The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-12-19
In the Upper House


day.
In the Upper House.
Washington, Dec. 1s.-Though less
than a dozen senator's were present
when the session opened to-day. the
Venezuela issue at once came into
prominence, but not directly. as in the
house, the senate's business taking the
form of measures for national defense.
In presenting a bill for the repeal of
the law imposing disabilities on those
who served in the war OF the rebellion.
Mr.. Hill. democrat. New York. spoke
briefly. The main purpose. he said.
was to wipe out the feature of the
statute which prevented ex-confeder-
ates from serving in the United States
navy and army. He spoke OF the
measure as a patriotic one. tending TO
obliterate the animosities of war
long ago closed Mr.. Hill asked that
the rules be suspended and the bill put
on it's immediate passage.
Mr.. Platt. republican. Connecticut.
suggested that II was a novel proceed
ure TO ask the senate to pass meas
ure of this character before the SEN
ators had considered the subject. Mr.
| Hill consented TO let the bill go on the
| table for the present
Mr. Chandler Immediately followed
with a bill ito strengthen the military
| armament" The reading of the title
occasioned much whispered comment.
| 1t was referred 10 the committee on
military affairs. On motion OF Mr..
Davis, republican. Minnesota, the SEN
ate agreed to a resolution calling on
| the president for information and all
| correspondence as TO the establishment
by Great Britain of postoffices and
postroads I'm the United states terri
tory OF Alaska. also respecting any
attempt by Great Britain to assert
any claim to the territory of the United
states In Alaska.
Another significant resolution was
offered by Mr.. Gallinger. republican.
New Hampshire, authorizing the secre-
tary of war to contract for the pur-
chase of an improved counterpoise
battery. The resolution went TO the
committee on military affairs.
Mr.. Call. democrat. Florida. address
ed the senate on his resolution for a
senate investigation OF alleged election
frauds in Florida. The debate pro-
ceeded at much length.
, Mr.. Sewell said there would be nc
| objection to an investigation connneo
, TO Florida, but he pointed out the In
, expediency of dragnet resolution
| | which could inaugurate investigations
, in all parts of the country.
! Mr.. carery said the resolution was
, | step towards a return 20 the feoera
E election laws and he predicted re-
turn of complete republican change o.
government would result In the reen
3 actment of the federal laws with ~
| g,ff IA
4 force at the polls"
: An amendment to the resolution OF
fered by Mr.. Hale, republican. Maine
e limiting the investigation OF the eiec
: tion of United States senators and ex
: cnud,ng members of the house was de
Z feated.
Mr.. sewelrs amendment. confinini
n the Investigation to Florida was de
fea,ed Mr.. Hale's amendment tina
! the Investigation be conducted by IN
/, regular senate committee on privil
" eges and elections was adopted. - I
IA "a The resolution as thus amenoe
0. was agreed TO without division. In
Ie ,.xt of the resolution Is as follows;
ID Resolved. That the committee
a privileges and election shall be charge
= with the duty OF investigating the sur
lp | sact of organized efforts OF corpors
r tions. or of the president and director
IT thereof TO control the election or men
:" bers of congress or to influence u
ar legislation OF congress; also 10 lnve'
,g ,,gate and report TO the senate whetn'
Mt corrupt means, bribery or free tram
he portation have been. or are being uss
he 10 influence such elections, also 10
a ou,re and report to the senate wheth'
he the use OF such influences OF meai
ed Is consistent with the preservation
ne the republic OF the United states .,
the rights and liberties OF the peop,
is and TO report a bin for the punis
ar rnant or suppression OF such practices
Id soon after securing the adoption
he the resolution. Mr.. Call gave noti
,is that he would move reconsideratio
ty. AT 2:20 o'clock the senate went IN
Ter executive session. At 2:5o O'Clock
,ot senate adjourned until tomorrow