Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-02-29
House of Representatives

journed.
House of Representatives.
The Speaker laid before the House COM
munication from the State Department, in
compliance with resolution, enclosing the
letter of the Emperor of France in relation
to commerce and free trade
Also, communication transmitting
statement of the number of passengers ar
irving in the United States during the year
1859.
Also, communication from the Navy De,
partment, in reply to a resolution of the
House, saying that the investigation shows
no defalcation on the part of collectors Of
customs in Illinois
Mr. Sherman, from the Committee Of Ways
and Means, reported bill providing for the
printing Of the Presidents message and re
ports Of the Departments III time to be dis
tributed to Congress at the commencement
of each session. lie moved that it be refer
red to the Committee on Printing.
Mr.. Mils0n asked leave to offer resolu
ton that the House tomorrow elect Chap
lain but the Speaker ruled it out Of order
as privileged question.
Mr.. Sherman, from the Committee Of WAYS
and Means, reported q bill TO alter the mil
cage compensation-tha members receive
twenty cents mile, to be computed by the
straight geographical line.
Mr. Florence moved to lay the whole sub
ject on the table
The report of the Committee was decided
in the negatiye--yeas "a. nays l49.
Mr.. Sherman said that some members
now receive $1,000 or $4,000 Everybody
admits the present system is unfair.
Mr.. Washburne, Of H., earnestly opposed
the bill 1t would favor only the rich COM
ing here TO legislate.
Mr. Stanton was willing TO reduce the com
pensation TO ten cents mile. The question
on the bill might rs well be taken now rs at
any other time.
Mr.. Sherman was opposed to sending the
bin to the Committee Of the Whole on the
State of the Union.
Mr.. Sherman said the mode now proposed
would save 5000, 900 annually, and permit
the members to travel in the best style.
Mr.. Stanton thought they might as well
vote on the bill now as ut any other time
He was willing to reduce the mileage to ten
cents.
The question was taken on referring the
bill to the Committee Of the Whole on the
state of the Union, and determined in the
negatve-yeas -, nays l05.
An amendment was proposed providing
that in lieu of mileage the travelling expen-
ses Of each member and his family be- paid.
Mr.. Cochranc, Of New York, said that no
would like TO have the number Of the family
limited. He would like to know if It would
include the patriarchal family Of u delegate
from Utah. lie thought it unfair toward
the poor bachelor members. (Laushter.)
A motion to lay the subject on the table
was lost.
Mr.. Washbmne, of III, desired to know
if the bill Of the committee would not IN
crease the public expenditure.
Mr. Sherman, OF Ohio, responded that II
would diminish the expense.
Mr. Smith, of Va, wished to strike out
the word straight 50 that the amendment
might read Geographical line"
MIR. Sherman said that the word was well
placed. There were many Geographical
lines" which were not straight
The previous question upon the amend
ment was demanded and seconded.
Mr. Florence, of Penn. moved that the
House adjourn which was not agreed 70.
OO UiOllOl vi WI, QUIZ man tAI DAll Na'
then engrossed and read the third time.
Mr.. Sherman then moved that his motion
be reconsidercd, and that motion laid On the
table.
The motion was agreed to BY vote d yeas
1876, nays 81.
Mr.. Sherman then called for the main
question, and pending vote upon the pro
position ''shall the main question now be
put,
Mr.. Aldrich, Of Minnesota, moved that the
House do now adjourn, which motion was
not agreed to by a vote Of yeas 81 nays 80.
Mr. Ruffin, Of n. O., rose to question Of
privilege, and entered motion to correct the
journal Of yesterday, in which upon The final
ballot for printer his name was not recorded.
Mr.. Winslow, Of y. c., moved that the
House adjourn, which was agreed to, and At
IL o'clock the House adjourned