The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-17
Unexpectedly Drawn in
the U. S. Senate.
Members INDUCED in a Some
what Heated Debate.
Campaign Rehashed- Bond Issues
and Tariff Talked Of

Washington. Dec. 1.-THE session OF
the senate yesterday developed the most
eventful and exciting debate that either
branch OF congress has heard for long
time. II brought forward the recognized
leaders OF the various parties and ele-
ments. including such conspicuous fig
ures as Messrs. Sherman. Frye. Teller.
German. Vest. Aldrich. Platt Mitchell
tOr.). Chandler. Hale and Allen. In nota-
BILE statements on the leading questions
which 'have engaged the attention OF
congress and the country OF late. Not
only were the lines laid down on tarift
and finance, but the debate partook OF
all the pent-up feeling resulting from the
recent national contest. Often II was
dramatic In It's intensity. and at all
times absorbingly interesting to the
crowded galleries and intent body OF
senators. t.t
Political differences came In for a fair
share OF attention. and the names of
Mckinley and Bryan often were heard.
President Cleveland also received at
tention. Mr., Allen declared that the pres
ident was Republican. who Joined with
kepublicanD over their recent mutual
victory. The debate came unexpectedly,
when M. Vest called up the Allen reso-
lution, In order to make some remarks
on IL. Mr.. Vest was in his usual caustic
vein. and his speech teemed with those
graceful and catchy phrases for which
he Is noted. IL severely arraigned the
doctrine of protection. and derided the
promises Of prosperity held out. he said.
by Mckinley. which could not be full
hlled by levying more taxes on the pco-
pie. There were frequent sharp and
amusing cross-fires between Mr.. Vest
and Messrs Aldrich. Chandler and Frye.
The debate advanced to a more acute
stage when Mr.. Allen, with his usual
bluntness. began to question Mr. Chan
dler as to the future of the Dingley bill.
Mr.. Sherman co. spoke with deep
earnestness, declaring that IL was a
crime for congress not TO give the gov
ernment ample revenue for needful ex-
penditures.
He approved Mr. Cieveland's course
In issuing bonds to maintain the gold re-
serve.
Mr.. Teller followed. pointing out the
futility OF urging the Dingley bill AS
TO future tariff legislation. he reserved
his judgment on II until the measure
was presented and its merits considered.
Mr.. German also pointed out the use
lessness Of urging the Dingley bill con-
ceding. however. that after March next
the Republican senators would be In
suffloient strength to pass q tariff bill.
AS 10 the course on the Democratic SIDE.
he raid he anticipated no obstruction
to sach o measure beyond an insistence
on reasonable debate.
Throughout the debate the sentiment
bad prevailed that the Dingley bill was
dead ana TO give this final and appar-
emily official sanction. Mr.. Platt Of the
finance committee announced That no
effort would be made to urge the bill TO
pass again. Thereupon. Mr. Sherman
promptly arose and said that I'm view
of what had been said, he acquiesced in
the general sentiment that no further
effort should be made on the Dingiey
bill. This was regarded as the final dis
positions Of the bill.
An attempt to transfer the army and
navy hospital at Hot Springs, Ark, to
the interior department and abandon
1t as hospital consumed practically
the whole day in the house, and finally
blocked proceedings on a point OF order
and thus compelled an adjournment.
1t was the only provision of the army
appropriation bill which excited a con-
test.
Before the army bill was taken up q
bill was passed TO refer the claim OF the
owners Of the bark Tally-ho. which was
sunk by man -of-wa outside of Boston
harbor in 1sS3, to the court Of claims
At the opening of the session Mr.. Bailey
introduced resolution to investigate
the construction Of the battleship Texas.
which was referred 10 the naval commit
tee on objection OF Mr.. Dinsley.