The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-04-28
Armor Plate Frauds Discussed
in the Senate.
TILLMAN's SECOND SPEECH
Millionaire Contractors Cheat
the Government.
THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL
Mr.. Chambers Amendment 10 the Bill
is Debated by the Senate
But Not Finally Dis
posed Of.
posed Of.

Washington, April 27.-The Naval
Appropriation bill was before the Sen
ate throughout the day. An amendment
offered by Mr.. Chandler making it un-
lawful for retired officers to enter the
service of contractors furnishing ar
nor, etc, for the Government, occa-
toned an animated debate, which grad
ually broadened into adiscussion of the
entire subject of armor plate.
Tilman was among the most active
in support of the amendment, speak
ing OF the efforts to cheat and rob the
Government, and the tendency of mil
Ilonaire contractors to thrust their
hands into the pocket of Uncle Sam.
Mr.. Chandler and Mr.. Hale supported
the amendment, and Mr.. Gray and Mr..
German opposed it. The amendment
was not disposed of when the Senate
adjourned.
The main features of the bill are the
items for four seag0ing coast line bat
tleships, designed to carry the heayl-
est armor and most powerful ordnance,
to cost $3,750,000 each, three torpedo
boats, having a speed of thirty knots,
TO cost $s00,000, and ten torpedo boats
to cost $500,0O0. These provisions are
the same as the House provided, except
that the number OF first-class torpedo
boats is reduced from five to three, and
the speed increased from rs to 30 knots.
The unimportant amendments of the
committee we're all agreed TO. The item
of reserve guns for auxiliary cruisers
caused some debate.
Mr.. Qnay offered an amendment in
craasing the appropriation for this
item from S250,000 to 100000.
Mr.. German doubted the expediency
of providing a lot Of new guns and
following it up with many new ships,
in view of the present condition Of the
Treasury.
what is the present condition of the
Treasury" asked Mr.. Stewart.
Il will come TO that later to-day or
tomorrow" responded Mr.. German.
Mr.. Stewart remarked that there was
| $3.50, 100000 cash balance in the Treas
ury.
Eyes, and considerable silver also"
said Mr.. German.
After further debate, Mr. Quay's
amendment was agreed to.
Mr.. Perkins rep, Cali, moved an
amendment appropria.ting 100000 for
a naval training school at Yerba Buena,
CAL He argued that American ships
should be manned by Americans, and
that it was desirable to foster patri-
otic spirit among American seamen.
Mr.. German made vigorous opposi-
ton, and the California Senator con-
sented to have the appropriation cus
to $4,000, saying the liberal people of
\.
Later he withdrew the amendment
Mr.. Chandler offered an amendment
making it unlawful, after June 30,
1897, for naval officers to take service
with concerns furnishing armsor or
other equipments for the government.
He said the practice of allowing retired
naval officers on three-fourth's pay to
enter the service of contractors deal
ing with the government was very OBJ
iecti0nable. These officers had facili-
ties for knowing what was going on
at the Navy Department, and it was
improper that service to the govern
ment and service to the contractor
should run together. He said there
were several specifications showing the
Objectionable character of this service,
but he refrained from mentioning
InGnf as LnE Navy BtIJHT
had sanctioned the service.
Mr. Gray contended that it was un-
just TO restrict the service of naval
officer on the retired list.
Mr.. Bacon (Dem. Ga.) asserted that
the armor manufacturers were maxi
ing enormous profits from the govern
ment and were enabled To drive hard
bargains by having in their service
pa e. a,
the affairs of the government.
Mr. Tillman spoke in support of the
amendment, it being the first time he
bad addressed the Senate since his me-
morable speech on the finances. He
said this seemed to be matter of
taste, where the people had right to
differ As a member Of the Naval COM
mittee. he had followed this subject
with interest. He has seen two of the
ablest naval officers educated by the
government, serving the contractors
for naval armor who were the enemies
Of the goyernment-their interests
being antagonistic to those of the gov
ernment. These officers were still un-
der pay Of the government.
Retired pay only SO per month"
ipferiected Mr. Gray.
IF that is 50" proceeded Mr.. Till
man, Eli not say man can live on
SO per month In this community"
lie went on to say that these officers
were put in the embarrassing position
of helping 10 cheat the government, to
rob it. 1t was position in which no
honorable man should be placed, Sup
pose these officers entered into the SER
vice of Spain or England against whom
there was just now a pet aversion,