The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-02-06
FOR HARBOR DEFENSES
House Discusses and Passes the
Fertilization Bill.
SAVERS TALKS ECONOMY
Lewis Attacks the Financial Policy of the
Administration n-McRae Says McKin-
ley Will Accept Any Insult
From Foreign Nations.

Washington. Feb. 5.-The house to-
day during its entire session had under
consideration the bill making appropri-
ationS for fortificationS and coast de-
fenses. Little interest seemed to be
manifested in the proceedings, less
than one-half of the members being
present during the session. The bill
was passed by the house carrying $4,-
144,912 against $9,517, ,141 last year.
At the opening of the house to-day
Royce, rep, Ind. chairman of the
committee on elections No. 2 presented
a resolution declaring that in the con-
test between Samuel Hudson and Will
liam McAleer of Pennsylvania for a
seat in the house, McAleer is entitled
to the seat. The resolution and report
were adopted. The house then went
into committee of the whole and re-
sumed consideration of the fortifica
tion appropriation bill.
Lewis, dem, Wash, took occasion to
discuss the financial question and said
1t was the purpose of the administra-
tion to retire the greenbacks. He also
criticised the leaders of the house for
not allowing more time to discuss the
Teller resolution. McClelland, DEM, n.
Y, in his speech declared that the bill
carried no adequate appropriation for
the defense of New York harbor, and
said the trouble was that too much
money was expended for the improve
ment of our harbors which would make
them accessible to hostile fleets.
1T would be much better" said he,
first to protect our harbors and then
after they are protected to improve
them"
In response Sayers, dem, Texas, a
members of the appropriation commit
tee, expressed the opinion that there
was not the slightest prospect of war
with any foreign nation. Economy
said he, ought to be the watchword
on both sides of this chamber. and no
appropriation for any project ought to
be made unless it is absolutely neces-
sary." In conclusion Sayers said: We
ought to make this congress one of the
most economical since the civil war
BY the introduction of an amend
ment to reduce the maximum price of
oil-tempered and annealed steel from
% to % cents per pound, Mr.. McRae of
Arkansas secured the floor and made a
sharp attack on the administration. He
said he had no fear of war, because he
was satisfied the present administra-
tion would accept any insult from a
foreign nation that might be offered,
bound hand and foot as ii was to trusts
and monopolies. The great mass of the
people, however would protect the
honor of the country. Instead of pre-
pairing for war to protect the country
from the inroadS of foreign nation,
Mr.. McRae thought congress ought TO
protect the country from further is
sue of bonds, which seemed likely, in
view of the present condition of the
revenues. before the end of the year.
Mr.. Foote, rep, n. Y, and Mr.. Mahon
rep. Pa, opposed the amendment, main
tanning that the adoption would result
as the effort made by 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 amend
ment was defeated, 56 to 34.
Mr.. Lewis. dem, Wash. obtained the
floor to conclude the remarks he had
begun earlier in the day. He main
tanned that the treasury had now only
1924 900. 900 with which to pay a two
billion-d dollar debt, debt that was con-
stantly increasing. He held that the
government was now paying a 200-cent
dollar in liquidation of its obligations
obligations that when contracted We're
worth only 30 cents on the present dol
lar
After another fruitless effort on the
Fart of Mr.. Mcclellan to amend the bill,
the reading of the measure was con-
Guided. reported by the committee of the
whole to the house and passed. At $40
j. m. the house adjourned until Mon