The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-03-23
THIRTYJTIHYRD CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.

s. Senate.
WASHINGTON March % 1854.
yfumerous petitions were presented.
RKroRTs PRIVATE CLAIMS.
kr. FISH, (whg) of N. Y, moved that the second
in April be set apart for the consideration Of the
erse reports of committees private claims.
Agreed to.
puov OF THE HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION CONTRACTS.
r. Gw1S (dem., of Cal, from the Committee on Ma
Affairs reported back the House joint resolution CIV
the Navy Department power to reject, under certain
u,nstances bids for supplying the navy with provi-
g. clsthing, and small stores.
r PRATT (whig) of Nd, said this resolution estab-
led new principle in the contract system Under
present law any lowest bidder, able to give the re-
red security was entitled to receive the contractbut
her this resolution the bid Of man. matter what
means or ability could be accepted unless he were
nuacturer or general dealer in the specified article
would be better to abolish the principle Of giving
cts to the lowest bidders and let the department go
0 the market and purchase articles required
|dr GwIs read letter from the Navy Department,
Swng the serious losses and constant inconvenience
which the service subjected in consequence of be-
placed at the mercy of the spectators. The resou-
also gave power to the department to purchase -four
California and distant stations which would not spoil
WnlCn
sed BY contractors One article of which large guam
es were used in the navy blue flannel and that
had been furnished by manufacturer according to
tract and sample This year another person had un-
bid small fraction the manufacturer, and OF eleven
erent specinens furnished had not yet delivered any
an inferior article. Yet the department was Obliged
ccept the bids of such spectators as long as they
re lower than bids of persons who could and would iur
PnArr repeated his objections to the resolution.
Ar GwrN replied, and instance ef the evils under
.ch the department labored mentioned the case OF
/ D chandler in New York who had obtained the con
ct for shoes clothing, &C. at prices under those at
c articles could be furnished BY manufacturers, and
equently would not furnish any but inferior ar
r SirsIDs (dem) Of H., favored the resolution He
,ught be whole contract system for furnishing sup
IS for the army and navy required and would nave 10
ergo, thorough revision.
fr CLAYTON (whg) of Del, supported the resolution
ir CAss (dem.) of Mich said he was opposed to in
ng proposals. from all classes, and accepting only
50 made by persons belonging to a particular class
ir. PBm {dem.) of H., said he could not vote for
RESOLUTION denying equality to all citizens to bid for
tracts for furnishing government with provisions,
thing &C., for the army or the navy
he Joint resolution passed-Yeas ~; nays, y
LAND BILLS PAssED.
ds granted to her in 1s46 to aid in the improvement
Fox and Wisconsin rivers, was taken mp and passed
The bill granting land Illinois and Indiana to aid in
hstructing the Illinois and Indiana Sentrei hanroau
F Is taken up and passed
|. INCREASED PAY OF THE ARMY, ETC.
The bill increasing the pay OF the rank and he OF rne
nv, and for other purposes was again taken up Inc
eston pending was ON MIR. Pett's motion TO strike out
nrth section, which increases by sixty two the num-
padets to be appointed every four years and gives
eir appointment 10 the Senators oil their respective
ates.
Mr. CLAYTON, (whig) of Del, opposed to the
liking out
Mr. PEARCE (whig) of Md, said IL the question
mere patronage alone he would vote to strike it out
he believed increase of the number OF cadets was
ceasary and they were to be appointed the Senate
ebt as well have the power as is now held by the
mbers Of the House Under the present law each
mber of the House appoints one cadet and ten are
ected by the President He was unwilling to increase
number to be appointed by the President, particular
he had by the last appointments what appear
10 be disposition to give these places sort Of
lredtary character II was not designed, but such
10 tn. appearance Of the appointments made by the
Mr. PRATT was in favor Of increasing the number o.
ets but opposed to giving their appointments 70
InAtors I.,,
sNr HaxIN, (dem.) Of Me-, was in favor Of striking