Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-02-28
55th CONGRESS.
The Senate Passes the Army
Reorganization Bill.
Defeat Ayerted by Adoption Of Cor
/. mans Amendment as Modified.
ne House Passes the Army and Fortiiicatons
Appropriation Bills.


tory of the Senate the compromise
army reorganization bill was passed,
this evening at 40 When the Senate
convened. at II o'clock. this morning. it
seemed more than likely that the bill
might not be passed.
Mr.. German of Maryland. insisted
that his amendment providing that the
army should not be increased perma-
nently or beyond July l, 1901. be in
corporated in the measure. For several
hours 1t appeared probable that his in
sistance at least would throw the bill
over until tomorrow and perhaps de-
finally. however. and Mr.. Germans
amendment, in slightly modified
form. was accepted.
The notable speech of the day
against the measure was delivered by
Mr.. Vest of Missouri. but his brilliant
eloquence awaited nothing against the
measures as finally agreed upon
The Senate took up thu, sundry civil
bill, tonight, and completed its read
ing. all OF the committee amendments
being agreed to except those relating
to the District of Columbia. The Dill
was then laid aside to be completed,
tomorrow.
The Senate began the last week of
the short session of the 55th Congress.
An unusually large number of senators
was present, owing probably. to the
great amount of important diminished
business before the Senate.
Hale gave notice that on Wednesday
afternoon. at o'clock. he would pre-
sent resolutions on the death of the
tot Na1Snn DinOlQV of
Maine.
adopted by the Legislature of South
Dakota. in favor of placing the rail-
roads of the country directly undeF
control of the Interstate commerce;
commission, in favor of postal savings
banks and to repeal the law giving In-
dian reservations immunity from pay :
ing taxes. 1sysS
''These resolutions clearly show
said Pettigrew, that the peopleTzp<'
South Dakota, at least-are preparH
to leave the Republican party as theY
differ from it on every principle 9e
which it is founded. These resolutiu1s
indicate the drift of Republican senti-
mentri in the West which is opposed to
the policy of imperialism, the policy of
expansion and the policy of plutocracy.
Cullom, ILL.,. presented the conference
report on the agricultural appropria-
ton bill and it was agreed to-
Allison, Iowa, presented the confer
ence report on the Indian appropria-
ton bill 1t was agreed to by the Sen
ate
Chandler. n H., offered an amend
ment to the naval appropriation Dill
authorizing the President to appoint
two vice admirals of the navy who
shall not be placed on the retired list
until eight years after the passage of
the bill, except upon the application OF
the holders of the offices, the offices to
cease to exist when vacated by death
or otherwise.
This bill is intended to advance Ad-
mirals Sampson and Schley. At the
conclusion of morning business consld-
Grafton was resumed of the army re-
organization bill. Bate, Tenn. ad-
dressed the Senate on the general fea-
lures of the bill.
He regarded the measure as probably
the most important Of the present SEES
sion. 1t was. he thought, one of the
consequences of the action of Congress
in taking in Hawaii an action uncon-
stitutional as he regarded 1t.
He thought in this time of semi
peace" at least, we ought to be able to
reduce instead of enlarge the army.
He objected to the bill because it pro-
vided twice as many men as the ext
gencies of the situation required, be-
cause it made invidious distinctions be-
tween regulars and volunteers against
ho Lott nd hncaIISn If en-
tering wedge which made US depend
upon the regular army instead of upon
the consent of the people themselves.
He held that the United States ought
not to pay the $40, 600 for the Phil
ippines until Spain was able to deliver
the goods in warranty. If we were
compelled to fight for control in the
Philippines we ought to charge the cost
against the $50 200. 900 said to be due
Spain.
Congress ought to be cautious about
granting a great standing army be-
cause the President had not declared
his policy as to the Philippines and had
not asked Congress for any additional
troops. Until the President indicated
to Congress his policy and purpose no
additional troops should be granted
him.
kenney. Del. offered amendments to
the pending bill providing for the crea-
ton of veterinary corps to consist
of chief veterinary officer with rank
pay and allowances of a colonel: IL
veterinarians. each with the rank. pay
and allowances of first lieutenant OF
cavalry: and 20 veterinarians each
with the rank and pay and allowances
OF second lieutenant of cavalry.
Kenney made brief technical speech
in support Of his amendment. He ad
vocated the passage of the pending bill
holding that permanent establish
ment Of 3S.400 men was small enough
for the needs of the American people II
view of the circumstances. He had M
fear of the increased armyA
Vest antagonized the bill. He de
clared his belief that the war in tn,
Philippines was not being conducted
with the idea of giving the Filipino
self-government.
Il believe" he said. that this gov
eminent is to take the Philippines a
an indemnity for the war with Spair
But ask now whether ii is true tina
the President telegraphed to our com
n,issioners to take nothing less tina
the island Of T.uzon porfo Rioo "a, !,