The Washington herald., 1909-02-16


struggle promised by Senator La Fol-
lette and other insurgent Republicans Of
the Senate to hang up the large appro-
priation bill. in order TO arouse the coun-
try on what they term the extravagance
Of the intrenched leaders OF the Senate
in disbursing public funds In the face Of
a Treasury deficit. came yesterday when
the Wisconsin Senator started lOg-rolling
against the naval appropriation BILL
Assistance came 70 him at desirable
turns from Senator Dixon. Of Montana,
Senator Cummins, 0f Iowa. and Senaeor
stone. Of Missouri, and there were indi-
cations that other Senators were in the
spirit OF opposition. and that there was
strength In reserve.
Successful Tactics.
These tactics were successful in check
ing the advance Of the bill throughout
the day and keeping the Senate in ses-
sion until late in the evening.
Obstructive methods OF this kind. with
variations. are 10 be continued II the pro-
grsmme Of Mr.. la Follstts and his col
leagues is carried out
Several Of the appropriation bills are
vet TO be considered. and the object is 70
throw them over 10 the special session.
The purpose is TO break the control OF
old Senate leaders
After I'VE hours Of tedious cOllOQuy. al
times enlivening. but in the main dreary.
the Senate had passed less than one-third
OF the naval appropriation bill az the close
OF the session
Questions, objections. and suggestions
that delayed the consideration Of the bill
were interposed Late In the afternoon
Mr. Hale sounded the alarm Of night ses-
sions.
Consideration Of the bill proceeded
slowly. Senators Ia Toilette, Bacon,
TfIIman. and NewlanGs asking many
questions One Of the questions called
from Senator Hale a lecture on na-
tiOnal extravaganza
The aggregate OF the naval apprO-
priation this year IS 1855 600 The
Senator predicted that II would be in
creased next year to $3.50, 000. 900 and in
two years would probably reach $780,
600 0o0
we are hurryinE rapidly toward q
condition where the Secretary OF the
Treasury viii tell US the money IS out
of the Treasury. that every dollar has
UeeD spent. e[t4 III LAE-E O0A
penditures are Increasing and our rev
enues falling on When that time
comes we may either go out and bOr-
row money IN a time OF profound
peace. or clap on additional taxes.
Mr.. Hale declared that 20 per cent of
all government expenditures were for
war purposes-for maintenance Of army
anr navy-and the proportion OF these ex-
peaditures was increasing
why don't YOU cut down the expendi-
tures2-' demanded Mr. Tiilman.
Z predict the Senator from South Caro-
Ina could not. command a dozen votes in
this chamber in any plan to reduce the
expenditures proposed by this bill, re-
piled Mr Hale.
The Senator from Maine evidently
speaks for his own side Of the cham
ber." snapped Mr.. Tillman-
'T have canvassed that side OF the
chamber also. 70 replied Mr. Hale. referring
TO the Democrats.
NewIandS' Amendment.
Senator Newiands. Of Nevada, then In
troduced an amendment to the bill strik-
ing out the appropriation Of 100000 for
battle ships. and substituting an appro-
priation Of the same amount for an aux
niary navy. 10 consist Of transports. col
Iiers. dispatch boats, and other vessels
necessary TO aid the fighting ships in
case Of war.
Magazine and newspaper critics OF na-
val administration came in for a scorch-
ing. Senators Hale and GaIlinger applied
the lash.
Even the venerable Senator McEnery.
Of Louisiana, who seldom addresses the
Senate. was reused TO action by maga-
zine references. Mr McEnery brought
his ear-trumpet. and when he had been
heard enough he made a spirited attack
on the magazine writer's. saying the in
formation in their articles had been sup
piled by a navy officer who had a notion
that all the navy yards and docks should
be concentrated IN one great base al
Guantanamo Cuba
Each Senator rallied nobly to the de-
fense OF his local navy yard. and some
amusing situations were created. Sena-
tor GaIlinger defended the Portsmouth
Navy Yard. which had been condemned
BY the critics.
Did not Admiral Goodrich recently
recommend that the Portsmouth yard be
abandonedZ'' inquired Mr.. La Toilette
Yes: the admiral made that absurd
recommendation along with other absurd
recommendations. said Mr.. Gallinger.
Would Concentrate Big Yards.
Senator Dixon inquired whether better
result could not be obtained by concen-
trating the expenditures on one or two
big yards instead Of having nine. as at
present
England tried the experiment, and II
mas not proved successful said Mr. Hale
Senator Clay. OF Georgia. after listening
to a lecture by Mr.. Hale on the tendency
lures chided the Naval Committee foI
permitting il
The Senator from Maine explained the
difficulties Of the COMMITTEES this way
The country has been convulsed with
fever and fury over the world-encircline
| trip Of the feet do not believe another
President viii send the feet around the
world I hope not
When the item in the bin inserted by the
Senate COMMITTEES authorizing the Presl.
dent to appoint vice admiral from the
retired list was reached, Senator Rayner
OF Maryland. made the point Of order thai
the item was new legislation and had nj
/ place in the naval bill.
Senator Hale agreed that this was so
ard the chance Of Ro6ley y. Evans be
coming vice admiral disappeared for the
/ time.
New SenRtOrs' Credentials Submitted
The credentials OF Senators-eiect Wes-
ley l. Jones, OF Washington; George Z