The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-04-25
SUNDRY CIVIL BILL
Discussed But Not Completed
by the Senate.
DEFECTS POINTED OUT
It Provides APPROXIMATIONS for
1t Provides Appropriations for
Only Nine Months.
REPUBLICAN, ECONOMY SCHEME
Senator PETER Has Modified His Bond
Inquiry Resolution SO as 10
Meet the Criticisms of
Senator Hill.

Senator Hiii.
Washington. April "a. The Senate
cave to-day to the Sundry Civil Appro-
priation bill without completing it
The debate was largely of formal
character. Mr. German took occasion
to point out that the bill, as it came
from the House, appropriated for only
nine months for the public buildings,
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 the following amount necessary
in order to avoid deficiency. The for
r.aI consideration of the bill then pro-
ceaded.
A. 2 O'Clock the bond resolution was
Eaid before the Senate, and Mr.. PETER,
It's author, proposed notifications to
meet the criticisms in the recent
speech OF Mr.. Hill. AS modified, the
resolution strikes out the direction
that the special committee of five
Senators shall inquire whether any Of
ficer Of the government made any con-
tract or agreement in connection with
bond issues with the intent to receive
commission or personal reward.
Mr.. Hill in his speech pointed out
that this was an indirect charge
against government officials.
Mr.. PETER also modified the resolu-
ton by striking out the provision that
not more than two of the Senator'S on
the committee of inquiry shall be
members of the same political party.
The. resolutions then went over by
agreement.
a Venezuelan dispute came up au-
thorizing the Venezuelan commission
to pay rent for its quarters out OF
sio0. coo appropriated for its expenses.
Mr.. German suggested that an eNpla-
nation was I'm order In great haste
and in great emergency Congress had
aunropriated 100000 at the suggestion
| Of the President for the purpose. as
| was supposed Of preventing 2 war.
| But now it appeared that the legisla-
ton was not, effective in giving quar-
| fers for the Venezuelan commission.
Mr.. Allison explained that the Comp
| troller of the Treasury had ruled tnaI
| the Venezuelan appropriation couid
| not be used for renting buildings
within the District of Columbia. Mr..
/ Allison added that the Comptroller was
! very rigid in his rulings as was well
| known.
Mr.. German expressed amazement
| ut this condition of affairs. Amid
/ great popular excitement, and on the
/ advice of the President, Congress had
made an appropriation for the Nene-
! znelan Commission He said it was
! designed to settle conflict between
fhe two greatest nations on earth.
| And vet here steps in a Comptroller OF
/ the Currency and says this momentous
/ commission is without power TO pay lts
rent.
Mr.. Allison interrupted to say tnat
/ the condition was really ridiculous, Yet
i IT existed and had to be met
+ @There is a feeling prevalent through
| the country, added Mr.. Gorman,
"that the emergency in this Venezuelan
| question Is past--if indeed il ever exist
| ell. At amy rate it is gratifying TO
know that this grave question pas
| dwindled down to IA question OF rent OF
quarters for the Venezuelan commits
sion.
Mr.. Allen Pop, Neb.) said it was SIM
gular that the Venezuelan Commission
| had not taken quarters in the State De-
partment instead of renting private
| quarters.
slr. German insisted on having the
Venezuelan item go over, but later
Withdrew his opposition and the Item
was adopted
An amendment was adopted giving
| the Cotton States Exposition CONF
pany $4,000, the balance OF former
auDr0Driati0n uneXpended.
The Joint resolution giving to Sena-
tors Mantle. of Montana, and Clark, Of
Wyoming, the salary from March 4.
1894. instead Of from the date Of elec-
ton. was adopted
Bills were passed appropriating $25,-
600 to Richmond College, Richmond,
Va. for war indemnity appropriating
S20. 200 for a light house at st. Joseph's
Bay. Florida. And then, at 5:45 p m,
the Senate adjourned until tomorrow.