The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-06
THE ARMY BILL DEBATE
All But Two of the Committee
Amendments Disposed OF.
Senator Money Defends Volunteer Or
ficers md Severely CriticiscS West
Point Cadets - Mr.. Daniel De-
nounccs the Reorganization Meas
ure rs an Insult TO All Americans.

The Senate yesterday resumed consid-
Grafton OF the Army Reorganization bill
and under a unanimous consent agree
ment. the committee. amendments were
taken up and all disposed of with TWO cX-
ceptions One of these provides that only
the grade of second lieutenant shall be
open to volunteer officers. The other
amendment refers to the army canteen.
Both will come up on Monday. The dis
cussion yesterday was without feature
save for some criticism of the measure
by Messrs Daniel and Money.
Mr.. Hawley called up the bin at 12:iO.
Mr. Proctor offered an amendment, au-
thorizing the President to select the chief
of any staff corps or department, not be
low the rank Of lieutenant colonel. for ap-
pointment for term not exceeding four
years, but that the appointment must
be confirmed by the Senate. The amend
ment was adopted
Mr. Nelson spoke against the Senate
Committee amendment regarding Volun-
teer officers. He favored the House
amendment leaving both the grades of
first and second lieutenant open to them.
Messrs Teller and Money also favored
the House amendment.
Mr.. Money said that the volunteer Off
GERS were of as good material as the West
Point graduates.
These latter have been disgracing the
whole country by this hazing business,
said he. and the volunteers are certainly
as coed military men and better gentle
men than some of the cadets
The House amendment was adopted.
Mr. Daniel said that the bill was
scheme on the part of a skllful army
officer to keep out of the army the bright
est and best material in the country.
1t is the most proscripuve bill against
the volunteer that has ever been brought
before the Senate" said he. Every one
of our wars has been fought by the vol
unteer and he has shown his worth. Why
should the Senate give the Regular Army
a monopoly of the commissions? We want
the military element in the army. but We
also want the better element-the mar
tial. expanding. intelligent element of
free people. This bill will be
n beautiful welcome for
the Senate to hand the returning volun-
teers from the Philippines. 1t proscribes
the men who have been doing the fight
ing. l am against the bill. The General
Commanding the Army is not a West
Pointer Adjutant General Corbin never
rubbed his head against the walls of
West Point The bill is an insult to all
Americans
Mr. Teller said the enlisted men should
be given a chance for promotion.
The action on the House amendment
was rescinded by common consent, and
the whole disputed section went over
until Monday.
The canteen amendment was passed
over until Monday, on motion of Mr.
Gallinger.
amendments to the bill, which were laid
on the table.
Mr. Hawley offered an amendment pre-
pared by the Secretary of War, authoriz-
ing the President to supervise the army
ration and change the component parts
Of this article when he deems 1t proper.
At 1855. on motion of Mr.. Spooner. the
Senate went into executive session.
Open session was resumed at 2 O'Clock
and the Senate took up the treaty with
the Turtle Mountain tribe of Cherokee
Indians. This was adopted.
An effort was made by Mr.. Hoar TO
have action taken, upon the bill 10 fix the
salaries of certain judges, but objection
was made by Senator's Morgan and Berry,
the former because 1t might interfere
with the Nicaragua Canal bill. Finally
the motion was withdrawn by Mr.. Hoar.
The following bills were then passed:
House Dill Tor the rellef OF the Marion
Trust Company, administrator of the es-
tate of Samuel Milliken. deceased flor
carrying the mail in 1860.
House bill for relief OF occupants Of
lands included in the Algonones grant in
Arizona.
Senate bill extending for three years
the time for constructing a branch rail-
road by the Omaha Northern Railway
Company.
Senate bill extending for four years the
time for constructing the Eastern Ne
braska and Gulf Railway through Indian
reservations in Nebraska
House bill permitting the building of
dam across the Usage River at Warsaw,
No.
Senate bill to have Edward Byrne. of
New York, placed on the retired list as
captain of cavalry.
Senate bill for acquiring title TO two