The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-03-03

to be abolished; and such was the object of his
amendment. e I'LL
MIR. Phelps of Missouri, replied, saying that,
IN the present condition of affairs, the navy
ought not to be curtailed, and that there may
be use for it in the Gulf
Mr.. Garnet, of Virginia. spoke on the sub
ject of extravagant expenditures. He wanted
the Government to feel the only way of making
them economical = n
Mr. Florence, of Pennsylvania, advocated
the full appropriation of the proposed bill,
showing that the large additions which have
been made to the navy required it.
Mr.. Bocock, Of Virginia. argued that, instead
OF being reduced, the amount for coal should
be increased, owing to the number of steamers
ahoat, including those of the Paraguay expedi
tiOn The coal agents may have been useless
and incompetent; but there was no evidence
before the special committee to show that there
were frauds in the purchase of anthracite COAL
for that article was satisfactorily and economi-
cally purchased.
Mr.. Sherman read from both reports of the
select committee, in proof that there were frauds
in the purchase of coal
Mr.. Bocock, replying, said that Mr.. Sherman
had gwen the testimony construction which
was not just and fair.
Mr.. Shermans amendment was adopted
Mr.. Colfax, of Indiana, offered one, that the
expenses OF the suits against Commodore
Paulding, growing out of his seizure of Walker
and his followers, shall be paid out of the
amount appropriated for contingent expenses
of the navy.
The Chairman's decision, ruling it out of or
der, was sustained by ten majority.
Several other amendments were discussed for
three hours.
| When the time for voting came, the House
found itself without a quorum, whereupon the
roll was called to note the absentees
AT SIX O'Clock, an Intellectual motion was
made to adjourn.
The House was then called to secure quo
rum.
A large number of members were excused
for non-attendance, principally on account of
sickness.
| A motion was then made, that all further pro-
ceedings in regard to the call be dispensed
| with
| Mr.. Mcqueen, of South Carolina, said the
rules should be enforced. There was no pro-
| prlety IN making these proceedings a farce
especially as We were threatened with an extra
session.
Mr.. Florence of PENNSYLVANIA, hoped the
| Democratic absentees would be brought in for
the Republicans had, to-day, been in good at
tendance, and had beaten the Democratic side
on every vote.
MIR. Letcher, of Virginia, moved to adjourn.
de saw no necessity, after such excuses had
been made, to stay here longer.
The House then refused to suspend further
proceedings, and also refused to adjourn.
On motion of Mr.. Stanton, the Sergeant-a at
arms was directed to 60 and search for the alb
sentees, and bring them in.
Mr.. Moore, of Alabama, made an Intellectual
motion to adjourn. He thought these proceed
ings nothing but farce, and that the members
present were furnishing themselves only by
staying here.
The Sergeant-atarms brought in, from time
to time, absentees, who were required to fur
nish satisfactory excuses, or pay the fees.
Frequent Intellectual motions were made to
adjourn. The members are generally in a good
| humor.
| AT 81 o'clock, wearied with the Improbable
proceedings, the House adjourned by two ma
| jority