New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-21
DISCUSSED IN COMMITTEE.
THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION BILL CONSIDERED
AMENDED


AND AMENDED.
Washngton Dec 2o-The special meeting OF the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was
called yesterday by its chairman, Mr.. Morgan
Dem. Ala). to discuss The Venezuelan question,
assembled at 10 o'clock this morning with bare
quorum present. In addition to Mr.. Morgan, this
made up OF Senators Sherman Clep., Ohio,
Davis Rep.. Mimi and Tupie dem. Ind, all
the other members being out of the city.
The meeting OF the committee was entirely in
formal the bill IT considering had not
been referred by the Senate Reference. of course.
could not be made until after the second rading;
and Mr.. Ain pop. Neb) objected to the second
reading the bill could not reach that parliamentary
stage until to-day. The object of the committee
meeting, therefore, was to consider the measure
and offer in the Senate such amendments the
committee believed ought to be made to the bill.
Mr.. Hit, of the House. before the Senate
Committee this morning. He was invited over for
consultation and advice as to the construction
placed the text Of his measure There
conflict of opinion to whether the authorization
of this commission established new office If 1t
did, and the President saw fit to designate any one
already in office. under the legislative of 1894.
additional salary scoud be paid The committee
decided that 1t would at least be the safe side and
insert in the bill clause declaring that the pro-
visions OF the legislative act of 1894 should not apply
This would permit the selection of some one now In
office IL President desired and place him. so far
as salary is concerned on the footing others
who may be selected. The compensation Of these
commissioners is left the discretion of the Presi-
dent but It is inferred that the amount will be com
nensurate with the high standing of the men whom
the President will select
1t was argued in the commit room that the
incorporation OF the text of the Monroe Doctrine IN
the 80. unnecessary. The compliance on the
part of Congress with the request of the President
was sufficient it maintained, to give fun force
ana effect the legislative sanction of the doctrine
The confirmation Of the commissioners by the sen
ate was antagonizcd by Mr.. Morgan the estab-
shment of a precedent which might prove unwise
in the future but he acquesced in the views Of the
majority. This the part Of the Senate is held
10 be merely exercise of the advisory right OF
the Senate TO the persons designated. but IN no
way interfering with the constitutional prerogatiVes
Of the President. Senators. however look on II as
a STRENGTHENING of the whole case. and an indirect
method. at least of making Congress, as well as
the President, responsible for the results growing
out of the investigation these commissioners VIII
make.
The committee decided to favor an amendment
fixing the number of commissioners at three, to be
appointed by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate and to report TO the President. The appro-
priation was not increased. the Monroe was not
added nor was atime within which the commission
IL repOrt fixed.