The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-25
VICTORY FOR MR.. PETER
BOND SALES MAY BE INVESTIGATED
ny A SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
Lodges Motion to XIII the POpulist's
Amendment Defeated = An Inquiry
Opposed by Senator Hill.

WASHINGTON. Feb. a. = Indiana's
Junior Senator occupied the attention OF
the Senate for a short time to-day in a
speech advocating pension for the widow
OF the late Walter O. Gresham. The BILL
which first proposed $500 month, was
amended so as TO read 500. and in that
shape was passed without opposition. The
public interest in the Cuban question was
shown by the crowds which came to the
Senate galleries in anticipation of con-
tinuance of the Cuban debate. The diplo-
matte gallery showed the largest represen-
tation since the session opened, the min
listers OF Brazil, Chile, Hawaii and several
other countries being present Mr. Nor
gan, of Alabama. occupied almost the en-
tire day in a narrative and historical
speech. He spoke for three hours, and
had not concluded when the Senate adj
tourned significant vote on the resolu-
ton for an investigation Of recent bond
issues was taken during the day. Mr..
Lodges resolution for an investigation
came up, and Mr.. PETER offered an amend
ment for zpecial committee and more
comprehensive inquiry, Mr.. Lodge sought
to have the amendment laid on the table.
but his motion TO this effect was defeated
ls to 81 Final action was not secured, as
o'clock.
Mr.. GalIinger, chairman of the committee
on pensions, arose to question of personal
privilege when the Senate assembled. and in
vigorous language denounced publication
In the New York Sun, purporting 10 report
she action of the Senate in passing a num-
Der OF private pension bills last Tuesday. 1t
had been asserted that all records mad been
broken By the Senate mill" 10 bills being
passed in an hour. with little or attention
or considera ton, few Senators being pres
ent, etc. Mr.. Gallinger declared that this
was a tissue of misrepresentation. sixty
quarter hours, and the total increase was
Si2O72 per year. The Senator was very
caustic concerning the violation of Journal
Mr. Hoar. added his opinion as to the care
with which pension legislation was guarded.
each bill passing the inspection of Senate
and House committees, greater In number
than the membership of the Supreme Court
or Court OF Appeals.
Mr.. Hawiey said 1t was impossible for a
error. He fully upheld the facts stated by
the chairman OF the pension committee, but
Mr.. 'Hawiey added that there was quite a
prevalent feeling against large pension ex-
Mr. Gallinger called I'D the bill granting a
pension to the widow Of the late Walter q.
Gresham, as brigadier general. at 800 per
month, with an amendment reducing the al
1owance to 800.
TORPlEE SPEECH
Mr.. Turpie spoke IN support of the amend
Cd bill He said the choice OF Mr.. Gresham
as Secretary Of State took the country by
surprise Mr.. Gresham had never been
known as member of the Democratic
party, and his choice was regarded as a
marked departure from established usage.
He had stood at the front Of the Republican
party. and he now entered into Democratic
in urhf lob, ho1 ,oH
sonal friendships. At the outset he was
threatened with isolation. but his bon hon.
mie won him personal friends, while his
substantial ability and tact commanded re-
the Hawaiian and Bering sea complications
and the tremendous labor involved therein
labor greater than that falling on the Shout
ders OF any Secretary of State since the
war. A love OF justice was the absorbing
motive OF his life, political and social dis
functions disappearing before this controll-
ing ing t 1ad OF nus character. He was nat
ciary, In the Cabinets of the two parties
as though nature had endowed him with
Senator reviewed the Secretary's career as
soldier, statesman ana jurist.
AL tne conclusion OF Mr.: Turpie's remarks
out division
The resolution of Mr. Lodge, directing the
nnance commdttSe TO inquire into the cir
cumstances of bond issues during 1S94-5-6.
was taken I'D. -
Mr.. PETER offered an amendment broad
ening the resolution and directing that If
be made by special committee of five Sem
ators. 49,
Mr.. Lodge moved TO lay the PETER amend
ment on the table Mr. Hill had sought to
discuss the subject, but Mr.. Lodges motion
70 table cut Off debate, the MASSACHUSETTS,
senator remarking that the express purpose
was TO prevent lengthy discussion. IT shall
ma an opportunity to express my views on
the subject" INTERCEPTED Mr.. Hill. The mo-
Ion 70 table was defeated-yeas, 1s; nays, "a.
feas-RAput1icanS: Aldrich, Allison, Chand-
Ter MGrr T,91lo 1. Frye. Gear Hawley. Lodge.
Gratis: Bacon. German, Gray. Palmer.
NaysCcRepublcans: Baker. Brown, Bur-
H FGws Cameron; Cannon. Carter, Davis,
Shoup. Teller. Democrats: Bate Berry Car r.
1ery Chiffon. CockreIl. Gordon, Harris. Hill,
rs ,rnis vs MartR; Morgan. Pasco. Roach,
usts: Allen, Butler, Jones OF Nevada PETER
HILL OPPOSES INVESTIGATION.
Mr.. Hill said he vo-ed against tabling the
resolution as he thought it desirable m dis
cuss It He regarded the Lodge resolution
as proper In form and giving due courtesv
TO the Secretary OF the Treasury. Rut no
did not consider IL in the province of sha
Senate to investigate everything brought he
fore the Senate. 1t was desirable to look into
the motives inspiring these various resolr-
lions. Requests for information were one
thing. but formal Investigations were a
moro serious question. An Investigation,
carried TO the public an implicat ton of ir
regularity. Before such an Investigation
was inaugurated there should be somethin o
definite and tangible. 1T il not because
there Is a Democratic Secretary of the
Treasury that L oppose this investigation. -
said Mr. Hin with great vigor II would
oppose II If my worst political enemy oc-
cupied the chair OF the Secretary OF the
Treasury. He opposed II. he said, because
this investigation was based on idle rumor