The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-12-12
LAIMs OF PHILADELPHIA.


WASHINGTON, December IL.
HOUSE.
Tho Speaker laid before the House q letter from
@ Governor elect OF New York, Mr.. FentoG,
signing his seat as member from New York, -
ke fleet on tho 20,h instant. lie says he sha Il
pt return tO Washington.
The Speaker announced the appointment of
r.. Pruyu CN. " and Mr.. Littleipln IN. " %
the vacancies on the Committee OF Ways aul
leans OccasiOned by the resi- nation OF Messrs
ut,n anu Stehbins
Mr. Stevens pa }, at the request If several gem
SmCn, and in order 10 give a further opportunity
examine the bill giving true construction and
gaming 70 % much ofthe Revenue &C. as refers
the taH or duty on cigars, moved its po. tpoue-
nnt till Thursday next.
Mr. Brooks New York; read note from the
esdent OF the Tobacco National Association
king suspension of the consideration Of that
for two weeks, when the Assoc alton viii
eseut mode OF taxation which it is believed
| II be satisfactory TO the Government.
y bdr. Stevens feared thaJ Congress viii not be in
| sion al that time, as they may adjourn over
b holidays.
Che question was postponed Il Thursday.
The House proceeded TO the confederation of
bill reported at the last session from the Com
4 ttee on Naval Affairs, authorizing and direct
the Secretary OF the Navy 70 appoint COM
4 ent engineer 70 designate and survey the neces-
y amount OF land near New London, Connec-
ut, lor navy yard and depot iOr the cOnstruc-
n, docking, and repair OF irOn-c Ids aud other
val vessels.
MIR. Kelley (Pa.), Mt the las. session, had intro,
ccd substitute for the ABOVE, authorizing the
4 gretary of the Navy to accep. from the city of
i'adephia the title 20 League island, aud if said
e be found perfect, establish thereon a navy
i'd and depot for the consTu3tion, docking
| repair of iron. clads.
ur. Kelley (Pa.) said il was not the policy of
Government to increase the lumber of navy
u rds and stations. II had simply asked recog-
ion of new age OF iron vessels propelled by
Il am, and to enlarge and turElsl such facilities
4 would meet the eXigCncies IT the times.
The city of Philadelphia offered League Island
o free gut. New London did not possess the
,Cntal qualifications for su n "a site, while all
n re tOusd IN greater degree 0- be point indi-
4 sd IN tne substitute than a. 81" O,hcr point
only in our broad country, bu. in the civilized
"A rid.
y le Proceeded to show The superior advantages
q League Island over New LonuOn, not only as
water, bu. as to mineral products and skilled
~ ,or, while League Island WIS Tar less exposed
n foreign assault. In a word Now London, all
ng considered, had not single one OF the
ient.al elements for such station.
IAt was NOT proposed by tpe substitute to in
III ise the number Of naval stations, nor 10 add
he Glready great expense Of b,affs Of officers.
"A Sas not proposed 10 purchase a site with out a
~ ID adequate 10 make large improvements.
city of Philadelphia had offered free gift of
W ngue Island.
II This being on fresh water, it afforded cheap
e. TmarN or hospital Tor vessels which have con-
et,d disease while lying OF the mouth of the
e and, In salt water, protecting the city Of New
F ndon. lie repeated that League Island is
+ e position, where supplies Of all kinds are
unndant
E Mr, Brandegee Comm referred to the action
T. the Naval Committee on this subject who be.
we'd a navy yard for iron clad vessels had be-
r. me rational necessity, our navy now num-
= ring $50 steamers and II ifOn-cads. Steam IL
known, had revolu OnLed naval architec-
the world over. As measure of economy
establishment Of the yard at New London
uld be "A saving Of money ear by year, for we
now in the hands OF private contractors.
the course of his remarks he said the Com
|ssion appointed by tue Secretary of the NAVY
Z y composed of three gentlemen of Pennsyi-
lia, one of New York, one of New Jersey,
the Engineer of the Department, and de-
*@* ed by resolution, after two mOnths' examina-
u >, that the public interest would not be pro-
ted by the selection Of League Island, but
Md be promoted by the selection Of New
ndon.
Or. Kelley (Pa.) denied that three were ap-
4 nted from Philadelphia,