The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-06
PASSED BY THE HOUSE.
The Fortifications Appropriation Bill
Sent to the Senate


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-The House to-
day during its entire session had under con-
sideration the bill making appropriations
Tor fortihcations and coast defenses. Little
interest seemed to be manifested III the pro-
ceedings. less than one-half of the members
being present during the session. The bill
was passed by the House, carrying sf,1A9l2,
against $9.5l7 al last year.
At the opening of the session Mr.. Royse
tlSep., Ind.), chairman of the committee on
elections No. 2. presented a resolution, de-
claring that in the contest between Samuel
Hudson and William McAleer. of Pennsyl-
vania for seat in the House, McAleer is
entitled to the seat. Without division the
resolution and report of the committee were
adopted.
During consideration of the Notifications
appropriation bill, Mr.. Lewis (Dem., Wash)
took occasion to discuss the financial ques-
ton and said it was the purpose of the adj
ininistration to retire the greenbacxs. He
also criticised the leaders of the House for
not allowing more time TO discuss the Teller
resolution.
M~. Mcclellan Dem, n. W, in q speech
declaring that the bill carried no adequate
appropriation for the defense of New York
harhor, said the trouble was that too much
money was expended for the improvement
Of our harbors which We uld make them
accessible to a hostile feet. 1t would be
much better" said ne, first to protect our
harbors and then, after they are protected,
10 improve them.
In response. Mr. Savers Dem Tex, a
member OF the appropriations committee.
expressed the opinion that there was not
the slightest prospect of war with any for
eign nation. Economy" said he. ought
10 be the Watchword on both sides of this
chamber, and no appropriation for any prof.
ect ought to be mace unless it is absolutely
necessary. After discussing the work of the
appropriations committee In consideration
OF the various appropriation bills, Mr.. Say
ers said: Our revenues are large enough.
II ought to be our effort to reduce the ex-
penseS of the government in order that they
may conform TO the receipts" In conclu-
sion, MIR. SayerS said: I'VE ought to unite
to make this Congress one of the most eco
nomical since the civil war"
BY the Introduction of an amendment to
reduaa the maximum price of oil tempered
and annealed steel from % 10 % cents per
pound Mr.. McRae, of Arkansas, secured the
floor and made a sharp attack on the adj
ministration He said he had no fear of
war because he was satisfied the present
administration would accept any Insult from
a foreign nation that might be offered,
bcund hand and foot as 1t was by trusts
and monopolies The great mass of the peo-
pie. however, would protect the honor of the
country Instead of preparing for war to
foreign nation Mr.. McRae thought Congress
ought to protect the country from further
issue of bonds which seemed likely in view
of the condition of the revenues.
MIR. Foote (Rep n. W and Mr.. Mahon
CRep.. Pa) opposed the amendment, main
taining that its adoption would result pre-
clsely as had the effort of Congress TO re-
duce the price of armor plate, and that it
was likely to cause one years delay in the
manufacture of guns. The amendment was
defeated-56 to 81
Mr.. Lewis Dem. Wash.) obtained the
floor to conclude the remarks he had begun
earlier in the day. He maintained that the
treasury now had only 1924 900, 900 with which
to pay n bilion-dollar debt--a debt that
was constantly increasing. He held that
the government was now paying a 2O0-cent
dollar in liquidation of its obligations-ob-
legations that. when contracted, were worth
only 80 cents on the present dollar.
After another fruitless effort on the part
or Mr.. Mcclellan to amend the bill the read
ing Of the measure was concluded, reported
by the committee of the whole TO the House
and passed. AT $40 p. m. the House adj
journcu until Monday