The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-04-08
Joint Resolution ApprOpriating $780,
n. 600 Passed by Congress.
War Department Will Dist-ib'
ute the Supplies.
Headquarters Established at Memphis and
Food and Medicines Purchased.

yesterday sent message to the senate
and house of representatives calling at
tention to the widespread distress caused
by the Mississippi valley floods. and sug-
sesting that the stricken states be
aided by the general government, ard
both branches promptly responded by
passing joint measure of relief.
In the senate the reading of the presi-
dents message was followed by the
introduction of a joint resolution ap-
propriating $l50,000 to be Immediately
available for the food sufferers. After
brief debate the resolution was passed
by the unanimous vote Of the so senator's
present. The plans were changed. how
ever, when the house resolution appro-
priating 5000 600 for the Mississippi river
and Red river OF the North was received.
This was accepted in lieu OF the former
resolution, and was passed unanimously.
IL was quickly enrolled and dispatched
to the president.
Mr.. Morgan OF Alabama resumed his
speech in support of the resolution de-
claring that a state of war existed in
Cuba. II was uneventful and failed to
develop any renewal OF the sharp per-
sonal conflict incident TO the debate on
Tuesday.
House Proceedings.
The only business transacted In the
house was the adoption Of the joint reso-
luton authorizing the secretary Of war
to expend 5000, 900 for relief OF the flood
sufferers of the Mississippi valley.
The most interesting feature Of the
session was a passage between Repre-
sentative Simpson, the Kansas Populist,
and Speaker Reed. Mr. Simpson gave
voice to the opposition to the speakers
temporary policy OF inaction. which has
been smouldering in some quarters, by
speaking to question OF privilege. He
finished a fiery denunciation Of the
speaker by demanding that he appoint
the committees OF the house at once and
gave notice that he would prevent any
more attempts to do business by unani-
nous consent.
Several Republican members at
tempted to stem the tide Of Mr. Simp-
sons attack. but Mr.. Reed seemed TO de-
sire to hear Ii and declined to interfere.
He listened calmly to the speech, and
then, with his usual coolness and lu-
cidity, replied that the speaker was
merely the istrument of the house; that
ne had enforced what he supposed to
be the policy desired by the majority,
and that the house had power to COM
mand the speaker If 1t disavowed Of his
course. The Republicans expressed their
approval by a round OF handclapping.
President Mckinley signed the res
elution soon after II passed.
Secretary Alger Acts Promptly.
Washington. April S.-Secretary Alger
acted with the greatest promptness and
has compile ed the arrangements for
distribution of government relief for
flood sufferers. By the present plan six
army officers will start for Memphis to-
day, and, dividing the Mississippi into
six sections, will ascertain the needs Of
the people. Another detail of officers
will follow, distributing rations in ac-
cordance with the reports of these ofii-
GERS, acting in harmony with the local
relief committees. Memphis will be
headquarters for the purchase Of sup
plies and distribution.
Touching the details of the plan Of dis
tribution there was a conference at the
war department between the officials
and Mr.. GrS YES, president of the Mem
phis Chamber of Commerce, and j. S.
Menken, vice president Of the Memphis
relief committee.
The committee said that they need
no blankets or tents, as they are now
advised, though reports from outside
points on the river may show the neces-
sity for some of these later on. What
they do need now is food and medicine.
The six districts into which the Mis-
sissippi will be divided for purposes of
investigation and distribution are as fol-
lows: From Memphis down to Helena,
from Helena down to Greenville, from
Creenville down to Vicksburg, from
vicksburg to New Orleans, from
Memphis to Cairo, from Cairo up.
Supreme Test Of Levees Coming.
Memphis. April 8.-The supreme test
of the levees south of Vicksburg and
Arkansas City Is approaching. The river
1t Vicksburr has been falling for some
days on account Of the rush Of waters
from the main channel through the
crevasse above into the Yazoo delta.
This water is again returning to the
channel through the Yazoo river, and it's
influence is being felt at Vicksburg,
where the gauge Is now marking higher
figures. Within few days the crest
of the rise will be opposite vicksburg,
and the channel will continue to deepen
unless the levees break. The Louisiana
people keenly realize the gravity Of the
situation. The destruction wrought In
the st. Francis basin and the Yazoo delta
may be repeated In the Texas basin,
which begins In southeastern Arkansas
bnd extends through the northeastern
Sounties of Louisiana. Material and
men are being hurried forward. The
news OF the action Of congress in appro-
priating large sum for the relief Of the
sufferers was gratefully received here.
and throughout the overfiowed districts.
The river at Memphis is slowly falling.
and the gauge at Cairo shows a decline.
For the first time In IL weeks the Kansas
City, Memphis and Fort Scott railway
sent its trains out over the line passing
through the st. Francis basin.
Greatest Danger In Overlooked Districts.
Washington. April s.-Secretary Al
ger has received the following teIe-
gram from Governor McLaurin of Mis-
sissippi: THE greatest danger 70 be