Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-07-27
CONGRESS.
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disposed Of, yesterday,
MIR. Faulkner, from tho Committee on Mill
tary Affairs, reported back Senate bill to regu-
late the pay and increase the efficiency OF the
army, and for other purposes, with amend
mcnts.
Mr.. f. said that an idea had prevailed on
the part of some, and he knew that it had con-
stituted an objection to taking up this measure,
that the committee had retained in the bill the
provision Of the Senate to create sixty-two ad-
dtional cadets He wished gentlemen to I'M
derstand that the committee of the House had
stricken out this provision. The committee did
this, because they thought it in violation of the
Constitution, inasmuch as it took the appoint
ing power from the President, and vested it in
the Senate; because they believed that the
number Of cadets now at West Point was suf-
fcient for all exigencies; and because the pro-
vision conflicted with that section of the bill
which opened to the rank and file prcferment
and distinction, SO that young man of cour-
age and enterprise who had not political pat
ronage to send him to West Point, might, by
his own good sword, seek his fortune in the
rank and file, and by his own merit raise him
self to the highest post in tho army.
At this time, as he had been informed, there
were nine hundred and ninety-two officers in
the army, but nineteen Of whom had come
from the ranks and they were promoted under
special provisions passed duriog the war Of
1912 and the Mexican war.
He explained the bill, stating that it propos-
ed to increase the pay of the army, from the
private up to the Major General, giving the
former ten instead of seven dollars month.
The largest per centage Of increase in pay was
upon the compensation allowed to privates, and
the per centage gradually diminished up to the
Major General
Mr.. Grow opposed any increase Of the pay
now allowed to officers Of the army, but ex-
pressed himself in favcr Of increasing the
amount now granted to the rrivates.
Senate, Thursday, July 81, 1854.
Mr. Toucey submitted a resolution directing
an inquiry, by the Committee on Military At
fairs, as to the use Of - rife in the United
States service. Adopted.
Mr. Adams moved thai the Senate proceed
to consider the bill granting q pension to the
widow Of James Batchelder.
Mr. Hunter earnestly appealed to the SEN
ate to take up and dispose Of the Civil and
Diplomatic Appropriation BILL Tomorrow,
Senators would have whole day to get up
their several propositions.
Mr.. Adams withdrew his motion.
The Senate then proceeded to the considera-
ton Of the Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation
bill
Several amendments were offered and deba-
ted; among those adopted were the following:
One providing for commission to examine
and report upon the extent sc. Of the possess
DRY rights of the Hudson's Bay Company, in
Washington Territory; and authorizing the
President to purchase tho same at q cost not
exceeding 100000.
Amendments, giving the clerks in the State
Department and sthe Coast Survey eff 10 the
addition Ct 90 per cent. for the last year.
An amendment increasing tho salaries Of
the United States Minister'S 1T France and
England to SIS 900 por annum, and dscontin-
uing the outfits for those positions
An amendment offered by Mr.. Bayard, APP
propriatpg $500 900 for the continuation and
extension Of the General Post Office building
around the whole square, bounded by Z, F, 7sh,
and 9th streets, was debated and rejected
yeas l6, nays %.
Mr.. Pearce, from the Committee on Confer
ence, on the Indian Appropriation bill, made
a report, which was agreed to.
House Of Representatives. July 81, 1854.
Mr. Houston, from the Committee Of Confer
cnce on the disagreeiDg votes Of the two Houses
on the Indian Appropriation bill, submitted q
report, which he explained at length.
Mr. Orr made few remarks in commenda-
ton Of the report, and concluded by demand
ing the previous question which was ordered
and the bill, as thus amended, was passed.
Mr.. Fuller asked the consent Of the House
to his moving to take up from the Speakers
table, House bill mo. 242) authorizing the pur-
chase or construction Of four additional reye-
nue. cutters which was not granted.
Mr. Barksdale asked leave to introduce
bill, placing at the discretion Of the President
the sum Of ten millions Of dollars, to DO ex-
pended during the recess Of Congress to defray
any expenses incurred in protecting the inter
ests, honor, and tranquility Of the United States
in our existing difficulties with Spain.
twas objected TO by many voices
MIR. Chandler asked leave to Cffer resolu-
ton asking the President to give to this House,
if not inconsistent with the public interests, all
information in his possession relative to the de-
struction Of Grcytown, or San Juan, including
copies Of the instructions given to the COM
maudcr Of the Cyane
Mr.. Seward objected.
The House at half past eleven o'clock re-
sumed the consideration OF tho bill to increase
the efficiency Of the army.
ton to some OF the appropriations proposed
Mr. Houston ayowed his opposition TO the
existing practice Of titles by broyet being ac-
companicd with increased pay.
Mr. Orr said he was in favor of adopting 80
much Of the bill as authorizes tho increase Of
the pay Of tho privates and non-comn,iseioned
officers, and the promotion Of such mon to high
er positions He thought, however, there was
not time now to perfect the whole bill He
therefore proposed that the House should by
unanimous consent, close the hour debate, and
proceed to amend the bill under the five min
utes rule.
Mr.. Walsh objected
MIR. Orr then proposed to 20 into Committee
of the Whole, in order to accomplish this pur-
pose
Mr.. Walsh objected
Mr. Orr, aided by the suggestions Of several
members, by series Of motions attained the
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