Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1900 — CONGRESS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CONGRESS

On Thursday the Senate ketri sl#. Foraker in rapport of the Potto Rican tariff bill and Messrs. Deltas, Tillman and Hoar against it. Mr. Mason made his motion to discharge the committee on foreign relations from further consideration Of his resolution expressing sympathy ter the Boers, and it went over tor one day under the rotes, i The House unseated Gaston A. Robbins, a Democrat. from tbe Fourth Alabama district and seated in his stead William K. Aid rich, a Republican, who has been three times a contestant from the same district on the ground of fraud, and who is now given his seat for the third time by a Republican House. Tbe vote was a strict party one. A new role was brought in to set aside the day sessions on the second and fourth Fridays of each month for pension legislation. The role limits debate on each Mil to ten minutes on a side, but this provision was withdrawn upon the assurance of Mr. Richardson. the minority leader, that his side of the House would not Indulge in filibustering. Mr. Overstreet (Ia«L). in charge of the conference report upon the financial bilk gave notice that he would call np the report on the next Tuesday. By unanimous consent It was agreed that the vote on tbe report should be taken at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon.

In the Senate on Friday a speech in opposition to the Porto Rican tariff hill was made by Mr. Lindsay. Mr. Mason's resolution expressing sympathy for the Boers discussed In executive session, the question being the discharge of the committee from consideration. Mr. Allison reported from the committee ou appropriations - the House bill making appropriations of customs does exacted from the Island of Porto Rico from Oct. 18, 1898. to Jan. 1, 1900), amounting to $2.095.455. and gave notice that he would call np the measure Saturday. At a night session reading of the Alaska code bill was resumed. In the House the first day pension session provided for under the new rule proved a great success. There was comparatively little friction and ninety-seven bills were favorably acted upon in committee of the whole and subsequently passed. The only incident of tbe session was a brisk exchange between Mr. Loud of California and Mr. Sulloway of New Hampshire apon the general policy of special pension legislation. in which the former attacked and tbe latter defended the system. The Senate on Saturday passed the diplomatic and consular appropriation bill, after defeating an amendment to give former Queen Lilnokclaai of Hawaii $20,000 and an annuity of $16,6611. The House agreed to take up-the hill providing a government for Hawaii on April 3, the final vote to be taken on April 5 at 4 p. in. Consideration of the WiseYoung election contest was resumed. Speeches were made by Mr. Weeks (Rep.. Mich.!. Mr. Burke (Derm. Texes). Mr. Hull (Rep., Iowa), and Mr. Linney (Rep.. N. C.l. Mr. Rawlins occupied the floor of the Senate most of the day Monday in a discussion of the Philippine question. He went deeply into tbe constitutional phases of the question. His argument was largely legal and technical. He is opposed to tbe holding of tbe Philippines. Eightysix private pension bills were passed. The House by a majority of seven voted to unseat W. A. Young. Democrat, Second Virginia district, and seat R. A. Wise. Passed an urgent deficiency bill carrying $1,439,580. In the Senate on Tuesday personal explanations were made by Mr. Allen and Mr. Butler of their positions ou the financial question, both announcing their .belief In the free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16 to 1. Mr. Turner began an extended speech on tbe Porto Rico bill, maintaining that the pending measure is dearly unconstitutional. The House passed the coaference report on the currency reform MR by a vote of 166 to 120. Tbe report bud previously been accepted by tbe Senate. Two speeches on tbe Philippine question consumed tbe day Wednesday in the Senate. Mr. Teller maintained that tbe constitution could not extend over trtritory acquired by tbe United States, Mr. Turner took a view precisely opposite. In tbe House tbe I Hat net of Columbia appropriation bill was taken np and under the latitude allowed Mr. Adamson (Ga.) discussed the Nicaragua canal. Mr. Cowherd (Mo.) the Philippine question. Mr. Howard (Ga.) questions relating to the Philippines and the ’’open door" policy in the Orient, Mr. Rucker (Mo.) the advisability of electing Senators by the people, and Mr. Boutell (111.) replied to Mr. Cowhenl. A resolution setting aside alternate Fridays for the consideration of private bills reported by the war claims committee was adopted. Bills were passed to settle the title to real estate in the .city of Sauta Fe, N. M~ aud for the relief of Thomas Pan!.