The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-04-19
A S T|NGNG REPLY
FROM WILLIAMS
Grosvenor Stirs the Missis-
sippian to Wrath.
AND HF CATCHES IT HhT
AND He CATCHES IT HOT
Tebate ON Naval Appropriation Bill
Drifted Into Politics
GRosvENoR DEFENDED THE PRESIDENT
Mr.. Williams Asked Him If the President Hac
Not Changed His Mind on the Porto
Rican Bill and the Question
Struck Fire.
Struck Fire.
(By the Associated press.)

Washington, April 1S.-The debate on
the Naval Appropriation Bill under the
five minute rule today drifted into poll
tics and for a good portion Of the after
noon members fought hammer and tongs
across the political aisle. The partisan
rancor almost eliminated in sensational
scene between Mr.. Grovenor of Ohio, the
champion of the Administration and Mr..
Williams (Missl. Some of the Democrats
began worrying Mr.. Hawley, of Texas, by
pointedly asking if the President had not
changed his mind on the Porto Rican
tariff Qaesticn and Mr.. Grosvenor finally
threw himself into the breach.
Mr. Williams made an interruption that
drew a sharp rejoinder from the Ohioan
about the unfair" advantage taken by
the Mississippian. This aroused the
wrath of the latter and after Mr.. Gros-
venor had concluded, he made a singing
response in which he said parliamentary
language would not permit him properly
to characterize Mr.. Grosvenors offense.
Later Mr.. GrOSvenor diSclaimed inten-
HiOnal affront and there the matter end
cd.
Some progress was made with the bill
but most of the controverted points went
over. A motion to strike from the bill
the contingent fund of 100000 for the
Navy Department, was defeated. point
OF order against the appropriation of
$3.50 900 for the new naval academy at
Annapolis was pending, when the House
adjourned.
Mr.. Kitchin IN. Co a member of the
Naval committee made a point of order
against the provision in the bill appro-
priating 100000 to be expended under di-
rection of the President to meet un-
forseen contingencies. The point was
overruled by the Chair and Mr.. Kitchin
appealed. The Chair was sustained, "a
to 20.
Mr.. Kitchin then moved to strike the
approximation from the bill Mr.. Wheel
er tky), supported the motion. Mr.
Foss read from the hearing given by
the committee to Secretary Long detail
ing the necessity for this emergency APP
preparation. Mr.. Foss thought present
circumstances warranted it.
Mr. Williams asked Mr.. Grosvenor who
had Joined in the debate if it was not
true that the President had changed his
mind on the Porto Rican question.
There was considerable fencing. Mr..
Wheeler tKyO, taking a hand in trying
to force the Ohioan. At last Mr.. Gros-
venor made an allusion to Mr.. Williams
method of interrupting him which the
latter resented with an emphasis that
portended personal quarrel on the floor,
but Mr.. Williams finally allowed Mr..
Grosvenor to proceed reserving his reply
until the Ohoan has finished.
''In due time under the wisdom of the
Republican party and under the blessings
of God we will send liberty and equal
rights as rapidly as they can comprehend
them, to the people of Porto Rico and to
the people of the Philippine Islands. >
applause on the Republican side).
When Mr.. Grosvenor took his seat Mr.
Williams demanded an opportunity to re-
ply and time was accorded him.
'Mr Chairman he said, speaking with
deliberation "as man grows old he
learns something | have learned some
thing today. | will never again while a
member of the American Congress under
take to ask question of any member on