Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1854-02-14
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Mr.. LETCHER. DIR Chairman, understand the
state of the case to he this that the officers OF the
Army who were engaged in this service are TO re-
ccivc eight dollars per day, deduchs their regular
pay.
Mr. HOUSTON. That's it.
Mr. LETCuER Now sir if this be the state
of the case am opposed 10 the amendment These
officers 20 into the Army, and receive compensation
for their services. That compensation IS fixed Dy
law: and 10 not think That II Is proper Tor tH'S
House TO undertake by this indirectl0n TO increase
lat condensation in the mode that 1t IS here al
tempted. ut the rate Of eight dollars per day
Mr. HOUSTON. Mr. Chairman, II the gentleman
from Virginia allows me- WI" say WoF"' on 'iIS
subject | believe that tine position lie occupies IN
relation to the compensation OF military men TO he
just and proper il were universally followed.
But it is universally followed, ana therefore Inc
committee thought it proper, IN inns case 10 con-
form to what had been the constant and nnprokeh
custom Of the Department, sanctioned by Congress.
Mr. LETCIEE ! understood Mr.. Chairman
that this was the era Of TCtrruchncnt ana rri"rM-
particularly in this liouse. had expected to see
The Committee of Ways and Means set the example
on This subject. by reforming old ABUSES, aud cur
failing bad customs. But it seems now that 'H!s
amendment was introduced here because the pfinC-
pic of it is in accordance with old abuses and for
the purpose Of pernctuall"g ana sahctoh!aS lN!s
principle in all time To- come.
Now sir if this lie TIA. state Of the case, the soon
or we Get ont Of the practice the better. want to
90 lpc; to the old rule which prevailed in the better
davs OF the Reputii Let Us cOntine these gentle
l =, T,ir s.l,rir- and nay then, what they
are entitled to under the existing law, and 40
more.
4 rncseayc WIS here received from the Senate by
the hands Of AsguN DIcKINs it, SeCrc;ary inform
i'm the House that The Senate had passed Dill
titled " IN act 10 aid the Terri o!% ct minnesota 10
construct railroad for postal, military, and other
;,,,ruoscs"1
Mr.. INGERSOLL. Is dioussion still in order up
on the amendment?
The CHAIRMAN Discussion IS exhausted upou
tho ruosad ancD 7uent and Is will be necessary to
of;.r ono1I,r amendment before further discussion
can be in order.
Mr. INGEESOLL. move TO increace the oIpro-
rria,ion one dollar.
Mr. Chairman Iagrcc with tk" gentleman from
VirriuiL IMr LErCnERl that this appropriation
should bc 50 far vCige-d As bgt il should pr0yiGe
only fer tie payGlcu z the civilians vino sal n:T''
mis- arrlorv rammilsj,-a and when so amended,
am in favor of the amendment offered ny the chaI-
man Of the CUmnl'tG Of NAYS ana 'eliiS'
should have hccu better SatiSHs" thd me aH.''t!!l
embraced an appropriation tor tue payment "' IL"
onns, and witnesses who appeared before the COM
mssjonCTs, NJ Springfield, under the imp cSson' &c
rived from the commissioners, that they were to he
paid. But, sir, am III nlFoF OF te Amendment
These commissioners have made a report to the
President understand. in rc-ard to ihr WoI"'nS
Of the military system Oh sNliethtcI'teLta al uiS
national arluorI, 1T 7lrmShG'ai insS nave .,Y
IN GTor OF n change from mr. iGi!',aTF 10 w
SupcIutCndCuCC the news OF WHlth mus sitU"'i'1"
The h arts Of every Ne" England ne'n'hlc VII" mas
heard (and who has not heard y OF Inc petty y
RAINY exercised 1t the national armori.s " ge.'y-
men IN ei@ulcl whose eliLItIoi'' II ny
leads them to look upoH the mechanic III Inc "or"-
shop as the s@;d'gr IN NJ. hrr"css g ,m3o.
Mr.. HOUSTON. Fse &c" guGs''0n n, ot oIutI
am exceedingly ahA!HuS 10 ggs Jus o,a,
soon as possible today; ana II enter mo a GIs-
cuSsi"n OF the meriS q lne Original P''VoS''''N
the debate viii he indefinitely ely prolonged ,,a
Mr.. lNGhRSOLL. bclIGNe am Ii oroe': anu
hope the gentleman from Alabama Will not inter-
rupt me.
Mr.. HOUSTON. rTase me point OF orueri ul M
it IS not competent TO cRser mo discussion OF 'He
merits of the original proposition, and
The CHAIRMAN; Inc gentleman VIII SuSPc""
until the Chair decides the question;
Mr. HOUSTON. If Mseo into That discussion al, /"
Will last for days Inc fnesuon make Is 'his 'ne
proposition Is now TO pay the commissioners ior 'iie
Performance OF certain services. The labor has
been done, and that in pursuance OF law OF the
last Congress; and say ii is not i'll order, upon
that proposition, for gentlemen to discuss the merits
of the original proposition upon which they were