The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-17
Fortifcafions Appropriation Bill Also
Debated, and Liberalfty strongly
Urged by Mr.. Teller.
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS TAME
MEMBERS ABSORBED IN CONSIDER
ING THE MAINE DISASTER.
Resolution of Coincidence Passed-Ha-
waiian Treaty Debate-Finan-
ciaI Bill to BE Reported.

WASHINGTON, Feb. ia discussion on
coast defenses was the interesting feature
Of the Senate to-day. Many senators took
the ground that the appropriations should
be for the full amount of the estimates by
the War Department instead of some four
millions less. Senators Perkins and Hale
said that it was the policy of the appropri-
ations committee to make an annual ex-
penditure of $l0,0OO0O0 a year for fortifica-
tons. Senators Stewart, Hawley. Chandler
and Lodge spoke in favor of an increase.
Senator Teller also advocated liberal ex-
penditures, and during his remarks made
significant illusions to Cuba and Hawaii
In the early part of the day there was "a
discussion of the Kansas Pacific Railroad
sale, but no action was taken
Mr.. Gear, chairman of the Pacific Rail-
road committee said he hoped the resolu-
ton would not pass as the Senate had no
information concerning the sale He be-
lieved that the road was worth no more
than the principal of the government
claim.
Mr.. Hale moved that the resolution be
referred to the Pacific Railroad committee
Mr.. Allen objected to such reference. He
desired the Senate, he said, to take such
action would save the government the
sale were confirmed.
How do you propose to prevent the
loss?" inquired Mr.. Spooner
by redeeming the first mortgage bonds
replied Mr.. Allen.
Then persisted Mr.. Spooner, you
would, by redeeming the first mortgage
bonds, add about s7OOOOO0 to the govern
ments claim, making about $4,000, 600 III
ALP
That is precisely what / would do re-
piled Mr.. Allen.
After you did that" asked Mr.. Spooner,
'how would you hold the road?"
Il would hold it by placing it in the hands
of Il receiver said Mr.. Allen. THAT would
be proper and legal"
DO you think" inquired Mr. Spooner
that any court in the land would permit
you to hold that road and, as you suggest,
to operate It for an indefinite period under
Il receiver"
Il think the arrangement to operate the
road could easily and legally be made" said
Mr.. Allen
In response to inquiries by Mr. Allen Mr..
SpoOner replied that if he were dealing
with the question he would make the best
of bad bargain.
In the course of an extended argument in
support of the resolution Mr.. Morgan said:
Il am sorry to say 1t, 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 understand that he is
responsible to the people of the country"
Mr.. Thurston followed Mr.. Morgan in an
extended discussion of the Pacific Railroad
question. AT 1875 p. m. the Senate went
iEtO executive session and so remained un-
The Notifications appropriation bill was
then taken up. In the course of state
ment concerning the bill Mr.. Perkins said
that the committee OH appropriations was
unanimous in its action in increasing the
aggregate sum appropriated by the House
bill Every member of the committee was
III favor of peace. but all realized that the
best way to preserve peace was to be pre-
pared for war.
Mr.. Stewart thought that the appropria-
tons should be increased so that there
should be no more talk about the defense
less condition of the coasts.
Mr.. Chandler wanted an increase made
upon powder and projectiles which could be
Immediately available Mr.. Hawley favored
liberal appropria tons. Mr.. Lodge advo-
defense of our coast cities.
Mr.. Teller believed the indications We're
strong for q general war, and while the
United States might escape by drawing its
head into it's shell like turtle, still we, as
a great nation, should be prepared for any
emergency Here Mr.. Teller made an evi"
dent allusion to the condition of affairs in
Cuba, saying it was our plain duty, when
nation was conducting a war upon our
borders contrary to international law and
the rules of humanity, to step TO the front
and tell that nation it must Gesst. let the
consequences be to us what they might. We
would despise u strong man who would not
defend q weak child from brute, and ON
the same principle a great nation would be
expected to defend an abused people under
the circumstances. Mr.. Teller also
said that If the United States wanted to be-
come anything more than 4 hermit nation
and escape war only by submitting to in
suits, IT would have To prepare itself to take
part in the affairs of the world. Hence he
was in favor Of a liberal allowance for
ships and for coast defenses sufficient to
maintain the dignity and the honor of the
Republic.
An amendment offered by Mr. Chandler,
increa sing the amount appropriated for
powders ana projectiles for a reserve sup
ply for armament and Notifications from
s650,61S TO $g50,61S was accepted. This COM
pleted the consideration of the bill and it
passed without division. At sos o'clock the
Senate adjourned.