The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-02
THE PosToFFICE BILL.
Another Spirited Debate ON the Ocean
Mail Subsidy Provision.

Wall SUBSIDY l,rOv1SfOn.
WASHINGTON. April 1.-Ocean mail sub
sidies brought on animated discussion in
the Senate to-day. during the consideration
opposed subsidies, and pointed out many in
stances Of what he declared were excessive
payments for mail service. Mr.. Perkins en-
ergetically defended subsidies for their en-
couragement to- American shipping. The sub
sidy item was reserved for separate vote
tomorrow. The remainder OF the postofice
appropriation bill was completed. Mr.. Call
introduced resolution of radical character
concerning Cuba, proposing the immediate
use OF the United States naval force to pro-
fect Americans in Cuba from atrocities and
for humane reasons in general. Mr.. Georges
speech on the Dupont case occupied most of
the day and is not yet completed.
At the opening OF the session Mr.. Butler
introduced bill requiring the acceptance of
current legal tender funds in payment for
notes, bonds or private obligations. The
Senator explained that the purpose of the
measure was to put a stop TO gold notes, gold
mortgages. ETC.. which were being wrung
from the people owing to their dire financial
distress. Both OF the oll parties. said the
Senator. had favored this piaa in their plat
forms, AMI tbs pr-Dcsed 10 make party
promises good cy law.
Does this propose 70 affect existing con-
tracts" asked Mr. ELL
TT does not responded Mr.. Butler. Il co
not believe in breaking contracts" The bill.
was referred to the finance committee.
Mr.. Call offered a resolution directing an
inquiry by the committee on public lands OF
the patenting OF unsurveyed public lands in
Florida. asserting that there was much ir-
ON "a of he nj De-
partment as 10 the lands, and manufacturing
corporations were absorbing them. His col
mitfee directions to Investigate, and moved
20 refer the resolution 10 the committee
without directions. and. on appeal by the
two senators for support, the Pasco melton
At this point Mr.. Call offered his joint
resolution directing the sending of an ade-
Quate naval force to Cuba to put an end to
barbarities and the violation, OF treaty obisa-
lions.
his speech In opposition to the claims OF Mr..
dupont 70 seat in the Senate.
Mr.. PETER gave notice that his motion to
take up the resolution for a senate inquiry
into the recent bond issues would be made
tomorrow.
Confederation of the postofice appropria-
newed his opposition to ocean nail subsidies.
lie said that although this service increased
the cost to the government by 100000 an
nually, yet no new lines were started and no
the payment Of subsidies, the total cost of
our foreign mails was AS0, 100. while the
present bill appropriated H.95000O for the
same service Mr.. Villas said the information
al, or American. line received 1900 last
while the Cunard, or British, line received
qAB0 last year for CARRYING 65S tons of
American mail-the British line carrying
twice the amount at two-thirds the cost.
Mr.. Hawley interposed TO state that four
Of the ships OF the American line were
equipped for armament. and were subject
- ell h. h. IT~4~A late
Mr.. Villas said these ships were not avail
able for war, except for transportation
MI. Hawley insisted that the British gov
eminent had fitted her merchant marine as
auxiliary cruisers. and regarded them as
2 material branch OF her ~ navy: not only
Mr. Villas expressed some surprise that
Mr.. Hawley had cited the British protection
given 10 merchant ships
Il cited it," responded Mr.. Hawley, DE
Great Britain Is his idol
Mr.. Villas said he was ready to take the
Intelligent instruction offered by any coun-
try or man. He went on 10 show the heavy
and growing cost OF ocean mail service.
Mr.. Villas cited many cases OF alleged ex-
csssive subsidies The mail from New York
20 Havana last year. at regular rates. would
have cost about $500. but, in fact. Il cost
over 100000 The Red ID line received So
go last year for mail 10 Venezuela, which
at regular rates would have cost H4.7SS
This" he said. illustrates the beauty of
MED by no benefits except that two of the
American ships were TO be serviceable for
the United States navy. OF course, said
the Senator, these ships would not be able
10 night against an armored ship. Mr.. Villas
turned his attention TO the proposed addi-
ton OF $4,000 in the compensation 10 the
oceanic steamship line for service from San
Francisco TO Hawaii and other south Pa
cifc points. and denied that the service
would be cut on II the addition was not
made.
In the course OF colloquy Mr.. Perkins
said were paying less in subsidies than
New Zealand. "As an American citizen"
declared Mr.. Perkins. IT favored the fos-
tering or American shipping as against Eng
fish Shipping England France and Russia
pad last year S1S000.000 in postal subsidies
but my friend from Wisconsin would not
give dollar 10 American shipping except
from the regular postal rates.
In the course Of the discussion Mr.. Villas
stated the steamship companies had sue
ceedee In carrying the point that statute
niles should be measured on the sea instead
Of nautical miles. thus increasing their
compensation one-sixth. At $40 the Senate
adjourned.