The herald., 1895-02-28

all public obligations in greenbacks. Where
were you then?"
There was intense energy in Mr.. Mills
query and the galleries broke into laughter
'Read that platform, " said Mr.. Hill.
Mr. Mills read the plank concerning
greenbacks, and then turning to MIR. Hill
with keen satire, added: "Oh, where was
Roderick then? One blast upon his norm
were worth a thousand men. y
The Senators were much amused and the
galleries broke out into laughter.
"Of course you voted for Horatio Sey-
mour" said Mr.. Mills, again addressing
Mr.. HILL
The latter made no response and Mr.
Gray said soto voce, He was too young.
Mills, in conclusion, declared with empha-
sis that if this amendment was ruled out
OF order (as it should be) he would offer an
amendment to repeal all laws giving the
Secretary OF the Treasury authority to
issue bonds without direct and specific
act of Congress
Allison warned the Senate that moments
were flying, that unless the sundry civil
bill were disposed of today and other bills
in the next two days, the responsibility OF
an extra session would rest on Congress.
Proceeding, he said he had favored the
amendment in the Committee on Appro-
priations, as he believed the Secretary OF
the Treasury should have the authority 1t
conferred. Speaking of the merits OF the
proposition to issue certificates OF lndeot-
edness to meet current expenses, Allison
severely criticized the Secretary OF the
Treasury for using the proceeds OF tn
two bond issues sold under the law for.
another purpose than TO meet the current
expenses. Unless some such provision
was made to meet current deficiencies Cf
there be any the Secretary of the Treas
ury would mortgage the future and con
tinue to sell thirty-year bonds to meet
those deficiencies.
Even if such a temporary expedlent is
adopted " interrupted Hill, Twill not the
question OF the redemption of the green
backs remain?"
Certainly" responded Allison.
"Then is it not our duty to address our
selves to this subjet?" asked Hill.
Allison parted the question by simply
calling Hills attention to the absolute
futlity of attempting any real remedial
financial legislation at this late hour in
the session.
Voorhees,, chairman of the Finance
Committee, then addressed the Senate
with a prepared speech against the
amendment.
He denied the credit of the Government
was threatened anywhere in the world.
That was shown by the quotation OF our
bonds abroad. In every money center, in
every usurer's shop, the financial credit
of the United States had not suffered
during the bankmade panic of the last
two wears. Whatever criticism the recent
bond contract was open to today he did
not propose to criticse it; it could not
stand before the fact that eagerness of the
world to get possession OF those bonds
gave the lie to those slanderers, back
biters, financial blacklegs and money
sharks who sought to stab their country
nearest the heart He stood ready, he
said. to help the Government in case OF
necessity, but he could not support this
measure, which sought to give the Sec
retary of the Treasury power he did not
ask, to provide for deficiency that did
not exist.
Sherman addressed the Senate. He con-
sidered the pending amendment perfectly
! germane. He had known dozens of pre-
cedents. Two years ago he offered reso-
luton almost identical to this amend
ment and it was adopted by an over
whelming vote without division on party
lines. If the provision had gone through
the House and become law the country
would not have been in its present condl-
ton. Executive influence had brought
about the defeat of the provision. The
Senate was in the midst of doubt. The
Secretary of the Treasury said he had
enough. rhe Senator from Maryland said
there was not enough. They came here
| and quarreled over the figures. If Cor
| man was right then the Senate ought to
act quickly. II Carlisle was right then no
action should be taken as an addition to
the bonded obligation was most undesir-
able.
| Mr.. Sherman said he would vote fol
| the amendment although he regarded il
| as the duty OF the Democratic side of the
| Chamber to clear up the doubt. In reply
to queries made earlier by Mr.. Hill, Mr.
| Sherman said the greenbacks should not
be redeemed. They were the favored
money of the people They should be
kept out without reference to the wishe:
of the New York banks.
81 cannot understand why any one
should desire to strike from our currency
this most favored currency, better thar
gold or silver, for they are redeemable il
gold and yet have the convenience o
paper money!
Turning to the loss of revenues, th'
| Senator said u certain sequel to tn,
changes of the tariff law. This Away
occurred as result of tariff changes with
out reference to the party making it, lie
these provisions be enacted and let tn
debt certificates or bonds be circulated
among our own people-the plain people
as Abraham Lincoln called them-anC
there would.be an end of danger.
Sherman said he had watched the enor
nous sums appropriated by the Senate
some of which could have been postponed
until another day. But now that the,
were made it was the duty OF Congress
to provide means for paying them. il
the course OF his remarks Sherman mad
a significant appeal to the Appropria
ton Committee to withdraw this amend
ment, saying it could never pass wthou
the fullest discussion.
Hill then took the floor. He first dis
cussed the technical parliamentary status
If this financial amendment was in order
| then the hOOdgates were omen and an