The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-24
HOUSE PASSES EXTRACTION BILL.
The Democrats Wished it to Apply Specifically
to Cuba.
(By the Associated Press. }

(By the Associated Press.)
Washington, May 23.-The House today
passed without division the extradtion
bin framed by the judiciary Committee,
but only after a debate in which consid-
cradle political rancor was aroused There
was no division of sentiment as to the
duty Of Congress to pass a bill to permit
the eXtradition of Neeley, but the Demo-
Gratis objected to the language of the bill
which covered any foreign country or
territory or part thereof, occupied by the
United States"
The Democrats wanted the bill to apply
specifically to Cuba, contending that the
broader language assumed the possibli-
ties of further acquisitions by the United
States of a character similar to that of
Cuba. A motion to recommit with in
structions to change the language was
defeated by strict party vote The
House also adopted the resolution to al
low the Committee on Ways and Means
to sit during the recess of Congress for
the purpose of framing a bill for the re-
duction of the war revenues and the reso-
lutions for a sine die adjournment June
9th. The former resolution drew the OPP
position of the Democrats who insisted
that Congress should reduce the war
taxes at the present session, but MIR.
Payne, leader of the majority. showed
from the Treasury figures that the refund
ing of the bonds now going on would
practically wipe out the surplus for this
fiscal year. He contended that it would
be unsafe to reduce the taxes at this
time. In the course of the debate Mr..
Richardson, minority leader, announced
that he was in favor of the total repeal
of the war tax on beer.
When Mr.. Payne presented the resolu-
tion for recess sittings of his commit
tee Mr.. Livingston (Ga.) asked why the
committee could not consider the sub
ject now. Mr.. Payne Offered 20 minutes
on a side for debate on the resolution,
but Mr.. DeArmond tMo.), objected.
Mr.. Payne offered the adjournment res
olution and then answered Mr.. Living
ston's query. The surplus. he said, had
averaged SIS. 600 900 month until April,
when it fell to 100000 and for the
first % days of the present month to less
than a million.
He pointed out the saving in interest
that would result to the taxpayers from
the Treasury's refunding process, pro-
cess, he explained. that did not show in
the Treasury balances but as draft
against the balance.
Some e25, 3000 900 of those bonds re-
manned to be refunded on draft of
S53 600, 600 against the surplus since
March 18th. That would cut down the
balance to almost nothing and in view of
the falling off of the surplus in April and
May, he said, it would be unsafe to reduce
the war taxes now.
The majority did not rlopose to enter
upon legislation now that might create
a deficit in the Treasury. Republican
applause)
Durhing the recess the whole subject
could be investigated and a comprehen-
sive and intelligent measure framed for
introduction at the opening of the session
in December.
Mr.. Richardson (Tenn) the minority
leader declared emphatically that Con-
gress ought not to adjourn until some
provision had been made for the reduc-
tion of the war taxes and especially the
beer tax. The report of the Secretary of
the Treasury showed that the surplus at
the end of the fiscal year would be $780,
O0O. 0O0
The adjournment resolution was adopt
ed without division.
Mr.. Ray IN. W, chairman of Judiciary
Committee then asked unanimous con-
sent for the consideration of the Medley
extradition bill. 1t was arranged that
there should be 40 minutes debate on
each side.
Mr.. DeArmond launched into a bitter
and scathing denunciation of the "pecu-
lation and wholesale robbery proceeding
from the rapid exploitation of imperilism
in Cuba.
Mr.. DeArmond said the disease might
not be confined to Cuba, but might exist
elsewhere where II was contended the
Constitution did not extend, but where
only arbitrary power controlled Domino
ted, plundered, and disgraced. Gentle
men who were tracking down their own
| robbers to clear their own skirts and
save their party from damage were not
| anxious to consider on their merits other
propositions designed to the same end"
Mr.. DeArmond desired to offer an
amendment providing that while Cuba
was occupied by the United States of
tenders in Cuba who flee to the United
States should be surrendered upon writ
ten acquisitions.
Mr.. Cannon Ull), characterized Mr..
bowler"
Mr. Lanham fTexas), said the utmost
endeavor should be made to insure alb
solute good faith and the fullest integ-
rity in our government relations with
Cuba.
Mr.. Williams Miss, pointed out the in
constituencies of the present situation, the
United States surrenderng offenders to
herself 1t was the natural outcome, he
declared, Of carpet baggery.
Mr.. Fleming tGa.), said the language
of the bill should particularly apply TO
tee Island of Cube. to show to the
world that we had no intention of again
placing ourselves in the position we now
occupied toward Cuba. The language OF