The times., 1898-03-03
THE LOUD BILL.
1t Is the Cause of "a Delightful Ex-
change OF Sarcasm in the House.

The dry subject of the Loud amend
ment to the postal laws offered consider
able unexpected htmor yesterday in the
House and also called forth some facts
that displeased Mr. Loud of California
very much. a fact which he made no
effort to conceal. Mr.. Simpson of Kan
sas attacked the bill as soon as oppor-
tunity was afforded and by indisputable
data he showed that the Government is
now paying eight cents a pound TO rail-
road companies for carrying mail. while
express companies only pay a fraction of
one cent per pound.
Mr.. Simpson declared that The Post
Office authorities We're paying maximum
prices and had been doing so since 1878.
although under the law reductions in
prices should have been made as the
amount of mail matter increased in
volume. Mr.. Simpson quoted authorities
for lis assertions, and Mr.. Loud became
very angry thereat, frequently interrupt
ing the speaker by a question which re-
suited in bringing forth reply that
clinched all that had preceded II.
AIr Clark of Missouri followed and in
MS illnIJdDle way uScidfSd bndI Won
ders Will never cease and in explaining
this declaration he said that the debate
had brought forth from a Republican an
admission that free trade was something
to be sought for, and after referring to
the speech made by Mr.. Loud the dsty
before, he said:
As long the lamp holds out to burn
The yilest sinner may return
did not apply the quotation to Mr. Loud
but that it was intended for the exclu-
siyc benefit of the chairman of the Com
Eittee on Ways and Means (4Ir. Ding
ley of MaineI. He declared that after
Mr.. Loud had expressed a belief in the
theory of free trade there was hope for
the statesman from Maine and when he
became of the same opinion as the eerUle-
man from California all would
Shout the glad tdings
Oer land and Ger sea,
For Dingley's converted.
The country is Tree.
This poetic EFFORT was rewarded by
great laughter from all parts of the
House. When it subsidized Mr.. Clark read
from the Record portion of Mr.. Loud's
speech, in which he said that if we had
a country perfect etc, free trade would
be right
"Go on and read the rest" shouted Mr..
Loud, unable to repress his anger.
The rest is not worth reading re-
torted Mr. Clark, throwing the Record on
the desk with. such expression of violent
disgust that the Democrats shouted with
merriment.
why don't you read it all and tell the
whole TRUTH" shouted Mr.. Loud
because it isn't the truth" retorted
Mr.. Clark so Indignantly that he again
r,1-
each year there was sent out from the
Capitol through the mails 90 500 900 pounds
of stuff that is only stuff. and he de-
clared as soemnly as the twinkle in his
eyes would permit, that as soon las |
get through with three or four speeches
which I have got TO make | am going TO
introduce bill to abolish the publica-
tion of the Record.
He declared that the Record was a use
less publication except to give credit to
men for being orators who were as dumb
as oysters. CLaughteD.
Mr.. Clark said he was opposed to the
bill because ii placed restrictions on the
struggling country editor and he made
an effective appeal to all to vote against
the measure. asking those who represent
ed rural districts how they dared to in
iure the men who created them po-
litically." G-aughter
Mr.. Bromwell. of Ohio made plea for
the bill claiming that the deficiency in
the Postofiice Department demanded a
reduction in expense such as the bill con-
templated He admitted, however that
the Postoffice Department is paying rail
road companies u maximum price for
carrying second class mail matter at
cents pound under the law of 1878, while
express companies pay less than / cent
a pound besides the amount they paw for
the privilege.
Mr. Brown of Ohio declared that every
publishing house in his district was op-
posed to the bill.
Mr. Lentz of Ohio made an earnest ap-
peal for the defeat OF the measure and
declared the POStoffice Department ought
to make up its deficiency through the
railroads. He asked why the Government
should pay for the postal car il runs
when the Pullman Car Company is paid
for its cars He admitted that the Pull
man car furnishes passengers. but assert
ed that the Government pays $29 900 900 for
furnishing mail. lie asked why the Gov
ernment could not handle mail matter for
less than ! cent a pound if express COM
panies could do so. and in replying 10 the
tended to operate particularly against adj
vertising journals, he declared these pa
pcrs paid S1,S0G for the privilege they now
enjoy. and that the answers to their adj
yertiSements brought in postage $4,000
revenue each year to the Government
Mr.. Ogden OF Louisiana a member of
the committee. defended the bill until the
House adjourned. A vote will be taken on