Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-17

branch of Congress has heard in long
time.
It brought forward the recognized
leaders of the various parties and ele-
ments. including such conspicuous figures
as Nessrs. Sherman. Frye Teller. German,
Vest. Aldrich. Platt. Mitchell of Oregon,
Chandler Hale and Allen in notable state
ments on the leading questions which
have engaged the attention Of Congress
and the country Of late.
Not only were the lines laid down on
tariff and finance, but the debate partook
of all the pent up feeling resulting from
the recent noaUnal contest. Often it was
dramatic i'm its intensity and at all times
absorbingly interesting to the crowded
galleries and intent body of Senators.
Political differences came in for fair
share of attention and the names of Mr.
Mckinley and Mr.. Bryan were often
heard. President Cleveland also came in
for a share of attention, Mr.. Allen de-
claring that the President was a Republic
can who rejoiced with the Republicans
over their recent mutual victory.
The debate came unexpectedly when Mr.
Vest called up the Allen resolution for
consideration of the Dingley bill. in order
to make some remarks on It, Mr.
Vest was in his usual caustic vein and
his speech teemed with those graceful and
catchy phrases for which he is noted.
It severely ar.aigned the doctrine OF pro-
lection. and derided the promises of pros
perity held out by Mr.. Mckinley. which
could not be fulfilled by levying more
taxes on the people.
There We're frequent sharp and amusing
cross fires between Mr.. Vest and Messrs
Aldrich, Chandler and Frye. The debate
advanced to a more acute stage when Mr..
Allen. with his usual blunmess, began to
question Mr.. Chandler as to the future
of the Dingley bill. He asserted that the
Republicans had no need to fear opposi-
ton from the President, who had gone
over. body and soul, to the Republican
party"
This brought forward Mr.. Sherman and
Mr.. Teller. The Ohio Senator spoke with
deep earnestness, declaring it was crime
for Congress not to give the government
ample revenue for needful expenditures
Fe characterized the silver substitute for
the Dingley bill as monstrosity designed
to cripple legislation and obstruct the op-
erations of the government. He approved
Mr.. Cleveland's course in issuing bends
to maintain the gold reserve.
Mr.. Teller followed. pointing out the fu-
tility of urging the Dingley bill AS to
future tariff legislation. he reserved his
judgment on it until the measure was pre-
sented and it's merits considered. Mr..
German also pointed out the uselessness
OF urging the Dingley bill, conceding,
however. that after March 4. next, the
Republican Senators would be in sufi-
cient strength to pass a tariff bill. As to
the course on the Democratic side, he
said. he anticipated no obstruction TO such
o. measure beyond an insistence on reason
able debate
Throughout the debate the sentiment
had prevailed that the Dinley bill was
dead and to give this final and apparently
official sanction, Mr. Platt of the finance
committee announced that no effort
would be made to urge that bill to pass
age. Thereupon Mr.. Sherman promptly
arose and said that in view Of what had
been said he acquiesced in the general
sentiment that no further effort should be
made on the Dingley bill. This was re-
garded as the final disposition of the bill.
The day in the house was productive
of little progress. The army appro
priatiOn bill was under discussion. but
q deadlock occurred over a proposition
for the abandonment of the army and
navy hospital at Hot Springs, Ark,
and the House adjourned.
Senator Teller was asked to-day for
his opinion of the proposition which it
has been stated, would be incorporated
in the new tariff bill for a duty on sill
yer and replied:
1t is very foolish idea. If they
think they can catch the silver men by
any such sop they are mistaken. It
would only emphasize the claim of the
gold men that silver is a mere COM
modify. If a duty of 80 cents an ounce
was placed on silver it would not raise
the price of silver a cent. The price
of silver is fixed abroad wnere it is
used. The only silver that is import
ed into this country is from Mexico.
upon which people in this country
make profit in handling That is all
right. and there can be no objection to
it. The silver thus imported is ship
ped out again. The price of silver is
fixed by the countries which use it for
money and in the arts We don't use
more than ten millions in the arts
Members of the Ways and Means
Committee later denied that any duty
on silver had been contemplated.
The hearings to be given by the
WAYS and Means Committee promise to
bring mere manufacturers to Wash
ington than similar hearings ever
brought before The committee is
flooded with requests for time TO pre-
sent arguments.
Democratic members of the commit
tee intend to marshal witnesses in re-
buttal TO advocate the continuance Of
the Wilson bill They desire to have
their side Of the case included in the
printed report of the hearings.
Gen" Jacob S. Coxey, of Common
Veal Army fame. had an interview to-
day with Chairman Walker, of the
House Banking and Currency Commit
tee. regarding the financial schemes he
represents.
The Senate Committee on Foreign
Affairs to-day discussed Cuban resolu-
tions, but took no ACTION. From opin-
ions expressed, the committee favors
Cuban independence.