The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1862-01-17


the Head of the Department be was too
high, and must not paralyze the public con-
tidence: We are spending million and a
half day, not to put down the rebellion,
but to Keep just about where we are.
Mr.. Dixon thought strange if we cast
censure on man against whom there is no
charge, and who was an honest man. He
could show instead of the money being lost
this proceeding had saved the government
q great amount Of money. He thought it
was not proper mode to reprimand an
officer who was admitted to be honest and
pure in intention, and it was gross injustice
to the Secretary of the Navy
Mr.. Sherman spoke in favor Of amend.
ment. He said that the facts could not be
denied, that Mr.. Morgan, the brother-in-
law OF the Secretary Of the Navy, bad re.
ceived nearly 100000, ard such action
could not be defended. I-a[0
Mr.. D0olittle said that be would go for
making war on the thieves of the Treasury !;
but he was not prepared, on ex parte evi
dence,tO vote censure on the Secretary Ofthe
Navy he had more things to contend with
than secession and one was the eternal
croaking and complaint on the part Of pre-.
tended friends of the government, sometimes
without reason. '8t r'e1 .~-ll,. e5a
Mr.. Wilkinson said it was a question
whether the Secretary of the Navy was to
be entrusted with large amount of money.
He was unwilling to do it after what had
passed he did not believe Secretary Welles
to be an honest man, or in this emergency
of the country be would not have permitted
the treasury to be robbed for the purpose of
enrichiDg family connexions. He cared
not who the man was, or what position be
occupied, be would lift up his hand against
corruption and wrong, now and hereafter.
MIR. Doolittle said he had advised the
naval committee to call on the Secretary of
the Navy tor an explanation. II
Mr.. Hale said when he wanted advice be
would call for it. -- '.-. ie
Mr.. Wilson, by consent, introduced a re-
solution that the Secretary of the Navy be
requested to inform the Senate Of the facts
in regard to the employment of George B.
Morgan to purchase vessels and the amount
OF compensation paid him, which was
agreed to.
Adjourned.
HoUsE.-Mr. Fenton introduced bill
providing for the payment of interest in
certain cases on claims against Govern.
ment.
Mr.. Washburne introduced bill to pun
ish frauds against Government.
Mr.. Richardson introduced bill to es-
tablish an arseral at Springfield, Illinois.
The above bills were all appropriately
referred.
The House then proceeded to the con.
sideration of bill abolishing the franking
privilege. |
Mr.. Colfax, in explanation, said that q
bill for this purpose has on several ecca.
sions passed the Senate but had never be,
fore received favorable action by the Post
Office Committee of the House. 1t was re.
ported unanimously with one exception. 10
England even the Queen has to pay her own
postage, and no man has there suggested
that the franking privilege be there restor-
ed. II it should be abolished in this coun-
try it will never be restored and the people
would wonder that it had existed 80 long
MIR. Duell produced tabular statement
of the Postofice expenditures and deficits
under the law as it now stands. At least
10000 persons, including Postmasters
whose salaries do not exceed 5000, receive
and transmit letters and packages free of
postage 10 no way relative to public bust.
ness. He opposed the bill for the reason
that while it abolishes franking in one part
it restored it in another.
Mr.. Vallandigham said this was the day
of small reforms, and as the day and as the
measure now pending was eminently one of
the very smallest, it would doubtless meet
with favor. He read from the special COM
mite Of which he was q member the views
therein exprested against the fraDking priv
i!ege, maintaining among other things that
there should be the freest communication
between Congressman and their constitu.
ents, repudiating the principle that the Post
Office Department should be self sustained,
ano showing that the increased expenses
were owing mainly to the increase Of mail
facilities.
Messrs. Edwards, Conkling and Pome-
roy continued the debate. The last named
offered resolution to recommit the bill to
the POstofice Committee, with instructions
to report new bill embracing the follow.
ing principles:
LIST. Abolishing the transmission of all
written and printed matter free of postage
except that ordered to be printed by Con-
gress.
I'd. Such matter shall be stamped pub
lie documents, and on being Tracked, shall
pass through the mails free.
Messrs. Wright and Kellogg, of Illinois
opposed the bill.
Mr.. CoIfax replied to the objections
urged against the pending measure.
Mr.. Hickman said the abolition of the
franking privilege was favorite with the
secessionists. If reforms were desired, let
gentlemen direct their attention to the
millions of dollars squandered for ships,
horses and provender, and to the theits in
general, and of which every member has
some knowledge more or less
Mr.. Wright moved to lay the whole sub.
ject on the table. which was decided in the
negative, IL to 78.
WASHINGTON, January 10.
SsNArR.-Several petitions were presents
ed for the emancipation of the slaves.
Mr.. Browning introduced bill to pro
vide for the establishment of a militarv