The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-17
DEFENsEs ON THE COAST.
Senator's Discuss the Appropriation
for the Work.

Senator's Discuss the Appropriation
for the Work.
Washington, Feb. 16.-A discussion upon
coast defenses was the interesting feature
of to-day in the Senate. Many senators
took the ground that the appropriations
should be for the full amount of the esti-
mates by the war department, instead of
some 81, 100000 less.
Senators Perkins and Hale said 1t was
the policy of the appropriations committee
to make an annual expenditure of 100000
a year for Notifications.
Senators Stewart, Hawley, Chandler and
Lodge spoke in favor of increases.
Senator Teller advocated liberal expendi-
lures and during his remarks made signif
cant illusions to Cuba and Hawaii.
In the early part of the day there was
discussion of the Kansas Pacific Railroad
sale, but no action was taken.
Mr.. Gear. chairman of the Pacific Roads
committee. said he hoped the resolution
would not pass as the Senate had no in
formation concerning the sale. He be-
lieved that the road was worth no more
than the principal of the governments
claim.
In the course of an extended argument
in SUPPORT of the resolution, Mr.. Morgan
of Alabama said: 81 am sorry to say it,
but within the last five or six days the
President has been forced to his knees on
the subject by the compulsion of the New
York combine-the Fitzgerald combine.
Let him take his course, but let him under
stand that he is responsible to the people
of the country"
The fortifcations bill was then taken
uD. In the course of a statement con-
corning the bill, Mr. Perkins said the com
mittee on appropriations was unanimous
in its action in increasing the aggregate
sum appropriated by the House bill Every
member of the committee was in favor
of peace. but all realized that the best
way to preserve peace was to be prepared
for war.
Mr.. Chandler of New Hampshire wanted
an increase made upon powder and projec-
tiles which could be Immediately available.
Mr.. Lodge advocated a steady policy
looking to the proper defense of our sea-
coast cities.
Mr.. Teller believed the indications were
strong for general war and while the
United States might escape by drawing
its head into its shell, like a turtle, still
we. as a great nation, should be prepared
for any emergency.
Here Mr. Teller made an evident allu-
sion to the condition of affairs in Cuba,
saying it was our plain duty when a ma
ton was conducting a war upon our bor-
rules of humanity, to step to the front
and tell that nation it must desist, let the
consequences be to us what they might.
We would despise a strong man who
would not defend a weak child from
brute, and on the same principle a great
nation would be expected to defend an
abused people under the same circum-
stances.
Mr. Teller also said that if the United
States wanted to become anything more
than hermit nation and escape war only
by submitting to insults it would have to
prepare itself TO take part in the affairs
of the world. Hence he was in favor of
liberal allowance for ships and for coast
defenses sufficient to maintain the dignity
and honor of the republic.
An amendment offered by Mr.. Chandler
increasing the amount appropriated for
powder and projectiles for a reserve sup
ply for armament and fortiflcations from
$650,61S. to $695,6lS was accepted
This completed the consideration of the
bill and II passed without division
AT sos o'clock the Senate adjourned.