The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-01
DAY With THE LAWMAKERS
Appropriation Bill Occupies Attention
Of the Senate.
CONTESTED ELECTION CASES
Thrcc Disputes Arc Disposed OF In the
uouse-Five Hours Discussion Of the
Bankruptcy Biil-Partieipants in
General Debate.

Washington. April SO-The naval ap-
preparation bill had the undivided at
tention of the senate today. but when
the session closed no progress had been
made upon the bill beyond the exclu-
sion, on point of order of Mr.. Quay's
amendment to increase the number or
battleshlps from four to six. Mr.. Cor
mans amendment to reduce the num-
ber to two was the proposition before
the senate when 1t met, and remained
SO when 1t adjourned. Speeches were
made by Mr.. White CDem., CALI In ia
vor of coast defenses rather than of an
increase of the navy: by Mr. Allen
(Pop., NebD predicting the collapse Of
the Democratic and Republican par
ties-the former within three months
and the latter by March 4. 1901, and by
Mr.. German Dem., Md in enforce
ment of his views as to the necessity
of more economy in appropriations.
The house today disposed of the three
contested election cases from Missis-
sippi, adopting the resolutions report
ed from the election committee con-
iirming the title of the sitting men,
bers, Messrs. Allen, Williams and
Spencer, Democrats. to their seats. The
contestants in these cases based their
claims for the seats upon an alleged
violation of the federal law regulating
the representation of Mississippi in
congress by the constitution of that
state The committee declined to make
a declaration upon that question.
A bill was passed increasing the PEN
sion of General William Grose, of In
diana, from $50 to S. month.
Five hours were then devoted to a
further discussion of the bankruptcy
bill. the general debate closing with
today's session. The principal speak,
ers were Messrs. Dearmond Dem. MOI,
Dem.. TeX.) against the bills. and
Messrs. Burton UteD., MOI, Culberson
Dem., Tex.) and Ray (Rep.. N. " in
favor Of the bill. The latter two admit
ted their conversion from an attitude
of opposition to a bill containing the
involuntary feature. The discussion
developed the fact that the house was
practically unanimous in favor of a bill
providing for voluntary bankruptcy
the difference in opinion was as to the
Incorporation of the involuntary fea-
ture.
RELIC OF THE DEBS CASE.
In the senate today Mr.. Hill from the
committee on judiciary favorably re-
ported substitute bill for that before
the committee relating to contempts of
The bill defines direct contemDts as
these committed during the sitting of a
court or of a judge at chambers in his
presence or SO near there as to obstruct
the administration Of Justice; all others
are indirect contemDts. Direct con-
tempts are made punishable summarily
without written accusation.
Upon the return of any process show
ing any person to he guilty of indirect
contempt it is provided that a writ Of
attachment may isvea and such person
be brought before the court A writ
ten accusation setting forth all the
facts clearly must be filed and the ac-
cused required to answer thereto.
After such answer or refusal to
answer the writ may proceed at the
time fixed 20 hear testimony and deter
mine such accusation. Upon application
of the accused, in the discretion of the
court trial by jury may be granted
Provision is also made for exceptions
and review upon direct appeal to or
by writ of error from the Supreme
court