The record-union., 1896-04-15

WASHINGTON. April IA. - The
House to-day passed without division
and practically without objection the
bill making appropriations for fortlfica-
tons and coast defenses. It's passage
was advocated by Hainer Rep) of Ne
braska, Sayers Dem.) of Texas, Bart
lett Dem.) of New York, Livingston
(Dem) Of Georgia, Hemenway (Rep)
of Indiana and Cannon (Rep) OF Illl-
nois, all members of the Committee on
Appropria tions and by Baker (Rep.)
CT New Hampshire.
The latter criticised the committee
for not going further and appropriating
all the money asked by Generals Flagler
and Craighill.
Berry Dem) of Kentucky was the
only opponent of the bill. He said the
money would be better spent in build
ing ships than in fixing batteries. The
Secretary of War estimated that S.
S45, 1913 could be expended in the COM
ing year.
The bill carries specific appropriations
amounting to 5,S42, 331, and authority
is given to the Secretary Of War to
make contracts involving the further
expenditure of So, ,276, making the
total authorized expenditures in the bill
ST, 1854, 613.
The following shows the aggregate
amount appropriated and authorized
by contract under each subdivision Of
the bill, namely: Gun and mortar bat
teries, s., 26O, 900; sites for fortifica-
ticns, $25000O; preservation and repair
of Notifications, $50, 600; plans for forth
fcations, $1,000; sea walls and embank-
ments, ST. ,915; torpedoes for harbors,
100000; armament of Notifications,
So,J02,6l3; proving ground at Sandy
Hook, N. j.. $3S, 900; Watertown, Mass,
$500; Watervleit On. W Arsenal, 3d.
500: Benicia (Cal) Arsenal, $4,000;
Ordnance and Fortifcations Board,
100000; Fortress Monroe sewerage
system, SO, $50
The House agreed to the conference
report upon the legislative, executive
and judicial appropriation bill so far as
the conferrees had agreed and ordered
another conference upon the matters
still in dispute between the two houses
Bingham (Rep.) of Pennsylvania re-
ported from the eonferrees % the iegis-
latiye, executive and judicial appropria-
ton bill the agreement made leaving the
two houses still apart on some Of the
amendments made by the Senate.
Bingham explained the grounds of diff
ference substantially as stated by Sena-
tor Cullom yesterday. The total amount
involved in the differences was $751; $50.
Considerable discussion occurred over
the amendment included in the dis
agreement, which provided for addi-
tional Senate employees.
Hartman Rep) of Montana moved to
instruct the House conferrees to recede
from their disagreement and agree to
it, with an amendment providing an
nual clerks to members of the House,
but it was ruled out on a point of order.
The report of the conferrees was
agreed to- and a further conference on
the disputed points ordered.
The debate was continued by Messrs.
Savers Dem.) of Texas and Bartlett
Oem.) of New York, who advocated the
passage of the bill. The whole people.
irrespective of party, Bartlett contend
ed demanded the adoption and execu-
ton of a just system of coast defense.
Proceeding to details, Bartlett said the
plan recommended for execution con-
templated the expenditure of about $50, :
0000 600 1t would necessitate the pur-
chase of 203 twelve-inch steel guns, 100
ten-inch guns and % eight-inch guns.
He exhibited engravings of the guns as
mounted in the Notifications.
In closing, Bartlett quoted from the
words of Mr.. Tilden, whom he described
as "a distinguished Democrat, and at
one time President Of the United
States" This evoked laughter and
groans from the Republicans, and
II.~dia o. Jrdiona asked. Did he
draw his salary?"
NO" answered Bartlett, with delib-
Grafton, as he wiped his glasses lie
did not draw his salary, but he ala re-
ceive majority of the fair votes OF the
country, and that l believe is now con-
coded by everybody except the gentle
man from Indiana"
Several gentlemen desired TO ask
Bartlett questions. but he declined 10
yield. saying he did not wish TO De
drawn into political discussion
Livingston (Dem.) of Georgia, also
member ~ Committee on Appropria-
tons, and supporting the bill, SAID II
might seem strange to persons on the
outside that the House should Jump
from an appropriation of S2,Ooo,ooo IN
one session to SI1, 10000 in the next,
but he wanted TO CoHE PSoPAS oAi
the inside and outside that this appro-
priation was to be made at time when
1t was apparent that Mr.. Mckinley OF
Ohio would be the Republican nominee
for President: that the A. P. As would
beat him; that the pure Jenersonian
Democracy would take charge OF the
Chicago convention, and that therefore
they could sleep comfortably, knowing
that money would be economically spent
and that the country would be safe after
the 4th of March next. daughter)
The bill has been prepared in accord
ance with the suggestion OF General
Flagler. he said, and If the committee
had made mistake 1T was because 1t
had been misled by those who ought to
be informed on the subject.
Walsh (Dem.) of New York asked
II Livingston was aware of the fact that
forty-five rapid-fire guns had been sent
by the British military authorities to
Kingston for defense of the lakes
Livingston-It would not make any
difference, Mr. Chairman. If there We're
145 know that we could take Canada
In three weeks without regard to the