The San Francisco call., 1898-05-10
Call Office, Riggs House,


 Fitting tribute was paid by the Sen- ate to Commodore Dewey for the mag nifcent victory achieved in the battle of Manila Bay.
 The message from the President was received recommending that vote of thanks be extended by Congress to Commodore Dewey and the fA liant officers and men of his command. Without a word of debate and without a dissenting vote the Senate agreed to the resolution, carrying into effect the recommendation of the President.
 The Senate went farther even than that. A bill was presented increasing the number of rear-admirals in the navy from six to seven, in order that the President might nominate Commo- dore Dewey to the highest position in the navy within his gift, and that, too, was passed without dissent.
 In addition a joint resolution was unanimously agreed to directing the Secretary of the Navy to present to Commodore Dewey sword Of honor, and to have struck, in commemoraIlon of the batte of Manila, bronze medal for each of the officers and men who participated in the gallant hght. The resolution appropriates Sl00OO to eI-  sions into effect.
 The bill offered last Friday, author izing the Postmaster-General to estap- fish postoffices at military posts anu camps, in order to facilitate the oe- livery of mail to soldiers, was reporteu fayorably by the Postoftice and Post- roads Committee and unanlhlously passed. Subsequently an ameRdment to the postofffce appropriation blll was agreed to, appropriating $5O,O0O to carry the bill into effect.
 The postoffice appropriation Dill was under discussion during aiIhosL ene S..9,1 e,1 fire session. the subject being the prop osition to reduce the compensation or railroads 20 per cent for carrylns tIe mails The amendment was deIedIeu by the decisive vote of 40 to S.
 At a. late hour 1t became evident the bill could not be disposed oI to-u"y, and it was unanimously agreed to vote moon it at ? o'clock tomorrow.
 A resolution offered by Cannon or TTtab last Friday for an inVestgatlol of trusts was referred to the Commit tee on Manufacturers.
 Consideration of the postoff1ce appro- priation bill was then resuIned, T aCIh- tIlA- ner of West Virginia continuing TOT tmo o hours his speech in opposition 10 the PettigreW amendment providing TOT reduction of 20 per cent in the amounts maid the railroads for transporting the mails. ~
 Butler of North Carolina then deliv- cred an extended speech in favor or the amendment.
 ment were made by Allen (Pop) of Nebraska and PettigreW (Sil. Rep) Of South Dakota.
 Quay. in charge of the bill, moved at the conclusion of the debate to lay the amendment on the table. The motion was agreed to-ayes 40, noes 8.
 Butler offered an amendment provid- ing that the Government should own the railway mail cars and that it should pay to the railroad companies only such sums as the railroads receive for simf- lar service.
 Speaking upon the amendment But Ter declared that the railroads were now maintaining a crowd of lobbyists" in and around the Senate and even the lobbying place by the railroad attor- neys. The amendment was defeated without division.
 A committee amendment was offered by Quay, appropriating $50,000 for the establishment of postoffices in military posts and camps during the present war The amendment was adopted.
 An amendment, offered by Butler, providing for the punishment of rail- road companies in case of their refusal to carry mails on their fastest trains, if desired to do so by the Postmaster General, was agreed to.
 Butler then offered an amendment eliminating from that section of the bill which provides for an investigation of the question as to whether excessive prices are being paid railroads for car rying the mails, the clause which ex- tends the investigations to all sources of revenue and expenditures of the pos tai service.
 The Senate at 6:55 p. m., on motion of Cullom, adjourned