The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-02-17
IN THE SENATE.


Zation Bill Presented.
Washington, Feb. 16.-The army re-
organization bill was reported to the
senate to-day and Mr. Hawley of Con-
necticut, chairman of the military af
fairs committee, gave notice that he
would move to proceed to it's consider
alton at the earliest possible time The
navy personnel bill was taken up and
read, but no effort was made to pro-
ceed further with its consideration. The
military academy appropriation bill
was passed. The postoffice appropria-
ton bill was under consideration the
greater part of the afternoon, but was
not disposed of finally. A spirited de-
bate occurred over the amend
ment of the senate committee
providing for fast mail ser
vice between, New York and WASH
ington and Atlanta and New Orleans.
The amendment was retained in the
bill.
Soon after the senate convened to-
day the house joint resolution, author
izing the secretary of the navy to pay
certain laborers, workmen and mechan
les at the United States navy yards and
naval stations. 80 per cent additional
for work performed in excess of eight
hours per diem was called up and
adopted.
Mr.. Hale, having gotten the personnel
bill before the senate. did not press it
and Mr. Gallagher of New Hampshire
called up the bill enabling soldiers who
served in the Spanish war who had
previously been pensioners to again
have their pensions, and had it conSid-
cred. The provision of the bill that ap-
plicants for pensions should file their
claims within a year was stricken out
and the bill was then passed.
Mr.. HaWley of Connecticut, chairman
of the military affairs committee, re-
ported to the senate the army reor-
ganization bill. Mr. Cockrell of Mis-
souri,, speaking for the five democratic
members of the military committee,
presented a written statement in the
nature of a minority report. He agreed
with Mr.. HaWley that the reorganiza-
ton of the army was project of the
highest Importance. The proper reor
ganization of the army, he maintain
ed. could not be affected in so brief
a time as would be allowed before this
congress adjourned He declared that
he and those for whom he spoke We're
opposed to an unnecessarily large in
crease in the army. He regarded the
authority given the president by the
bill reported to reduce the army to
$3.50 men as virtual confession that
that number would be sufficient
Mr.. Cockrell said that he and those
who believed with him had no desire.
disposition or intention to withhold
from the president all the men and
money he might need. He referred to
the action of himself and his associ-
ates in upholding the hands of the pres
ident prior to and during the war with
Spain and alluded to the $50, 900, 900 ap-
preparation as an unprecedented act.
He then said he was willing to have
a bill enacted which he declared would
afford the president ample power. The
bill he proposed provided that within
blank number of days the volunteer
force now in the service be mustered
out and discharged; that the act of
April 26, 1898, be continued in full force
till July l, 1901. and that the president
be authorized to enroll military force
of $4,000 men in the islands Of Cuba,
Porto Rico and the Philippines-these
troops to be Otficered as the president
may direct. restricted in service to
their respective islands and not to be
considered a part of the permanent
military establishment. Such an act,
Mr.. Cockrell said, would continue the
military establishment at about $4,000
men, and in addition would afford the
president an additional force of $4,000
men from the various islands. This
force would be absolutely at the dis
posal of the president until peaceful
conditions We're restored in the various
new possessions CT the United States
I'VE offer" said Mr.. Cocllrell. in con-
clusion. everything IN reason. Every
thing that will enable the president to
establish order, everything for The es-
tablisfment of order and protection to
life and property is in the bill which
/ Cffer."
A house bill setting apart a certain
tract of land containing 10 acres in Ok
to the Stella Friends academy
and church association was passed.
Consideration was then begun of the
postoftice appropriation bill. Practic- |
ally the only obstacle encountered by
the bill was the committee amendment
providing for special mail facilities on |
the trunk lines from New York and |
Washington to Atlanta and New Or |
leans and from Kansas City, Mo, to |
Kan.
Mr. Wolcott of Colorado strongly op- |
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