The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-01
SEN ATE SITS ON SUNDAY.
The sundry civil Bill Passed After
Long Debate.

Long Debate.
Washington, Feb. 2s.-An open session
of the United States Senate on a Sunday
afternoon is such a remarkable and un-
usual occurrence, and so much at vari-
ance with the religious sentiment of the
country, that crowds were attracted to
the north wing of the capitol an hour be-
fore o'clock this afternoon, the time TO
which the Senate at 2:3O o'clock In the
morning, had taken q recess. All classes
and conditions of people were in the
crowd. Some were on hand early enough
to obtain seats in that section OF the gall
leres that is open to the general public.
others, who we're the holders OF tickets
to reserved sections, presented them and
we're admitted, so long as any space was
left. Those who could not get inside sta
toned themselves near the gallery doors,
waiting their chances Of admission or
wandering listlessly up and down the
marble staircases and the spacious halls.
AS to the senators themselves the day
seemed TO make no difference to them.
They were present In about the usual
acSAA
ceedlngs began showed that there were
nearly seventy senators in the hall, some
Of them being paired. Nor was there any
noticeable distinction as to the men rep
resenting the New England states and
the men representing sections OF the coun-
try where Sabbath observance Is not gen.
eral or strict. And business went on Just
as IL does on week days, except that there
was a noticeable absence of Cuban agita-
ton
1t was strictly business session, and
consideration OF the sundry civil appro
priation bill was Immediately resumed
the question being on those committed
amendments which were passed over with
out action last night. The first of these
appropriated 81 ,0s5 1856 to pay the produc-
ers of sugar the balance OF their claims
for bounty under the Mckinley law. On
this MIR. Vest, dem. Of Missouri, demand.
ed the yeas and nays, and IL was agreed
to-37 TO u.
The nextuamendments were those max
ing appropriations for the great river and
harbor improvements under contracts au'
thorized by former river and harbor ap-
preparation bills, the various amounts be-
ing generally reduced by the committee
about Is per cent. from the figures fixed
by the House. Eight or nine pages OF
these amendments were disposed Of with
out much debate, but the item appro-
priatIng 100000 to prevent the Mississippi
river from breaking into the Cache river,
near Cairo, ILL.,. provoked an extended
discussion, during which the whole sub
ject Of the Improvement of the Missouri
river was gone over. Mr.. German OF
Maryland opposed the amendment TO make
this appropriation outright, instead OF
from the amount for the Improvement OF
the Upper Mississippi, on the ground that
II would make this bill a river and har-
Dor bill. He characterized the sundry civil
bill as the most extravagant ever con-
sidered by either house of congress, car
rying as Il did over SCI, ,O00. .OOO-$17, 900, ,0OC
OF which were for rivers and HORRORS
which was more than the condition OF the
treasury warranted. And he warned the
senators not to further overload IL with
amendments, intimating that II It were
done It would meet the veto Of the Presi.
dent.
The amendment was adopted.
An item relating to electric lighting in
the District of Columbia, TO which MIR.
Hill of New York was opposed gave that
senator an opportunity of expressing his
views In relation 10 a Sunday session OF
the Senate. He had doubted the propri.
ETY. of the Senate meeting to-day to en-
dtN AtBirlAAiDl AOI AHG DfOplc Oh the InIt-
ed States. His attention had been called
to various petitions presented by honor
able senator's asking for "a rest day. for
the District OF Columbia, and he had been
disposed TO acquiesce in the sentiment ex-
pressed In those petitions. He also re-
marked that the senator from Michigan
(Mr. McMillan) who had suggested this
Senate amendment. had introduced bill
ito protect the first day OF the week.
comomnly called Sunday as day OF
rest and worship In the District of Co
lumbia." That bill, II II had passed was
broad enough 90 prevent any legisla tion
on this day. For these reasons ne hesl-
tated TO engage in a general debate.
but now. to be serious" he continued
Have you not been serious all The
timer" q senator asked I'm low tones.
THAT is a reflection on the remarks
which / have made" Mr.. Hill replied;
and then he went on with his statement.
The amendment was adopted.
An item of 5000 for continuing the COM
mission to investigate the Alaska seal
fisheries provoked much debate, but II
was allowed TO stand.
The following new amendments were
adopted
For the appointment by the President
of board OF three commissioners 10 re-
wise and codify the criminal and penal
laws Of the United States.
Appropriating $4,000 for the removal OF
water hyaclnths In Florida and other
southern waters.
Appropriating 100000 for a dredge boat
for Sabine Pass. Tex, and $4,000 for one
years maintenance.
Appropriating si75.O0O for a new revenue
cutter service on the Atlantic coast, with
Headquarters at New York.
Appointing a commission TO select a
site IN the city OF Washington for a me-
mortal building to be erected BY the
Daughters OF the American Revolution.
increasing the limit OF cost OF the pub
lie building at Norfolk. Va, from $780,
900 to s275000.
The sundry civil bill was then passed.
and at 1t:07 o'clock tonight the Senate
adjourned tn tomorrow az II o'clock.