Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-02-08
THE SHIP SUBSIDY BILL
MIR. MORGAN's EXTENDED SPEECH
AGAINST THE MEASURE
Not Much Accomplished at the Wight
Observation-Disclosures Because
Of No Quorum.

The ship subsidy bill continued TO occupy
the attention Of the Senate during the day
session after The Stars report of the pro-
ceedings was closed yesterday afternoon,
and again throughout the evening. although
little progress was made on the bill There
were many bright colloQuies during the
evening, which afforded amusement to sem
ators and to the crowds in the galleries.
An amendment limiting the amount Of the
subsidy to be paid to ships Of over eighteen
knots speed was adopted.
Mr.. MOrgan's Speech.
Mr.. Morgan, continuing his speech, COM
mented on the broad sweep of repeal pro-
vided for In the bill. which he said had no
place in the measure. He called the at
tention to section 1852, which he said would
be repealed by the act. this section pro-
viding that no senator, representative or
delegate during his continuance in office
should receive any compensation In rela-
ton to any contract, claim. etc. Under
that senator could not make a contract
to receive the subsidy under fear OF being
fined and Imprisoned. But that section was
among those that would be repealed by
the subsidy bill.
Mr. Morgan charged that the ship sub
sjdy bill was a party measure, which
charge was denied by Senators Spooner
and Allison. Mr.. Allison said it was a
committee measure and was subject to
Sucn amendment as the senate IUlSll give
1t.
Mr.. Morgan expressed the opinion that
the American shipyards are now the best
in the world. Referring to the compete
ton likely to arise between the United
States and foreign nations, when this gov
eminent should vote a subsidy to Ameri-
can ships Mr.. Morgan declared 1t would
result in a commercial conflict between the
United States and Great Britain, in which
the financial batteries of the two countries
would be arrayed against each other. He
was inclined to think the United States
might be worsted in such n conflict be-
cause Of the immensely superior sea power
of Great Britain.
The Clay Amendment.
Mr.. Morgan then turned his attention to
the Nicaragua canal, and made an earnest
plea for the adoption OF the Clay amend
ment to the subsidy bill authorizing nego-
tiations for a right of way for the canal.
Much as he opposed the shipping bill, he
indicated a purpose not to oppose it II the
Nicaragua amendment was added and pro-
vision made that Congress should have
power to repeal the shipping act at any
time. Mr. Morgan spoke until O'Clock,
his speech having lasted five hours. Then
the Senate held brief executive session.
After the executive session the Senate
transacted considerable routine business.
The previous action, passing bill for
railroad bridge across the Delaware river.
was reconsidered and the bill was post
poned Indefinitely.
Bills were passed relating to rights of
way through certain parks, reservations
and the public lands; authorizing a beacon
light at Grubbs' Landing. Delaware river;
paying the Lagrange Synodical College of
Lagrange, Tenn, $34, 200 for property taken
during the civil war; for the purchase of a
steam launch for use at Galveston. Tex:
restoring to the active list of the navy as
lieutenant commander Richard III. Town
ley.
At $50 recess was taken until o'clock.
The Night Session.
When the Senate reassembled in the even
ing there was considerable trouble in secur-
ing quorum, in the absence of which Mr..
Jones attempted to adjourn the Senate. Mr..
Hale announced that in the future If there
was a failure to secure quorum in the
evening he would move to adjourn.
Speeches were made by Messrs. Petit
grew, Allen, Depew, Butler. Turley and
Teller. The last named had sharp colo
guy with Mr.. Frye. He criticised the
Maine senator for not answering as he had
promised the speech Of Mr.. Turner
1.-THE senator from Maine." retorted Mr..
Frye holly, will interpret his own duty
without any assistance from the senator
from Colorado. He will take his own time
to answer the senator from Washington"
At the conclusion Of Mr.. TelleTs re-
marks an amendment by Mr.. Aldrich. that
was pending. was adopted. 1t provides
that vessels Of eighteen knots and over
shall receive subsidy Of one and six
tenths cents per gross ton.
Pending the consideration OF another
amendment, Mr. Jones moved to adjourn
Mr.. Chandler demanded the yeas and nays.
The motion was defeated 20 to %.
Mr.. Jones Immediately made the point
Of no quorum. and a roll call followed
showing only thirty-nine senators present.
Mr.. Frye then moved an adjournment,
and, at lilo o'clock, the Senate adjourned.
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