Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-05-09
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, May 8
SENATE.


In his invocation at the opening Of
the Senate's session to-day the chaplain
gave thanks for the signal victory
, achieved by Commodore Dewey's ASH
attic squadron.
At the conclusion Of the prayer, the
reading of the journal was dispensed
with and the Vice President recognized
the Presidents executive clerk, MIR.
Crook, who presented a message from
the President. The message was laid
before the Senate. 1t recommended
that vote of thanks TO Commodore
Dewey and his men be extended by
Congress in recognition of the remarka-
BILE victory in Manila bay.
As soon as the message had been
read Mr.. Hale, chairman of the navel
affairs committee, presented resolu-
ton of thanks and asked immediate
consideration.
at seems to me-" said Mr.. Quay,
"that in view of the wonder :
full nature of the victory OF
Commodore Dewey the resolution
might we'll go farther. | suggest that
provision be added for the presenta-
ton of sword to Commodore Dewey
and medals to his officers and men,"
"That is very good suggestion, "
said Mr.. Hale" but the matter of the
sword and medals can be taken care Of
in another resolution"
The resolution was then passed by
an aye ard no vote 66 Senators voting
in favor of it end not one against it.
Mr.. Hale then introduced bill pro-
viding that the number of rear admirals
of the United States navy be increased
from six to seven, the purpose OF the
measure being to enable the President
to nominate Commodore Dewey as q
rear admiral.
The bill was passed without dis
senting voice.
Mr.. Quay's suggestion that sword be
presented to Admiral Dewey and med
ais to the officers and men of the ships
had been anticipated, as Mr.. Lodge
then offered resolution to that effect,
and appropriating the sum of $4,000
to execute it. 1t was agreed to without
debate.
A bill authorizing the postmaster
general to establish post offices in mill
tary posts and camps was passed unani'
mously.
A resolution, offered by Mr.. Cannon
last Friday, for an investigation Of
trusts was referred to the committee on
manufactures.
Consideration of the postoflice apprc-
priation bill was then resumed, MIR.
Faulkner continuing his speech upon
the pending amendment providing for
reduction Of 20 per cent. in the
amounts paid the railroads for trans
porting the mails.
HOUSE.
An unusually large crowd was in the
House galleries to-day being brought to
the Capitol in anticipation of message
from the President, relative TO the
Manila victory and recommending q
vote of thanks to acting Admiral Dewey
and his men. A very large attendance
of members was on the floor. So soon
as the journal had been read the Presi-
dents message WAS presented and read.
The closest attention was given by every
one in the chamber, The reading was
not interrupted By applause but at the
conclusion demonstration on the floor
and in the galleries followed, which
continued several minutes. When the
applause ceased Mr.. B0utelle chairman
of the House committee on Daval af-
fairs, offered and asked immediate con-
sideration of joint resolution tender
ing the thanks Of Congress in line with
the Presidents recommendation. Dir.
Boutelle spoke briefly in praise OF Adj
miral Dewey and his men and then
moved the adoption OF the resolution.
Upon the suggestion OF Mr.. Henry, the
vote was made a rising one and it was
unanimous.
Mr.. Boutelle then Immediately intro
duced bill fixing the number Of rear
admirals in the navy at seven in order
to provide for the promotion of Commo.
dore Dewey. Mr.. Boutelle said the
committee on naval affairs presented
the bill for the purpose of carrying out
the spirit Of the Presidents message
and the manifest desire of the people Of
the entire country. In reply to u ques-
ton from Mr.. Bailey, Mr.. BOutelle
said the action of the committee was
prompted solely by the exceptional
character of the present case, the mani.
fest warrant for creating the additional
admiralship to properly reward an oti-
Ger who had brought such superh, y. C.
tory to the American naJv and reflect.
ed so much crat.;:ts upon the entire land.
Mr.. Galley said the case was indeed
exceptional and he would not inter
pose objection to proposition so meri-
torious, but he merely wanted to sug.
gest that the action about to be taken
was exceptional and was in no sense in
dicatlve of purpose to increase freely
during this war additional high salsred
| officers in the army aud navy, and he
would certainly oppose the Inaugural
ton OF such purposes.
The bill was then passed unani.
mously.
After some bills affecting matters in
the District of Columbia were consider
ed, the bill passed by the Senate author
J izing the army while operating in Cuba