederates from
serving in the United States navy and
army. ut Is most opportune at the
present moment" said Mr.. Hill, "thht
those men OF the south cooperate with
those OF the north In giving the country
any military or naval defence that may
be required"
He spoke OF the measure Rs upatriotlc
one. tending to obllterate the animosl-
ties OF war long ago closed. In con-
Cluslon Atr. Hill asked that the rules
be suspended and the bill put on Its
immediate passage.
Mr. Platt, CRep.. Comm, suggested
that II was rather novel procedure TO
ask the senate to pass n measure OF
this character before senators had con-
Fl1ered the subject. There iB no i'm
mediate haste" said Mr.. Plntt, "the
country is not likely to have n war be-
iorc Congress reassembles after the
holidays. There may be no objection TO
the repeal after Il has been examined
Mr. Hiil consented TO let the bill lie
on the table for the present.
Significant Moves.
Mr.. Chandler Immediately followed
with bili TO strengthen tho military
armament. npproprlatlng SiOO,0OOOO0
therefor. The reading Of the title oe-
tasloued much whispered comment II
was referred to the committee on MILL
tary affairs.
on motion Of Mr.. Davis, (Rep., Mimi
The senate agreed TO resolution call
Ing On tho President for information
aui all correspondence as TO the
establishment by Great Britain NJ
ioatoalces and post roads in the United
Silios territory Of Alnska; niSo az to
tuy British occupation. military or CIV
10 VI that territory; also respecting any
nitompt by Great Britain or Canada
~ assert any claim 20 territory OF the
United States in AlaBkn.
Another significant resolution was Of
i"rol NY Mr. Gallingcr. (Iiep., NJ H.)'
authorizing the secretary OF war 10
contract for the purchase Of an linz
ifnyad countcrpoino battery. Tho res
alltlon went TO the committee on mill
iafy affairs.
Then the senate settled to routine bus
iNngA