The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1870-12-14
WASHINGTON.
/ New Apportionment Talked Of.

WASHINGTON.
A New AppOrtiOnment Talked Of.
WASHINGTON, December l3.-The
Western members begin TO talk Of a.
new apportioment bill to give in
creased representation to their States
based on the census returns Of last sum
mer. The new members are 10 he chosen
at special elections, in time to take
their seats next December at the Forty
Second Congress. A bill to this effect
will soon be introduced, and if no COM
mittee reports it it will he sprung upon
the House some Monday in the morn
ing hour.
Not Sent.
1t was expected by some that Cen
eral Pleasanton's name would be sent
to the Senate yesterday for confirmation
as Commissioner of Internal Revenue,
with that of Senator Drake. Inquiry
failed to trace the rumor to trust
worthy source, and it probably rose
from the fact that Collector Murphy
and General Pleasanton have been in
the city for several days. Many affect
to believe that Pleasantons name will
be sent in today, although the friends
of Douglas still think that he will have
the office.
Lively Proceedings in the House
Over General LOgan's Bill Abolish.
ing the Rank Of Admiral and Vice
Admiral.
When General Logan presented his
bill abolishing the rank of Admiral and
Vice Admiral in the navy yesterday,
and moved the suspension of the rules
that it might be passed, there was great
excitement in the House.
Mr. Schofeld opposed action on the
bill and desired that it be referred to
Naval committee, of which he is the
chairman. He did not think that
it was best to pass the bill just now be-
cause, if for no other reason, he did not
like to kick a man when he is down.
Scofelds speech brought General
Logan to his feet in defense Of his
present action. He had no reference in
offering this bill to any person, but he
desired to have it passed now, because
there is vacancy in the office of Ad-
miral and If Congress postponed the
action the vacancy might be filled and
there would then be no need of the law
He showed that, thought there are only
5000 men now in the navy, there are
ll6 officers holding rank as high as
general, acknowledgement, maj jor-gen-
eral, and brigadier-general. This office
was created to do honor to Admiral Far
ragut, and there was no Intention that it
should be given to others.
Mr.. Hale, of Maine, repeated the old
argument in favor OF allowing the Offices
to continue, and referred to Porters let
ters.
General Logan interrupted him with
the question, why do YOU lug that
in?'
II DO it on my own responsibility, re-
piled Mr.. Hale.
Il see you do, sneered Logan.
When Mr.. Hale had finished a scene
of disorder ensued, in the midst of which
Mr.. Scofield asked permission to make
an explanation.
Mr.. Butler objected unless he should
be granted permission to reply to SEQ
field.
Mr.. Hale and half IA dozen other
members were at the same time attempt
ing to get in their words.
Mr.. Scofelfl claimed that the Mill
tarv committees reform bill passed last
session required larger appropriation
than was as ked for before and that
while all retired naval officers received
only half the pay of the rank on which
they were retired, the army officers re-
ceived three.quarters OF the pay Of their
rank
When Mr.. Butler left his seat and
came down to the front Of the Speaker $
desk the members crowded around him
and perfect silence pervaded the House.
Referring to Porter letter and the allu-
sions to him which it contained, Mr..
Butler said that if gratitude for the let
ter could influence his vote lie should
not be opposed to this bill. Then,
warming with his subject, he ms de one
the most scathing speeches heard on
the floor of the House for many a day.
Words came red-hot from his lips, as he
denounced Porter as a man who did
not know his mind two days in success
sion, and who one day lauded his com
mander and the next day abused him.
Then, comparing Porter, the author OF
the lately printed letters, with the
sainted and brave Farragutr he pro-
tested in the strongest language that he
was unwilling that such man should
be held up as an example for the brave
and noble youth of the United States
navy. "As the friend of the noble Far
ragut, said he, II say that shall Oh
ject to placing this honor upon man
who has dishonored himself and dis
honored the President"
Mr.. Cox added few words and then
vote was taken vira roce. Hardly a
single voice was heard in the negative
Since the revelation of Porter
treachery toward General Grant, some
curions facts have been raked up re
specting General Buffers relations tt
the same person. 1t is said that pre-
vious to the election in 1868, Butle
wrote a book about General Grant
more severe in its comments upon hi
character and in its denunciations o
his acts then even Porter celebrate'
letter 10 Secretary Wsllss. Those VIII