The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-03
SENATE CLEARS ITS DECKS.


WASHINGTON, March 2-The last OF
the big supply bills OF the government--the
general deficiency measure-was passed by
the Senate to-day, thus clearing the decks
for final adjournment of Congress. The
indications now are that the Senate will do
little more than consider conference re-
ports during the remainder of the session.
Under the legislative day OF Saturday a
session viii be held tomorrow, Srsln sng
at D. m In addition 10 the general d.
fciency bill, the measure increasing the
cost OF public buildings in thirty-two States.
known as the omnibus public-building bin.
was passed. The bill increases the aggregate
more than $2.OO0.O0O In the course Of the
day session Mr.. Clay. OF Georgia, deliv-
cred a prepared speech in favor OF the con-
struction by this government OF the Mica
ragua canal.
Ii was a weary body that convened at IL
o'clock this morning. Senators, red-eyed
and tired-looking. showed the effect OF the
heavy strain OF the past week. Curiously
enough. many of the older senators ex-
hibted less evidence OF the hard work and
loss of sleep than some OF their younger
colleagues The galleries were thronged
with people who are here to attend the
Inauguration ceremonies.
The conference report on the Legislative,
executive and judicial appropriation bill
was agreed to.
8Ir. Hale called up the deficiency bill.
but Mr.. Petugrew. by demanding that the
deficiency bill he read in full. first forced
adoption OF his resolution directing the
military committee TO investigate the
charges against Lieutenant Colonel Hell
stand. Then the deficiency bill was passed.
with some amendments, including one Of
fered by Mr.. Hansbrough TO give the en-
ployes OF Congress a months extra pay.
Mr. Hale remarked that no power in heaven
or among men could prevent the adoption
OF the amendment
On motion OF Mr.. Morgan an appropria-
ton of $500 to defray expenses OF the
isthmian canal commission. in making GER
tain Investigations, was stricken from the
bill.
Mr.. Tillman offered an amendment which
was adopted. providing that officers and en-
listed men who served in the United States
volunteer service OF the war with Spain
and were discharged after Aug. II. ISIS.
shall be allowed an extra months pay In
accordance with subsequent act OF Con-
gress.
The sundry civil bill was sent TO confer
ence with Senator's Allison, Hale and
COckrell as conferees.
The omnibus public building bill. passed
by the House today. was taken uD on mo-
ton OF Ar. Fairbanks.
MIR. Platt. OF Connecticut. inquired why
the cost OF some public buildings had been
Increased and that OF others had not.
Mr. Fairbanks explained that only bills
which had been passed In a previous Con-
gress we're included In the pending bill. All
increases made were based upon the rec
onmendation Of the Treasury Department.
They were the most urgent cases only.
Mr. Vest stated that many OF the In
creases were due 20 the rise In the price OF
building material. and. in some OF the
Western states. 20 a rise I'm the price OF
sites. Ia his opinion II was an absolutely
necessary bill 10 protect the interests of the
government.
ar. Platt. Of Connecticut. protested
against the passage of the bill because OF
au increase OF more than Sl0o.o00 ln the
authorized cost az the buildings when
am told. hereafter said be- that this vas
a billion dollar Congross I want % 20 be