The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-25
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.


me Sunory CitIl nIIs
WASHINGTON, April 24.-The Senate
gave to-day to the sundry civil appropria-
ton bill without completing it. The de-
bate was largely OF a formal character.
Contrary TO custom there will be a Satur-
day session Of the Senate. The movement
for International arbitration was referred
to in the prayer of Rev. Hugh Johnston at
the opening Of the session. Let the
armies be d~isbanded: let the world be at
peace" ne invoked. Mr.. Sherman sought
20 take up the bill proposing a repeal of
the law giving a rebate of tax on alcohol
used in the arts. but met with strong OPP
position from Mr.. Chandler and Mr.. Platt,
so the measure vent over.
At 2 o'clock the bond resolution was laid
before the Senate and Mr.. PETER, its
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 Senator'S shall inquire whether any Off
Ger OF the government made any contract
or agreement in connection with bond
issues with the intent to receive commits
sion or personal reward. and also the pro-
vision that not more than two OF the Sem
ators on the committee OF inquiry shall be
members OF the same political party. The
81 Wtll OstI ~ dkIctIItnl.
A Venezuelan debate came up when the
item of tie sundry civil bill was reached
authorizing the Venezuelan commission to
pay rent Tor its quarters out OF the $780,
200 appropriated for its expenses. Mr.. Cor
nfan suggested that an explanation was in
order. In great haste ana in great emer-
gency Congress had appropriated 100000
at the suggestion of the President for the
purpose, as was. supposed, OF preventing a
war. But now it appeared that the legis-
lation was not effective in giving quarters
for the Venezuelan commission.
Mr.. Allison explained that the Controller
OF the Treasury had ruled that the Vene-
zueian appropriation could not be used for
renting buildings within the District of
Columbia Mr.. Allison added that the
was well known.
Mr.. German expressed amazement at this
condition OF affairs: Amid great popular
excitement and on the advice of the Presi-
dent. Congress had made an appropriation
for the Venezuelan commission 1t was de-
signed to settle a conflict between two of
the greatest nations on EARTH And yet
here steps In a Controller of the Treasury
and says this momentous commission Is
without power TO pay its rent.
Mr.. Allison interrupted 10 say that the
condition was really ridiculous. and yet It
existed and had TO be met
There Is a feeling prevalent through the
country" added Mr.. German. that the
emergency in this Venezuelan question is
past. II indeed Il ever existed At all
grave question has dwindled down to a
question Of rent of quarters for the Vene-
Zueldn cOmmlSSiOn.
Mr.. Allen said il was singular that the
Venezuelan commission had not taken quar-
tiers In the State Department instead Of
renting private quarters
Mr.. German insisted on having the Vene-
znelan item go over until he could COM
municate with the Treasury Department
The sectarian question came up IN a new
form when the items were reached appro-
priatinz for the Providence and Garfield
fute invalids. Mr. Gallinger proposed an
amendment requiring a contract TO be made
by Providence Hospital. This brought for
ward Mr.. German In some general state
neuts on the sectarlan question. He said
he confessed his anfazement that the Con-
gress OF the United States or any party
IN control of Congress should be so far
swept from the plain dictates of justice as
to raise the sectarian question against hos
pstals. II II was for political purposes Mr..
German declared. II would react on its
authors. Mr.. German moved 10 lay the
amendment on the table, and the motion
prevailed without dissent.
Mr.. Chandler endeavored to have restr1c-
tons placed on the expenditures OF the At
t-orney-general in order to avoid deficien-
we can't have the reform 1 hope we will
have a new President of the United States
who viii give Us new district attorneys and
marsnals to keep down the expenditures.
priating $is, 900 additional for the public
building at Little Rock, Ark
Mr.. German withdrew opposition to the
Venezuelan item and II was adopted.
An amendment by Mr.. Bacon giving the
Cotton States Exposition Company $4,000.
the balance of the former appropriation un-
expended. was adopted. The bin then went
over
Mantle, OF Montana. and Clark. OF Wyo-
ming. the salary from March 4, 1894. in
stead of from the date of election was
adopted And then. at $40, the Senate ad-
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