Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-03-22
Senate, Wednesday, March %, 1854.


Senate, Wednesday, March %, 1854
A large number of petitions relative to pri-
vate claims were presented and appropriately
referred.
On motion by Mr.. Fish,
Ordered, That the second Friday in April
shall be set apart for the consideration of the
adverse reports of Senate committees on pri-
vate bills
Mr.. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, reported back the House joint resolu-
ton, giving the Navy Department power to re-
ject under certain circumstances, bids for fur
nishing the navy with provisions, clothing, and
small stores, and allowing the Department also
to purchase at market prices such qualities Of
-four as will continue good and wholesome du-
ring its transportation to distant stations; and
the same was taken up for consideration.
Mr.. Pratt opposed the resolution. Under
existing law, all persons were allowed to bid
for these articles This resolution would con-
fine the contracts to those who are manufactur-
ers or regular dealers.
Mr.. Gwin read letter from the head Of the
Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, showing
the losses and injuries sustained by the service
in consequence Of its being placed at the mercy
of spectators, who undcrbid manufacturers
and regular dealers and whose only profit can
be in furnishing inferior articles.
& Mr.. Pratt repeated his objections, and
Messrs. Gwin, Shields and Clayton, re-
piled.
Mr. Cass said he was opposed to having the
whole people of the United States invited to
bid for these supplies, and combining the De-
partment to the acceptance of the bids of
particular class.
Mr. Petit said he was in favor Of allowing
the whole people of the United States the equal
right of furnishing supplies for the Government
service.
The joint resolution was then passed-yeas
%, nays 3.
The bill granting to Wisconsin the residue
of the lands to which she is entitled under the
act Of 1916, granting lands to her for the inn
provement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers,
was taken up, and passed.
The Senate then proceeded to the considera-
ton Of the bill granting land to the States of
Indiana and Illinois to aid in the construction
Of the Indiana and Illinois Central Railway
and the same was read and passed.
On motion by Mr.. Shields, the Senate re-
sumed the consideration Of the bill to regulate
the pay and allowances Of the army.
The question pending was on the motion Of
Mr. Petit to strike out the 9th section, which
increases the number of cadets to sixty-two, to
be appointed with the recommendation of the
Senator'S from the respective States.
Mr.. Shields repeated his views against strik-
ing out the section
Mr.. Clayton also opposed the motion to
strike out
Mr.. Pearcc said he would vote to strike out,
if the question was one merely Of Senatorial
patronage, but he thought the reasons given
for the increase Of the number Of cadets were
sufficient. He was not disposed to give the APP
pointment Of this additional number to the Ex-
ecutive, as Of late these appointments had the
appearance Of establishing an hereditary prin-
ciple Of succession.
Mr.. Hamlin followed in favor of striking out
the section, on the ground that there was no
necessity for the increase of the number of ca
diets
Mr.. Badger opposed the motion to strike out.
Mr.. Petit followed, denying the necessity
for this increase. IL the establishment of West
Point Academy was q new question, he thought
he would be opposed to it. He never could sec
any reason why the Government should pro-
vide school for the education of one class Of
officers, and not for the others. He saw no rea-
son why military officers should be educated
Mt public expense, and not civil officers. IL Of
uctfs w icau inc tTnleb bnOtUu DC euuchgcu nv
the public expense, why should not young men
be educated and trained up for the more i'm
portant Offices Of Presidents Secretaries, Judges,
Senators Representatives, and diplomatists
Mr.. Mason moved that the bill be postponed
for the purpose Of going into Executive session;
which motion was disagreed to.
Mcssrs Butler and Shields followed in favor
Of retaining the section.
MIR. Dodge Of Iowa, strenuously supported
the motion TO strike out and defended the
President for making his selections for the ca
diets to be appointed at large, from the officers
of the army and navy, who, having nopoltical
power or influence, could never procure an az
pointment.
Mr.. Pettirs motion was rejected--yeas 10,
avs 25
The bill was then passed and,
On motion, the Senate proceeded to consider
Executive business.
House Of Representatives. March %, 1854
The Speaker laid before the House com
mupicatiOn from. the War Department. em