Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-12-08
FIFTY FIFTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON. December s.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mr.. Stewart, of Nevada, appeared in
his seat in the Senate this morning for
the first time this session.
On motion of Mr.. Hale, the Senate
decided that when it adjourns to-day
it shall be until Monday next.
Mr.. Gallinger moved that after the
morning business private pension bills
should be considered.
Mr.. Vest demanded that the bills
should be read in full with the reports
in order that Senators might know
what they are voting for. Thirty.three
years after the civil war those claims
were being increased rather than re
duced. He did not want to be narrow
mined, or sectional, but the time had
come to call halt. At least pension
bills should not be passed without
proper Investigation.
Mr. Gsllinger said it was not his fault
if Senators failed to remain in the
chamber. He admitted the pension
appropriations were very large. The
-act of 1890 was responsible for it.
There We're many worthy bills pending
and they would, as rule, relieve
many cases OF suffering both North and
South.
The consideration of private pension
bills was then commenced, Mr.. Vest
demanding the records of the reports
thereon in every case.
Mr.. Pettiegrew introduced a bill that
proposes to have the post office depart
ment absorb tho interstate commerce
commission and handle all questions OF
transportation.
Mr.. Hawley introduced another bill
for the reorganization of the army. It
is the measure recommended by Gener-
al Miles.
Mr.. Gallery introduced q resolution
expressive OF the sense of the Senate
that the President enter into negotia-
tions with Great Britain for the abroga-
ton or modification of the Cleyt0n-Bul,
wer treaty, SO far as it may prevent The
United States from owning, controlling,
or operating 40 inter-ocean canal,
across the Darien isthmus.
The Senate had a short executive
session and when the doors were open
ed Mr.. Morgan moved to take up the
Nicaragua canal bill, but Messrs Hale
aud Pettigrew antagonized the propo
sition.
The former said appropriation bills
would be coming along next week.
Mr. Pettigrew moved TO adjourn
Defeated; ~ to 10
Mr.. Morgan carried his point, and
having gotten his bill in position,
moved himself that the Senate adjourn
Carried; and the Senate adjourned un-
ii! Monday.
HOUSE.
immediately after the approval Of
the journal in the House Mr.. Cannon,
His, asked that the House go into
committee of the whole, to consider the
urgency deficiency bill. Mr.. Dalzell,
Penn, took the Speakers chair.
Mr.. Cannon explained that it was
necessary to consider the bill before
December 81. There is a balance OF
1914 sic, 1885, unexpended and not obi.
gated in the war fund, of which 49,
652 SOB belongs TO the navy fund. The
appropriations committee recommends
a reappropriation of this balance as fol-
lows For the War Department and
military establishment S60.7l3,039 and
for the naval establishment S5.56S ,S53,
with an additional sum of SIS, GAO. Mr..
Cannon said if the bill is not passed
there will be no fund out of which to
pay the volunteer forces for the balance
ofthe fiscal year, ending June 80. 1899.
Mr.. Sayres, of Texas, endorsed Mr..
Cennon's arguments and said the bill
should be passed promptly.
MIR. McRhea, Arkansas, argued that
the boys still in camp should be made
to feel that they will be well taken
care OF by Congress.
Mr.. Cox, Tenn, wanted TO know
what use we now had for the troops,
that hostiIties have ceased. He as
serted that Mr. Cannon's committee is
really trying to keep the soldiers in
service. The only question was Have
hostilties ceasedP"
Several other democrats argued that
there should be a Limitation, by the
language OF the bill, as to the time the
appropriation should extend to. They
asserted that the troops, under the act
OF April 22nd, creating the volunteer
army, could not be kept in the service
after peace is declared.
Mr.. Cannon declared the act of April
22ad must be construed to mean That
the President can keep the troops in
service for two years, il it is necessary
for the national welfare.
Mr. Fleming. of Georgia, asserted
that that was not q proper construc-
ton, and the men enlisted only for Wer