The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-02-05

Washington, February 3.-After al
most allowing the amendment to the
urgent deficiency appropriation bill
providing for a loan of s4.000.000 to
the st. Louis exposition to go through
without any discussion whatever, the
Senate today changed its tactics just
as the vote was about to be taken
and entered upon a debate on the
loan provision which continued for
about four hours and which was still
in progress when the Senate adjourn
ed for the day.
The debate was prec1pitated by a
peint OF order made against the
amendment by Mr.. Bailey, who sup
ported his point with a speech based
on the theory that the national gov
ernment was not, as such, concerned
with the success or failure of any
exposition. He was supported by
Mr.. Lodge and Mr.. Elktns, while
speeches were made in support of
the amendment by Messrs. Allison,
Cockrell, Spooner, McComas and 9TH
erS.
Mr.. Tillnian said he wanted to say
something on this Loan or Gift" the
latter he thought, as it was not likely
that the government would ever get
anything back. In the course Of his
remarks he said South Carolina had
a share of the steal that had been
secured by other cities and he had
helped TO get it. What he meant was
that this expenditure of money was
unlawful and unconstitutional.
Mr.. SDooner remarked that the
Senator from South Carolina had put
himself on record as participating in
a steal.
What 1 mean" declared Mr.. Till
man rs that when Congress takes
money from the people and gives ii
away for expositions it amounts TO a
steal end what 1 want 10 know is
how far are we to go and how much
longer we are to participate in
Here Mr.. Tillman hesitated.
Steals" interrupted Mr.. Spooner.
Yes, steals said Mr.. Tillman de-
asntly.
MT Bacon said that as he intended
10 vote for the amendment he did
not want the impression to go out
that It was in the wrong. He thought
the appropriation a proper one. In
reply 10 a question from Mr.. Bailey
he said that he did not endorse the
principle. and that If the practice OF
giving aid to expositions was now be-
ing initiated he would oppose the
practice. But in view of what had
been done in the past he considered
it not out OF place to make the ap-
preparation.
Mr.. Elkins suggested that better
security should be given than the
amendment requires and made an
argument for which he called the
business methods. He called atten-
tion to the fact that there IS an i'm
ninent possibility OF a deficit of $40
100000 in the treasury. Where Is
The money coming from? Are we
going to take it from the rivers and
harbors?" he asked.
Mr.. Cockrell said there could be
little doubt that the money would
be refunded as the provision gives
lien on the entire proceeds. 'I want
1t distinctly understood" he said.
That this is not a gift. but q loan.
which 1 believe will be returned
Mr. Bailey quoted Mr.. Tillnnan as
having asked where ,ne practice OF
giving aid to such Institutions would
stop and replying said like the brook
ft would Go on forever"
He also referred to the fact thar
knowing Mr.. Tillman's impatfence
with the amendment he intended
voting Tor II because OF the a1d Inai
TIE Charleston exposition had re-
eeived OF congress
Mr.. Tillman made an explanation
OF the assistance given to Charleston
He also referred with evident feeling
10 Mr.. Ba'ley's reference to his owr
attitude. saying that the latter had
characterized the appropriation as q
steal
Mr.. Bailey disclaimed any inten-
tion 20 speak of the appropriation sc
hershly. II don't go so far" he said
II consider it a misapproprfauon.''
FIR. Lodge called attention to tbs
plea for economy on account OF tn,
condition of the treasury. Som.
Senators might say We need no more
battleships, but he did not agree. 70,
they are necessary to maintain peac'
on this hemisphere and to supper
the Monroe doctrine. When, there
fore, we are asked to economize il
that direction and TO give sums lik
this tho~e is a curious contradiction
Ar. German 1eri9ed. "Can it be,
he asked, That ne conduct OF
hnancial affairs e. the country ha
been of such a character that we ar
90 BE- stopped giving the necessar
aid to an exposition to which all tn
~wsrid IL looking forward as tn
greatest event since 1876? Can ft b