Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-06-03
NATIONAL CAPITAL BUDGET
Presidents Veto of the River and Har-
Dor Bill Came Up in the Sen
ate To-day.
VEST STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE BILL
Passed Over the Veto in the Senate
by Vote of SO to 5-Having Pre-
viously Passed the House 1t
is Now Law.

Washington, June "A contest for
right-of-way arose as soon as the senate
met to-day. Mr.. Vest, who, in the alb
sence of Mr.. Frye, is in charge of the
river and harbor bill, sought to have the
presidents veto taken mp.
This was opposed by Mr.. Pettigrew, in
charge of the Indian appropriation con-
ference report.
Mr.. Vest urged that the suspension and
possible destruction of the improvement
of internal water ways was of more
moment than any other one subject save
that Of national honor. It was 1mpera-
tive that it should be determined, whether
any river and harbor bill was to be
framed, if the veto was to be sustained.
The veto was ordered taken up-yeas
So, nays 10. The negative vote was:
Democrats-M Messrs. Bate, Chiffon, Har-
ris, Palmer, Villas; Republicans Messrs.
Brown, Morrill,, Pettigrew, Tritchard,
Teller.
SENATOR VEST TALKS PLAIN.
Mr.. Vest said that the veto contained
statements, which, however he might re-
spect the high Office of president, ought
did not question the presidents preroga
tive, but the trainers of the constitution
never intended that this power should be
used in the ordinary affairs of the govern
ment. 1t was intended to be power to
meet extraordinary emergencies, when
popular passion led to hasty legislation,
or when constitutional question was
involved.
The early presidents, continued Mr..
Vest, who stood nearest to the constitu-
tion, exercised the veto power but seven
times-twice by Washington, five times
by Madison, and never by Jefferson or
John Adams. The president had stated
that the bill made direct appro priations
of $14,OOOOOO, while in fact they aggre-
gated $12,6OS,900. Mr.. Vest took other
items, showing that the totals were less
than the presidents statements would in
dictate. The senator said that the meas
ure was reasonable.
THERE WERE ITEMS OPEN TO QUESTION;
Yet, as in all legislation, this was the
result of compromise.
Mr.. Vest said that he had addressed a
letter to Gen. Craighill, chief of engi-
neers, asking for the facts as to the state
ment of the president that he has learned
from official sources that the bill con-
tanned appropriations intended to serve
private interests. The senator said that
Craighill had made no reply, but in re-
sponse to a telegraphic query had
answered that the letter had been ire
ferred to the secretary of war for instruc-
tions." Up to this date no information
has been given.
$50 for reasons best known to the ad-
ministration," said Mr.. Vest bitterly, "it
is considered best not to 60 into details,
but to indulge in general and historical
defamation as to alleged extravaganza
and favoritism."
Ia the platform on which Cleveland
was first nominated was strong plank
for water Improvements and his early
messages indorsed these Improvements.
Mr.. Vest prophesied that, in the near fu-
ture, legislation would be directed to the
further developing of International COM
merce and cheapening transportation.
PASSED OVER PRESIDENTS VETO.
The senate passed the river and harbor
bill over the presidents veto by vote
of 56 to S.
HILLS POSITION.
The report that Senator Hill said that
he would stand by the Democratic ma
t,onal platform was yesterday confirmed
by the senator. 1t is just beginning to
dawn on the gold standard men that sill
YER is going to win at Chicago and a
stampede is setting in among them to re-
pair their political fences and get in out
of the wet.
TALK OF ADJOURNMENT.
Congress may adjourn on Saturday.
Work to that end has been mapped out.
Beginning to day the sessions of the SEN
ate will commence at II O'Clock and sew
eral night sessions are among the proba-
bilities of the week. However, scme
fears of veto of the general deficiency
bill are expressed among the members of
the house because it carries the French
spoilation claims, and if this happens
congress may not adjourn until Tuesday
next.