The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-11
Sharp Discussion of an
Amendment to the
Law.
With Mirth and Sarcasm the
Lawmakers Talk About
Populism.
Delegates From the Territories Are
Very Much in Evidence and
Hav. Their Say.

w " ", bcC. W hO
House to-day INDUCED in its first political
discussion, sarcastic and humorous in It's
nature. 1t was provoked by the consider
alton of a bill amending the law prohibit
ing the alien ownership OF lands in the
Territories so as to permit aliens to &C
quire possession under foreclosure OF
mortgage and hold the land for ten years,
within which period they must dispose
OF ii.
Hepburn (R.) of Iowa asked by what
right a Delegate from the Territories
sought to change law now in accordance
with the platform the inhabitants had
approved by their votes at the last cleo
ton. A breezy discussion ensued, in
which the ethics of Popu lism were consid-
cred, taking a wide range and so conducted
as to afford considerable amusement TO
the members. The Territorial Delegates
urged the passage of the bill as matter
of justice to their people, who were now
deprived of the power to receive invest
ments of foreign capital, but the House
60 to 73-refused to pass the bill to third
reading.
Under call of committees bills were
passed prohibiting the sale of liquors in
the Capitol building and protecting the
rights of dramatic authors and musical
composers in their productions.
The bill to define the rights of purchas-
ers of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad,
under foreclosure OF the mortgage author
lied by the act of April 20, 1871, was laid
over until Monday next, after having been
amended so as to forbid the issue of capi-
tai stock by the new corporation, except
for full value st par on account of money
paid in or labor or material furnished, I'M
til approved by the Secretary of the In
terror.
Hon. c. J. Boatner, elected from the
Fifth District of louisiana to fill the va
cancy occasioned by the action of the
House at the last session declaring his
seat vacant, appeared and took the oath
of Office.
Under the call of committees Scranton
(R.) OF Pennsylvania from the Committee
on Territories, called up the bill to restrict
ownership of lands in the Territories to
American citizens. holders OF present IL
ties to be protected.
Hepburn tR. } of Iowa good hum oredly
called attention to the fact that whereas
the Popuiist party had for several years
III Lue1I a ueCAaFaLlOH
that alien land ownership was the most
dangerous menace threatening the peace
and prosperity OF the country, yet
the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Belly
sat there and was silent while the bill was
under consideration, which, he would un-
dertake to say, under specious guile, was
intended to undo all that had been done
by operating under foreclosure of mort
gage to prevent alien ownership of land.
Catron (R.) of New Mexico replied that
the gentleman was mistaken. Every
party in New Mexico. Republican with
the others, had Endorsed and approved
the bill under discussion. 1t was intended
to secure to the Territories the benefits of
foreign capital, which, under the present
conditions, could not be secured. The bill
would not change the alien ownership.
1t only permitted foreigners to invest
money on mortgages, and if compelled to
buy in The security they might hold it ten
years and no longer in which to dispose
of it.
flynn (R.) of Oklahoma drlfted into a
discussion of what Populism was, speak
ing, he said, as an expert, having recently
had considerably experience with Popu-
lists. Laughter.
Bell (Pop.) of Colorado propounded a
series of questions to FLYNN, much TO the
amusement of the House.
Grosvenor (R.) of Ohio-Tnere seems to
be consid cradle debate here as to what
Populism really means. / ask the gentle
man from Oklahoma if he will kindly give
way 10 the gentleman from Georgia div
ingston) to explain to the House just what
Popuism does mean.
Flynn did not surprise Grosvenor by &C
ceding 10 his request, but sent to the
| Il =. 4.
dence Watson's last letter to Senator But
Ter, denouncing him for his conduct of the
campaign as chairman of the National
Committee. This was interrupted by
Johnson Or. of California, who made the
point OF order that under the rules the
reading of the article was out OF order. 1t
was an attack. he said, upon member of
the Senate. who could not defend himself,
and it seemed to him very poor taste to
read it here.
Speaker Reed sustained the point of
order.
The previous question was asked on the
engrossment and third reading of the bill,
but was refused-60 to Is.
Morse (R) of Massachusetts, then called
up the bill reported from the Committee
on Public Buildings and Grounds, pro-
hibting the sale of liquors in the Capitol
| building. He denounced the bar in the
Capitol building as a National disgrace
and an insult to the great body of citizens.
The bill was passed-104 to z.
The Senate bill defining the purchasers
| of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad under
| foreclosure of mortgages authorized by
act of Congress, approved April 20, 1871,
was called up, put went over without
action until Monday next.
| Senate bill to prevent pratical perform
ances of musical or dramatic productions
was taken up. 1t authorizes injunctions
| by any Federal Circuit Court, TO be en-
| forced in any other circuit.
| The legal features of the bill were criti-
cize1 by Hopkins )of Illinois and HUI
lick (R.) of Ohio: and Cummings CD of
| New York advocated the passage of the
bill as a measure of protection to Ameri-
can authors.
| Hulick moved an amendment excepting
reproductions for charitable or benevolent
purposes from the provisions of the act
The amendment was lost.
An amendment proposed by Lacey (R.)
OF Iowa, relieving the bill OF its criminal
feature and making the offering for sale
of the production sufficient public dedi-
cation to warrant its reproduction, led to
a long argument Of the legal proposition