The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-11

made by Mr. Allen that quorum was not
present. A roll call disclosing the absence
OF a quorum, the Senate adjourned.
Gen. William Booth. founder Of the Sal
opening of the session. He invoked the d.
vine blessing on the Senate and its mem
to continue his favor to those here gathered
for the ruling and regulation of this great
and mighty Nation, and that all that might
here be done be to the honor and glory of
God. He prayed this country might move
forward in the march OF Christianity, so
that it might be an example to all other
Tucker, the son-in-law and daughter Of
General Booth, were in the gallery during
the prayer. Previous to the meeting of the
ton in the Vice Presidents room.
Mr.. Frye (Maine) reported favorably from
the committee on commerce a bill TO amend
the laws relating to navigation. He said
that as the proposed bill related only to
Alaskan waters, it was necessary that
prompt action should be taken. The bill
was passed without division
Mr.. Chandler On. H.) gave notice that he
would tomorrow call up the Corbett case
Immediately after the morning business.
The Indian appropriation bill was then
considered. Considerable discussion arose
over an, amendment proposed by the com
mittee providing that hereafter no Indian
or tribe of Indians shall lease for mining
purposes lands that are not patented to said
Indians" Mr.. Rawlins supported the
amendment and referred to efforts that are
constantly being made by private individ-
ualS and corporations to secure Indian
lands. particularly mineral lands, by lease
from the Indians, with the approval OF the
secretary of the interior.
Mr. Allen maintained that the Indians had
higher and better right to the land than
the mere permission to roam over it hunting
and fishing and feeding their ponies. He
held that the Indians had a right to mine
for the minerals supposed or known to be
in the land, or cut the timber growing
thereon, and If the individual Indians of the
Indian tribe did not desire to mine the lands
r~frrflx 70
such persons as they pleased, under reason
able restrictions, to be enforced by the In
terror Department. Mr.. Allen said he did
not desire to impugn anybody's motives, but
he could readily conceive that those who
resided near these valuable gilsonite lands
being thoroughly familiar with the location
of the mineral deposits, might be anxious to
open these lands to location by white peo-
pie, as such opening would afford them an
immense advantage over people from other
parts Of the country who were unfamiliar
with the location of the deposits. The COM
mittee amendment was agreed to.
Mr.. Allen presented an amendment re-
storing the annuities of the Sante Sioux In
dams. t'
Mr.. Allison made a point of order against
the payment of at least $3,000,000 and, per-
hapS, double that amount
Mr.. Allen said he did not want so inn
portant amendment as that 'whistled
down the wind" by point of order. He
said he did not want to be picked up and
snuffed out like a candle" but desired an
opportunity to discuss it.
Mr.. Allison said he was convinced that
there was not the shadow of right in the
proposed amendment. He insisted upon his
point of order, but Mr.. Allen withdrew the
amendment.
1t was in the course Of the discussion of
an amendment offered by Mr. Thurston
against which a point of order made
by Mr.. Allison, that Mr.. Allen made his
attack on the Speaker of the House Of Rep
resentativeS. He declared that it was i'm
possible to secure the passage through the
House of many meritorious measures be-
cause one man stood at the entrance or
the caverns into which proposed legislation
be done about that of which he did not
approve. He said that in the other end of
the Capitol this one man stands for 3S and
his bold, tunwarranted, undignified action
was a disgrace to the Congress and to the
American people,.
Mr.. Frye said the senator (Allen), was
point of order. Mr.. Allen said he had no
desire to violate the rules and did not think
he had violated them as he had not referred
to any man by name nor to any particular
end of the Capitol This was received with
sarcastic laughter by other senator's and
even Mr.. Allen smiled. Further along in his
remarks Mr.. Allen reverted to the power
exercised by the Speaker of the House, de-
claring that in view of the impossibility of
securing consideration of meritorious leg
islaton the truth ought to be known to all
if it broke any rules he was not responsible.
Il want it understood said Mr.. Allen,
that hold myself responsible at any time
and in any place for such statements as
l may make or have made on this sub
ject."
Mr.. Allison's. point of order was sus-
tanned by the Vice President. Mr.. Allen took
appeal to the Senate from the Vice
Presidents ruling. Mr. Hoar moved to lay
the appeal on the table Mr.. Allen made
the point of no quorum, and a roll call dis
ators, not a quorum, the Senate, on motion
Of Mr.. Allison at 5:15 p m. adjourned.