Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-03-24
risIRTY-TIiIRD CoNGREss.--Isr sEssIc
WEpSEsDAY. MARCH %, 1854.
SENATE.


MIR Gwin from the Naval Committee reported back the
House joint resolution giving the Navy Department power
to reject certain circumstances bids Tor supplying Inc
Navy with DIVISIONS, clothing and small Stores
Mr. Pratt said this resolution established new principle
in tho contract system Under The present law any lowest
bidder nbe to give the required eecurity entitled 10
ceyo the contract But under this resolution the bic OF no
man. no what his ability could be accepted
unles; he manufacturer or general dealer IN the spe
cifsd article wou be better TO abolish the principle oil
giving contracts TO the lowest bidders and let the Depart
men 80 into market and purchase tho articles required
Mr. Gwin read letter from The Navy Department, chow.
Ig the losses and constant Inconvenience TO which
The eervce in consequence OF being placed al
the mercy Of spectators The resolution also gave power
~ The DeDarment to purchase -four for California aud dis
liant stations which would spoil the voyage, which
with all the hJur furnished by conracors-
One article of which large quantities were used In the Navy,
was blue flannel and that article had been furnished by
manufactured according the contract and sample ms
year another person has undetbd by small traction the
manufactured and of eleven different specimens furnished
had not yet delivered any but Inferior article Yet the
Department obliged 10 accept The bids Oh such specua-
TOYS long they were lower than inc ods OF persons
who could and would furnish proper article.
Mr. Pratt repeated his objections to the resolution
Mr. Gwin replied, and ns an instance OF the cVis under
which the Department abo,eJ mentioned the case Of ship
chandler in New York, who had obtained contract for
Shoes clothing &c. prices under those at which the art-
ces cou e furnished by manufacturers and consequently
would no, urn sh any but inferior articles On
The Joint resolution finally passed oy yeas ~ nays
The bill authorizing Wisconsin 10 seect Tie residue OF the
her Ia 49, 10 aid the Improvement oil Fox
and Wiconsin rivers, was taken up and passed.
The bill granting land Illinois and Indiana, 10 aid 10
constructing the Illinois and Indiana Central Railway, was
tlken up and passed.
TIL. bill increasing the ply Of the rank and file OF the
army AMI for other purposes was again taken up
The GIestion psntIGg Mr. Pcts motion 10 strlxc
GU, the ninth SECTION which increases by sstywo the mum.
Der OF cadets be appointed every four years and gives
their appointment 10 the Senators OF tho respective States
Ai, Clayton opposed the striking out
Mr. Pearcc said if th question wac one OF mere patron
age alone he would strike It OUT But he believed
the increase of the number Of cadets necessary and
they were 10 be appon,od the Senate might as wei! bavc
The same power as held by members Of the House.
Under the present law each member OF the House appoints
ono cadet and selected by the President He
unwilling to increase the number 10 be appointed by the
President particularly he had by the last appoint
mens what appeared to be disposition 10 give these places
sort Of hereditary character It not so designated
out such was The appearance of appointments made BY
the President.
Dir. Pratt was in favor of increase Of the number oil
Cadets but opposed 10 giving their appointment 10 Senator'S
Mr.. Hamn ia favor Of striking OUT He saw no
necess ty for an Increase OF the number of cadets.
Mr. Badger followed 10 support Of the section as It
stood
Mr. Petit was opposed any Increase Of cadets West
Point While he acceded all that had been said In praise
of West POSI- and the officers had given to the country
still If It question TO the establishment of tina
! school, be would oppose It.