Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-04-20
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, April 20.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, April w.
SENATE.
In the Senate to-day resolution by
Mr.. Hoar was agreed to requesting the
Secretary of State for comprehensive
information as to the machinery OF
government of all foreign nations with
which we have diplomatic relations
the taxes or excuses and methods u
collection; imports and exports; method
of aiding the merchant marine; discriml'
nltions against American merchant YES
sells; public Indebtedness, to.
Another resolution by Mr.. Cullom,
requests the Secretary of the Treasury
for information as to the effect of the
present internal revenue tax on the
honest production of distilled spirits, TO
what extent illicit distillation had oc-
cured, and all further information that
will aid in protecting the government
against frauds. In this connection Mr.
Cullom stated that he understood one
third of the high wines produced IN
this country came from illicit distilla-
ton.
Mr.. German wanted time to look
into the resolution, as it characterized
the present rates as "high," and he did
not know that the Senate desire to pro-
nounce this tax as high.
Mr.. Cullom modified the resolution,
striking out the word thigh rates" and
substituting present rates."
Mr.. Hoar wanted the resolution
broadened and stated that he would
propose an amenement to the tariff
bill exempting from tax alcohol used
in the arts.
The resolution finally went over.
Mr.. Morgan then called up the reso-
luton declaring that state of war ex-
isis in Cuba. There was no objection
and as no Senator rose to speak on the
resolution Mr. Morgan asked that the
Senate proceed to yea and nay vote
on its adoption.
Mr.. White expressed surprise at this
move for an immediate vote and sug-
gested the absence of q quorum.
The call disclosed the presence of SO
Senators, an ample quorum.
MIR. Hoar thereupon called attention
70 the absence of Mr.. Hale, of Maine,
as one of the committee accompanying
the remains of the late Representative
Milliken to Maine. Mr.. Hale had
given much attention to this subject
and desired to be heard. For this
reason Mr.. Hoar asked that the resolu
tion 60 over for one week.
Mr.. Chandler added that Mr.. Hale
had stated to him that there would be
no opposition to fixing q time fer q
vote after reasonable debate, but that
he did not want the time fixed during
his absence.
Mr.. Morgan said he would, of course,
yield to such an appeal. But the ter.
rible and abominable situation in Cuba
could not be allowed to 60 on much
longer.
During the debate Mr.. White said he
had heard it ntimated that the Presi-
dent was about to send commissioner
to Cuba and asked if it would not be
desirable to await the report from this
commissioner before taking action.
There was no need of awaiting fur
Their reports, answered Mr.. Morgan.
The country has been deluged with re-
ports and unimpeachable evidence for
the last two years.
The Cuban resolution finally went
over.
Mr.. Mason offered O resolution d.
recting the committee on rules to report
rule providing for limitation of de-
bate and for ordering the previous ques-
ton.
The resolution went over.
The agricultural appropriation bill
was then taken up and passed without
amendment.
At Lao p. m. the Senate went into
executive session.
At 2o'clock the Senate resumed legis-
lative session and the bankruptcy bill
was formally laid before the Senate.
In the course OF the debate Mr.. AL
len announced that he would obstruct
in every way possible any bankruptcy
bill which included involuntary bank
ruptcy.
Mr.. Nelson amended his substitute
bill so as to overcome criticisms hereto
ore made.