The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-02-26

out serious dlft1culty, but when it was
learned by some senators that the bill
provided for a permanent increase In
the standing army objections We're
heard, and it became evident that the
measure would have to run the gaunt-
let of sharp criticism.
Mr. German, dem, Md. declared that
no authorization of permanent in
crease in the army should be given and
prepared an amendment as follows:
"In that each and every provision of
this act shall continue in force until
July l. 1901 and on and after date the
officers and men, including general Of
ficers and staff officers, shall be re-
stored to rank and numbers as provided
for by law prior to April 1, 1898, except
the cadets appointed prior to July l.
| 1901, and except as provided for In the
act to authorize two additional regi-
ments of artillery, approved March 5.
| 1S9S.' 4e. Htfa
| Speeches in support of the bill were
| delivered by Mr.. Hawley of Connecti-
| cut, Mr.. Cockrell of Missouri, Mr.. Car
| ter of Montana and Mr.. Smith of New
Jersey, and against it by Mr.. German
| of Maryland and Mr.. Allen of Me-
| braska.
The speeches of Messrs. German,
| Carter and Cockrell were notable utter
ances
| Mr.. Cockrell, who was consistently
| opposed to a large standing army. gave
| the pending measure his unequivocal
and unqualified support, declaring it
was the best army measure ever sub
| mitted to congress. No agreement to
vote on the bill had been reached when
the senate adjourned.
| At the opening of the senate bills
were passed as follows: Amending
an act entitled an "act to allow the
return free of duty of certain articl1s
exported from the United States for
| exhibition purposes"
| Hansbrough offered an amendment,
which was agreed to, providing that
wheat imported by actual farmers for
| seed purposes be admitted free of GUS
| toms duty, not more than 500 bushels
| to be imported by any one person.
| The senate then began consideration of
| bills relating to the District of Column
! bia.
4 A joint resolution relative to- greater
| American exposition to be held at
Omaha. Neb.. in 1899 and to encour
age the same by proEn'ing without
, expense to the government exhibits
from Cuba, Porto Rico. Ladrones and
the Philippines, was adopted, as was
also a joint resolution authorizing for
eign exhibitors at the Commercial ex-
| hibition to be held in Philadelphia in
1899, to bring to this country foreign
laborers from respective countries for
| the purpose of preparing and making
|
| by the secretary of the interior.
! The following bills We're passed: APP
propriating $250,000 for the purchase of
| a site for the Carnegie library in the
| city of Washington enabling the city
Of Albuquerque, N. NJ, to create Ger
i tain indebtednesses, the bill authorizing
the. funding of certain warrants in
bonds at the rate of 5 per cont. inter-
Il est --}rr
Mr.. Hawley, chairman Of the military
affairs committee, then called up the
compromise army reorganization bill.
At the conclusion of the reading of the
bill Mr.. German of Maryland suggested
to Mr.. Hawley the desirability of per-
mitting it to go over to Monday.
Mr.. Allison of Iowa suggested that a
time for a vote early on Monday should
be agreed upon at this time. Some eff
fort was made to fix an hour on Mon
day for a vote. but without success.
Mr.. Cockrell of Missouri, a member of
the mi itary affairs committee, discussed
at length the features of the measure.
This measure" said he. "has been
examined very carefully. I indorse it
because it is right, just, proper ami
necessary. 1t settles 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
|
sential"
| For Years to Come.
In response to question by Mr.. Vest,
he said that the army after 1901 would
be reduced to 3S,400, and that number
would be required to take care of the
coast Notifications. In conclusion Mr..
Cockrell said: IF we have bill here
which will adjust the army controversy
! for years to come we ought to accept
| ~,
money. l have been on several commits
sions and committees for the reorgani-
zation of the army and 1 believe hon
estly and conscientiously that this S
the very best measure presented to
congress for settling the army question
since I entered this chamber in 1875. II
the bill fails, my judgment is that what
will come hereafter will not be so good
for the country. l believe the bill is
right in the sight of god and man and
I'm willing to take all responsibility
for it,
Mr.. Hawley offered an amendment
providing that mo person who has
reached the age of 40 years shall be ap-
pointed as a field officer in said force
the volunteer force), officers of th5
regular army excepted
Mr.. Allen of Nebraska addressed the
senate in opposition to the general fea-
lures of the bill. He was surprised thai
Mr.. Cockrell could give his sanction tc
| such a measure "If there was a hide,
Gus skeleton monstrosity, deformity
in legislation, this bill is one," he de-
clared. 'It is warped, disjo.nted, dislo
; Gated. 1t lacks science, it lacks coher.
ence, it lacks good sense.
Il am not concerned in this delight
full fight now going on between the sec
/ retary of war and the general com
J manding the army. I honor Genera
Miles in that fight. Every intelligen
man in the country believes that on.
: army was fed on trash and that a large
5 percentage of the sickness and mortalit.
in the army was due to the food gtve1
: to the soldiers"
: Passing from the army troubles, Mr.
: Allen adverted to some in the navy H,
2 regarded is as a glorious thing tha
Admiral Dewey had the presence o
5 mind to cut the cable between himsel
and Washington and that it was fortu
I nate for Dewey he was in a position t,
sever connection with Washington.