The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-17
DEBATE ON THE ARMY BILL.
COckreIPs Amendment Provides for
Temporary Force.

Temporary Force.
Washington, Feb. 16,--The army reorgan-
izatlon bill was reported to the Senate to-
day, and Mr.. Hawley of Connecticut
chairman of the military affairs commit
tee, gave notice that he would move to
proceed to its consideration at the earliest
possible time. The naval personnel bill
was taken up and read, but no effort made
to proceed further with it's consideration.
The military academy appropriation bill
was passed.
The postoffice appropriation bill was I'M
der consideration during the greater part
of the afternoon, but was not disposed of
finally. spirited debate occurred over
the amendment of the Senate committee
providing for an appropriation to secure
fast mail service between New York and
Washington, and Atlanta and New Or
leans. The amendment was retained in
the bill.
Mr.. Morgan Of Alabama offered the Mic
aragua canal bill as an amendment to the
river and harbor bill to-day, and had Il
referred to the committee on commerce.
now considering that measure.
The bin offered by Senator Morgan is
substantially the Hepburn bin offered in
the House, with some notifications.
To Muster Out Volunteers.
Mr.. Cockrell of Missouri, speaking for
the other five members Of the military af-
fairs committee. presented a written state
ment in the nature of a minority report
The bin he proposed provided that within
a blank number Of days the volunteer force
now in the service be mustered out and
discharged; that the act Of April 26. 1888
be continued In fun force till July /. 1901
nd In
enroll a military force Of 5000 men in the
Island of Cuba, Porto Rico and Philip
pines-these troops to be differed by the
President may direct restricted in service
to their respective islands and not to be
considered a part of the permanent mill
tary establishment.
Such an act, Mr.. CockrelI said, would
continue the military establishment at
about 62,000 men, and in addition would
afford the President an additional force
of 5000 men from the various islands.
This force would be absolutely at the dis
posal OF the President until peaceful con-
ditons were restored In the various new
possessions Of the United States.
I'VE Offer" said Mr.. Cockreli IN conelu-
sion, Everything in reason, everything
that will enable the President 10 estab-
lish order. Everything for the establish
ment of order and protection to life and
property Is in the bin which / offer"
Fast Mail Appropriation.
Consideration was then begun Of the
postoffice appropriation bill. Practically
the only obstacle encountered by the bill
was the committee amendment providing
for special mail facilities on the trunk
lines from New York and Washington to
Atlanta and New Orleans, and from Kan
sas City, Mo, TO Newton, Kan.
Mr.. Wolcott of Colorado strongly oppos-
ed the appropriations for this special SER
vice, declaring that they indicated only
"the influence certain railroads had over
Congress-
Mr. Sullivan OF Mississippi Mr. Bacon
OF Georgia, Mr.. Morgan OF Alabama, and
others supported the amendment In op-
position TO the amendment, Mr.. Bate OF
Tennessee, Mr.. Lodge Of Massachusetts,
and others addressed the Senate.
In closing the debate on the amendment,
Mr.. Quay, in charge of the bill, strongly
defended the appropriation, and hoped
the committees action would be sustained
The amendment, which appropriates $7l,-