American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-05-20
m ofthe Post Office law passed by the last

ion of the Post Office law passed by the last
Congress, which was most oppressive to his
constituents, and which he regarded as an I'M
quitous scheme to keep up high taxes. One
effect of the law had been to cut off all travel
ling facilities in the State by stages-so that
his people, who paid most into the Treasury,
were least benefited by it. He wished to ask
the Chairman of the Committee on Post Offices,
if it was the intention of this Committee to re-
port any bill for the repeal or alteration of the
existing law
Mr. Niles was surprised at the sweeping de-
nuncations he had heard of law which he
regarded as one of the most beneficial ever
passed by Congress. With regard to travel
ling facilities, it was true that from half mil
lion TO million had been saved to the De-
partment by cutting off what ought never to
have been charge upon the conveyance Of
the mail. He believed that after the next let.
ting the Department would cease to be a
charge upon the Treasury. The Postmaster
of New York, with whom he had a converse
ton recently, had informed him that the in
crease OF letters was very great
Mr.. Calhoun asked what was the deficit, as
compared with last year in the Post Office
revenue.
Mr.. Niles could not state precisely, but be-
eved about 45 per cent. on the first six
months.
A question was then started about the man.
ner OF paying the deputy postmasters, and for
the purpose of getting more satisfactory infor-
nation on this and some other points, the bill
was laid aside for the present.
The special order, being the French Spolia-
ton bill was next taken up, and
Mr.. Morehead addressed the Senate at
length in favor of the claimants.
Several messages in writing were received
from the President.
Mr.. M. continued to speak until 8 o'clock,
when he yielded to motion for adjournment.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
The House at once passed into committee OF
the whole upon the army bill.
MIR. Tibbatts was entitled to the floor, but
yielded momentarily 10
Mr.. Black, who gave notice of amendments
which lie intended to move, the purpose of
which was 10 cut off the double rations and the
service rations. The double rations was an al
lowance to officers commanding military posts,
districts or divisions. OF these he believed
there were from so to so in the U, States. The
service ration, or longevity ration" was an
allowance OF one ration for every five years
service. Mr.. b. stated two cases by way ofillus-
tration. Col. Walbach, of the 4th Artillery,
commanding Fortress Monroe, near Norfolk,
Va, receives as Colonel 6 ratons per day; as
commanding officer, rations per day; as ser
vice rations Che having been over As years in
service) understanding in all q rations, at
20 cents, being S4.20 per day. Compare this
with Colonel of Volunteers, or the Col. of the
regiment of rtiemen Just authorised, who, al
though he brave battle and climate, will only
receive rations, or Sl.20 per day, being Sl095
per annum less than Col. Walbach receives
Another instance was the case of Capt. G.. S.
Drane, ofthe I'd Artillery, commanding al Fort
Mitin, near Philadelphia; as Captain, he re-
ceives rations per day; as commanding officer,
4 rations per day; for thirty years service, ra-
tons per day-making in all Ia ratons, equal
to S2S per day, being $3.50 per annum more
than an Army Captain, going into the field
from private life.
Mr.. Tibbatts then made labored argument
iustificatory of the President in ordering our
troops to the Rio Grande.
Mr. Dromgoole also justified the war and the
President.
Mr.. Hunt of N. York, could not justify, but
should support the war.
MIR. Cooke of Tenn, closed the debate
Mr.. Blacks amendment was lost-ayes 10,
noes 81.
The sum of $4,000, 900 was voted for the in
creased part of the army, and the bill reported
to the House.
Mr.. J. R. Ingersoll asked for separate vote
on the amendment limiting the travelling pay
of officers to six cents per mile. The amend
ment prevailed, ayes los, noes SO. The bill
was passed,
Several Territorial bills were reported, and
the House Adjourned.