The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-03-01
Congressional Proceedings

WARRINGTON, Feb. 21.-The Hull army
reorganization bill was taken up in the SEN
ate. Mr.. Cockrell, the leading Democratic
member OF the military affairs committee,
spoke in opposition to the bill. Mr.. Cock
rell declared there was not sufficient time
In the ten remaining days of the session to
discuss, formulate and pass perfect reor-
ganization bill and he added that no bill as
had been proposed should be passed.
Senator Proctor offered his amendment
proposed Monday. He said that If the pres.
emit bill became u law no proper reorpani-
cation Of the army could be expected for
twenty-five years. Under the present sys.
tenn there was constant scramble to get
out OF the fighting branch of the service and
into the staff, scramble which he said was
unseemly. The officer with the strongest
pull and the greatest political influence
was able to gain his point.
The House passed an emergency bill. an
propriating $4,000 to meet the existing
small pox situation In the District of Co.
lumbia. Much OF the time of the House
was spent in discussing an amendment to
the naval bill appropriating $720, 900 to
complete the three buildings authorized to
be erected at the naval academy at Annap-
OILS. The House reached the last page Of
the naval bill and adjourned with a point
OF order pending against provision fixing
the price OF armor plate at $545 per ton.
AT the conclusion of the reading OF Wash
Vermont called up the resolution relating
to the death OF the late Senator Justin S.
Morrill, OF Vermont. Quite contrary to the
custom in such cases a very large propor-
tion OF the Senators remained in their seats
during the exercises, thus indicating their
regard for the memory of the dead states
man. Both Senators Proctor and Ross
spoke in the afternoon, delivering elaborate
and appreclative eulogies of their eminent
friend and fellow citizen. In the House
Representative Grout of Vermont present.
ed to that body Mr.. Morrill's merits as
man and his quality as a statesman.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.-The Senate de-
voted the entire day to considering the
river and harbor bill. The provision Tor a
survey OF the Connecticut river between
Hartford, Conn, and Holyoke, Mass, was
opposed at length by Senators Hoar and
Lodge.
IN THE HOUSE.
After four days of acrimonious debate the
naval appropriation bill passed the House.
The Senate bill creating the rank of AID.
miral was unanimously passed amid much
enthusiasm.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27-The Senate pass
ed the army reorganization bill by the de.
cisive vote OF Do to 10. The amendment
proposed by Mr.. German of Maryland that
the army should not be permanently in
creased beyond July 1, 1901, was passed in
a slightly modified form. The Bill was an n
tagonized by Mr.. Vest of Missouri and Mr..
White of California supported by Mr..
Thurston, Mr.. Cockrell and others.
IN THE HOUSE.
The House passed the army and fortifi-
cation bills and sent them to the Senate.
The former carries $79,000,000 and the lat.
ter $4,700,000.
The death of Representative Hurley of
New York, who died at Hot Springs, Va,
yesterday, was announced by his colleague,
Mr.. Fischer The usual resolutions were
adopted and the following committee was
appointed to attend the funeral: Messrs.
Fischer, Sherman, Howe, Shannon Odell,
Mahon, Bartlett, Bartholdt and Clayton.
As further mark of respect the House at
six o'clock adjourned