The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-03-04

Washington, March 3.-Excitement,
confusion, heavy strain and hard work
have characterized this, the last legisla
tive day of the Fifty Fifth Congress in
the Senate. At times the confusion was
so great in this usually staid and deco
rous body as to render the transactions
of business almost impossible. Business
that ordinarily would have the undivi-
ded attention of every Senator or the
floor was transacted amid so much noise
that it was next to impossible to follow
the proceedings.
Toward midnight order was being
evolved from the seeming chaos of
the early part of the day and evening,
and the prospect was fair that Congress
would adjourn at noon tomorrow with
its absolutely necessary work compile
ted.
When the Senate convened in its last
legislative session at II today more than
the usual number of Senators were on
the floor. Morning business was sus-
pended practically. and the Senate pro-
ceeded Immediately to business looking
to adjournment.
The following bills were passed:
TO incorporate the National White
Cross Of America and for other pur-
poses
Authorizing the construction of a
bridge over the Tennessee river at Shelf
field, Ala.
A bill providing a site for the Wash
ington Public Library building.
Mr.. Mallory, tFla.),s presented the Gre
dentials of his colleague, Samuel Pasco,
appointed a Senator by the Governor
of Florida to fill a ycancy untitled by
the Legislature. The credentials were
filed, Mr.. Platt, (Conn.), dissenting from
the constitutionality of the appointment.
Mr.. Hale, (Maine), called up the Gen
eral Deficiency Appropriation Bill and
the Senate proceeded with its considera-
ton. Temporarily, the General Def
cheney Bill was laid aside in order that
some conference reports might be con-
sdered
Mr.. Allison presented a partial confer
ence report on the Snndry Civil Bill. 1t
was read and aroused considerable dis
cussion.
Mr.. Morgan denounced what he termed
''the log rolling" regarding public build
ings, declaring that the action of the
ruler of the House was fraud and an
outrage. II saw said he, ''bills passed
by the Senate in such a hurry that many
of the names of the cities could not be
understood by Senators. / want to pro-
test against that sort of legislation.
/ know where the incentive Of this per-
formance comes from. i know the
origin of that wrong. ] know the man
who inspired it. His will and pleasure
was to make fair weather for a particu-
lar set of men who are favorites of the
particular ruler of the House"
The refusal of the House conferees
to yield on the Hawaiian cable was
discussed at length. Mr.. Butler On. Co,
spoke in support of the Senate conferees
and was followed by Mr.. Chandler, who
expressed the hope that the Senate con-
ferees would adhere, to the Senate's
proposition even if an extra session
were thereby forced.
..There are some things" he said,
..worse than an extra session Of Con-
gress."
Mr. Stewart and Mr. Morgan consid-
cred the cable amendment as the most
important feature Of the Sundry Civil
Bill.
Mr. Morgan said the cable would give
the United States control of intelligence
in the North Pacific ocean. lie declared
the contest in the conference report
against the Senate amendment was a
'swar in favor of monopoly, and he
knew, he said who was responsible for 1t.
The partial report was agreed to, and
the Senate requested another conference
with the House.
At 2:O5 D. M. the Senate, on motion of
Mr.. Hale, went into executive session.
At the conclusion of the executive
session Mr.. Chiffon (Texas) announced
the death of Hon. John W. Crawford,
Of Texas, and presented resolutions OF
sorrow and providing for the appoint
ment of a committee of Senators to at
tend the obsequies. The committee
named consisted of Senators Mills and
Chiffon (I'exas) Berry, tArk); Cock
rell. MOI Foraker, Ohio; Perkins,
(Cal): Chandler, (N. H.; and Mason
0llinois)
Mr.. Frye, (Maine), chairman Of the
Committee on Commerce presented the
final conference report on the River and
Harbor Bill. He consented to withhold
it in order that consideration of the
General Deficiency Bill might be pro-
ceeded with.
Mr.. Hale offered an amendment appro-
priating S3.000.000 as an emergency fund
to be expended by the President at his
discretion. The amendment was accept
ed without debate or legislation.
Many amendments were offered and
ruled out on points of order.
Among the amendments agreed to was
the following:
Providing two months extra aay for
the volunteer officers and volunteer en-
listed men of the navy who served be-
yond the United States in the war with
Spain; and one months pay for similar
officers and inen who served during that