The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1895-12-19

3WAsHINGToN, Dec. 1s.-In the Senate
assentiment OF bslligerency was prevs-
lent to-day, and from the outset the
measures breathed spirit OF patriot
Ism 'snd Of q preparation for any
emergency that night arise concerning
Venezuels. The first bill introduced
was that of Mr.. Chandler, of New
Hampshire, providing an appropriation
OF SloO,ooo,oo for heavy increase In
the national armament. This was
quickly followed by propositions author
izing the Secretary OF War to purchase
heavy ornaments for the equipment of
the army.
Mr.. Hill, of New York, added to the
suggestions OF the defense by asking the
| Immediate passage Of bill making ex-
Confederates eligible to enter the army
and navy. Aside from these steps in
| angurating legislation the day passed
without decisive action en- the Vene.
| zuelan question.
Tne first investigation OF the session
was started by the passage of Mr.. Calls
long pending resolution for an inquiry
Tito an alleged corporate in
fuence operating in the election of
tives.
Mr.. Hale succeeded in securing a
resolution authorizing the COMMITTEES on
privileges and elections to prosecu To
the inquiry instead of creating q special
committee for the purpose.
| AS a further example OF the interest
In the subject OF British entertainments,
the Senate agreed to resolution intro
dhced by Mr.. Davis, calling upon the
President for information of o Canadian
military or civil expedition operating
In any part of the territory of Alaska.
Throughout the day the Senate gall
cries we're crowded beyond their oaps-
oity. showing the keen public interest
In anticipated Developments on the
BRITISH venezuelan questions.
House Proceedings
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1s.-To-day's ses-
sion OF the House lasted only an hour.
but 1t WAS sufficient for the passage of
q bill authorizing the President 10 an.
point'a commission to investigate the
Venezuelan boundary line. and appro-
priating 100000 for the expenses of she
commission. The bill, which carries
into effect the Presidents message. was
prepared by Mr.. Hit (Rep Illinois)
this morning, and met the approval OF
Speaker Reed, although several Repub-
lican leaders expressed Themselves in
conversation as favoring the reference
OF tho message to the committee on
foreign affairs. Mr.. Boutelle, of Maine,
volcing that view on the floor.
Speeches for the bill were made bv
Mr.. Hit and Mr.. Crisp and sttem pts
were made by other mem bers to secure
recognition. There was no vote against
1t and much applause WAS given to the
patriotic references to the message in
the speeches. The text of the bill ia al
iollows: a Dill making IN appropriation
| for the expenses OF commission To in
vestlgate and report on the divisional
line between Venezuela and British
! Guiana"
BE sit enacted by the Senate and House
Oh Representatives of the United States
OF America Nn Congress assem- bled that
the sum OF 500, 900 or 80 much thereof
as may be needed be set aside and the
same Is hereby appropriated for the ex-
penses OF a commission to be sent to in
vestigate and report upon the true d.
vlsional line between the republic of
venezuela and British Guiana"
scene OF considerable excitement
WAS caused by the request OF Mr.. Hit
1or the unanimous consent to consider
the bill which had been read by the
clerk and loudly applauded.
| Mr. Boutelle rep, Maine) WAS on
his feet in front of Mr.. Hit. He pre-
faced his remarks that he disliked TO
object to the consideration OF such q
Dill; but" said he, at seems that this
subject Ia onesof such Importance, that
the House of Representatives should
proceed in q decorous manner to con.
sider IL. The Presidents message was
read by the clerk yesterday, and 1t
seems to me that the gentlemen may
| not De ready to Get on matter of such
Importance without elaboration"
| cries OF Ready, ready" from the
Republican side interrupted Boutelle,
oat ne argued that the matter was one
which affected the relations of the two
English-speaking nations of the world.
"Ine press" he continued, "shows the
country to be in state of feverish
excitemens, and 1t aeems that we ought
TO give this matter as much considers.