The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1898-06-03
WAR REVENUE BILL.
Little Progress Made by Senators
in Disposing of the Measure.
HAW Allan ANNEXATION DISCUSSED.
The Entire Time of the Secret Session Civ
en- Up to Talk on the Subject-An
Unimportant and Short ses-
sion of the House.


WASHINGTON, June i.-Another day
has been passed by the senate in fruit
less discussion of the war revenue
measure. Not the slightest material
progress was made at yesterdays ses-
sion toward disposing of the bill
Speeches were made by Senators Ma
son, of Illinois; Lodge, of Massachu-
sets, and Elkins, of West Virginia.
Senator Mason strongly advocated an
amendment to the bill placing tax
upon wheat -four adulterated either
with clay or with corn flour and pre-
sented a long statement by the Ma
tional Association of American Millers
in support of his contention. Senator
Lodge had intended to defend his ac-
ton in Offering the Hawaiian annexa-
ton resolution as an amendment to
the pending bill, but refrained be-
cause, he said, secret session would
be demanded If that discussion were
started. After commenting somewhat
severely upon the arrogance of the
minority which prevented action upon
a question which the administration
and majority in both branches of
gan discussion of some of the ques-
tions arising out of the present war.
Evidently believing this not proper
subject for public discussion, Senator
Turpie, of Indiana, forced secret
legislative session. In the open ses-
sion that followed Senator Elkins dis
cussed the general features of the
pending bill, opposing the corporation
tax, tax on bank deposits and the is
sue of greenbac<s and strongly advo-
eating the issue of bonds.
The senate remained in secret exec
utive session for three hours. The en-
tire time was given to rather free
discussion of the Hawaiian question,
based on a motion declaring it to be
| the sense of the senate that the ques-
ton of annexation should not be dis
cussed in open session. At the con-
clusion of the debate the senate voted,
viva voce, not to pursue the subject
further, except behind closed doors.
Senator Lodge did not press the sub
ject of his speech after the public was
excluded, but other senators declared
themselves in favor of prompt action,
the speeches of Senators Chandler and
Morgan being the most pronounced in
this direction. Senator Morgan ex-
pressed the opinion that, under the
circumstances, the annexation of the
Hawaiian islands was as much a war
measure as any step that could posi-
bly, be taken, and he thought congress
had remained in session long enough
TO pass all war measures
Senator Chandler con tended that the
possession of the islands was a mill
tary necessity. He dwelt upon the
fact that Hawaii afforded practically
the only stopping place between our
shores and the Philippine islands. He
mentioned the fact that we now have
IL, 600 tons of coal stored at Honolulu,
and said that If, in view of the exist
ing war, we should be shown any ia
voritism whatever, the little republic
would be held to a strict accountable
ity by other countries.
Other speeches favorable to annexa-
ton were made by Senators Stewart
and Elkins, and Senator Allison, act
ing chairman of the finance commit
tee, intimated a willingness to take
up the Hawaiian question after the
passage of the war revenue bill.
Senators Pettigrew and White were
antagonistic to annexation, and Sena-
tor Hale announced himself favorable
to final ad adjournment after the passage
of the war revenue bill and necessary
appropriation bills,
THE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-The house
yesterday passed a bill authorizing
the construction of a railway bridge
across Lake st. Francis, near Lake
City, Ark; also a concurrent resolu-
ton directing the commission now
codifying the criminal laws to prepare
and submit a code of civil law and pro-
cedure for Alaska. A number of other
bills were passed and the house, in
committee of the whole, consid-
cred a bin authorizing the Sec
rotary of the treasury to keep
open, during June and July this
year, such hfs-saving stations
on the Atlantic and gulf coasts as he
might deem advisa BILE. The bill was
urged by the secretary of the navy as
providing for the continuance in the
months named of an important adj
iunct TO the naval and coast signal
service in making efficient the patrol
service. After some desultory discus
sion the bill was amended to carry
$40. 900 instead of Si25, 600 and passed.
The house, at LAB p M, adjourned.
nonneIiy Elected President.