The Indianapolis journal., 1896-02-19
Populisfs the Cause of Several Lively
sharp Tits between Members OF
the SENATE Yesterday.
TILLMAN PROvOKES HILL
AND NEBRAskA's ALLEN AROUSES
MEssRs. GEAR AND wOLCOTT.
PETERS Proposed Investigation of
Bond Issues Opposed by Mr.. Hill
Money Voted for Seeds.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1s.-The session of
the Senate to-day furnished a succession of
breezy incidents. Little actual work was
accomplished. but brief debates on a num-
Der Of subjects developed frequent sharp
personal exchanges between the Senator's
Mr.. Hill, of New York. had a lively tilt
with MIR. T!llman, OF South Carolina, dur
ing the debate on Mr.. PETERS resolution
for a Senate investigation of the recent
bond issue. Mr.. Allen, of Nebraska. joined
issue with Mr.. Gear, of Iowa. and Mr.. VOL
colt the course of the Pacific railway
committee in conducting their inquiry. Mr..
Chandler and Mr. Cockrell had AN animated
but good-natured colloquy, and Gen. Haw-
ley and Mr.. Allen had difference some
what less good natured. Two appropriation
bills. the Military Academy and the pen
sion bill, were passed during the day. Ef-
forts were made to amend the Military
Academy bill by increasing the number of
cadets by two from each State, ninety in
all. but after debate of three hours the
plan was defeated. The pension appropria-
tion BILL carrying Si42,00000c, was passed
after ten minutes debate. o.
When the Senate met at noon to-day
AIR. Allen asked the finance committee
what steps were to be taken toward a con-
ference with the House on the silver bond
bill 1t was explained that the House had
not asked for conference on it's noncon-
currence. and no further action was taken.
Mr.. Gear, chairman of the committee on
Pacific railroads, called attention to the
misapprehension that the committee was
hearing only railroad officers and agents.
On the contrary. ne said. full and ample
notice had been given TO all parties who
desired TO appear. The committee would
not undertake to subpoena patrons of
these roads. The latter could present their
views il they so desired.
Mr.. Allen insisted that the patrons, trad
ers. etc. along the line had not been in
vited to the hearing. The only persons
heard were Mr.. c. P. Huntington. Mr. Win
slow and other interested parties.
A THREE-CORNERED DEBATE.
There was a sharp three-cornered debate
between Messrs. Gear. Allen and wolcott
as to the committees course. Mr.. Gear
wanted to know who Mr.. Allen desired to
have heard Mr.. Allen responded that the
Farmers Alliance in Nebraska had a large
fund of information. Why was it not
asked for?
I'VE have no official knowledge of the
existence OF such an organization" re-
sponded Mr.. Gear.
Mr.. Allen declared that there was con-
spicuous evidence the country over of the
Alliances existence.
why does not the Nebraska Senator in
form his Alliance constituents of this hear
fngy asked Mr.. Wolcott Possibly securing
them passes, as they would doubtless decline
TO come at government expense as contrary
TO their principles"
Mr.. Allen continued his criticisms of the
committee at considerable length
Mr.. Peffer sought to secure action on his
resolution for the creation of special COM
mittee OF five Senators to inquire into the
circumstances OF recent bond issues
Mr. sherman moved TO refer the resolution
to the finance committee. He said that If
such an inquiry was made a regular COM
mittee OF the Senate should conduct Ii, thus
avoiding needless expense Of a special COM
he considered 1t desirable when charges of
tmpropriety were made against officials of
the government that an inquiry should be
Mr.. PETER followed at considerable length,
criticising the bond issues. The Senator de-
clared that public indignation alone prevent
ed the last bond issue from going to the
syndicate which made such enormous profits
at the previous bond sale Mr.. PETER re-
1erred TO the vague suggestions OF scandal
as TO this last sale. including the late SUBJ
mission of one of the largest bids.
Mr.. stewart advocated an inquiry. and
strongly criticised the recent bond issues
Mr.. Lodge stated that in view of the
charges of irregularity Involving the credit
OF the government. he believed that an in
Vestigatfon should be made.
The appearance OF Mr.. Hill in opposition
to the inquiry was the signal FOR a spirited
deDate. He was opposed he said. TO any in
vestigation at this time by the fanance com
mittee or any other committee. He depre-
Gated the custom CT following up every idle
rumor. every indefinite charge that the
right thing had not been done. The Senate
had heretofore dignified such rumors by Sc
de cunosy The senator xbo
proposes this inquiry did not make personal
charges against the President Secretary
II make the charge" exclaimed Mr.. Stew
art: rising and walking down the aisle.
.,,sa Mr, Hih wa, waived Mr.. Stewart back and le-
ciined 10 yield TO the interruption.
But let me make the charge" insisted
Mr. Stewart .l
TILLMAN JUMPS INTO THE RING.
The Senator will charge anything" .aid
Mr. Hill, still declining to yield. Mr.. Hill
proceeded to argue against the Senate in
quir.es OF rumors when he was again in
terrupted by Mr.. Tillman. The latter raised
his right arm and was about to frame an
energetic question when MIR. Hill positively
declined to yield to a question. saving on,,-
a few minutes remained before o'clock
when the expiration OF the morning hour
would cut him of.
Mr.. Tiilman yielded reluctantly. anG as ha
took his seat he exclaimed: 1T is not the
frst time have seen the Senator tHilD XIII
Ir: hill turned about. facing the South
Carolina Senator and, addressing him per
sonatly. said: II will be the juoge OF now
and when | Will speak"
"Undoubtedy" interjected Mr. Tillman
ironically
And" proceeded Mr.. Hill, II viii not be
governed In my course by the Senator from
South Carolina
In the course of the quick passages back
ard forth the Vice Presidents gavel had
been keeping up a lively appeal for order.
Mr.. Hill went on with his opposition to the
investigation A rap from the Chair ard