The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-29
MONEY is LACKING
HENCE THERE IS OBJECTION TIC
THE BATTLESHIPG.

NJ Dh DGSalE d
German Would Reduce the Number to
Two and Quay Offers to Amend the
Naval Appropriations Bill by Making
the Number Six-Animated Debate Fol
lows, in Which German on the One Sid,
and Sherman and Others Make Mutual
Accusations of Responsibility for Tho
Fix Things are I'm, Financially.
Washington, D. c., April 2S.-The SEN
ate was plunged into an exciting finan-
cial debate today, after several weeks
of serene and formal procedure on ap-
preparation bills. The naval appro-
priation was under consideration, and
the item of four battleships, to cost an
aggregate Of SIG. 900. 900. served as a text
for a speech by Mr.. German, pointing
out that the revenues Of the govern
rnent are less than the expenditures.
Mr.. GOrnan's statements brought on an
animated controversy in which Mr..
Sherman. 9Ir. Hale and Mr.. Chandler
Joined issue with the Maryland senator
as 20 the responsibility for the failure
Of tariff legislation in the present con-
gress. Mr.. Germans speech and the
frequent heated party colleagues il de-
veloped attracted great interest, crowds
filling the galleries for the first time
since the Cuban debate, and many mem
bers Of the house coming over TO listen
10 the proceedings. The battleships
item was not completed when the senate
adjourned.
The Chandler amendment was agreed
to-45-11. AS adopted the prohibition
against naval officers serving naval con
tractors goes into effect June 30, 1897.
This brought the senate to the most
important feature of the bill, appropriat
ing for four battleships to cost So, 750, 900
each, three 30-knOt torpedo boats TO
cost 100000 and ten torpedo boats at
$500, O0O
Mr.. German moved an amednment to
fix the number of battleships at two in
stead Of four, and Mr.. Quay an amend
ment fixing the number Of battleships
at six.
COUNTRY IN A BAD FIX.
Mr.. German then addressed the SEN
ate in support Of his amendment. The
whole country, he said, had been stirred
responsive TO this, the public and the
press had been in a state Of excitement
as 10 our relations with other nations.
When congress assembled IL was in
formed by the executive that the finan>
cial condition Of the country was of the
first moment; that condition of the treas
ury demanded economy, or else the coun
try would be confronted with either an
increase of taxation or the sale Of bonds
But when the war scare took possession
OF US more vessels were demanded, ap-
preparations greater than those of war
times were proposed and the secretary
of the navy revised his recommends
ton Of two battleships by proposing
from four to six battleships
This, from a cabinet officer" pro-
ceeded Mr.. German, was considered
justification for these enormous ap-
preparations in time Of peace, in the
face Of the fact, known to every sena-
tor, that there was not revenue enough
to pay the ordinary expenses Of the gov
eminent; that there has been. is and
Will be a deficit in the treasury; that
there has not been for four years suf-
hclent revenue to meet the appropria-
tons of congress"
The senator added that of the amount
came from the sale of bonds. This
presented the question. Is it wise. in
time of peace, TO make these great ap>
preparations? 1t was evident that there
would be no legislation in this congress
Tor the relief Of the treasury
THE AUDIENCE APPEARS.
Mr.. German had been speaking with |
much earnestness and it was evident !
! alec fess 81 -,
1ereSt had opened. Thes galleries soon |
filled and the rear and side areas were |
crowded During Mr. Germans last
statement Mr.. Sherman rose hastily |
for an interruption
Il am very glad that the senator has
confessed the sin-the great sin of the |
Democratic party said Mr.. Sherman.
The Republican house of representa-
tiVes has framed a bill increasing the |
revenues Of the government $50. OOO. 900 |
ana that bill was sent to the senate
Here II was defeated by the votes OF !
the other side Of the chamber. so that |
The only measure offered TO this con-
gress 10 raise more revenue was de- |
feated by Democratic votes
This precipitated a question of who |
controlled the senate. Mr.. German de- |
clarinS that Republican control of the I
committees settled the point.
We warned YOU" said Mr.. German
that You had the power TO relieve the
country and asked you to Join us in q 1
non-parusan measure Of relief. Rut
our oirer was rejected. You assumed |
the task alone. You also knew Won
mere without the power unless YOU got
your forces together. You knew there
could be no action. and in my Judgment
this proposal TO relieve the treasury was
intended as a failure"
WHICH SHERMAN DENIES.
Il most emphatically DENY thar A"
again interpoSed Mr.. Sherman. as no
proceeded 10 show that the revenue bill
WAS non-partisan in character and 4 re-
lief measure. pure and simple.
And Isay il IS a disgrace 10 the con-
Eress OF the United States. particularly
10 the senate" proceeded Mr.. sherman
with great earneStneSs. that when -
WAS known that the receipts Of the gov
eminent did not meet the expenditures
M action was taken and the proposed
blll was defeated In every rnor,t1,
since this administration began. the re-
ceipts have been less than the expendI-
lures. and Yet the party Of this admin |
istration refuses TO aid in measure OF
relief"
Mr. German responded that the Ohio |
senator knew no agreement could ha