Abilene weekly reflector., 1895-12-26
WAR PREPARATIONS
A Bill in the Senate to Strengthen
Our Armament.
SlOo,OOO,OOO IS APPROPRIATED.
The House Passes a Iiill Authorizing the
President to Appoint a Commission
to Investigate the Venezuelan
boundary Dispute.

w hhNIINulONs btts 80 p -
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 the 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
IRE of the statute which prevented ex-
confederates from serving In the
United States navy and army. ut is
most opportune at the present mo-
ment,n 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 be
required" lie spoke of the measure
as patriotic one, tending to obliter.
ate the animosities OF war long ago.
In conclusion, Mr.. Hill asked that the
rules be suspended and the bill put on
It's immed ate passage.
Mr.. Platt, OF Connecticut, suggested
that It was Il rather novel procedure
to ask the senate to pass measure OF
this character before senators had con-
sidered the subject. "rherc is no i'm
mediate haste" said Mr. Platt 1.-The
country is not likely TO have a war be-
fore congress reassembles after the
holidays There may be no objection
to the repeal after 1t has been exam
lncd" Mr. Hin consented to let the
bill 70 on the table for the present.
Mr.. Chandler Immediately followed
with bill "to siren ethen the military
armament" The reading Of the title
occasioned much whispered comment
II was referred TO the committee on
military affairs. The bill Is as follows;
THAT the president be and he is
hereby authorized and directed to
strengthen the military armament
by adding thereto, o,equipped for use.
10000 infantry rifles, 1000 guns
for field artillery and not ex'
ceedng 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 10 the discretion OF the presl-
dent, who shall conform when pract.
cable. without unwise delay, to the
methods prescribed for making con-
tracts and purchases by existing laws
The sum of 800, 100000 is appro'
priated TO carry intn effect the provi'
sions Of this act
On motion OF Mr. DAVIS, nf Minne-
sofa, the senate agreed to resolution
calling on the president for Informs
ton and pill correspondence as to the
-..Llishment Wy Great Britain OF
% eS'. aud post roads IN the
pos. o'nces '~m AlaslaI also
united otates territofJ "tary
as to any British occupation, ma.
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.. Galllnger, 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 senate investigation of alleged
election frauds in Florida. After some
debate it was amended and adopted
At 2:20, on motion OF Mr.. Chandler,
the senate went into executive session,
At $50 the senate adjourned until to-
day.
THE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, Dec 10. Ycsterday's
session Of the house did not last an
hour but 1t sulllced for the passage Of
n bill authorizing the president to up.
point commission to investigate the
Venezuelan boundary and appropriat.
ing 100000 for the expenses of the
commission, The bill, which carries
into effect the recommendations OF the
presidents message, was prepared by
Mr., Hit, Of Illinois, and met the ap-