The Indianapolis journal., 1896-03-27

Associated Press Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, March. 26.-The naval ap-
preparation bill was passed to-day by the
House without substantial amendment. An
effort was made by the advocates Of
larger increase of the navy than was au-
thorized by the bill TO increase the number
of battle ships from four TO six. This in
crease was supported on the floor by Messrs.
Hanley, Cummings and Johnson OF Cali
fornia. and opposed BY Messr. Boutelle.
chairman of the committee, Hulick and
Robinson. The House. by large majority,
stood by the recommendation of the COM
mittee, the proposition for six battle ships
mastering but 81 votes against 1874 Various
other amendments were offered, but all
failed The bill. as passed. carries sSl.6l1. .Oe4
and authorizes the construction OF four bat
tie ships and fifteen torpedo boats, the total
cost of which will be in the neighborhood of
$Ss.0O0.0oO. The sundry civil appropriation
bil which was reported to-day. will be
taken up tomorrow. At the opening of the
session Mr. Heatwole introduced the follow
ing resolution. which was referred:
whereas. in view of our present made
quate banking and currency system, 1t Is
desirable that Congress have the aid or
such recommendations as a non-partisan
commission OF experts might be able to
OFFER.
Resolved. That the President is hereby
authorized TO appoint nine citizens. eminent
I'm trade. political economy and banking, to
act with the Controller of the Currency as
such commission. and that such commission
report its conclusions TO congress
provide for reimbursement for the con-
struction of sewer on the permanent reser-
walton at Hot Springs, Ark; to grant the
Gulf. Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad Com
pany the right to acquire terminal facili-
ties at Davis 1. T.
into committee OF the whole and resumed
consideration Of the naval appropriation BILL
1t was decided to allow three hours for gen.
increase of the navy. Mr.. Hanley. of In
diana, member Of the naval committee,
who favored a larger increase in the navy
than the majority of the committee, argued
I'm favor OF an amendment which ne gave
notice he would offer, 10 increase the num-
Der OF battle ships from four to six. AL
from the tldewater they were patriotic
enough and proud enough TO desire to see
their country with a navy beftting her
globe. He thought it was time for the
United States to enter on distinctively
national policy. He referred to the aggres-
elons OF Great Britain and our foreign COM
pl:cations as an argument for strong
navy. No party could AFFORD to block the
destiny of the United States and now that
the Republicans were clothed with power
they should not hesitate to carry out the
promises made when they were in the op-
Mr.. Hulick said he indorsed all Mr. Han
ley had said. but he argued that, in view of
the condition of the treasury 1t was unwise
TO authorize more than four battle ships in
this bill AS to the building of dry docks.
the Secretary of the Navy thought II was
better to expend the money 10 be appropri-
afed for ships than dry docks and build the
latter at some subsequent time.
HANLEY SUPPORTED BY JOHNSON.
Mr.. Johnson. OF California. favored the
Hanley amendment for six battle ships in
stead OF four. He ridculed the bravado
with which we had during the past few
months announced our willingness to declare
war on the frst-class powers OF the world.
With our navy our pretensions were prepos-
ferrous. In the event of war with Great Brit
ain we would be powerless 10 prevent Brit