Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-01
THE SAITH CONGRESS.
MISSISSIPPI CONTESTS DECIDED IN
FAVOR OF CoNrEsrEEs.
bankruptcy and Naval BiIis-Battle-
ships Versus Ceast Defcnses-Pre-
diction of Early Collapse OF Old
Parties.

WASHINGTON. April Sa-Mr. Mccall
(Republican. Of Massachusetts, chairman
reported from Elections Committee No (
the resolutions agreed upon by the com.
mttee on the contests OF John A. Brow
vs.. John NJ. Allen, from the First Mis-.
sissippi District. Of W. p. Ratcllre W.,
John $. Williams, from the Fifth Mis-.
sissppi District. and OF A. NJ. Newmas
vs.. j. c. Spencer. from the Seventh Mis-.
sissppi District. declaring the contestees--
Allen. Williams ami Spepcer-entited Ia
the seats severally occupied by them.
The resolutions were agreed 10 without
discussion or division. The ground OF
contest in each case was that certain
section OF the Mississippi Constitution
relating 10 elections contravened the law
Of Congress. providing for the represen-
tation OF Mississippi In the House. and
that no valid election was or could have
been held under that section. The COM
mittee said I'm their report that even
We're they to declare the Mississippi Con.
sttution invalid. in respect OF the matter
attacked by the contestants that would
not operate TO deprive the State Of repre-
sentation I'm the House. and I'm view OF
the fact that no evidence was taken on
the subject, IT was thought best and right
10 confirm the titles OF the sitting mem
bers TO their seats.
Five hours were devoted to a further
discussion OF the bankruptcy bill. the
general debate closing with to-days ses-
sion. The principal speakers were Messrs.
De Almond uemocrap. Of Missouri;
Tawney Republican. OF Minnesota. and
Bailey Democrat. of Texas, against the
bill; and Messrs. Burton (Republican), OF
Missouri. Culbefson DemOcraD, OF Texas.
and Ray RepublIcam OF New York, In
favor of the bill. The last two admitted
their conversion FROM an attitude OF OPP
position to a bin containing the involun-
tary feature. The discussion developed
the fact that the House was practically
unanimous in favor Of bill providing for
voluntary bankruptcy-the differences In
opinion being as TO Incorporation OF tho
involuntary feature.
At $40 the House adjourned until to-
morrow.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS
Immediately after rountine business the
naval appropriation bill was taken up.
the pending question being the amend
ment offered by Mr.. German yesterday,
reducing the number or battleshipS pro-
yided FOR in the bill from four to two.
ana tho amendment TO that amendment.
offered by Mr.. Quay, TO increase tho
number 10 six.
The naval bill had the undivided atten-
ton OF the Senate to-day. but when the
session closed no progress had been
made on II beyond the exclusion. on
point Of order, Of Mr. Quay's amend
ment 10 increase the number Of battle
ships from four to six. Mr.. Germans
amendment 10 reduce the number 10 two
| held its place before the Senate at ad-
journmenL
Speeches were made by Mr.. White
QemocraO, of California, in favor OF
! coast-defences. rather than an increase OF
| the navy; by Mr.. Allen iPOpullsD, of
! Nebraska, predicting the collapse Of tho
| Democratic and Republican parties--the
CORNER within three months, and the
latter by the 4th Of March. 1901 and by
Nj German DemocraD. OF Maryland, in
/ enforcement OF his Views as 10 the neces-
| sity Of more economy In appropriations.
The Senate, at 6 Z. NJ, adjourned until
I fn-u1urr0V