The herald., 1896-04-02
THE F|F1Y-FOURTH CONGRESS
SENATORS DISCUSS THE GRANTING OF
SUBSIDIES TO MAIL STEAMERS
Aside From the Subsidy Clause the Postoffice
Appropriation Bill ID compIeted-The
House Practically Concludes Its Considers
tlon Of the Sundry Civil Bill
Associated Press Special Wire.

tion Of the Sundry Civil Bill
Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-Ocean mail sub
1idies brought on an animated discussion
in the senate today during the considera-
ton of the postofflce appropriation bill.
Mr.. Villas opposed and Mr.. Perkins of
California theoretically defended subsidies
for their encouragement to American ship
ping. The subsidy item was reserved for
separate vote tomorrow. The balance of
the postoff1ce appropriation bill was COM
rleted. Mr.. Call introduced resolution of
radical character concerning Cuba. MIR.
Georges speech on the Dupont case occu-
pied most of the day and is not yet COM
pleted.
Butler (Populist of North Carolna) in
troduced bill requiring the acceptance of
current legal tender funds in payment of
notes, bonds or private obligations. "Does
this proposal affect existing contracts?"
asked Hill. ut does not" responded
Butler: II do not believe in breaking con-
.racts.' The bill was referred to the
At this point Mr.. Call of Florida offered
joint resolution directing the sending of
an adequate naval force to Cuba to put an
end to barbarities and the violation of
treaty obligations. The resolutions are as
follows:
Resolved, That the continued violations
of the usages and rules of war between
civilized people, the inhuman and brutal
outrages on men. women and children,
constantly reported on reasonable evil
dence. either authorized or permitted, not
only ON the Cdban revolutionists but also
citisens Of the United States, now carried
out between the government OF Spain and
the revolutionary forces organised as the
republic of Cuba, demand immediate &C.
ton BY the United States, not only for the
protection of the citizens of the United
States who have become residents and ac-
quired interests in Cuba under treaties
with Spain for their protection but also
under the higher considerations of a com.
mon humanity and civilization shamed
and imperiled by barbarities and cruelties
known only in the darkest, most cruel and
most bloody periods of human history.
Resolved, That an adequate naval force
of the United States shall be Immediately
sent to Cuba, sufficient to protect, if neces-
sary, citizens of the United States from
wrong and prevent the violation of treaty
obligations between Spain and the United
States.
Resolved, That the president of the
United States communicate to the govern
ment of spain these resolutions and inform
that government that the United States will
{. rcibly intervene to protect the rights of
American citizens and the interests of civil
ization If thsre shall be further occurrence
of murder and outrage or the shooting or
putting to death of prisoners of war in the
conflict between the Spanish and revolu-
tionary forces of Cuba.
The resolutions went over under the
rules until tomorrow.
Mr.. George Of Mississippi then resumed
his speech In opposition to the claims of
Mr.. dupont to seat in the senate. Mr..
PETER gave notice tnat his motion to take
up tho resolution for q senate inquiry inte
the recent bond issue would be made to-
morrow.
Consideration of the postoffice appro-
p.iation bill was then resumed. Mr.. Villas
then renewed his opposition I'd ocean mail
subsidies. He said that although this SER
vice increased the cost to the government
by 100000 annually, yet no new lines
were started and no better service was
given. In 1887, prior to the payment of
subsidies, the total cost of our foreign
mails was $3.50, los, while the present bill
appropriated 81 100000 for the same ser.
vice. MIR. Villas said the international or
American line received $22O, 1000 last year
for carrying $50 tons of American mail.
while the Cunard or British line, received
$144,7 $50 last year, for carrying 65S tons
of American maiI-the British line carried
twice the amount at two.thirde the cost.
Mr.. Hawley (Republican of Connecticut)
interposed to state that four of the ships of
the American line were equipped for arma-
ment and we're subject to call by the
United States.
Mr.. Villas said these ships were not
available for war except for transporta-
ton purposes.
Mr.. Villas went on to show the heavy and
growing cost of ocean mail service. He
cited many cases Of alleged excessive sub
sides. The mail from New York to Ha-
vana last year, at regular rates, would
have cost about $1,000, but in fact cost
over 100000. The Red D line received
$4,000 last year for carrying mail to ven-
ezuela which at regular rates would have
cost $14,783.
In the course OF colloquy Mr.. Perkins
said we we're paving less in subsidies than
New Zealand. ''As an American citizen,n
declared Mr.. Perkins, favor the foster
ing of American shipping as against Eng
lish shipping. England. France and Rus
sia paid last year SIS, 100000 in postal
subsidies, but my friend from Wisconsin
would not give dollar to American ship
ping except from the regular postage
rates.
The subsidy went over for separate vote
tomorrow. The balance of the postoffice
bill was completed
.. At 8 30 the senate adjourned.