The Robesonian., 1897-02-17
FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.
The Proceedings Briefly Told From
Day to Day.


TUEsDA1. spent most of the
day wrestling with the arbitration
treaty behind closed doors. There was
considerable discussion about the
publicity of the work of the session
being reported in the newspapers
when everything was done behind
closed DOORS 1t was hoped that the
talkative Senators would cease giving
away the executive secrets. The timber
culture law was called up and passed.
A joint resolution was offered and re-
ferred looking to the payment of some
ST., 900 to employees of the government
printing office for the leave of absence
which they have not had since 1887.
WEDNEsDAY-Befo the Senate left
its chamber to participate with the
House in the election of President and
Vice-President, Tillman's bill ''ampli-
flying and classifying" the existing law
as to right of the authorities to seize
intoxicating liquors brought into the
State. Tillman explained his bill, but
there was great opposition to it from
all sides. After the Senate returned to
its chamber the Nicaraguan canal bill
came up as the unfinished business and
Morgan Dem. J, OF Alabama, withdrew
it, giving notice, however, that he
would introduce it at the extra session,
and would pass it to vote. The bank
ruptcy bill came up, but went over
until Thursday. The agricultural ap-
preparation bill was taken up and pass
ed after lively discussion, in which
Vest Dem. J, of Missouri, held up to
ridicule the Secretary of Agriculture.
THURsDAY-The Senate passed the
diplomatic and consular appropriation
bill, carrying an aggregate OF 81, 695, 3OS,
after some caustic remarks by Morgan
on an item of $1,000 for a minister
plenopotentiary to the States of Mica
ragua, Costa Rica and Salvador. An
agreement was reached to have the vote
on the conference report on the immi-
grafton bill taken Wednesday. At
o'clock the Senate went into executive
session on the arbitration treaty and
continued to sit with closed doors until
4:45 p. m.
FR1DAY.-The open session of the
} Senate only lasted an hour, and in tina
, time a Joint resolution to have the Wes
} Point cadets in the inaugural parade
was provided for by the passage of thu
joint resolution appropriating $5, 900 TO.
. that purpose. The Nicarauguan cana
project was brought up again by join
l reSOluGlOu, MorSdH, \Dem VI Len
t nessee, announcing his purpose of ad
dressing the Senate upon it. Hill
offered resolution in behalf of Sylves
ter Scovel, the American newspape
: correspondent recently arrested i
4 Cuba. After the open session the door
1 were closed and the consideration of tn
r arbitration treaty was resumed in exec
s utive session.
9 SATURDAY. The Senate withou
q question or moments considerable
passed joint resolution to havea nav,
y vessel placed at the disposal of the Sa
/. Francisco chamber of commerce
transport wheat and corn contribute
: by California, Oregon and other Stat.
for the relief of the panic stricken po,
of India Instead of naval vessel, Il
Secretary of the Navy may charter
suitable American steamship. II
- necessary appropriation is provides
er Morgan endeavored to address tt
le Senate for the abrogation of the Cla
2, tonBulwer treaty, but the chairman
n the committee on foreign relation
es Sherman, however, insisted on m
n, ton to proceed to executive bushes
ny and majority of the Senate sided wi
re him. And so, at 12 20, the Senate l
at sumed business behind closed doors
d, the consideration of the arbitrati
,st treaty.