The Portland daily press., 1869-01-07

cases of vacancy in the Office of Collector of
Customs. Referred to the Committee on Com
merce. .-,t
Mr.. Stevens of New Hampshire, from the
committee on Naval Affairs, reported bill to
increase the efficiency of the medical depart
ment of the navy. The bill was discussed at
some length by Messrs. Stevens, O'Neil and
Kelly, in favor, and Paine, Logan and WASH
burne of Illinois, adversely the latter opposing
it because it provides for too many officers,
twelve medical inspectors with the rank, pay
and emoluments of Commodore; assimilated to
rank of Brigadier General in the army; eight
cen medical directors with the rank of Captain,
assimilated to rank of Colonel, &c. Before any
action was taken the morning hour expired
and the bill went over to the morning hour to-
morrow. -..s.... -...t ..
The Speaker submitted the request of Mr..
Lawrence, chairman of the Select Committee
on New York Election Frauds, now in session
at New York, that the testimony may be print
ed as soon as written out 1t was so ordered
Mr.. Washburne of Illinois, from the Commit
tee on Appropriations, reported the naval ap-
preparation for the year ending June 30, 1870.
Ordered printed and recommitted. The bill
appropriates $15273672, being $2,O;1 ,578 less
than was appropriated for this year. 1t com
prises 100000 for the pay of the navy, and
"a, 5000 for the pay of the marine corps, the
numerical force of which it fixes at 1900 men,
to be differed by one colonel, one lieutenant
colonel, two majors, one adjutant and inspec-
tor, o..e paymaster, one quartermaster and one
assistant twelve captains, eighteen first lieu
tenants and eighteen second lieutenants. The
sergeants, corporals and clerks are to be re.
duced two-ffths. The reductions of the Off
GERS and non-commissioned officers to be deter
mined by lot.
The House then went into committee of the
whole gu the pension appropriation bill, Mr..
Allison in the chair, and Mr.. Washburne OF
ltlnols addressed it on government economy.
MI; Washourne spoke at considerable iength
When he had concluded Mr.. Wood said that
the House always listened to the gentleman
from Illinois with pleasure, but his remarks had
now an additional importance in view OF the
supposed connection between that gentleman
and the incoming administration. HIS speech
might be deemed as an Introductory message,
laying the foundation for the policy of the next
administration. He was certain he spoke the
sentiments of the minority of the House when
he said that so far as Gen. Grant would faith
fully initiate or carry out any reform the mi
nority would give it its feeble support.
The pension bill, which appropriates $13 $780,
900, was ordered to be reported to the House,
and was subsequently reported and passed.
The consular and diplomatic bill was taken |
up. |
Mr.. Brooks moved as an amendment to in
sert an appropriation for mission to Rome.
s After debate it was rejected.
Mr.. Butler offered an amendment providing
Tor but one minister to Nicaragua, Honduras,
San Salvador and Costa Rica, and but one
minister to New Grenada Venezuela and Equa
dor, which was agreed to. -s
Mr.. Brooks moved to strike out the appropri-
alton for carrying oat the treaty of IL AZ with
Great Britain for the suppression of the slave
trade, as the United States had no longer any
responsibility for the existence of slavery. Re-
jected.
The third, fourth and fifth sections of the bill
were struck out on points of order containing
new legislation.
The committee rose and reported the bill to
the House and its further consideration was
postponed to Monday next.
Mr.. Kelsey asked leave to offer resolution
lns.ructing the Committee on Foreign Affairs
to inquire into the expediency of taking steps
to secure the abrogation or modification of the
treaty with Great Britain for the suppression
of the slave trade.
Mr.. Arnell objected. Adjourned