The Portland daily press., 1871-01-07
XLIst O0NGREss---Third Session.
HOUSE.,

HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6-The House resumed
the consideration of the resolu ton reported by
the Committee on Foreign Affairs in reference
to the dispute between Minister Washburne
and the late government of Paraguay
Mr.. Dawes of Massachusetts regretted the
necessity of voting on alresolution censung AID
miral Godon and Davis, but said that he could
not vote mo without approving their con-
duct, and he could not 10 his heart say that he
did approve it.
Mr.. Banks of Massachusetts said that the
resolution had been drawn very mild by the
committee and did not amount to censure on
any naval officer. The language was that these
officers had failed to discharge their duty. The
reason why they failed to discharge their duty
was the fault OF the Navy Department and it
was against the policy of the department, and
that the Committee on Foreign Affairs pro-
tested most solemnly on that point He quot
ed from the testimony of Admiral Porter, show
ing that the naval officers may disregard the
advice of United States ministers and not he
governed by it unless they had instructions
from the navy der artmert.
The discussion was continued at cOnsidera-
length and was participated in by Messrs.
Maynard, FarnswOrth, Willard, Wood, Voor-
he's. Eldrldge and Ortiz After refusing, A to
116, to lay the matter on the table the House
adopted, 90 to 26, Mr.. Farnsworth's resolution
directing court of inquiry for the trial of Ad-
mirals Godon and Davis; and 100 to 90, Mr..
Orth's disappearing the conduct of Admiral
Davis in delaying for an unreasonable time to
proceed to the release of Bliss and Waterman
in Sccptipg their release in the manner and
under the circumstances detailed in the testi.
mony, and in receiving, holding and treating
them as prisoners; SO to 80 that reported by the
committee declaring Admiral Godon in neg
Letting to aid Mr.. Washburne to reach the
government to which he was accredited, and
failed to discharge his duty as commander Of
the South Atlantic squadron ;and the other ma
jority resolutions without a division.
Mr.. Maynards resolution censuring Capt
Ramsey and Lieut.. Commander Kirkland, and
Mr.. Swans substitute for the majority report
were rejected, only fourteen members voting id
its favor.
Mr.. Conner OF Texas, asked leave to offer a
resolution ordering the Secretary OF sthe Navy
to publish in general orders the resolution:
censuring Admrals Godon and Davis; but
Mr.. Hope ef Mass, objected.
Mr.. Woods of New York, presented the me
mortal for the extension of the work of the by
geographic Office from office of leading insur'
number of merchants whose commerce is al
over the world. Mr.. Van Horn of Missouri
from the Committee on Indian Affairs report
ed bill to provide for the consolidation of the
Indian tribes and to organize system of gov
eminent in the Indian territory Reccmmitted
Mr.. Julian of Indiana, offered resolution
which was adopted, lnstructing the Committee
on the Public Lands to inquire into the expe'
diency Of providing by law that every officer
soldier or sailor who served 80 days in the wal
for the Union and was honOraby discharged
shall receive 100 acres of public land as
homestead, his actual term of service to coun
as part of the five years required by the home
stead act OF 1872 Adjourned. The session to
morrow will be for general debate only.