New-York tribune., 1905-02-21
HOUSE PASSES NAVY BILL.
TWO BATTLESHIPS IN 1T.
Increase of Marine Corps Defeated
-Baker Makes Another Scene.

Washington, Feb. 20.-The House to-day after
a long session, passed the Naval Appropriation
bill, carrying S99914,359. The provision for
two battleships was retained. Both the ma
jority and minority were divided over the propo-
sition at least over forty members OF the latter
going over to the Republicans, while about an
equal number of Republicans voted in opposi-
ton. Several important changes in the bill were
made. The proposed increase of twelve hun
dred men and officers for the marine corps was
stricken out, also the provision authoriz-
ing the construction of collier somewhere else
than at the Mare Island Navy Yard. In order to
do the work better an item of S175OO0 was in
serted for the proper equipment of the Mare
Island yard.
Several times in the debate the assassination
Of Grand Duke Sergius was referred to, the
subject being brought up by Mr.. Baker, of New
York who attacked President Roosevelt for
sending a message of coincidence to Russia ex-
pressing the sentiment that the American gov
eminent and people viewed the act with abhor-
renee. The people, he declared. did view with
adherence the massacre in ST Petersburg on
January %, but the President had not seen fit
TO send a message of condolence on that occa-
sion. .SSSSE
He was answered by Mr.. Grosvenor of Ohio,
who took the ground that regardless of the
character Of the grand duke or Russia's policy
toward her subjects, the President, in sending
the message, had done exactly what civilization
recognized his duty.
The climax came later in the day, when Mr..
Baker read resolution on the subject which he
introduced, and which in effect was a reiteration
of his remarks. He explained that his object in
doing was because it had been suggested that
in that event motion would be made to expel
him. Rushing down the aisle and waving the
resolution in his hand, he deposited it in the
box and defed any one to make motion to ex-
pei him. Make it .now!' he shouted ''Expell
Expeli EXpel! tell you. introduce your motion
to eXpel!'
spirited discussion, which resulted in no
action arose over the ability of the Midvale
Steel Company to fulfil its contract with the
government in the matter Of armor plate de-
liveries, in the course of which Mr. Morrell of
Pennsylvania, made a vigorous speech in be-
half of the Midvale company.
When the bill reported to the House from
the Committee of the Whole, Mr.. Foss moved to
recomnit it, at the same time demanding the
previous question.
Mr.. Bartlett, of Georgia, was on his feet at
once and asserted that Mr.. Fosss action was
trick to prevent vote on the battIeships.
Mr.. Wadsworth, of New York, sought an ad-
Journment, but his motion voted down, and
the House adopted the previous question Mr.
Robinson, Of Indiana, made the point of no
quorum.
The Speaker proceeded to count, and then in
vous vote
II did not" said Mr.. Robinson.
Then you are one and ! am two, and that
makes quorum" replied the Speaker his re-
mark convulsing the House. ) further motion
by Mr.. Wadsworth to adjourn was defeated, and
then the motion to recommt voted down
and the bin was passed without division.