The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-24
REVENUE BILL DEBATE
LONG SPEECHES BY SENATOR'S Chill
TON, LODGE AND TURLEY.
Bill Passed Admitting N HnwaiiaA
that 1t May Transport Troops.

WASHINGTON. May 2s.-For five hours
to-day the Senate had the war revenue
measure under discussion. The entire time
was occupied by Mr.. Chiffon (Dem.. Tex).
Mr. Lodge (Rep.. Mass) and Mr.. Turley
Dem. Tenn) While Mr. Lodge confined
himself to a discussion of the proposed tax
on corporations and bank deposits, strongly
urging that such taxes be not imposed, Mr..
Chiffon and Mr.. Turley covered pretty fully
the general features of the bill. Their
speeches dealt comprehensively with the
theories of taxation and were, therefore, in
the very nature of things. legal and techni-
cal dissertations upon the subject No ac-
ton was taken upon the bill.
At the opening of the session COM
munication was received from Secretary of
War Alger, together with the draft of a bill
providing for gradual increase in the NUM-
Der of the corps of engineers. The bill pro-
vdes the corps of engineers of the army
shall consist hereafter of one chief of engi-
neers. with rank of brigadier general. seven
colonies, 140 lieutenant colonels twenty
eight majors, thirty-hve captains, thirty
first lieutenants twelve second leutenants
and the battalion of engineers. All promo
tons shall be made by seniority The COM
munication and bill were referred to the
military affairs committee.
After the transaction of some routine
business Mr.. Allison called up the war reve-
nue. measure. Mr.. Chiffon delivered an ex-
tended and carefully written speech on the
general features of the bill, from the DEM
ocratic standpoint. He was followed by Mr..
Lodge, who addressed himself particularly
to the proposed tax on corporations. He
held that the fact that many States now
levied a tax upon corporations was an argu-
ment against the proposed tax to be levied
by the national government, rather than IN
favor of it. For the United States to tax
the corporations would result in the de-
struction of a great source of revenue 10
ration tax because it was unfair and in
equitable All partnerships were exempted,
while all corporations were taxed.
Mr. Turley presented an argument IN sup
port of the corporation tax. He concluded
with an argument in favor OF the issue OF
legal-tender notes, as provided Tor Tor d IN Ine
committee. -
1t was then agreed that the bill would
not be pressed further to-day and II was
Mr.. Frye who was in the chair. called
Mr.. Carter to the chair in order that ne
might report a bill from the committee
on commerce He said that he regretted ex-
ceedngly to admit to an American register
hand it seemed necessary. although it did
appear to be a sort of blackmail that the
War Department was leVying upon Con-
gress in making the request. The bill. pro-
vided for the admission to American regis
try of the steamer Zeandia. Mr. Frye said
he had just received telegram from the
War Department ureing that the bill be
passed, as the ship had been chartered to
convey troops to Manila.
Mr.. Pettigrew inquired where the ship
was built Mr.. Perkins replied that the
steamer belonged to the Oceanic Steamship
Company and was under the Hawaiian flag,
although she was British built. Mr.. Petit
grew objected to consideration of the bill.
A chorus of protests rose from all parts of
the chamber Mr.. Teller went to Mr.. Petit
grew and appealed to him personally to
withdraw his objection
Mr.. Frye expressed the hope that the OBJ
lection would be withdrawn, Mr.. Petit
grew could have greater objection to
comforting an American register upon for
eign ship than he had but In this instance
it seemed absolutely necessary, as the War
Department had completed the charter of
the vessel and its services were seriously
needed. Finally Mr.. PettigTew said that at
the earnest solicitation of friends on both
sides of the chamber. he would withdraw
his objection. particularly as the War De-
partments desire for the vessel was the
only manifestation of haste he had noticed
since the war begun. The bill was, then
passed.
The Senate, at Sis D. m. went into exec
utive session and at $50 y. m. adjourned.