The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-02-24

WASHINGTON. Feb. z3.-The house
sent the naval bill. the last OF the appro-
priation bills. 10 the senate today. Bou-
se.ie, chairman OF the naval appropriation
committee, was In charge Of the measure.
and displayed such skill in Its handling
that its provisions aroused little opposi-
tion and IL was passed practically without
amendment. Barrett. Of Massachusetts,.
made an effort to secure an authorization
for a dry dock al Boston TO cost 81 90. coo.
but after somewhat acrimonious debate
the amendment was ruled out OF order.
lie then tried to secure the appointment OF
committee 10 pass on the relative merits
OF Boston and Portsmouth as a location
for dry dock, and was equally unsuccess-
fui
The feature Of the day was an exceed
ihSiy Interesting political debate which
occurred late Ia the afternoon on the sab
Jeet OF civil service reforms. Ii occurred
during the consideration of a biIi 10 per-
nit the governors OF the territories TO ap-
point certain officers of the territories in
case of vacancies without the consent of
the legislative councils. which Is not re-
Qulred by law.
Bailey. Of Texas. fought the BIZ. on the
ground that the Democrats and Republi-
cans of Arizona should not bring their
sqhabpies TO congress. In the course of
his remarks Bailey rendered TO the Repub-
iicans his sympathy for the troubles OF
patronage which would beset them on
March T. He declared that every member
on the floor realized the dangers OF patron
age. Patronage was disadvantage both
al the primaries and the polls. II created
friction between senator's and representa-
tives, discord between the executive and
legislative
More animosities have been created be-
tween the executive and legislative
branches Of the government by patronage
than all other questions combined. II was
a quarrel over patronage that drove from
the senate most of the brilliant men who
had been In that body In thirty years. 1t
was the heat of the zeal for Office which
so Influenced the brain of a madman that
he shot down president. PATRONAGE had
alienated personal friends struggling over
who should CONTROL
The pending bin was lost sight of in the
political maelstrom that followed. Flynn
OF Oklahoma aroused many OF the Repub-
licans TO applause by declaring that IL he
could have his way he would wipe out
the ciri service law and fill every place
with a Republican. Grosvenor ridIcuIed
the civil service system and predicted.
amid uproarious applause from the Re
pubiicans. that the tide was rising which
would sweep the law out of existence, and
give the young men of this country
chance. Brosius OF Pennsylvania denied
that II was antagonistic 10 young men. On
the contrary, be said. the merit OF the sys-
tenn gave the young men the right 10 as
pire 10 Office without the humiliation OF
being suhservient 10 politicians and beg
gars at the feet of bosses
Bailey again secured the floor and. af-
ter remarking upon the peculiar rela-
tons existing between the gentleman
from Ohio. lGrosvenor) and the incoming
president, asked IL the Democrats were
warranted In assuming that his utterances
were 10 be accepted as a notice that the
civil service law IS TO be repealed.
What do You think OF the law?" put
I'm Steele OF Indiana. II think II a hum
bug" replied Bailey, a response that won
round Of applause from both sides OF the
house.
Grosvenor replied to Baney's intimation
with a frankness that again set the Re-
puelicans Wild. 'Tf the gentleman had
been here In the Fistseth congress" said
he, "he would know that the first bitter
contention | ever had on this noor with
William Mckinley was on this subject OF
civil service reform, he taking one side
Of the question and the other When II
was over | did not think he had lost anv
confidence In my partIsanship and 7 lost
none iu his statesmanship and ultimate
good sense"
Ultimate Is good" shouted Bailey. az
amid the applause Of the house Grosvenor
proceeded TO characterize the civil service
law "a q conspiracy" which had proved
the greatest power OF the spokesman" He
termed IL "a law TO pension Incompetence
and said the people had at last discovered
IL was a humbug.
committee. had hnal word He de-
clared that Grosvenors remarks flashed
the sword in the heart of the president
elect" and read from Mr.. McKinley's
letter of acceptance his statement that in
the matter OF civil service reform he
would take no backward step" rs that
treason" cried Brosius. giowerlng down
or GroSvenor. IF IL is, I charge II home
TO tae greatest citizen Or this republic
Walker OF Massachusetts, concluded the
debate. TIE bill was then passed. and at
s:E the house adjourned