The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-01
THlRTY-f0URTH CONGRESS-.
First Session.
Wednesday, april %, 1856.


The consideration of the three million arma-
ment bill was resumed.
Mr.. Bell, of Tennessee, expressed doubts
whether this large amount could be properly ex-
pended within the present year He thought it
would be better to make only small appropria
ton now.
Mr.. Weller argued that the whole sum ought
to be appropriated forthwith, in order to be used
most advantageously.
Mr.. Hale opposed the bill, thinking that the
guns to be refitted with percussion locks and
Maynard primers would not be at all compare
BILE with breech-loading rifles. He was OF the
opinion that they would not be serviceable in
wet weather. He also condemned such large
expenditure in time Of peace, and advocated
economy. He thought the Administration should
not be held responsible for large appropria-
tions-Congress had made them sometimes in
opposition to the recommendation of the Exec
utive.
Mr.. Hale replied, that if the Democratic party
had not controlled Congress pretty generally.
and the Senate, in particular, for good many
years past, they were not to be held RESPONSE
bic. These large expenditures Of seventy or
eighty millions Of dollars annually ought to ar
rest the attention of the people, for they had
been made at time when the people had been
country to the other.
The further consideration Of the bill was here
postponed until tomorrow.
The question of the Danish Sound dues was
then considered, and
Mr.. Mason moved to make it the special or
der for IL o'clock tomorrow.
Mr.. Stuart moved to postpone it until Mon
day next, for he wanted the river and harbor
bills disposed of.
Mr.. Mason urged the Importance of disposing
of the question of the naval board.
Before the question was taken, the hour of
o'clock arrived, and the special order was taken
up.
Mr.. Houston spoke at great length in reply to
the speeches of Mr.. Clayton and others, taking
occasion to refer to the character of Captain
Dupont and other naval officers, in terms other
than complimentary.
Before Mr.. Houston concluded, the Senate
adjourned.
Mr.. Thurston moved reconsideration Of the
vote by which was adopted the Senate's amend
ment to the deficiency bill, preventing the for
mer law from being construed so as to allow
the public printer 20 per cent. extra compensa-
ton.
Mr.. Haven said, unless this amendment was
adhered to, from twenty to one hundred thou
sand dollars would be annually taken from the
treasury, for the benefit of the printer. The other
day, prominent member of the Republican
party Mr.. Stanton declared that he would ar
raign this Administration before the people for
extravaganza, yet he and his friends, and gen.
tlemen on the Democratic side, were found vo-
ting together against this sslutary amendment
He wanted this draft on the treasury cut off be-
fore his party shall come into power.
Mr.. Cobb, of Georgia, defended the votes of
the Democrats, saying that Mr.. Haven sought
to create false impression in the public mind,
that the Democrats are in favor of such extra
allowance, when he had not an iota of ground
to stand upon. He could assure Mr.. Haven,
that the responsibilities of large expenditures
would not fall on the American party shortly.
Mr.. Clingman thought the printer had the
same right as others to twenty per cent. extra
and that was none at all. He then proceeded
to advocate reduction of the tariff, in order
that only so much revenue as is necessary for
an economical administration of the Govern
ment be raised.
Mr.. Wsshburne, of Illinois, said that the rec
cord shows that thirty eight men known as Re-
publicans voted with Mr.. Haven for the Senate's