The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-12-25
Congress Gives a Christmas
Gift to the South
PRESCRIPTION is AT AN END
Ex-C0nfederates May Enlist in Army
or Navy
The House Meets and Considers Various
r1atters--A Message From Brazil
Adjournment Tili Tomorrow
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special wire.
WASHINGTON, Dec 24.-In the senate to-
day Rev. Mr.. Milburn, the blind chaplain,
in an eloquent prayer on the Christmas
season made passing illusions to current
public events by evoking peace and good
will among the nations of the earth.
On motion of Allison, the senate agreed
that when adjournment be taken it be I'M
til Friday.
Presenting bill authorizing the secre-
tary of war to give Springfield rifles to
the state military organizations in eS-
change for old guns, Hawley (ConnecticuD
said: "In order that this shall not be
construed so as to add to the war scare, will
say it is merely question of business.
Many guns in use by state troops are OF
antiquated pattern. By the adoption of
the Kragg-Joreenson gun, which l think
was mistake, the war department has on
hand large supply of good Springfield
rifles, and the National guards should have
them in exchange for the worthless
arms.'
Squire, Republican of Washington, spoke
against the injustice of employing foreign
engineers on American ships receiving
subsidies from the United States govern
ment, and offered bill to overcome the
practice.
The project of a paD.American political
union embracing North, South and Central
American republics was presented by
Allen, Popuist of Nebraska. in the follow
ing resolutions: Whereas, recent events
have shown hat European nations are max
ing aggressive attempts to obtain greater
foothold on the American continent, and
whereas, such attempt shows the necessity
of a closer union of American republics.
Resolved, that it is the sense of the
senate that the United States of America
should as speedily as possible invite all
American republics to enter into closer
union, to be known as the Pan-American
union, for the purpose of promoting the
general industrial and commercial welfare
of members thereof and secure said re-
publics from European or other foreign en-
croachments
The resolution closed with a suggestion
for a common unit of value between the
republics of America. 1t was referred to
the committee on foreign relations.
Mr. Hill of New York again sought to Sc.
cure passage of the bill repeating the old
proscriptive laws against the enlistment OF
of ex-confederates in the United States
army or navy.
ut would be most fitting and generous
Christmas present to the men of the SOUTH"
said Mr.. Hill.
Mr. Sherman suggested there should be
committee consideration. II will vote for
this BILL" said MIR. Sherman; "the time is
past for such discrimination. butt" he
added, "the usual course of committee &C
ton should be taken"
Mr.. Chandler urged immediate action.
1.-THE other day." he said, I'VE came to the
support of Democratic president on
question of national aft airs. and sim
| Ill &t,~r 10 yx-tH tN1n will If
criticism and without voice of opposition,
unanimously approve this repeal"
MIR. Gray, Democrat, of Delaware, was
in favor of The legislation. but believed
committee action would secure the most
satisfactory action.
Mr.. Hawley, Democrat, of Connecticut,
responding TO some criticisms by Mr.. Gray
as to the course of former legislation i'll
this line, said it was not to be wondered at
lhat there was some feeling over Appomat-
tox and Gettysburg. This law formed The
close of the war. 1t was regarded at the
time as perfectly just. The senator said
he had the greatest respect personally for
some of these confederate soldiers. But
country that bad any respect for itself was
compelled at the close of great war to
protect itself against abuses of the day
when ex.confederates freely enlisted in the
armies Immediately after leaving the
southern lines. The senator. without OPP
action would give the measure strong force
if it were 10 be taken.
Mr.. Daniel, Democrat of Virginia, spoke
of the wish of the south 10 have one
country and one people. When the war
closed the south laid down its arms. Ii Is
anxious now TO obilterate the herce mem
cries of war. Mr.. Daniel presented the
memorial of the Virginia Legislature upon
this repeal and also commenting Presi-
dent Cleveland's message on Venezuela.
MIR. Voorhees,, Democrat of Indiana. en-
pressed the hope that this last process of
healing" should be put into effect. Already
the senate had confirmed the civil APP
pointments of General Longstreet and that
other great southern soldier, only second
to Lee. Joe Johnston.
Mr.. Voorhees, said the bill would actually
accomplish little, but it would be an eX-
preston of good will.
Mr.. Platt, Republican of Connecticut,
spoke of the attacks made on him by Re
publican newspapers because he suggested
the other day that this bill 60 to commit
tee. From one end to the other of the
SOUTH" said Mr.. Platt, ''the press con-
deInns me, applies to me all kinds of cpl
thets. declares that am lacking in pat
r4sAism and finally sends me marked
ccpses of the condemnation.
aBut,' continued MIR. Platt. "this
country has forgiven much; it is ready to
forgive more, and l am SO full o for
giveness on this day before Christmas.
that am ready to forgive these eX-con-
federates and to join today with the sena-
tor from New York (HilD in supporting
this repeal"
Mr. Allen, speaking as a former private
in the Northern ranks. urged the repeal
and condemned the "bloody flag" politics
OF the past. The seLator caused amusement
by referring to the time when the com
Inand with which he served captured a
column commanded by the senator from
Missouri, Mr.. Cockrell.
MIR. Hill closed by pointing out the de-
lays and absurdities of action by the COM
mittee. He created laughter by pointing
out the considerateness of Mr.. Platt in not
sending him some of the complimentary
Southern press notes.
"For," said Mr.. Hill. good naturedly, sit
is SO seldom nowadays that the press says
anything complimentary of me-"
Mr.. Sherman moved to refer the bill to
the committee on military affairs.
The motion was defeated, s to 80, as
follows:
Yeas-Bacon, Cockrell, EIkns, Frye,
Gray, Sherman, Tel er. Walthall-S.
Nays-Allen, Baker. Bate, 3rice, Butler,
Cameron, Chandler, Clark. Daniel, Davis,
Harris, Hawley, Hill. Lodge, Martin, Nor
rill, Murphy, Nelson, PETER, Perkins,
Plat, Pritchard, Roach, Shoup, Squire,
Stewart, Vest, Voorhees,. Wetmore, White
80.
This being short of quorum, a call of
the senate revealed forty-seven senators
present.
alt is evident" interposed Mr.. Sherman,
"that majority of the senators wish TO
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