The herald., 1896-02-19
THE FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
Breezy Senatorial Debate But
Not Much Work
THE PENSION BILL PASSED
The House Passes the Agricultural Ap.
preparation Bill
Secretary Morton Very Sharply Criticized
:and the Dist. .vibution of Seeds Made han.
datory-V. rious Matters Discussed
A..nci.ted Press snecial Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, + eb. 2s.-Ihe session of
the senate today urn shed succession OF
hrsszy Incidents Little actual work
was accomplished, tut the brief debates
on number of suisj,,cts der'eloped fre-
quent sharp personal exchap ges between
the senators.
Mr., Hill of New York had lively tilt
with Mr.. Tillman of S, Mth Ca rolina, during
the debate on PETERS resolution for SEN
ate investigation of the recent bond issue.
Mr.. Allen of Nebraslss Joined issue with
Mr.. Gear of Iowa and Mr.. Wolcott over
tb> course of the Pacifica railway commits
sion in conducting the tr inquiry. Mr..
Chandler and Nc. Cock reul had an ami
msAed but good.nature d colloquy. aud
Gsnersl HawIey and Mr.. Allen had a diff
Ssrsncs somewhat less 60 osi-natured.
Two appropriation bills, the military
academy and the pemIion bills, were
paassd ,during the day.
Efforts were made to amend the military
academy bill by increasing the plumber of
cadets by two from each STATE, hinety in
M. but after debate of three hours the
aticu bill, carrying 100000, was
poased after ten minutes daba
When the senate met at noc'n today Mr..
Alien (Popul ist, of Nebraska) asked tire
finance com mittee what steps had be en-
taken toward a conference with the hot lse
on the silver bond bill. 1t was explained
that the hou. had not asked for a con fer
ence on its no u-concurrence, and no fur
ther action wa taken.
NJ. Gear, ch, ,irman of the committ.e on
Plcihc railwayt', called attention ~ the
heaxine only railroad officers and agents.
on fhe contrary, he said. full and ample
notice had been given all parties who de-
aired to appear. The committee could not
undertake to subp oena the patrons of these
Allen of Nebraska insisted that the pa.
truns, traders, ETC.. along the lime had not
bean invited to a hearing. The only per-
sons heard were Huntingdon, Winsiow and
other interested parties. There was a
sharp. three-cornered debate between Gear,
AUer, and Wolcott as to the committees s
course. Gear wanted to know whom Allen
desired to have heard. Allen responded,
ssThe Farmers' Alliance in Nebraska had a
large fund Of information. Why was it not
asked for?''
ave have no official knowledge of the
existence of such an organization re-
spomdsd Gear.
Allen declared there was CONSPICUOUS
evidence the country over of the alliance 3
existence.
form his alliance constituents of this hear
ing?" asked Wolcott. "possibly securing
them passes, as they would doubtless de-
cline to come at the governmcnt's expense
~ contrary to their principles"
Mr.. Allen continued his criticisms OF the
committee at considerable length. Mr..
PETER sought to secure action on his reso'
luton for creation of special committee
of five senators to inquire into the circum-
stances Of recent bond issues.
Mr.. Sherman moved to refer the resol!l.
ton to the finance committee. He said
that il such IN inquiry was made, regular
committee Of the senate should conduct it,
thus avoiding needless expense of a special
inquiry. Mr.. Sherman said that as rule
he considered it desirable when charges of
impropriety were made against officials OF
ths government that an inquiry should be
made.
Mr. PETER followed at considerable
length. criticising the bond issues. The
senator declared that public indignation
prevented the last bond issue from going
to the syndicate which made such enor-
nous profits at the previous sale.
Mr.. PETER referred to the vague sugges-
tions as to this last sale, including the late
submission of one of the largest bids.
Mr.. Stewart advocated an inquiry and
strongly criticized the recent bond issue.
Mr.. Lodge briefly stated that, in view at
The charges of irregularity involving the
credit of the government he believed an
Investigation should be made.
The appearance of Mr.. Hill (Denocrat)
Of New York, in opposition to the proposed
inquiry, was the signal for a spirited de-
bate. He was opposed, he said, to any in
vestigation at this time by the finance com
nittee or any other committee. tie dep
recated the custom of following up every
idle rlmor, every indefinite charge thai
the right thing had not been done. The
senate had heretofore dignified sucl
runors by serious investigation. 1t was a
pandsring to idle curiosity. The senator
(Peffer) who proposed this inquiry did no
make personal charges against the presi
dent or secretary of the treasury.
sBut make the CHARGE" exclaimed Mr.
Stewart. rising and moving down the mid
die aisle.
Mr. Hill waved Mr.. Stewart back ant
declined TO yield to the interruption.
"But let me make the charge" insisted
Mr.. Stewart.
s'The senator will not charge anything,
said Mr.. Hill, still declining to yield.
MIR. Hill proceeded to argue against sen
ate inquiries of rumors, when he wa
again interrupted by Mr.. Tillman demo
Crat of South Carolina). The latter raiset
his right arm and was about to frame al
energetic question. when Mr.. Hill posi-
lively declined to yield to a question, say
ing only few minutes remained before
o'clock, when the expiration Of the morn
Ing hour would cut him off.
Mr.. Tillman yielded reluctantly, and a
he took his seat he exclaimed: .'It is no
tho first time have seen the senator Hill
kill resolution by talking on it until
o'clock.
Mr.. Hill turned about facing the Soutl
Carolina senator and addressing him per
sonally said: ~ will be the Judge of hoy
long and when l will speak,"
"Undoubtedly, interjected Mr.. Tillmal
ironically.
''And," proceeded Mr.. Hill, 81 will no
be governed in my course by the senate
from South Carolina"
In the course of the quick passages bac
and forth the vice-presidents gayel ha
been keeping up lively appeal for order
Mr.. Hill went on with his opposition t
the measure. A rap from the chair AM
m announcement that it was = ocloc
sent the PETER resolution to the calendar
The military academy appropriation bill
was then taken up. The debate proceede
on the amendment of Mr.. Villas (Demc
cFat. Of Wisconsin) for an increase of mill
tary cadet appointments by two from eac
etefe. After debate of three hours MIR
Villas amendment and all proposition
called with it were defeated-24 to 27.
The military academy appropriation hi!
WAS then passed substantially as reported
The pension appropriation bill was thel
taken up. Mr.. German took occasion t.
state that the vast amount of the pension
bill, about 81 40 ,00O, 900, was one of tin
several sums which hung over the treasur
like . pail. swelling The expenditures o
- L.. Al.