Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-12-26

nine members each TO deal with the
election contests, its interest was Cen
tered upon the presidents message.
The debate on the election committee
plan was fruitful OF partisan discus
sion OF election methods in the house
and the republican policy of dealing
with contests in the ffty-first con-
gress. The presidents message laid
on the speakers table until late in the
afternoon. This caused Mr.. Crisp to
exclaim: There is an important
message from the president relating to
Venezuela lying on that table and yet
this republican congress enters upon
partisan action, delaying the consider
alton of a presidents MESA ge."
Mr.. Buick rep, o., was quickly on
his feet win the inquiry: rs it this
house or the presidents ducking ex-
cursion that has delayed the message
on the Venezuelan question:"
There is the message on that table,"
proceeded Mr.. Crisp. 1t lies I'M
needed by this house. And yet it is
frank, honest and manly support OF
the Monroe doctrine" Both sides
joined in the applause at the mention
OF Monroe doctrine. When the mes
sage was read it was received with
much enthusiasm by both sides.
Washington, D. c., Dec 20.-The
senate shared the general sentiment
Of belligerency prevalent today, and
from the outset Of the session the
measures proposed breathed a spirit
of patriotism and of preparation for
any emergency that might arise con-
corning Venezuela. The first bill in
troduced was that of Mr.. Chandler
On. h providing an appropriation of
$10O,000000 for a heavy increase in
the national armament. This was
quickly followed by propositions au-
thoriZing the secretary of war to pur-
chase a late device of heavy battery
and for a report on the feasibility OF
Constitution. Mr.. Hill On. " added
to the suggestions of defense by ask
ing Immediate consideration for a bill
making ex-confederates eligible to
service in the army and navy. Aside
from these steps inaugurating legisla-
ton, the day passed without decisive
action on the Venezuelan question.
Senator Chambers bill provides:
THAT the president be and he is
hereby authorized and directed to
strengthen the military armament BY
adding thereto, equipped for use,
field artillery and not exceeding
5000 heavy guns for Notifications; to
be procured by manufacture in the
arsenals, or by contract for manufac-
ture, or by direct purchase in this
country or elsewhere, according to the
discretion of the president, who shall
conform, when practicable, without
unwise delay, to the methods pre-
scribed for making contracts and pur-
chases by existing laws. The sum of
$100,O00,000 is hereby appropriated to
carry into effect the provisions OF
this act
The reading of the title occasioned
much whispered comment 1t was
referred to the committee on military
affairs.
On motion of Mr.. Davis rep, Mimi
the senate agreed TO a resolution call
ing on the president for information
and all correspondence as to the es-
adjustment by Great Britain OF post
offices and pOstroads in the United
States territory OF Alaska; also as ia
any British occupation, military or
civil, OF that territory; also respecting
ing any attempt by Great Britain or
/ Canada to assert any claim to terri
tory OF the United States IN Alaska.
Another significant resolution was
offered by Nj. Gallinger rep, n. H,
authorizing the secretary OF war 10
contract Ior the purchase OF an hi
proved cOunterpOise battery. The res
OlutiOn went TO the committee on
military affairs.