The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-01-13
Latter Maintained that the Real DEM
ocratic Platform Was Made by
the indianapolis Convention.
DEBATE ON HOMESTEAD BILL
PLEA BY DAVID BENNETT HILL FOR
FOURTH-CLASS POSTMASTERS.
Ratification of ExtraditiOn Treaties
Reconsidered by the
tiOnal Charges by Mr.. Chandler.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12.-Some lively po-
litical sparring marked the later hours of
the Senate session to-day. The free home
stead bill was under discussion and Mr..
Allen found opportunity for questioning
Mr.. Villas. of Wisconsin,, concerning the
party differences of last fall. 1t brought
out much difference of opinion as to wheth-
er the Democratic platform was made at
Chicago or at Indianapolis. Mr.. Villas de-
clared that there was almost nothing in
the Chicago platform not inimical to the
interests of the government. He insisted
that the indianapolis platform was founded
throughout in Democracy. Mr.. Allen char
acterized the Indianapolis platform as a
'rump affair" The controversy became
very lively and took a wide range. The
homestead bill was further debated. but a
vote was not reached. Mr.. Villas attacked
it as a measure giving away $50, 900, 900 of
government money. Mr.. Nelson, (Rep.,
Minnesota), and Mr.. Allen and Mr.. Peffer
pop. Kansas. spoke for the bill.
At the opening of the session MI. Hill,
Dem, New York;, who mas not often ad-
dressed the Senate of late, spoke in favor
of a law fixing four years as the term OF
fourth-class postmasters. as well as those
who now hold their offices at the pleasure
of the appointing power. Mr.. Hill. referred
TO the removal of postmasters when Mr..
Stevenson was first assistant postmaster
general, and also when Mr.. Wanamaker
was postmaster general. A new policy had
been pursued by the present administra-
ton. Whether it was harmful to the party
or not he would not say. but all postmas-
ters had been allowed to serve out their
terms unless there was cause. At present
fhpra O-l pnpfpnti-nu a1-l;n I,f-r~
the postoffice committee, held up for one
cause or another.
Mr.: Chandler asked: Since the third day
of November last has there not been re-
movals made for political PURPOSES
Mr.. Hil-Yes, half a dozen.
Mr.. Chandler-Has there not been many
more?
Mr.. Hill-From the clamor one would
think there had been Il thousand.
Mr.. Chandler-From the complaints that
come 10 me L am informed that many post
masters have been removed because they
voted for Mr.. Bryan.
Mr.. Hill said his bill provided that when
a postmaster had served a few years and
a vacancy occurred the man appointed
should only serve out the unexpired term.
and would give a Republican four years
ana a Democratic successor four years,
without having charges trumped up against
him. The bill went to the committee on
postof1ces and post roads.
Mr.. Proctor's resolution relative to ex-
tending the presidential term was then
taken up to allow Mr.. Stewart to discuss it.
~ aSaltlNI It-tltt-
tlon, but opposed the extension OF the term
20 SIX years. Instead of lengthening the
Mr.. Stewart said. so that the President
would be in closer touch with public sem
timent. The resolution was referred to the
committee on privileges and elections.
The free homestead bill was then taken
up. MIR. Nelson supported the bill as a Just
extension of the government policy of Civ
iT.g free homeSteads to actual settlers. 1t
was as neces sary TO aid the settlers as those
%ho enjoyed the benefits of II protective
sariH and those who were benefited by river
md harbor improvements.
Mr.. Chandler rose To a question of priv
llege. and read a communication from Hen
~ A. Dupont. of Delaware. claiming to
nave been elected TO "A seat I'm the United
States Senate on May 2. 1895. for a term
of six years. 1t recited the contest over the
ase i'm the United States Senate Il year
ago, and urged that the subject should be
reopened by the Senate. The memorial was
referredsto the committee on privileges and
Mr.. Allen criticised senator's who opposed
this bill, although all national platforms
mad free homestead planks. 1t was "A sad
said Mr.. Allen. that good men got together
and enunciated principles in order to catch
voters, but not with "a view to carrying out
the principles.
Mr.. Villas spoke against the bill. 1t was
strange. he said. that the bill attracted lit
tle attention. although it gave away $35,001.-
J0 OF government money, according To the
estimates of government officers. 1t was a
measure intended to bestow ii gift on the
occupants VI lHuldil ltliuS. renewing tnell
from the payment for the lands which they
Aad agreed to pay the government.
There was a spirited three-cornered coll
loquy when Mr.. Allen sought to question
Mr.. Villas on the homestead plank of the
Democratic platform. as Mr.. Allen called
il. referring to the platform adopted at
Chicago.
IF that platform is the one | understand
1T to be. interrupted Mr.. Villas. Il will say
that there is almost nothing In it that is
not inimical to the interests of the United
States"
Let me ask the senator" oueriod MIR.
Allen. lis he pleased with the course of
Wisconsin i'm going Republican last falI?'f
Il most cordially approve answered Mr..
Villas. the determination of the people of
Wisconsin by which a majority of 10000 in
Il voting population of "A little over 400. 900
was cast against a policy to
the interests of the United States
Mr.. PETER spoke for the bill. and took
occasion to defend the State administration
of Kansas from published criticisms. lie
SPOKE also i'm favor of the Independence of
Cuba. The bill was then laid aside. and
ut E-f1 ~ ~ tho CanAHa I'D 1890