The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-03-04
The APPROPRIATION BILLS
One by One Pushed Through by
SkiIIfuI Leaders.
CONFUSION REIGNED SUPREME
To the People in the Galleries the Pro-
ceedings Were UninteIligible.
ARMoR PLATE PLANT SCHEME
Was Voted Down in the House and
Naval Bill Sent Back to Confer
ence-The Army Appro-
priation Bill Passed.

Washington, March 3-Crowded galleries
looked down upon the struggling members
of the house today as the closing scenes OF
the last legislative day of this congress
were being enacted Step by step the lead
ers in charge of the appropriation bills
pushed them through the final stages and
during every lull in the consideration of
conference reports members clamored for
recognition for belated local bills in the vain
hope of rescuing them from death on the
calendar.
At times the house was like Bedlam
Pound as the speaker would, with his gavel
1t was almost impossible to preserve order
and to the casual visitor in the gallery the
proceedings on the floor must have been
about as unintelligibe as an exciting day
In the wheat pit would be to parish priest
The noise and confusion on the floor, punc-
tuated with the constant banging of the
speakers gavel or background with the
droning voice of the clerk; irate members
facing each other and talking at the same
time; pages scurrying up and down the
aisles. All this was utterly distractlng.
But the people in the galleries stayed on
and there were dozen persons In line In the
corridors waiting for every vacant seat, so
great is the attraction of dying congress.
Walker Criticised Republicans
Mr.. Walker. of Massachusetts, after many
unsuccessful attempts, got an opportunity
during the afternoon to voice his views on
currency reform and severely criticised
some of his republican colleagues When
the beacon light on the dome blazed forth
as darkness fell. thousands upon thousands
were attracted to the brilliantly illuminated
wings of the capitol. where the two houses
were to Sit out the night. In the reserved
galleries of the house were congregated the
elite of the society of the national capital.
while the public galleries were banked to
the doors. Styishiy gowned ladies and gem
tlemen In evening dress added eclat to the
occasion The big questions in dispute be-
tween the two houses being naturally the
last to adjust were postponed far into the
night. From time to time short recesse
were taken. These were simply breathing
spells, however, and soon the leaders were
at 1t again harder than ever.
Mr.. Walker, chairman of the committee
on banking and currency. took the floor un-
der the privilege granted him to speak on
the currency question. The statement was
largely personal; showed the efforts Mr.
Walker had made during long series of
years to secure monetary legislation. Il,
this connection he answered published
criticisms of his course and went into an
elaborate explanation of the long fight in
his committee which resulted In the report
of bill and its subsequent withdrawal.
Barrett Demanded Time
His colleague, Mr.. Barrett, republican,
Massachusetts, demanded an opportunity
to reply, claiming that Mr.. Walker had
agreed to yield to him time. This Mr..
Walker denied, saying he always kept his
promises to God and man. but mot accord
Ing to the standards of his colleagues"
Mr.. Barrett denied the denial as an ''un-
mitigated falsehood."
Mr.. Walker proceeded to criticize the
currency committees selected by Mr..
Grosvenor, chairman of the republican
caucus.
Mr. johnson declared that the republi-
can party was committed to currency re-
form, and that it was the duty of the pres
ident to call an extra session, not to Gre
ate permanent standing army of 100000
men, but to put upon the statute book
currency legislation so that it could vim
dicate itself before the next general elec-
tion. Should this be done the party would
have done its duty to all sections and its
calling and election would be sure.
Mr. Cannon presented the conference re-
port upon the sundry civil appropriation
bill and moved its adoption.
After some parleying 1t was adopted.
Mr.. Corliss moved to concur In the Pa
cific cable amendment. Mr. Corliss earn
estly advocated the adoption of the senate
amendment. He said the government
should build the cable.
Pacific Cable Amendments
The motion to concur In the Pacific ca
Bile amendment modified so as to include
the other amendment appropriating $3.50 900
for cable steamer, was defeated-T to 102
The house then insisted upon its dis
agreement to the items of the sundry civil
bill still in dispute and agreed to a fur
ther conference.
AT $40 o. m. the house recessed until
o'clock. As none of the big conference re-
ports were ready at that hour, another re-
cess was taken until $50 q. m.
When the house reconvened the final con-
ference report upon the bill to codify the
criminal laws Of Alaska was adopted.
At $50 the house again recessed until 10
o'clock.
Slow progress was made on conference
reports The deficiency appropriation bill
: was sent back to conference.
Ehs naval conference presented partial