Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-24
The Question Of the Commission
and tn Quarters.
MR.. ALLISON on TEE CONTROLLER
The Latter's Decision as to the
Payment Of Rent.
THE GENERAL PENSION BILL

The movement for international arbitra-
ton was referred to in the prayer of Rev.
Hugh Johnston at the opening of the Sen
ate today. LET the armies be disbanded,
let the world be at peace" he invoked.
When Mr.. Sherman sought to take up
the bill proposing a repeal Of the law CIV
Ing a rebate of the tax on alcohol used in
the arts, ETC., he met with unexpected OPP
position. MIR. Chandler said this would
precipitate the whole tariff question ana
would occasion lengthy debate. On SUBJ
ject of this moment there should be ample
notice of taking it up.
Mr. Sherman answered that this was
measure of the very highest importance,
recommended by the Secretary OF the
Treasury While conceding this. Mr.. Chan-
dler insisted that the Senate should nave
full warning before taking up a measure
which would involve the whole tariH ques-
ton.
rious and earnest objection to the bill.
MFR. Sherman finally consented to let the
measure go over.
Before the matter was iald aslde Hlr;
German (Md) expressed the hope That
Mr. Sherman would urge the measure ahead
of all appropriation bills
sundry Civil Bill.
The sundry civil appropriation bill was
then taken up, and MIR. German took oc-
casIon to point out that the bill as It came
from the House appropriated for only nine
months for the public buildir gs, the courts,
and for rivers and harbors.
Mr. Allison explained that this was IN
pursuance of a custom of the House, ana
the Senate committee proposed TO give tie
full amount necessary in order to avoid de-
fciencies.
The formal consideration of the bill then
proceeded.
Mr.. PETER Modfaes His Bond ResOlu-
ton.
At O'Clock the bond resolution was laid
before the Senate and Mr.. PETER Its au-
thor proposed notifications to meet the
criticisms In the recent speech of MIR. Hill.
AS modified the resolution strikes out the
direction that the special committee OF five
Senators shall inquire whether any officers
of the government made any contract or
agreement in connection with bond issues
with the intent to receive commission OF
personal reward Mr. Hill in his speech
por, ted out that that this was an indlrect
charge against government ofhciais-
Mr. PETER also modified the resolution by
striking cut the provision that not more
than two of the senators on the commit
tee of inquiry shall be members OF the
same political party. The resolution then
went over by agreement
Venezuelan Debate.
A Venezuelan debate came up when the
the Venezuelan commission to pay rent for
it's quarters out of 100000 appropriated for
it's expenses.
Mr.. German suggested that an explana-
ton was in order. In great haste and in
great emergency. Congress had appro-
priated 100000 at the suggestion or the
President for the purpose. as was supposed,
of proven ting a war. But now 1T appear
ed that the legislation was not effective in
giving quarters for the Venezuelan com
mission.
Mr. Allison explained that the controller
of the treasury had ruled that the Vene-
zuelan appropriation could not be used
for renting buildings within the District
Of Columbia. Mr.. Allison added that the
controller was very rigid in his rulings, as
was we'll known.
Mr.. German expressed amazement at
this condition of affairs. Amid great pop
ular excitement and on the advice or the
President Congress had made an appropria-
ton for the Venezuelan commission. He
had supposed it would permit all neces-
sary steps to be taken, the sending of COM
missio1ers abroad to secure maps, &c. 1t
was designed to settle a conflict between
TWO Of the greatest nations on earth. And
yet, here steps in a controller Of the treas
ury aud says this momentous commission
is without power to pay it's rent
Mr.. Alien (Neb) said it was singular that
the Venezuelan commission had not taken
quarters in the State Department, instead
of renting private quarters.
Mr.. German insisted on having the Vene-
ZCelan item go over until he could commu-
nlcate with the Treasury Department.