The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1896-06-04
IT IS NOW A LAW
Senate Passes the River and Har-
bOr Bill Over the Presi-
dents Veto.
Senator Vest Made a Speech De-
nOuncing the Presidents
Action.
The Veto Power Should Not Be
Used on Ordinary Occa-
SiOnS.

WASHINGTON, June 4-The senate
has passed the river and harbor bill
over the presidents veto by 56 to 3 and
the measure is now law.
Those voting in the negative were
Messrs. Bate, Chiffon. Hill Smith and
Villas, all Democrats.
WASHINGTON, June "A contest for
the right of way arose as soon as the
senate met. Mr.. Vest (Dem., Mo- who,
i'll the absence of Mr.. Frye, is in charge
of the river and barbOr bill, sought 10
have the presidents veto of that meas
ure taken up.
This was opposed by Mi. Pettigrew
(Rep., s. d. in charge of the Indian
appropriation bill conference report.
After a short discussion the bill and
veto were taken up. Yeas 3S, nays 10.
Mr.. Vest said the veto contained
statements which, however much he
might respect the high office of the
president, ought not to go unchallenged.
The senator did not question the presi-
dents veto prerogative, but the trainers
of the constitution never had intended
that this power should be exercised in
the ordinary affairs of the government.
1t was more
To Meet Extraordinary Affairs
of the government. 1t was to be a
power to meet extraordinary emergen-
cles, when popular passion had led to
hasty legislation or when cOnstitu-
tional question was involved. The
early presidents, who stood nearest to
the constitution, exercised the veto
power but seven times: Twice by
Washington, five times by Madison and
never by jefferson or John Adams
Mr.Vest then analyzed the statements
of the veto concerning extravaganza
The president had, he said, stated that
the bill made direct appropriations of
about $14.O0O,O 900, while in fact they
aggregated $l2 sos, 800, difference of
$l,3O9,l 100. This was hardly character
istic of the exactness of the emanations
of Mr.. Cleveland, who never had served
in legislative body, and seemed to
have tendency to minimize the respon-
sibility of legislator to his constit-
uents.
Mr.. Vest took up other items, show
ing that the totals were less than the
presidents statements would indicate
The senator said, as to the general
charge of extravaganza, that in view of
the vast interests involved, the extent Of
the country, and the fact that the river
and harbor bill covered two years, the
bill was fairly reasonable. There were
items open to criticism, yet, as in all
legislation, this was the result of COM
promise.
Waiting for Permission From Lamont.
Mr.. Vest said he had addressed let
ter to General Craighill, chief of engi-
neers, asking for the facts of that state
ment of the president that he had
learned from official sources that the
bill contained appropriations intended
to serve private interests. The senator
said that General Craighill made no re-
ply; but i'll response to telegraphic
query, answered that the letter had
been referred to the secretary of war
for instructions Up to this date no
information had been given.
$50 that for reasons best known to
the administration, said Mr.. Vest Bit
terly, lit is considered best not to 90
into details on these charges, but to in
dulge in general and rhetorical decla-
nation as to the alleged extravaganza
and favoritism contained in it,
Mr.. Vest said he believed one of the
presidents charges applied to the Bruins
wick, Ga, harbor, one Of the best and
most economical improvements in the
country. The senator spoke of the
cheaper rates Of transportation resulting
from improvements at the 500, New
Orleans, Baltimore, New York and
elsewhere. In the platform on which
Mr.. Cleveland was first nominated was
strong plank for waterway improve.
ments. Mr.. Vest prophesied that in the
near future legislation would be directed
to further developing internal commerce
and cheapening transportation.
WAS A NOTED MINNESOTRN.
Ex-United States Senator Stearns Dies in
California.
SAN DIEGO, Cal, June 4.-Ex- United
States Senator o. p. Stearns Of Mime
sofa died at Pacific Beach, near this
city, OF pneumonia. Judge Stear1ls
came here last October for his health.
Deceased had highly honorable war
record and had held the noSition of cir-