The herald., 1897-02-21
Senators Seem to Enjoy the
Open Session
OLD STRAW THRESHED OVER
10 the Attempt to Abolish Sectarian
Indian Schools
The House Amuses Itself with Discussion OF
the Income Tax Decision, but
Accompiishes Little
Associated Press Special Wire

ASSOCIATED HTeSS OpcCldi Whc
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20-The senate
had a lively session today, apparently
reiishing the work in open session after
the protracted struggle behind closed
doors on the treaty. At the outset
resolution by Cameron of Pennsylvania
was unanimusly adopted expressing
sympathy with Greece in the present
continental conflict.
Quay sought to bring forward the bill
for commission to look into labor prob
lens, but It was soon displaced by vote
Of 81 to 28, TO take up the Indian appro-
priation bill The latter measure led to
two animated discussions, first on silver
and then on sectarian schools. A pro-
vision that certain Indian payments
sha!, be made in silver. in accordance
with treaty requirements, led Allen to
comment on a provision for ''fifty-cent
dollar" coming from gold men on the
app, opriations committee. The debate
brought up considerable campaign remi-
njscence The sectarian schools ques-
ton was revived. Lodge of Massachu-
setts asserted that the senate committee
had reported an amendment reversing
the policy of last year for the abandon
ment of sectarian schools after July !,
1897 Senator Gallinser opposed the
amendment, and Senators Hawley, Tel
ler Pettigrew, Allison, Allen and Eoar
supported il, on the ground that the
government facilities for Indian educa-
tion would not permit a sudden change
The debate on this item and on the bill
was not concluded when the senate ad-
journed.
Allison, chairman of the committee on
appropriations, appealed to the senate
to allow the considera ton of appropria-
tion bills. and asked Quay especially to
let the commission bill go over. He then
asked unanimous consent to take up tie
Indian appropriation bill.
Quay objected and said the bill was in
charge Of Perkins of California. If he
consented to have it go over Quay would
consent He called attention to the fact
that it was being pressed by the great
labor interests of the country.
Perkins said that II the opponents of
the bill would consume as little time as
its friends a vote would be had in thirty
minutes.
Mr.. Aldrich of Rhode Island, Republi-
can, said he considered the bill utterly
impracticable
After considerable sparring, the In
dian appropriation bill was taken up,
"a to IS.
When the item directing the payment
of the annuities to pottawottamias in
silver was reached Allen OF Nebraska
Populist. made it the text for a speech or
the silver question. He wanted to know
why the~sorcal!sj sound money men of
the commi'!"c had insisted on paying
these benIahted Indians in "ffty-cent
dollars"
Several senators explained that this
provision was in accordance with treaty
PROVISIONS
Platt observed that by the efforts Of
the Republicans the silver dollars were
as good as gold dollars
Wilson said the Nebraska senator mad
threshed over some of the issues of the
late campaign. He wished to say the
free coinage of silver was not the only
issue in the campaign. and that plank
in that platform which excited much op-
position was that it differed from secee-
sion in degree only. jefferson Davis
had said: "I'll take my state out OF the
Union" Governor Altseld ha6 said:
1.-THE United States shall no. come into
my state" and the Chicago platform en-
dorsed him. The question of law and
order entered into the campaign.
Allen replied by discussing the plat
form declaration regarding the supreme
court, which, he said, he indorsed. Re
ferring to the income tax decision he
said that certain justice of the supreme
court owed it to the world to show why
he changed front on that case. Allen
declared that the just tice would so into
history under cloud unless he explain
ed.
The conference report on the agricul-
tural appropriation bill was agreed to
and consideration of the Indian appro-
priatiGn bill was continued. The ques-
tion of sectarian Indian schools came up
in connection with the item appropriate
ing $l..0O,C COO for school purposes. Lodge
said the senate committee had proposed
an amendment which reversed the en-
tire policy as to sectarian schools adopt
ed last year. The committee amend
ment is as follows:
Provided. that the secretary Of the
interior may make contracts with con-
tract schools, appropriating as near as
may be the amounts so contracted for
among schools of various denominations
Tor the education Of Indian pupils during
the fiscal year 1898, but shall only make
sn"h contracts at places where non-sec-
ools cannot be provided for
children, and to an amount
ling forty per cent of the
used for the fiscal year 1895.
further that the foregoing
lpply to public schools of any
ttory, county or city. or to
rein or hereafter specifically
or.
Aiu tiIlS dllltIuIQent sought to
congress had deliberately de-
upon as the future policy of
for gradually abolishng sec
ools. After full discussion last
nulan bill provided that secta-
ols We're to be discontinued
l. 1897. Now this amendment
~ nsse schools into life and again
re-opened the whole question.
1t was brought here in absolute disre-
garo OF the action of congress last year
Inc policy of last year was the true
American policy. Lodge said.
Teller of Colorado. Ranublicor soi1L
opposed sectarian schools, but he sun
Pot.eu the amendment because it was
oe.'er 10 continue the sectarian schools
Io[ year or two rather than turn the
Ihdian school children out of school as
- ms so,'ernmeht was not prepared to
'urnlsh al5i su1hcient school facilities.
Gaillnger, Republican. of New yor1,
said the senate was confronted WITH ~ ~,
same oid plea that the Indian children
would be turned out of school Eoi
q II 4 L