The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-12
Assailed by Senator Bacon and De-
Tended vigorously by MIR. PIatt,
of Connecticut.
FLOOD OF PENSION BILLS
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY
RUSHED THROUGH THE HOUSE.
Amount Paid Gen. A. v. Rice, Author
of the Arrearges Act, Increased
from $50 to 800 Month.

WASHINGTON, JAM lin the Senate
to-day vigorous attack was made upon
that portion of the army reorganization
bill which confers upon the President dis
cretionary power to increase the strength
OF the army to the maximum limit fixed
by the bill. Mr.. Bacon. of Georgia, began
the attack, and Mr.. Platt, of Connecticut,
replying, maintained that discretionary
power ought to be conferred upon the
President and expressed astonishmept that
anybody should entertain fear that the
power ever would be abused. Mr.. Bacon
declared he would rather see his party
condemned to universal and never-ending
banishment from political power than to
see such authority placed in the hands of
the President. An amendment opening
the way of appointment of volunteer Of
ficers to grades as high as that of captain
IN the regular establishment was adopted.
Just before adjournment Mr.. Carter, of
Montana, called up the bin apportioning
the representatives of the United States
among the several States. Without de-
bate it was passed precisely as it came
from the House. 1t now goes to the Presi-
dent for his signature.
Only seventeen senators appeared on the
floor at the opening of to-days session.
The prevailing epidemic of grip and the
iLclement weather accounted for the alb
sence of many senator's.
Mr. Carter chairman of the committee
on census, reported favoEably the bill
passed by the House making an apportion~
ment of the representatives in the House
of Representatives among the States OF
the Union. The Senate committee had
made no amendments to the bill as passed
by the House. In view of the Importance
of the measure Mr.. Carter asked for i'm
mediate consideration of it. Mr.. Haw-
ley, fearing that its consideration might
interfere with the reorganization BILL was
inclined to object, but was prevailed on
to withhold his objection. AT the con-
clusion of the reading of the measure Mr..
Pettus objected to it's further considera-
ton, and it went over.
House bill providing for the holding of
Circuit and District Courts in the Eastern
district of Arkansas was reported favorably
from the judiciary committee and passed.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Teller,
providing for the printing of the Filipino
appeal, presented yesterday. was, by con-
sent, laid over until next Monday.
Mr.. Hawley, chairman of the Senate COM
mittee on military affairs, withdrew the
committee amendment. Section 81 of the
new BILL providing for the retirement of
officers on the active list of the army.
Mr. Teller then also withdrew his amend
ment to that section.
HOAR'S AMENDMENT TABLED.
Mr. uoar formally offara1 tho oc,o,a
ment, of which he had heretofore given
notice, providing that no further military
force shall be used in the Philippines, ex-
cept such as be necessary to keep order in
places of the peaceable possession of the
United States.
Mr.. Carter, member of the committee
on military affairs. moved that the
amendment be laid on the table The mo-
ton prevailed-S2 to 10.
Mr.. Pettigrew's amendment, providing
that one-third of the appointments to COM
missioned rank in the regular army should
be made from officers of the volunteer ar
my-the amendment which was unaer dis
cussion when the Senate adjourned last
evening-was defeated-33 to 16.
Mr.. Daniel offered an amendment provid
ing that volunteer officers may be designat-
ed for examination and those who establish
their fitness may be appointed to the grade
of captain in the regular army as well as
TO the grade of second and first lieutenant.
as provided by the Senate committee
amendment. Mr. Daniel said that he felt
1T was due the volunteer officers that they
should have proper opportunity for ad-
vancement in the army. The eSamendment
was agreed to-24 to o.
Mr.. Bacon moved TO strike out the provi-
sion that the President, in his discretion
may increase the number of corporals I'm
any troop of cavalry to eight and the num-
Der of privates TO seventy-six. He said he
did not believe the President should have
discretionary power TO regulate the size of
the army.
Mr.. Platt. of Connecticut, said he had
none OF the fear that seemed 10 worry
some senator's as to the increase OF the
army of 100000 men. Such an army could
do the country no harm and il could not
be considered a menace.
In response TO a question by Mr.. Berry.
Mr.. Platt saie he feared the pending bill
did not confer upon the President the au-
thority TO Increase the army from $1,000 TO
100000 at any time That power, he thought,
ought 10 be conferred upon the President
Continuing, M. Platt said he was aston
ished at the fear expressed by some SEN
ators that the President would not exercise
such an authority with due regard to the
country's interest. There need be no fear
that the United States would ever have a
President who would abuse the power con-
ferred upon him. He argued that the pow
er to increase the army be left In the hands
OF the President, who ought to be regarded
as a conscientious. able and patriotic man.
IL we could eliminate politics and argument
for political effect from this chamber for a