The herald., 1898-12-16
Without One Word Of Debate Or
Criticism
AN INCREASE OF ONLY -FOUR MILLIONS
Senate Opponents Of the Nicaragua Canal Bill Succeed in
Delaying Action Until After the Holidays Important
Matters Considered In Committee

a letter from Attorney General Griggs de
nying that at banquet in New York he
had, as quoted, expressed the opinion that
the legislation made for our half-developed
colonies could not reasonably be expected
to meet the demands of the greatest nation
in the world
| Mr.. Morgan presented memorial from
the National Board of Trade favorable to
the construction of the Nicaragua Canal
asking that it be printed in the Congress
sonal Record. Mr.. Allen objected.
Mr.. Morgan accepted the objection of Mr.
Allen as an effort to obstruct the legislation
for the canal and prevent the country secur-
ing information on the subject.
Mr.. Allen resented this saying that he
was favorable to the canal on general prin-
ciples, though advocating government
ownership. He predicted that the canal
would cost SlO0,0OO,0OO.
Without determining the mooted point
raised by Mr. Allen, the senate at Mr.. Hale's
request, took up the urgent deficiency ap-
preparation bill.
Cockreil addressed the senate in regard
to the mastering out of the volunteer sol
ders, large majority of whom, he SAID,
wanted to be mustered out and many of
whom were making sacrifices by remaining
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 applications for dis
charge. He thought that in such cases the
war department should exercise some dis
cretion in the interest of the private and be
more enient with the enlisted men.
Cockrell said very few soldiers would be
required in Cuba and Porto Rico, or, for that
matter, in the Philippines, where, he said,
our footing was very insecure.
Replying, Hale said he had no doubt that
the rank and file of the army abroad had a
great desire to return home, and he expressed
the opinion that they should be allowed to
do so.
German said he had advocated an
amendment to the bill which would pro
vide, in explicit terms, for the reduction
of from 25,00O to $4,000 by July next, but
owing 10 the representations of the army au-
tLorties, he would reserve his amendment
until the army bill should come before the
senate.
Sewall said the war department had, for
the past several months, been gradually
NSFuluS oul sOIuleIs lOT ulscHdTUe ana tIat
many thousands had thus been relieved
from this duty. He had no doubt that even
without legislation $4,000 men would be re-
leased within the next six months.
The urgent deficiency bill was then
passed.
At the instance of Harris the senate
adopted resolution calling upon the presi
dent for information al to the status of the
:eport of the Nicaragua canal commission
IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
The senate then went into executive ses.
sion and at 5:03 p. m. adjourned until Mon
day.
The senate today confirmed these nomina-
tions, among others.
Colonel b. NJ. Mansfield, corps of engin.
eers, member OF California debris commits
sion; j. A. Ockerson OF Missouri member OF
Mississippi river commission.
j. S. Hendricks, appraiser of merchandise,
district of Willamette, Oregon; f. w. Peck