The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-02-26
NEEDOFBIGNAVY
Questioned by Mr.. Burton, Who Nov
ed TO Strike Out the Provision for
the Battleship Authorized-Senatc
Spends Nearly the Entire Day Dis
cussing Amendment to the Agricul-
tural Appropriation Bill.

washington. FeDrualy A.-Ine SEN
ate spent the greater part of the day
discussing an amendment to the agri-
cultural appropriation bill. striking out
the House provision, giving authority
to the secretary Of agriculture to in
spect important food products. when
misbranded or suspected OF impurity.
The amendment was suggested by
Mr.. Aldrich. He attacked the provision
on the ground that it opened the way
for an encoachment by the secretary
of agriculture upon the duties of the
secretary of the treasury and was cal
service of the two officials. Mr.. Aid
rich was supported in his contention by
a number of Senators, including Messrs
Lodge. Beveridge and Patterson.
Mr.. Proctor. in charge of the bill.
defended the provision and had the aid
and others. The discussion was closed
by substituting the provision of the act
OF 1900, bearing upon the same point
The consideration Of the bill pracu-
cally was concluded, but final action
upon it was postponed until tomorrow.
During the discussion, MIR. Tiiiman
suggested that the bill be amended in
such manner as would transfer the dis
cretion Of passing upon impure foods
from the secretary OF agriculture to the
secretary of the treasury. $50 far .is
I am concerned" he said. II feel per-
fectly safe so long as the two gentle
men from Iowa. the secretary of the
treasury and the secretary Of agricui-
ture are looking after our stomachs by
shutting out impure foods. but ain
preparing for that time when Iowa has
not that matter in charge"
Mr.. Perkins said that California was
much interested in the proper investiga-
| ton into the purity Of imported foods
and he mentioned, incidentally. that
cotton seed oil was frequently import
| ed as olive oil. This caused Mr.. TILL
man to ask whether olive oil was any
sweeter or better than cotton seed oil;
| and Mr. Perkins replied that while cot
| ton seed Oil might suit the Italian taste
| and OF some people, he insisted that the
article should be properly labeled.
''Does the Senator know California
| champagne from the European article?
asked Mr.. Tillman and Mr.. Perkins
replied:
| IF the Senator from South Carolina
| will bring on the samples Il will lie;
| him know"
This caused a laugh at Mr.. Tillman's
| expense. and Mr.. Perkins added that II
| he should ever take anything strong
| er than coffee. he would not be disloya,
to the products of his own state"
A resolution offered by Mr.. DAME
| directing the committee on judiciary =
| inquire into the expediency OF enactlns
| law providing against the accep-
| tance. holding or receipt OF the ray
al oWahce or emolument or any execu'
tive office agency or commission by Z
Senator or Representative in Congress
| while serving as such Senator or Rep
| resentative." was adopted.
The Senate adjourned until tomorrow
THE HOUSE.
Washington, February N.-Two storm
| centers were encountered in the nava
| appropriation bill which WAS the con
tinued object of discussion in tn'
House today. First the Great Lake
training station went out Of the bin
on a point Of order. after wordy bat
tie at the beginning Of the day, and tn
building programme proposed in tn
bill was then submitted to criticism ant
blocked further progress OF the measure
for the day.
Mr.. Burton, of Ohio. moved to strik
out the provision for the single bat
tleship authorized. This motion is nov
pending. It served az text for severa
Republican speeches, in which MI. Bur
his party.
In the event Of the defeat OF this mo
tion, and the acceptance OF the who'll
building programme, movement is Z
| be made tomorrow by Representattv
Meyer. OF Louisiana. to have the bill
J recommitted to the naval committee
with the following instructions:
First. To provide for a coaling static
| and dock at Olongapo. p. l., instead O
a naval station; Second, to elirninat
the provision for two armored cruiser
and the armor thereof costing $4,000
900; Third. to place a limit OF 1898 pc
ton as a maximum price for armc
plate. with the provision for an arno
plate factory 10 cost not over "a. 900 90
! IL the armor cannot be procured with
the limit prescribed: Fourth. that a
vessels provided for under the head {
| increase OF the navy" except the bal
tleship, TO be constructed in the govern
ment navy yards.
1 Mr.. Burton justified his position b
comparing the battleship construct!c
| this year with that OF other nat ons
the world. Our construction was iarg'
q than usual In naval expenses. Il
: United states was. he said. with the =,
3 ception of Great Britain. fifty per Ger
= ahead OF any European nation.
b Ar. Roberts. Of Massachusetts,. cuct'
= President Roosevelt az saying:
/. 1.-The American people must fres
softly. but carry big club and mall