Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-04-05

Mr.. Cox offered concurrent reSolu-
ton, which was agreed to, declaring
that Congress has heard with profound
regret of the death of Professor Morse,
whose distinguished and varied abili-
ties have contributed more,than those
of any other person to the develop
ment and progress of practical arts;
that the purity of his private life, the
Ioftiness OF his scientific aims, and his
resolute faith IN truth, render 1t
eminently proper that the Represent
atiVes and Senators should sOlemnly
testify to his worth and greatness.
Mr.. Wood made some remarks in
eulogy Of Professor Morse.
After the passage Of few private
bills, the House resumed cOnsidera-
tion of the steamboat bill.
The amendment Of Mr.. Kerr to SUBJ
stitute the liability sections Of the act
of 1851 for the fOrty-third section of
the bill was rejected.
That section was then modified.
On motion of Mr.. Townsend TNeW
York the bill then passed.
Mr.. Dawes introduced q bill to
amend the national currency act, Re.
ferred.
The bill reserving the public lands
to actual settlers came up. Various
amendments were suggested, but
without any action thereon the bill
went over till Tuesday next.
The report declaring Mr.. Hadley
Alabama, ], the sitting member, enti-
tied to his seat, was agreed to. The
contestant was voted his expenses,
amounting to five thousand nine hum
dred and twenty eight dollars.
The bill from the committee on COM
merce for the appointment of ship
ping commissioners in the interest of
sailors and commerce, was taken I'D.
Mr.. Wood argued against the bill,
regarding it as impracticable of execu-
ton, and in the interest of those hos
tile to the sailor, and as imposing
unjust burdens on ship-owners. He
presented remonstrance against the
bill signed by three-fourths of the ship
owners OF New York. Mr.. Wood
further said that he was opposed to
the proposed mode of appointing the
commissioners, and said he thought Ii
would be better to leave the appoint
ment of commissioners in New York,
Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and
such large ports, to the chambers of
commerce of those cities, or to the Gov
ernors Of the States.
Mr.. Butler, OF Massachusetts,, sug-
gested the boards Of underwriters.
Mr.. Wood said that the underWri-
ters had only pecuniary interest In
the matter, looking only to the protec-
ton of property and wanted no more
than that. He wanted to look to the
protection of the sailor, and he sug-
gested recommittal Of the bill.
Mr.. COnger, who reported the bill,
defended 1t in principles and details,
and replied to the arguments of Mr..
Wood against it. He exhibited
memorial of the New York chamber
Of commerce in favor Of the bill.
Mr.. Wood remarked that not one
tenth of the New York Chamber of
Commerce were ship owners, they
were lawyers, bankers, traders, and
railroad speculators.
Mr.. COnger resumed his remarks,
and exhibited resolutions and memori.
ais in favor Of the bill passed by the
importers and grocers board Of trade
of New York, and by the American
Seamen's Friend Society. He also
claimed that an editorial Of q leading
paper in New York was In favor OF
the bill.
Mr.. w. r. Roberts suggested an
amendment giving the appoint uent
of shipping commissioners to the Gov
ernors Of the States, and reducing the
schedule Of fees.
Mr.. Conger said he was willing to
allow amendments to be offered, but
that the schedule Of lees had been pre-
pared by the New York Chamber OF
Commerce.
Mr.. Wood offered an amendment
to except regular steamship lines from
the operations Of this law.
Mr.. Oonger explained that hat was
sufficiently provided for In other sec
tions Of the bill.
Mr., Hale moved an amendment to
allow the duties of shipping commits
sjOners to be performed by masters of
vessels in port, where there are no
such commissioners or collectors Of
customs. Adopted.
Mr.. Wood offered an amendment,
providing a penalty Of not over one
thousand dollars against ship cap
tain that takes on board a sailor who
is drunk. Agreed to.
Mr.. Wood also offered an amend
ment striking from the twenty
sixth section the last four lines, which
allows fees to the commissioners for
hearing and deciding cases In dis
pute. :, :,
Mr.. Butler Massachusetts, said II
was intended to have an additional
section to the bill providing that al
fees shall be paid into the treasury
and that the commissioners shall be
paid salaries.
Mr.. Wood said that he would Object
to their being sslsried officers, and
thought It better, however, to press
! his amendment, and 1t was Rgreed to