The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-07-16

Being Taken-Eusiness Being Kept AT q
Standstill by Calls Of the Senate and Roll
Calls-The Resolution as to Demand Oh
Release Of the Competitor Prisoners Re-
House Disagrees to Senate
Amendments ON Deficiency BIZ.
SENATE.
Washington, July Ex-senator Davis,
of Minnesota, from the committee on
foreign relations, presented a report on
the resolution recently introduced by
Senator Berry, of Arkansas, request
Eng the president to demand the re-
lease of the Competitor prisoners held
Wis simply submitted the report with
out comment and the resolution was
placed on the calendar.
Senator Harris, of Kansas, then NOV
ed TO AXE up his resolution directing
the secretary of the treasury to carry
out the provisions Of the act authoriz-
ing an investigation of the books, ac-
counts and methods of railroads which
have received aid from the United
States, by redeeming or otherwise
clearing off the paramount liens, mort
cages, etc. The vote was "a to 10, two
short of a quorum. The only motion
in order was one to adjourn or to sum-
mon absent senators, and a sharp par
liamentary contest ensued between
those desiring action at this session on
the pending Pacific railroad resolution
and those opposing this course.
Senator Gear, of Iowa, chairman of
the Pacific railroad committee, moved
to adjourn.
After several calls of the senate a
quorum was again got to vote.
This afforded a text for some stric-
lures by Senator Morgan on the dead
lock which had just occurred. The SEN
ate had a patriotic duty to perform.
The pending Pacific railroad resolution
had been unanimously reported from
the Pacific railroad committee and yet
the chairman of that committee had
conducted the filibuster. 1t was late in
the session to begin operations. Sena-
tor Morgan said, however, that there
was no disposition OF the democratic
side OF the chamber to retaliate against
appropriation bills or the tariff bill
when the came before the senate.
Democratic senators would fOrbear
from resorting to this miserable meth
cd of filibustering, although they might
be fully justified in retaliating.
Senato Thurston, of Nebraska, re-
sponded that on all Pacific railroad de-
bates the Alabama senator (Morgan),
and his associates had insisted ON Oc-
cupying all of the time. When it was
up at the last session the senator from
Alabama was the only one to object to
his ,CThurston's) continuing a speech
ON the subject.>
How many days had yOu Spoken""
asked Senator Morgan.
Not one tenth Of the time occupied
by the senator from Alabama on unim-
portant questions responded Senate
Thurston sharply. I'VE sat here list
ening for days and weeks and months
to the senator from Alabama and some
of us have thought hat we had some
rights to the floor even if it did cur
tail the lengthy remarks OF the sena-
tor from Alabama.
Turning to the pending resolution,
Senator Thurston said it vas designed
to defeat the interests of the govern
ment in the guaranty hat at least
$45, 600, 900 would be bid when the sale
of the road occurred.
Senator Gear IA he resented the
charges of Senator Morgan as to a fill
buster. "A quorum had not been here
to consider this important question and
for this reason he had opposed consid-
ering it. He expressed disapproval of
the Harris resolution, saying it would
make h government put SOS, 600, 900
more into these roads. He also criti-
cised the resolution as originally franz
ed as designed to bring about govern
ment ownership and operation Of this
extensive railway property.
Senator Harris. the author of the
resolution, spoke in support OF it, ar
guing that the governments interests
would be put in jeopardy it the propos-
ed agreement for the sale Of the gov
ernment lien in the Union Pacific rail
road was executed.
enato Morgan further discussed
the subject. arguing that congress re-
tanned complete control over the Pacific
roads under the lien originally created
in b of the government, while the
pending foreclosure proceedings were
based on the assumption
that the government had "a. mere mort
su$e right. He said he did rot hold
republican senators responsible for the
obstruction that had occurred, as it
was not q political obstruction, but one
in behalf of Senator Thurston and 9th
ers interested in the Pacific roads.
Senator ThurstOn replied to Senator
Morgan and after he concluded the sub
ject went over. AT 5 o'clock the sen
ate into executive session ard
then adjourned
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
When the house resumed today after
the recess taken yesterday, Mr.. Cam
o move non-c&ncurrence ia the SEN
ate amendments to the general def
cheney bill, which came over from the
senate today.
Mr.. Hepburn. republican, of Iowa,
asked if he would not permit a separate
vote on the amendments relating to ar
NOR plate.
Mr.. Cannon replied that the house
would be given an opportunity to ex-
press it's opinion ON that subject and
with this assurance Mr.. Hepburn with
drew his request.
The motion prevailed and Messrs-
Cannon, Northway and Sayers were
appointed referees.
Mr.. Simpson, pOpulist, OF Kansas.
called attention to the fact that Mr..
Henderson, at the opening Of the ses-
sion, had announced that within thirty
days a complete revision of the rules
would he submitted To the hOlSo.