Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-06
IN the SENATE.
CONTINUED from page ~

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ION the armor plant proposition am
free to say that. II we build a large
navy, l am more than ever impressed
with the idea that both branches Of
Congress must consent to the construc-
ton of an armor plant so that the gov
ernment may have a hold upon the
armor manufacturing companies.
Now. the situation is just this-in
the House two votes have been taken
upon this question. and by both the
House conferees were supported. They
were courteous, but obdurate."
Hale then explained that the report
of the conference committee fixed the
price Of armor for the ships authorized
by this bill at 5000 ton. no contract
for the hulls to be made until contracts
had been made for the armor.
The number of battleships, armored
cruisers and protected cruisers are as
fixed in the House bill. The secretary
of the navy is authorized to contract
for armOr for the ships provided for in
the naval appropriation bill of 1898 at
$500 a ton.
That" said Hale, sis the meat of
the whole proposition. The report of
agreement leaves out the provision for
an armor plant, because we could get
no recognition now from the House
for such a proposition. but the time is
scarcely reached yet, am frank to SHY
that the result of the conference do as
not suit me. but. Mr.. President, 1t is
the best we could do"
Butler denounced the proposition for
the construction Of protected cruisers
saying they were Of little or no account
Hale replied that the United States
needed large number Of these cruisers
iasmuch as i was vast 70 5e ,h nation tha a.
declared that the cruisers were very use
full. as they could steam farther and at
less expense than battleships. and four
OF them could be built FOR what one bat
tleship would cost.
After some further discussion, the con-
ference report was agreed to, without d.
This was the last of the conference
agreements on the appropriation bills to
be acted upon by the Senate. and Its ac-
ceptance caused a general sigh of relief.
A recess was ordered by vote of 26
When the Senate reconvened the GAL
leries were crowded. and the business
moved along with as much prOprlety and
dignity Of bearing as on ordinary occa-
stOns
A roll call was demanded and resulted,
ayes. ~. noes. u, and the crowded gal
1erfes were soon vacated, to permit the
last executive session Of the Congress.
At 1145 the doors of the Senate were
opened and the Senate began it's last leg
islative session of the present Congress
Hoar offered resolution to. appoint a
committee of two senators to join a SINH
lar Committee of the House, to wait upon
the President to inform him that the Sem
ate was ready to adjourn. and to inquire
whether. or not he had any further com
muncation to offer.
The resolution was adonted, and Hoar
mittee.
A Joint resolution was adopted accept
ing from the commonwealth Of Massa-
chusetts the cession of a certain tract of
land in Boston harbOr, to extend the
limits of the United States navy yard at
that port.
Hoar reported that the committee had
waited on the President and had been in
structed by him to say that he had dis
posed of the public business which had
been laid before him by the two Houses,
and that he had no further cOmmunica-
ton to make; that the two Houses had
reached the end of very laborious and
important session, and that he wished
their members a safe return to their
homes.
of thanks to the Vice President. and Vest
that to Senator Frye. President pro TEN,
pore, for the courteous ana lmpart RIA.
the deliberations of the Senate. Both res
OlutiOnS were adopted.
Vice President Hobart then addressed
the Senate as follows:
Senators. in very few moments the
55th Congress will pass into history 1,
has been Congress distinguished beyond
most other Congresses for remarkable
achievements. During its life. unlike any
other session in the history of our coun-
try this Congress has witnessed the in
ception, prosecution and conclusion of a
war with a foreign power, undertaken in
the interest of humanity and conspicuous
for the brilliant deeds of the army and
navy, by whose valor an imperial domain
has been added. to our possessions and
millions of people to our population
But not only has this Congress been d
war COngress--it will always be mcmora-
bile as a Congress of peace. and in secur-
ing 1t this body has exercised its constitu-
tiOnal function as part or the treaty
and peace making power in a way to
command the approval OF the country.
"rhe facts alone would have made this
Congress eminent in the long line of our
national Legislatures, but for other acts
time, the 55th Congress has likewise been
notable, and now. it's constitutional life
ended, 1t becomes part of our national
history. and 1t leaves to it's successors for
settlement many problems that will be
perplexing. important and of the very,
highest concern to our people We feel
assured, however-and the American peo-
pie may we'll feel assured-that future
Congresses will meet these grave ques-
lions with wisdom and patriotism. and
1.-The hour of adjournment is now at
hand For the unfailing courtesy and
the unvarying cordially which have
characterized the attitude of the Senate
toward me, as it's presiding officer. I am
profoundly grateful, and ! cannot let this
opportunity pass without this public ex-
preston of my deep appreciation of kind.
ness received at the hands of each mem
her of the body, and particularly | can
not close the Senate without recognition
Of the efficient services of the officers ant
representatives of this body, hose efforts
have been so faithful and whose dutie:
have been courteously and diligently per
formed.
..For the senators who remain and fO
the senators who retire from this body
desire to convey my thanks for the kind
" sentiments expressed in the resolution
lust adopted. and 1t only remains for mi
now, in the exercise of the duty devolvns
upon me, to declare that the Senat
stands adjourned without day"
There was no demonstration whateve
in the Senate. There was general hand
shaking amOnp the senator's. and man!
expressions of regret were heard tina
many senators whose terms expired, Sat
llrday, were not to be here when the Sen
ate met again. Preparations were every
where observed for departure, many sen
ators intending to leave for their home
AT once.
NnnalNAIlONS CONFIRMED