Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-03-23
Comarfssi0nai.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
senatc-Wedncsday, March 20, 1854.
AIter the presentalion of petltlons,

Alter the presentation of petitions,
Mr.. GWIN, from the Committee on Naval AT
luton, relative 10 bids for furnishing provisions,
clothing, and small stores for the navy, reported
the same back without amendment, ana recon-
mended It's immediate passage.
Mr.. PRATT opposed The resolution IL pro-
posed new principle in the contract system. Al
present proposals were invited from all persons,
and whatsoever was the lowest bidder, and compe-
tent 10 give the required surety, obtained the con-
tract. Under this resolution, no person could OBJ
tain contract unless he were manufacturer or
a regular dealer in the article required
Mr.. GWIN explained the resolution. II al
lowed the department TO reject bids made by per-
sons who We're not dealers or manufacturers In the
articles required and allowed the department also
10 purchase -four of suitable qualities to be sent
10 distant stations instead of being compelled 10
take the article furnished by contractors, which
would not remain good during IT'S transportation.
He read a letter from the Navy Department. IN
winch was shown the many serious losses ana
prlvatons to which the service had been subjected
IN consequence of being placed at the mercy OF
spectators.
Messrs. CLAYTON and SHIELDS supported
the resolution.
Mr.. CASS said he was opposed 10 inviting pro-
posals from all classes of citizens, and giving
power TO reject all but those coming from par
ticular class.
Mr.. PETIT was in favor Of allowing all classes
OF citizens an equal right 10 obtain contracts Tor
furnishing the government stores.
The joint resolution was then passed-yeas 20,
Nays 9.
LAND GRANTS.
On motion by Mr.. WALKER, the Senate pro.
ceeded TO the consideration Of the bill to authorize
Wisconsin 10 select the residue of the lands 10
which she is entitled under the act ofsth Of August,
1916, granting land TO the Territory of Wisconsin
10 aid in the improvement of the Fox and Wis
consin rivers; and the same was passed
On motion of Mr.. STUART, The Senate pro-
ceeded to the consideration of the bill granting
land TO Indiana and Illinois 10 aid in the ,onstruc.
lion of the Indiana and Illinois Central railway;
and the same was considered and passed
PAY OF THE, ARMY.
On motion Of Mr.. SHIELDS, the Senate re-
sumcd the consideration Of the bill TO regulate the
pay and increase the efficiency Of the army, and
for other purposes.
The question pending was on the motion 10
strike out the ninth section of the BILL which in
creases the number Of cadets TO be appointed
during every four years sixty-two, and provides
that this additional number shall be appointed
on the recommendations Of the senator's of the
respective States.
Messrs. CLAYTON, PEARCE, BADGER.
strike out, and Messrs. HAMLIN, PETIT,
CASS, and DODGE, OF Iowa, supported il.
Mr.. PRATT expressed himself in favor Of the
proposed increase in the number of the cadets btIt
was opposed TO giving their appointment 10 The
Senate. He moved to amend by striking out the
words giving their appointment TO Senators; which
motion was rejected-yeas 6, nays 80.
The motion TO strike out the ninth section was
also reJected-yeas l3, nays 25.
The bill was then passed.
After an executive session, the Senate ad.
journed. ..