Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-04-18
ON THE NAVAL BILL
Feeling Shown in the House Debate
Today. n
Big CONTINGENCY APPROPRIATION
Democrats Express Their Opposi-
ton to 1t.
ALASKA IN THE SEN AT E

The House today resumed the considera-
ton of the naval appropriation bill. Cen
raj debate having closed, the bill was read
for amendment under the five-minute rule.
Mr.. Kitchin IN. c.. a member of the
naval committee, made point Of order
against the provision in the bill appropriate
ing S5Oo.OO0 to be expended undar direction
Of the President to meet unforeseen contin-
gepcies.
Mr.. Foss argued that the appropriation
was in order under the general provision
for the maintenance of the navy.
Mr.. Payne IN. ", who was in the chair,
oyerruled the point of order, and Mr.. Kit
chin took an appeal from the decision.
The chair was sustained-94 to 40.
Mr.. kitchin then moved to strike the ap-
preparation from the bill. Mr.. Wheeler
(Kyl supported the motion. He was IN
willing. he said, to place half million dol
lars in the hands of the President to use
at his discretion without an accounting. He
said this without desiring to be offensive.
Mr.. Foss read from the hearing given by
the committee to Secretary Long detailing
the necessity for this emergency appropria-
ton.
As general principle Mr.. Foss said he
would not advocate so large contingency
appropriation, but he thought circumstances
Warranted it.
Mr.. Kitchin said that If William ]. Bryan
were In the Executive Mansion today not
az member on the other side would be will
Ing to place 100000 at his disposal for use
in his discretion. 1t was bad policy and
bad precedent.
During some remarks by Mr.. Hawley
CPexasD in euIogy of the Presidents course.
Mr.. Ntchin asked him If the President had
not denied that the Constitution, the great
est of all blessings. followed the flag
a"That is a technical question" replied Mr.
Hawley, evasively.
sIn order not to embarrass the gentle
man. 1 withdraw the question" observed
Mr.. Kitchin, amid laughter.
Later Mr.. Hawley challenged Mr.. Wheel
er Of Kentucky to give the name of the
officer of the United States who he yester-
day expressed the opinion was responsible
for the drnor-plate trust.
Mr.. Wheeler replied that he had expressed
that opinion. but he cid not give the name
Of the officer whom he had in mind.
Considerable Feeling.
Later on Mr.. Grosvenor (Ohio), and Mr.
Williams (AIissD. became involved in a
sharp controversy. Mr.. Williams quoted
an alleged interview with the President OF
a western university. in which, speaking
Of the Presidents position on the Porto
RiCan bill. he had said that while it might
be proper 10 speak of Peel and Gladstone
having changed their minds on public
questions. it would be more precise to say
that President Mckinley had permitted
his mind To be changed for him" laugh
ter and applause on the democratic side.
Does not the gentleman know that the
purported interview was utterly repudiated
by its alleged author asked Mr.. Gros-
yenor.
The gentleman does not know 1t, but If
il was repudiated the anecdote is just as
true on my own responsibility" replied Mr..
Williams. who proceeded to ask whether 1t
was not true that the President had chang
ed his mind or the Porto Rican question
There was considerable fencing. Mr.
Wheeler CKy.) taking hand in trying to
force the OhiOan.
At last Mr.. GrOSvenor made an allusiOn
t. Mr. Williams method of interruptirg
him. which the latter resented with an en-
phasis that pOrtended personal quarrel
on the floor, but Mr.. Williams finally al
lowed Mr. GrOsvenor to proceed, Teserv-
ing his reply until the Ohioan had finished.
Peace Restored.
At the conclusion of Mr. 'Grosvenor's re-
marks which aroused great enthusiasm.
Mr.. Williams took Mr. Grosvenor to task
for his language. saying that he could not
in parliamentary language characterize it
as he would desire TO do.
Mr.. GrpSvenOr disclaimed any intention to
aftrunt the Mississippian, and the incident
closed. with peace restored between the bel
Hgerents