The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-12-22
D0IECS OF CONGRESS.
Abstract of the Important Proceed
! inQS.

In the Senatel On Dec. 10 the session
was largely consumedsin the discussion of
the Nicaragua Canal bill. Mr. Turpie
made the principal speech in opposition to
the bill, attacking it On the ground that it
is in the interest of the Maritime Canal
Company which he characterized as a
fraud and bankrupt. He moved post
ponement of the matter until after the
holiday recess. sAir. Morgan defended the
bill and the Maritime Canal Company
and opposed the motion to postpone.
In the Senate on Dec. Ia. the Nicaragua
Canal bill was taken up, the pending
question being Mr.. NIurphy's motion to
postpone action on it until Jan. 10. Mr..
Harris spoke on the general features of
the bill. He said he did not consider it
practicable for private corporation to
eminent ownership, but the Maritime
Canal Company's charter supplied the
only open door, and the committee in
charge of the bill had determined to enter
| it with the understanding that the COM
pany was to be got rid Of.
The Clayton Bulwer treaty formed the
basis of brief speech by Mr.. Money
He advocated delay in order to afford OPP
portunity for negotiation looking to the
abrogation of the treaty.
The House refused to consider the Lodge
immigration bill. At the last session an
attempt was made to take ii from the
Speakers table, but it was defeated by a
large majority. Mr.. Danford, of Ohio,
Chairman of the immigration Committee
thought the bill would be stronger after
he tried again to secure consideration, the
House declined by vote of 100 to 103 to
take it up. 81
In the Senate on Dec. IS. Mr.. Cockrell
spoke in regard to the mastering out of
fIrnx A.x
the provision in the urgent deficiency
bill bearing upon this point. He said
that a large majority Of the volunteers
wanted to leave the Army ;, and many of
them were making sacrifices by remain
ing in the service. On the other hand,
the officers, who were finding the service
more profitable than the privates, had, in
many cases, refused to forward applica-
tionS for discharge. He thought in such
cases the War Department should exer-
else some discretion in the interest of the
private, as under the existing rules no
first secured the Endorsement of his COM
pany officers. He reviewed the situation
and declared that large standing army
was not necessary.
Mr.. Hale expressed the opini on that
affairs would soon take such shape that
the services of the volunteers could be
dispensed with. He thought that within
the next six months So, coo or 90, eco sol
diers could be mustered out. But this
was a matter which should be left largely
to the Administration. He understood il
was the intention to keep about 20 eco
men in the Philippines.
After further discussion the urgent de-
ficiency bill was passed.
Mr.. Morgan ala, d. presented me-
mortal from the National Board of Trade
favorable to the construction Of the Nicar-
aqua Canal, asking that thedocu ment
be printed in the Congressional Record.
Mr.. Allen (Neb., P.) objected, and Mr..
Morgan accepted the objection as an effort
10 obstruct the, legislation for the canal
and prevent the country's securing in
on the subject.
MIR. Allen resented this ImputatiOn and
said that he was favorable to the canal on
general principles, but advocated Gov
ownership He predicted that
the canal would cost $500, OO00G0
The Senate adjourned until Monday.
In the House the pension appropriation
bill was passed:
Mr.. Barney wis, RI in charge of the
bill, made general explanatory state
ment of its provisions.
Mr.. Allen Miss, D., of the Appropri-
alton Committee, called attention to the
fact that when he first came to Congress,
II years ago, the pension appropriation
bill invariably precipitated bloody shirt
discussion. He congratulated the coun-
Try that Congress had progressed since |
hen and that there would be no acri- |
nonious discussion on this bill The |
at last had the gratifying inform
alton that the pension roll had reached |
he maximum.
And | congratulate the country for
his" said Mr.. Allen in conclusion.
that while one of the most gallant and
desperate soldiers of the COnfederacy
helped to report this bill, the
President of the United States is down in
Dixie doing honor to the Confederate dead /
We will have cause to rejoice
The bill was then passed without a |
yord Of criticism, the whole time occupied
n its consideration being less than 20
linutes, the shortest time on record for
general pension bill. The bill carries
las, 233 $50.
In the House on Dec. Is the incorpora-
ion Of an International American bank,
Though advocated by several prominent
,aders Of the House, including Chairman
'ingley, OF the Ways and Means Com
littee, was defeated by decisive vote.
Representative Dingiey called up the
i'll, unanimously reported by the Ways ,
nd Means Committee, to extend the ,
ustOms and internal revenue laws over
he Hawaiian Islands. Mr.. Dingley ex-
lained the necessity for the immediate
assage of the act in order to project the
venues of the United States. The bill
as passed.