Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1903-01-15
Bsnste Bends Measure Back with Single
Amendment, Which is ADOPTED.
ONLY FIVE MEMBERS OPPOSE PROPOSAL
0ushman, Jones, Gainu, Mondell and
Patterson Vote Against,
FEAR CHEAP CHINESE COMPETITION
West virginia Representative De-
fends Operators, Claiming They
Have Right 10 Raise Prices
and Make Much Money.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-THE bills re-
ported from the ways and means committee
yesterday providing a rebate on coal for
one year was passed in short order by the
house today by 25s to s. those voting against
being Messrs Cushman and Jones CwashJ,
Gaines wv. Va, Mondell (Wyo) and Pat
terson (Penn), all republicans.
The only opposition came from members
representing coal states, who expressed the
fear that the admission of Chinese mined
Canadian coal would injure the industry OF
their states. Both Mr.. Dalzell PENN and
Mr.. Payne IN ", the republican leaders,
expressed the opinion that the bill would
not relieve the existing distress, but ad-
mitted that it would satisfy the public
demand for action and show the disposi-
tion Of congress to do what 1t could.
Democrats would Extend scope.
The democrats, although they all sup
ported the bill, took the view that II did
not go far enough. saying coal should go
on the free list, and when the bill came
back from the senate with a provision
which practically conceded this point they
applauded vigorously. The senate amend
ment was adopted without division.
Rapid progress was made with the army
appropriation bill, the most important
amendments being an increase in the num-
Der of officers in the signal corps by
twenty three. namely, one colonel, two lieu
tenant colonels. four majors, two captains
and eight first lieutenants, and another to
prevent the discontinuance of the army
transport service without action Of con-
gress.
state 20 Seize Mines.
The chairman of the judiciary committee
introduced the following resolution:
Resolved, That the committee on the ju-
dietary be and Is hereby directed TO in
vestigate and report to this house, with
all convenient speed, the opinion of that
committee as to the power of congress to
taking possession of all coal, coal beds and
coal mines In the United States, and all
lines of transportation. agencies, instru-
ments and vehicles of commerce necessary
for the transportation of coal; and that II,
exists s 4 and the n necesslty for the exercise Of
such power has arisen, that the conlmittee
forthwith report to this house a @ bill deelar-
detail the occasions. modes, conditions and
agencies for said appropriation. that will
fully and completely exhaust the power OF
congress In that regard.
Galleries Are Filled.
The attendance in the house galleries to-
day was an evidence Of the general interest
in the proceedings which were to take place
upon the bill providing for the rebate Of
the duties on foreign coal for a period Of
one year.
An unusually large number of members
we're on the door and the leaders on both
sides were in their places.
After the transaction OF some preliminary
business Mr.. Grosvenor CO.,, from the com
mlttee on rules, presented a resolution sup
Elemental to thai adopted yesterday, di-
rectng the committee on merchant marine
a. ,ks.N h. al o4f
tion. The resolution authorizes subcom-
mittees of the committee to take testimony.
1t was adopted.
Mr.. Dalzell (Pa.), from the committee on
rules, then presented the special rule for
the consideration Of the coal rebate bill.
II provided for the immediate considera-
tion OF the bill. with provision for one
hours debate at the end of which time the
previous question should be considered az
ordered without an intervening motion
History of Duty on Coal.
Mr.. Dalzell. after reviewing the history
OF the present duty on coal. said the pend
ing bill needed no defense. It was designed
to relieve the existing distress. Neverthe'
less, he said he did not believe it would
accomplish its purpose.
He did not believe It would increase tho
importation of single pound of coal. 90
don't believe" said he. "that anything nov
can stop the greed and avarlce Of the cor
morants who are taking advantage OF tht
already oppressed people, but 1t will satisf!
a public sentiment and show the disposition
OF congress to do everything in its power Il
relieve the situation
Mr. Mondell (Wyo) said, the bill woul,
injuriously affeet the coal industry OF hi
state and Of the northwest generally by per
mltting competition, and in View Of tn
stated belief OF Mr. Dalzell that the bill
will give no relief, he asked II the com
mittee would not consider the reduction o
the period of its operation to six months.
MIR. Daizell said the proposition had bee
considered but because OF the impossbilit
OF foreoasting the future Of the coal trad
II had not been adopted.
Mr.. Richardson tTenn) called attentio
10 the fact that the rule prevented all pos
sibility Of amendment. and he proteste
against such course in such a crisis.
Proceeding. Mr.. Richardson said when tn
stress of emergency came there was per
force recourse to democratic doctrine. b
May Make Cheaper Coal.
Mr. williams (Mass) contended that IN
removal Of the duties must result in re
ducing the price of coal
In concluding the debate Mr.. Dalzell de
olared that the hypocrisy Of the other sid
was apparent from the remarks OF Nj
4 Richardson The opposition. he said wa
simply playing politics. The demoerati
I "perhdy and dishonor" bill had contaiae
duty on coal.
A rising vote upon the adoption OF n
rule resulted; Ayes, 1856; noes, no. part
vote, with the exception OF Mr.. PerkiI
(rep. N. " and Mr.. Gaines (rep. w. Va.
who voted with the democrats.
A roll call was demanded and the ru
was adopted. l4i to lis. Messrs- PerkiT
IN. " aud Gaines CW. Va voting wit
the democrats.
Mr.. Richardson said that neither he NJ
any OF his colleagues was opposed to Il
bill.
Mr. Payne IN. Y.) in support OF n
measure. sketched briefly the emergen'
which made its passage advisable. He d