The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-20
House OF Representatives.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 10

COST OF ARMY TRANSPORTATION.
On motion Of Mr.. ARNOLD, (rep) OF H., il was re-
solved that the Secretary Of War be requested To furnish
the cost OF transportation Of arms ordinance and mum
tious of that portion Of the country west of the
Aleghancs since May last, and give as far practca
BILE detailed statement OF tho places from which they
were transported and the cost and whether by rail
water.
SOLDIERS BOUNTY
The bill to amend the act Of July lnstwhich grants
hundred dollars bounty the soldiers tho cxrira ion
Of two years and those honoraby d.schrg gcd
by Of wounds and disabilities, to extend its
proysio t. those who entered the service under Tho
first proclamation Of the President and similarly
dissnaia,d--was, after debate, laid on the table.
APPROPRIATION roR sArlosAI. pEsRscEs.
Mr. STEVENS, lrcp.) Of Pa, from the Committee on
WAYS and Means, reported bill MAXIM appropriation
the construction preservation aud repair Of orhca
ons and works Of defence Referred % the Committee Of
the Whole the State of the Union
BILL PROVIDING FOR TWENTY IRON STRAIN
,;rNpoATs.
The House resumed the consideration OF the bill pro.
yidng FOR constructing twenty clad steam gnnboats
be built by contract otherwise he Secretary Of
the Navy may deem best for the public interest
Mr.. VMLASDmHAM, (opp) of Ohio, offered and advo-
Gated amendment providing that the gunboats
shall be constructed al the public navy yards as far
practicable, by private contract after giving
notice proposals published In the papers Of New York.
Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Mr.. SEDGwICK, (rep) of N. Y, In explanation, said
that these vessels TO be built plan entirely differ
ent from those already constructed. The details and
specifications he would deem it mprudent TO disclose
II he had the The plan well considered
by committee OF naval officers.
Mr.. VAILAsDGHAn incidentally said in the course OF
his remarks that rather than yield the principles which
have held for years he prepared 10 the
bined hostility Of the whole world and this he believed
the sentiment Of the entire American people.
Mr.. SkDGwICx said that the Pensacola Of ths
beauties Of building by private contract which was less
satisfactory and economical than those constructed ut the
government yards. He Sedgwic) did not believe that
foreign was pending but If it he hoped that
the question would be met in proper spirit There was no
insult Of which Great Britain could complain justify
The vessels now proposed TO be constructed were
not for service abroad, but at home to put down the
rebellion.
Mr. valandighams amendment was disagreed to, and
the bill passed.
THE DEAD LETTER opyTcE
Mr.. CoLrAx (rep) Of Ind, from the Committee the
Post OHcc reported bill to promote the efficiency of the
Dead Letter ONCE, based recommendations from the
Postmaster General In his annual report.
The bill passed.
INQUIRY AZ TO coSGREssxEs HOLDING OFFICE.
On motion Of Mr. WAsHsURSE, rcp.) OF ILL., the Com
ittee Elections instructed 70 inquire and report
whether any holding Office under tho United States
and receiving compensation therefor Is at the time
holding seat here and receiving compensation as mem
| ber o the House.
rHE CAPITOL AND TREASURY ExrRNNoN oosrRAcre
resolution passed directing an inquiry into the
building Of tho Capitol Treasury extensions whether
contract being faithfully performed and whether
the cannot be done at less expense 10 the govern
mont.
ABOLITION OF TIE FRAsKrSa PRIVILEGE.
Mr. CoIEAx reported bill aboshing the franking pri-
vilege the consideration OF which postponed until
the second Tuesday in January.
TIN CONSULAR DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATION BILL
considered and passed.
INVESTIGATION nro TRANSPORTING TRoops
On motion Of Mr HoIxAs, (opp) Of Mich. resolution
adopted instructing the Select Committee Con.
inquire whether the transportation of troops by
railroad was by special contract or otherwise &c and
caugen the Secretary Of War furnish all orders rela
tive TO the transportation OF troops and munitions Of war
Adjourned,