The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-26

Washington, Feb. 2o.-After TWO
hours devoted TO the consideration of
bills on the calendar to-day the Senate
ut / o'clock began the consideration of
the compromise Army Reorganization
Bill which had been agreed upon by
the members of the Military Affairs
Committee. Until short time before
the measure was taken UP, it was sup
posed it would be passed to-day With
out serious difficulty, but when 1t was
learned by some Senators that the bill
provided for a permanent increase III
the standing army, objections were
heard and il became evident that the
measure would have to run the gauntlet
of sharp criticism.
Mr.. German, Dem., Md), desired
that the authorization of permanent
increase in the army should be given
and prepared an amendment as follows:
4 THAT each and every provision of
this act shall continue in force until
July 1st, 1901, and on and after this
date the officers and men including
general officers and staff officers shall
be restored to rank and numbers as
provided for by law prior to April LIST,
1893. except the cadets appointed prior
vided for in the act to authorize two
additional regiment of artillery, approved
March Sth, 1898"
Speeches in support of the bill were de-
livered by Mr.. Hawley, Comm; Mr..
Cockrell, (Mo); Mr.. Carter, (Mont.l:
and Mr. Smith, IN. j., and against ii
by Mr.. German, tMd.), and Mr.. Allen.
tNeb.). No agreement to vote on the
bill had been reached when the Senate
adjourned.
At the opening of the session joint
resolution relative to the Greater Ameri-
can Exposition to be held at Omaha,
Nebraska in 1899. and to encourage the
same by providing without expense. to
the Government for exhibits from Cuba,
Porto Rico, and the Iadroncs and the
Philippines, was adopted.
A bill was passed authorizing the
construction of three bridges across the
Conecuh River. navigable stream in
EscamDia county. Virginia.
The compromise Army Reorganization
Bill was then taken up. Mr.. German.
ATd.). suggested that the bill go over
until Monday, but to this Mr.. Hawley
objected.
Mr.. Carter asked unanimous consent
to vote on the bill at O'Clock Monday.
Mr.. Allen, (Neb.), objected.
Mr.. Cockrell, fMo.l. member of the
Military Affairs Committee, discussed at
length the features of the measure
This measure" saide he. ''has been ex-
amined very carefully. / endorse it be-
cause it is right, just, proper and naces-
sary. 1t will settle for years to come
the standing army controversy
Further along in his analysis of the
bill Mr.. Cockrell said the increase in
the army provided for by the bill was
perfectly justfiable and absolutely es-
sential."
Mr.. Hawley offered an amendment
providing that s'no person who has pass
ed the age of ~ years shall be ap-
pointed as a field officer in said force
(the volunteer force Officers OF the
regular army excepted"
Mr.. Pettigrew suggested an amend
ment to the amendment excepting also
officers and enlisted men who served in
the war with Spain.
Pending action unon the amendment
Mr.. Allen. Ncb.), addressed the Senate
in opposition to the general features
of the BILL He was surprised that Mr..
Cockrell could give his sanction to such
a measure. s'If there ever was hide
ous skeleton. m0nstrosity, a deformity
in legislation, this bill is one,' he de-
clared. sIt is warped. disjointed. dislo-
Gated. 1T lacks science, it lacks CO
herence, it lacks good nsense."
Commenting upon section 3 of the
bill which gives to cooks the pay and
allowances of sergeant Of infantry Mr..
Allen said ironically that it evidently
required a higher order of talent to
cook than to fight IF all that has been
said about canned beef and embalmed
beef is true" said he, the ordinary
cook ought to have higher pay than
colonel, because it would require "A
high order of skill to cook and serve
such food successfully. ] am not con-
cerned in this delightful fight now go
ing ON between the Secretary of War
and the General commanding the army.
/ honor General Miles in that fight
Every intelligent man in the country
believes that our army was fed on that
trash and large percentage If the
sickness and mortality in the army was
due TO the food given to the soldiers
Passing from the army troubles Mr..
Allen adverted to some in the navy. He
regarded it as a glorious thing that
Admiral Dewey had the presesce of
mind to cut the cable between him and
Washington and that it was fortunate
for Dewey he was in position 10 sever
connection with Washington
Then, too" said Mr. Allen, 1--WE have
the controversy over the two Rear Adj
mirals in the. navy. Whether the man
who fought the hattie resulting in the
destruction Of Cervera's fleet and won
it shall have the laurels of victory or
whether they shall 20 to man who
was ten miles away seems a subject of
controversy hv the Navy Department.
'"fhe American people, seventy million
of honest hearts and honest souls will