Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1895-12-21
WAR PREPARATIONS
A. Bill In tho Senate to Strengthen
Our Armament.
SlOO,OOO,oOO IS APPROPRIATED.
Tho House PASSES q I'LL Authorizing tint
President TO Appoint Commission
TO Investigate tho Venezuelan
Boundary Dispute.

WASHINGTON, Dec. l9.-Throughout
the day the senate galleries were
crowded beyond their capacity, show
ing the keen public interest In antici-
patcd developments on the British
Venezuelan question. In presenting his
bill for the repeal Of tho law imposing
disabilities on those who served In the
war OF the rebellion, Mr.. Hill, OF New
York, spoke briefly, The main pur-
pose, he said, was to wipe out the feat
urc OF the statute which prevented ex-
confcderatcs from serving in the
United States navy and army. sit is
most opportune Mt the present mo-
ment," said Mr.. Hill, that these men
from the south cooperate with those
OF the north in giving the country any
military or naval defense that may bc
required" lie spoke OF the measure
Us u patriotic one, tending to obliter.
ate the animositics of a war long ago.
In conclusion, Mr.. Hill asked that the
rules be suspended and the bill put on
It's immediate passage.
Mr.. Platt, OF Connecticut, suggested
that It was rather novel procedure
to ask the senate to pass measure OF
this character before senators had con-
sidcrcd the subject. "There Is no i'm
mediate haste" said Mr.. Platt. THE
country is not likely to have war be-
fore congress reassemblcs after the
holidays. There may be no objection
TO the repeal after 1t has been exam
ined." Mr.. Hill consented to let the
bill go on the table for the present.
Mr.. Chandler Immediately followed
with bill "to strengthen the military
armament" The reading Of the title
occasioned much whispered comment.
1t was referred to the committee on
military affairs The bill is rs follows:
THAT the president be and he is
hereby authorized and directed to
strengthen the military armament
by adding thereto, equipped for use,
1000, 900 infantry rifles, 1000 guns
for field artillery and not ex.
ceeding 5000 heavy guns for
Notifications, to be proc ured by
manufacture in the arsenals or by
contract for manu- facture or by direct
purchase in this country or elsewhere,
according to the discretion OF the presi-
dent, who shall conform when practi.
cable, without unwise delay, to the
methods prescribed for making con.
tracts and purchases by existing laws
The sum OF 500, 100000 is appro-
priated to carry into effect the provi.
sions of this act"
On motion OF Mr.. Davis, OF Mime
sofa, the senate agreed to n resolution
calling on the president for informa.
ton and all correspondence rs to the
establishment by Great Britain Of
post offices and post roads in the
United States territory of Alaska; also
as to any British occupation, military
or civil, of that territory, also respect
ing any attempt by Great Britain or
Canada to assert any claim to the
territory of the United States In
Alaska.
Another significant resolution was
offered by Mr. Gallingcr, of New
Hampshire. authorizing the secretary
Of war to contract for the purchase OF
an improved counterpoise battery. The
resolution went to the committee on
military affairs.
Mr.. Call then called up his resolution
for a senate investigation OF alleged
election frauds In Florida. After some
debate 1t was amended and adopted.
At eco. on motion of Mr.. Chandler.
the senate went into executive session.
At $50 the senate adjourned until to-
day.
TIE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. l0.-Yesterday's
session of the house did not last an
hour, but 1t sufllccd for the passage of
bill authorizing the president To APP
point commission to investigate the
Venezuelan boundary and appropriate
ing 500, 900 for the expenses of the
commission. The bill, which carries
into effect the recommendation OF the
presidents message, was prepared by
Mr.. Hit, of Illinois, and met the APP
prevail of Speaker Reed. The house
decided to have its holiday recess ex.
tend from Friday, December 90, to
Friday, January ,. vacation of two
weeks. There will be one more session
before the holidays, that on Friday
next, when Speaker Reed will proba-
bly, defy superstition and announce
the house committees