Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-19
55th CONGRESS.
Turpie, DEM, Ind, on the
War Revenue Measure.
Opposes Bond lssue---Favors Corpor-
alton Taxes and Silver Coinage.
More Army Nominations and Maine Pensions
and Postal Changes.

Washington, May lS.-Inc feature ol
today's session of the Senate was the
eneech of Mr. Turpie, Dem, Ind, upon
the war revenue measure. He strongly
contended that a bond issue was I'M
necessary. but all the funds required
for the prosecution of the war could be
raised through the proposed inheri-
lance tax, by the tax on corporations
by the coinage Of the silver seigniorage
and bv the issue of legal tender notes
These four means of obtaining money
would Weld to the government during
the wear. he maintained, fully $500, 0oo.-
600. an amount in excess of the esti-
mated sum necessary for the conduct
of the war
The speech was Enthusiastically
beautiful in diction and close and
forceful in range. Senators on both
sides of the Chamber gave it undivided
attention.
Considerable progress was made III
the reading Of the bill, which included,
naturally the consideration of tha
amendments proposed by the commit
tee. Through the influence of Mr.. Cor
man. Dem. Md. the Imprisonment
penalty was stricken out of some Of the
sections relating to violations Of the
stamp tax.
After an extended debate part of
which occurred in secret legislative
session, the conference report on the
bin suspended certain parts of the eX-
listing law relating to the purchase Of
supplies by the war department was
agreed TO.
The bill permitting officers of the
regular army 10 accept staff appoint
ments IN the volunteer army. without
losing their rank or place in the regu-
lar service was passed.
The Senate. on motion of Senator
IIaWley, went into secret session on the
quartermasters' bill. and Mr.. HaWley
read a letter from Gen. Flagler, chief
Of the bureau of ordnance. requesting
that authority be given for the pur-
chase of ordnance without waiting to
advertise, saying that such delay at
time might be of very serious conse-
quence.
The letter was not notable in any re-
spect except that it was an official ac-
Acknowledgement of the fact that there
are still many articles to be secured
for the equipment Of the army ami that
expedition is considered necessary in
securing them.
The reading of the letter led 10 a
brief discussion of the states Of the
military operations and some impa-
tience was expressed regarding the APP
parent delay in starting the military
expedition to the Philippines.
Senator Lodge made q brief speech
on this point expressing the hope that
if the passage of the bill would eX-
pedte in any wise the movement OF
this force, it would be put through
without any further delay whatever.
He referred to the battle OF Manila
as the most notable naval triumph OF
the world. because of its remarkable
onesidedness, and expressed surprise
and disappointment that Is days should
have been allowed to eiapse before
troops sufficient to enable us to follow
up the naval victory with an attach
upon the Spanish land forces al Mantle
had even been put in readiness to star
up on their mission.
Senator German repeated his criti
cism made in open session. of the proVi
sion inserted by the conferes, but sale
he would nct place any barrier in thu
way Of action upon the report. Their
was no division upon the acceptance o
the Report
After a long discussion the bill wa
laid aside, and. at 515. the Senate ad
journed.