Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-03-14
FOrty-SecOnd Congress First Session
WASHINGTON, D. c., March 10.
SENATE


SENATE.
Mr.. Morrill, of Maine introduced a bill to re-
establish the office of surveyor of Eastport
Mr.. FentOn proceeded with q long speech, in
which he thoroughly reviewed the existing con-
dition of the customs service, particularly at
New York, showing that, under the present sys-
tenn, the chief officers of the custom houses re.
allied enormous salaries. He said: 'Tn large
degree principles must be enforced through
party organization. 1t is also true that the very
essence of popular governments lies in associated
political action. Yet, for every office, adequate
qualifications should be exacted from n candi-
date, and there should also be general conf
dence in his character and integrity, and in his
faithful and honorable political conduct, A
genuine and thorough reform in our civil ser
vice, and especially in the customs department
Of this government, has become indispensable.
The doctrine, TO the victors belong the spoils ,
may have been applicable TO the bestowment
of official place, but, if so, deem it applicable
no longer.
81 plead for the adoption of purer and no.
bier system, under which the faithful and cana
bic officer shall, like his superior in the highest
place, be irremovable during his allotted term of
service, except for sufficient and evident causes.
With that view, so far as is applicable to the
customs department, have submitted the fol.
lowing section to the bills: That all officers of
the customs requiring the concurrence of the
senate, shall be appointed for term of four
until their successor shall have been appointed
and duly qualified; and such officer shall not
be removed during the term of such appoint
ment, except for cause, and before any removal
shall he made an officer shall be furnished with
copy o. the charges against him, and have an
opportunity to be heard in his defense" The
bill was referred to the committee on finance.
The credentials of MessTs. Goldthwaite, Vance,
Hamilton and Reynolds, claiming seats in the
senate, with The claim of ex-senator Abbott to
retain his seat, were taken from the table and
referred to the committee ON privileges and cleo
lions. W
The house resolution for final adjournment
on Wednesday was made the first business in
the order tomorrow.
After short executive session, the senate adj
iourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Farnsworth moved a suspension of the
rules, in order to pass joint resolution, now
offered by him, that, from and after the passage
of this joint resolution, no tax or duty be levied
or collected on foreign coal. Agreed to-192 TO
g7-Mr. Dickey's motion to adjourn being de-
ieated-81 to &c.
Mr. Randall then offered bill, that, from and
after the passage of this act, tea and coffee be
placed on the free list and no further duty shall
be collected on the same, which also passed-141
TO IA motion to adjourn being rejected-S5 to
81.
Mr.. Wilson of Indiana introduced a resolution
declaring the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments to the constitution of the United
States duly ratified by three-fourths of the states
and no state has a right to withdraw its ratif
cation after given; and, further, that congress
has right to impose the ratification of these
amendments as condition precedent to repre-
sentation in congress. Negatived-11O to is
two-thirds not voting therefor.
Among the bills introduced were: Those re-
lating to Geographic communication between the
United States and foreign countries; and allow
in,r nf m I'M ,a;r
own behalf in United States courts.
Adjourned