Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-06-05
HELD UP IN THE HOUSE.

Inc SeOate dmeuumouG G1o euuJi
civil bill providing for the construction
OF memorial bridge across the Poto-
mac, was disagreed to by the Hous1
late yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Rixey moved that the FL ouse
should recede and concur in the amend
msnt engrafted upon the bill by the
Senate. Mr.. Rlxey spoke at some
length 10 favor OF the amendment. He
reviewed the history of the proposition,
and told OF the growth OF sentiment in
favor OF the bridge. He was followed
in support of the amendment by Mr..
Mudd, who said that the proposition
had been long pending, and the time
was ripe for beginning the great work,
which was demanded by sentim snt
North and South.
Mr.. Pearre and Mr.. Swanson made
stirring speeches In behalf of the bridge
project. Mr.. Bsbcock, chairman of the
committee on the District OF Columbia,
opposed the piap. He said the project
for memorial bridge had no stronger
friend than be, but he would vote
against the pending proposition. He
thought 1t was ill-coDsidered and had
not gone through the proper channels.
Mr.. Cooper, of Wisconsin, interrupted
to admonish Mr.. Babcock that the
bridge was almost universally approved
nd that the plans which hsd been ten
tatively agreed upon were the best that
engineering skill could produce.
Representative Mudd, OF Maryland,
offered an amendment providing that
the Secretary of War should contract
for the construction of the bridge at a
cost OF not to exceed $5,000,000 he
made strong plea for the construction
of the bridge as patriotic monument,
and related how the Grand Army oftbe
Republic had heartily endorsed the pre-
ject.
CJl. Pearre, of Maryland, said he be-
lieved there was little difference of ser
timent in the House as TO the necessity
or propriety of the bridge. Nearly
every body agreed that the bridge should
be built. Many, to be sure, would like
to postpone the beginning. The rela-
tions existing between the great South
land and the North we're so harmonious
that 1t was most appropriate that the
money for the bridge should be sup
piled.
Representative Swanson, of Virginia,
declared that there were ample prece-
dents for the appropriation. Roads,
bridges and parks had been frequently
appropriated for by the federal govern
mont. Tie people of the whole ooup-
try were interested in such grand aud
beautiful memorial.
Mr.. Bsbcock said he had always been
a firm believer that the bridge would
be a very desirable and appropriate
thing to build. While he was friendly
10 the bridge. he thought the matter
should be brought squarely and intelli
gently before the House, wheu ques-
tions about designs and cost and COL
struclion could be answered.
Gen Grosvenor, unfolding the large
maps that accompanied the report Of
the Secretary OF War, asked what bet
ter plans and designs the gentleman
could want than those.
Mr.. Babcock replied that those plans
were not sufficient to warrant action at
this time.
Mr.. Cooper, OF Wisconsin, interposed
that the plans were made on authority
Of Congress and were complete.
Chairman Cannon ssid: This is
another legislative provision placed on
this bill by the Senate" he added
that the bill had never been considered
by a committee, but Mr.. Mudd remind
ed him TINT il bad been fayorably re-
ported by the Senate District OF Colum-
Dia committee.
"Well. don't care; 1t Is directly IN
contra veDtion to the rules, SAID MI
Common, who enumerated tne bridges
across the Potomac ''strOng enough to
hold up train load of elephants" Mr..
Cannon insisted that the bridge
should FIRST have its dey in the
House. The pans were ornate
enough, but had never been adopted
bv Congress. Mr.. Cannon said
he would like to see a portion OF the
other shore belong to the District, ana
il that could not be, perhaps the State
of Virginia should contribute something
toward the construction OF the bridge.
Further, he thought the District snouio
bear part OF the expense.
A very interesting period followed III
the taking of the vote to concur with the
Senate amendment, LOG being In favor
and lOS agsinst it, but before the vote
was announced three more were record
ed 10 the affirmative, and the result was
100 ayes to 10S nays. =.
Mr.. Cannon, quick to rally from wnat
Sc ,med to be defest, demanded the roll
call. which was ordered. The roll call
resulted III yeas and 131 nays, eight
present aud not voting, so that the
House refused to concur in the Senate
When the suudry civil conference was
tsken up In the Senate last evening sen,
ator Daniel, OF Virginia, who introduceo oa cea
the amendment sppropristing $2OO ,ooo
for beginning the construction OF the
memorial bridge, inquired what was lis
status. He was informed by Senator
Allison of the action by the House. sn9
also told that ihe amendment wou'a
again be considered by the conferees ~
their next meeting.
How Are Your KidneysS