The herald., 1897-03-02
Senators Make Progress With
Appropriations
ALL THE FISCAL MEASURES
Will Be Disposed Of Before the Session
Expires
IN the House the DuIIsst Of Routine Busi-
ness Is Somewhat Relieved by Debate
on Prize Fight News
Associated Press Special Wire

ate pressed steadily forward on appro-
priation bills today, making such prog
ress that-no further apprehension is felt
as to the passage of the great fiscal
measures The District Of Columbia
bill was passed early in the day. The
naval bill brought out a spirited debate
on the price of armor plate and the es-
Establishment of government armor fac
tory.
The bill waslaid aside at 4:So'p. m. for
an executive session.
The bill was laid aside for the passage
of the house bill authorizing the for
feiting of domestic smoking opium,
with the senate amendment providing
that such opium shall be destroyed.
Senator-elect Thomas c. Platt of New
York came on the floor and held quite
reception, many senators, including MI.
Hifl whom he succeeds, being among
the number to, greet him.
Further items aggregating s44Iooo
were added to the District of Columbia
bill by the senate and the bill was
passed One OF the committee amend
ments agreed to declare the policy OF
the United States to be against appro-
priations to aid any church or religious
society in charitable work and termi-
mating all such aid after June 50, 1888.
The naval appropriation Dill was then
taken up. Mr.. Chandler stated he would
move later to increase the appropria-
tions for torpedo boats or decrease the
number provided.
All the other items were agreed 10
without comment except that relating to
cost of armor and establishing govern
ment armor plant. which occasioned ex-
tended debate. Mr.. Hale, in charge of
the bill, explained that thorough in
vestigation led to the belief that armor
plate should not cost above $500 per
ton.
Mr. Chandler moved an amendment TO
the foregoing. fixing the price at $500
per ton. The senator paid high tribute
to Secretary Herbert for his able and
COURAGEOUS report, in which he conclud-
ed the cost of armor should not be above
$400 per ton.
Mr.. German traced the developments
of the new navy and urged that 1t was
not a time to reverse our policy ana
enter upon a huge scheme of establish
ing a government armor factory run by
government officers. 1t would make
armor cost four times what had been
paid private concerns. When Mr.. Jones
of Arkansas, Democrat, spoke on the
"monstrous price" paid by the govern
ment for armor and of Secretary Her
bert's recent recommendations, Mr..
German said he had never put much
faith in death bed repertances.
Senator Tillman provoked turbulent
scene when he charged that the armor
plate manufacturers had their paid
agents in that body who were robbing
the government. The charge was re-
sented by Senator Hawley of Connec-
tictt, whereupon Mr.. Tillman replied
that the CALLED jade winces," and 1t
looked for a time as though personal
conflict was imminent until Mr.. Hawley
was escorted to the cloak room.
Senators Hawley and Squire had
spoken against Senator Chambers
amend ment to the naval appropriation
bill to,reduce the price of armor plate to
I3OO a on, and Senator Elkins had COM
plairted of the lack of information on
the esoA of arrnor plate, when Senator
took the floor.
Although a member of this naval
began Mr.. Tlllman, who
followed Mr.. Elkins, and though have
Given sls much time to this AS l could
spare rom my other duties, l am not
able to ;yive the senator as much infor-
nation as he wants. But / am able to
say" he added with emphasis. that
no recent expenditure of the government
las been 0 reeking with fraud and so
lisgracefin to those connected with it,
When Hecretary Whitney made the
first contr.u cts for armor plates, it was
Understood N that those enormous prices
we're to be paid only for a time. on
Lccount of a he great expenditure neces-
,ary to bull 4 an armor plarit. When,
asst year. under the impetus of the
war scare, the house had
ent props sal for four battle ships
% the senate, the number had been
ixed at three because there were only
,uild such shi 'ps; the three companies
lad agreed up on prices, had bid in col
usion, and ct 'nsequently the govern
ment was paying over a million and a
half more for hese ships than was ne
ressary."
Then, coming to the armor plate ques-
tion, he said! Instead of our con-
trolling the m,ss1opolies. the monopolies
have he sena te in their vicious pock-
cts"
Senator Hawn,y, at this charge, half
rose from his chair as though he would
make an objection, then changed his
mind and sank y ack.
IT would hate TO even insinuate." Mr..
Tillman continued, twirling his glasses
In his hand, "that these armorplate man
nfacturers have their paid agents in
This senate"
Then Mr.. Hawiey rose. beginning,
DOtS the studiOT udIt-
Mr.. Tillman took the words from his
mouth.
IT dare to say" he shouted. that so
far as I cap see there are things here
that can be explained on NO other the
ory."
"If the sertator dares to say. or even
to insinuate, such disgraceful thing,
he says what is untrue and what is un-
worthy of a gentleman Mr.. Hawley
replied. very deliberately and emphati-
oAlly.
The galleries were crowded. and at
this exchange of charges a deep hush
succeeded the buzZing. Senator Till
man was ruffled. He thrust hand into
his trousers pocket nonchalantly, and.
looking over to Senator Hawley, coolly
returned, ito that I can only say it is
the CALLED jade that winces."
Senator Hawley turned pale and
trembled visibly.
"If the senator applies that TO me
have a sufficient answer" he said
angrily.
Two or three senators gathered around
Senator Hawley endeavoring apparent
~ to calm him. Finally he walked with
them into the cloak room, while Senator
continued his speech.
IT do not want to say anything harsh
God knows I have got enough vitriol in
me now" Going on with the subject of
armor plate he said he could see no
foundation for this state of affairs ex
cept that the manufacturers had their
friends in the senate chamber. There
was proof that the government was to
be looted to the extent of two or three
yet senator's said, 1--WE can't
help It," The trusts had the government
I~rw~ H. - l.