The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-23
RETAINED BY The SENATE
The Southern Railway Mail Sub
sidy to Stand.
The PostOGlcc Appropriation Bill
Passed After Long Debnte-The
Pneumatic Tube Provisions De-
featcd-Action Taken on the Com
suiar and Diplomatic Measure.

The Senate yesterday after long debate,
passed the Postoffice Appropriation bill
The Southern Railway mail subsidy was
retained in the measure by a vote of As
to 10. nearly all Of the Democrats voting
for it, All attempts to obtain appropria-
tions for the pneumatic tube service were
defeated.
When the bill was taken up the question
was on the Rawlins amendment to strike
ont the subsidy clause. Mr.. Vest spoke
against the subsidy, and was followed by
Mr.. Harris, who favored the bounty.
Mr. Thurston favored the subsidy. and
in a speech referred to Kansas as being
in "an unfortunate position with its ire
pressible conflict between the unlawful
joint and the Illegal hatchet."
Il understand. he continued. that the
train leaves Kansas City at a very early
hour in the morning and carries to the
suffering people of Kansas the consolation
of the metropolitan newspapers and origi-
nal packages. Nothing can do so much to
save Kansas as newspapers and original
packages"
Mr.. Morgan, Mr.. Pritchard. and Mr.. Ell
kins spoke strongly in opposition to the
pending amendment. Mr. Elkins said the
commercial and industrial interests of the
South were developing rapidly and enor-
mously. The impetus of prosperity had
come to the South and he believed it had
come 10 stay. This appropriation, small
in comparison to the millions carried by
the bill for the benefit of other sections
nf hsa .-r-t- 70 .ho 70, fac
for transacting the increased business Of
the South and he urged that 1t be retain
ed in the bill,
Mr.. Chiffon argued that there was no
reason for singing out particular rail-
roads and particular sections upon which
TO confer special mail facilities. II such
appropriations were to he made they ought
to be made, in his opinion. for the benefit
of every section OF the country.
Mr.. Gallery said the appropriation pro-
posed was subsidy or gratuity that ac-
complished no specific good. He said that
if the subsidy were withheld he did not
doubt that the people of his section would
receive just as fast mail service as they
are receiving now.
Mr.. McEnery made vigorous argument
in support OF the appropriation. maintain
ing it could be regarded as subsidy in
no sense of the term, as il was expended
TO obtain specific advantages to the people
Mr.. Jones of Arkansas declared that the
proposed appropriation was as absolutely
indefensible an expenditure of public mon
ey as ever has come under his experience.
If said he. the railroads do not ask it. /
as has been stated here, and the Postolfice
Department doesn't want it. in Gods name
what is there behind it TO induce Congress
10 make the appropriation" He urged
that If the appropriation was to be made.
Congress ought to assume the responsi
bility for II and not attempt to shift that
responsibility to the shoulders of the
Postmaster General.
Nr. Clay interrupted to say that since
the special appropriation was made the
mail facilities from Kew York to New Or
leans yfa Atlanta had been materially in
creased: that where one fast mail train
was run before the appropriation was
made two are run now, both on schedules
fixed by the Postoffice Department.
Mr.. Cafery spoke al length on the sub
sidy, and vote was then demanded. The
subsidy was retained by vote of 45 to 10.
The Democrats who voted against the sub
sidy were Messrs. Turley. Pettigrew,
Jones of Arkansas, Culberson. Chiffon, and
Cafery. All the other Democrats voted
in favor OF the subsidy.
Mr. Berry then offered an amendment
providing that the Postmaster General be
instructed not to pay the subsidy unless
he discovered that the bounty would bene-
fit che service in some degree. This was
adopted by a vote Of 3S to %.
Mr. Butler then scored the Democrats
who had voted for the railway subsidy
even though they were against the Ship
Subsidy bill He classed the two Is on
par He offered an amendment reducing
the price paid for rental Of mail cars by
50 per cent This was defeated.
Mr. Kenney offered an amendment pro-
viding for an appropriation of si6G.s66 for
the maintenance of the pneumatic tube
service in Boston. New York, and Phila-
de.phia. The amendment was defeated.
An amendment offered by Mr.. Lodge was
agreed to permitting books TO be trans
mitted through the mails by libraries at
regular book rates, notwithstanding any
necessary writing contained therein.
Mr. Brtler offered an amendment reduc-
ing from 81 $4,000 to 50 .4O8 Geo the appro-
priation fcs railway car service. This was
defeated.
Mr. Kenney offered an amendment con-
tinuing the pneumatic mail service at a
reduction of 40 per cent of the prices now
paid in New York. 1t was defeated with
out division.
Mr. Depew offered an amendment pro-
viding that when publications are admit
ted to second class mail privileges these
privileges shall not be suspended until
after hearing given by the Postmaster
General TO the parties interested. This
was agreed to.
Mr.. Butler was proceeding TO make
some remarks which were interrupted by
Mr. Wolcott asking the Chair whether
there was any question before the Sen
ate.
THE Postofice Appropriation bill is
before the Senate" the Presiding Officer.
Mr. Frye. replied.
rs there any amendment pending?"
Mr. Wolcott asked.
There is not" said the Presiding Off
Ger.
The interference on the part Of the 8 n
ator from Colorado. appeared TO give
deep umbrage to the Senator from y rth
Carolina, who drew himself up 10 his full
height, folded his arms prouui.. ia,
turning so as TO face Mr.. Wolcott. look
ed steadily and dehantly at him fer fully
half d minute to the amusement of the
spectators Then he advised Mr.. VOL
sss his soul in patience and
I his remarks.
Mr.. Butler offered an
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