The National tribune., 1896-06-11
MrnNFsnAY. HIKE 2


In the Senate. the River and Harbor bill was
passed over the Presidents veto by the follow
ing vote:
eas-Republicans-Messrs Aldrieh. Allison.
Burrows Cannon. Carter, Chandler, Clark, Cui-
lon. Davis, Dubois. Elkins Gailineer. Gear. Hale
Hnnsbrongh. Hawley. Lodge Mcbride Mitchell
fOre.l. Nelson, Perkins Peiigrew. Plat. PrtcIard
Quay, Sherman. Shoup, Squire. Teller, Warren,
Metmore, Wilson. and Wolcou--33 Democrats
Mes-rs. Bacon. Berry, Brce Faulkner, George
Gibson. German. Jones ARK. Lindsay. Mills,
Mitchell (wisl, Morgan, Phsco. Pugh. Timan,
Turpie. Vest. Wnlthall. aud Whiie-l9. Popu-
lisis-MessFs, Butler. Jones (Nev.l PETER and
Stewart. Total. SO.
Nmys-Democrais--Me ssrs. Bate Clifton, Hill.
6mith. Villas.
Mr.. Vest said he had addressed letter to
Gen. Cralghill, Chief of Engineers, asking for
the facts as 10 the statement Of the President
that he had learned from off cial sources the
bill contained appropriations intended TO serve
private interests. The Senator said Gen.
Craghill made no reply. but in response 10 a
Geographic query answered that the letter had
been referred TO the Secretary OF War for in
structions." Up 10 this date 10 information
had been given. &" So that for reasons best
known to the Administration. said Mr.. Vest
bitterly, it is considered best not to 20 into
celaiis on these charges, but 10 ind &c in gen.
eral aud rhetorical defamation as 10 the
alleged extravaganza and favoritism contained
in it,"
Mr. Sherman said he would vote TO pass the
Dill over the veto because the improvement of
the waterways OF the country was one OF the
most important branches OF National develop
gnent, and one in which other great nations
were showing even greater advance than The
United States. The Senator expressed the
opinion, also that the veto power could not be
directed against an appropriation bill. The
legislative branch given the exclusive
right to appropriate money" 1t is time to
curb tins daily exercise Of the veto power"
declared Mr. Sherman. " IL is a most extreme
power, and a dangerous one, unless exercised
only Ia the most extreme cases involving con-
btitutional questions. But this wise restriction
BE- sci aside and we have veto every week or
bo-eyery day or 50"
Mr. Villas wis, d. said that the bill CON-
tanned important appropriations for his State.
but he could not bring himself to the conyic.
tlon that this great burden should be added 10
The distressed shoulders Of the people of the
country. The appropriations of the present
congress would outstrip, Mr. Villas said. those
Of the Congress which became famous as the
"billlOn-dOlHr Congress" Ii would imnose
she highest measure of taxation ever put on
ne people 10 single year aud 10 the top OF
ihis was TO be added another $50 90 600 for
rivers aud hRrbOrs Where WAS the money
coming from asked Mr.. Villas. WAS it coming
from more taxation or more bonds? or
course, the Secretary Of the Treasury will
have TO stop paying when he has no more
money TO pay with" exclaimed Mr.. Villas.
+" but Is II the desire OF this Congress To drive
the Treasury into bankruptcy 2"
Mr. lIill upheld the veto power, declaring
that the fine distinctions and limitations which
had been stated were in the brains OF Senators
but not in the Constitution Senators had
quoted Jackson, but Mr. Hin reminded them
that Old Hickory himself inaugurated The We
tong OF river and harbor bills, aud in 1882 in.
terposed tie first veto Of such a measure. Ia
conclusion Mr.. Hill offered a resolution propos-
ing an amendment 10 the Constitution proyid-
ing that the President may veto specific item
oil an appropriation bill without vctoing the
entire bill.
Alter the River and Harbor bill had been is
posed OF the partial report on the Naval appro-
priation bill, covering all questions except the
item OF battleships and the price OF armor-p late
was agreed 10. aud on the question of further
conference Mr.. Chandler took the hoor. He
argued at length against receding from the
Senate amendment reducing tine number OF
SHIPS to two. lie argued also for the amend.
ment restricting the cost OF armor- plate 10 $3.50
rs a means, he said, of extricating the Navy
Department from the clutches OF a home aud
foreign combination.
In the House. the Conference report on the
General Deficiency bill was received and dis
-ussed.