Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-02-21

the highest ability and reputation, he under
stood that it was Bancroft Davis who presented
the Objectionable claims which had led to eN-
listing complications. He would support a bill
for the construction Of twenty iron clads, and
would Introduce such bill if no one else did.
War with Great Britain would be a mere cir
cumStance compared with the magnitude of the
late civil war.
Mr. l.. Myers made some remarks in favor of
maintaining the Russian mission rs ist class
and OF providing more suitable compensation
for our COnSuls abroad.
Mr. Cox spoke in favor of abolishine all Cen
trail American missions except one, which should
have Charge of the whole business. As to COM
plicatons with Great Britain, he believed that
the treaty on which the administration bad
Piumed itself so much would prove a cause of
war Instead Of the olive branch. He would not
undertake to say that the American government
was wrong IN preterring claim for indirect or
consequential damages, but he would be asham-
ed TO see the American nation back down before
the gr0wl of the Prlish lion.
Mr Banks, chairman of the committee on for
eign affairs, commented upon the remarks of
Mr. Swami and Mr.. Cox and said what they
had spoken about had no connection with the
bill under discussion. 1t was very pleasant for
gentlemen in the opposition to give advice
which could not he followed When the cues
ton 10 which those gentlemen alluded came be-
fore the house regularly, the committee on for
eign affairs would make known the position it
occupied. He deprecated any attempt to abol-
lSh the Central or South American missions. 1t
was most important, in view of the anxiety of
European powers, to get possession of the 18th.
mus, that these missions should be maintained.
Mr.. Cox, in reply to the illusions of Mr..
Banks, said he had been the first to raise his
voice in favor OF American commerce, and to de-
nounce the Alabama, Shenandoah and other
priyateerS.
Mr. Dawes remarked, ocalarly, that it was
rpmpmlpr al flor huf
prvaieers did not stop. (Laughter.)
Mr.. Banks remarked, in reply to the alluSOn
by Mr.. Swami, that he was in the habit of dis
cuSsng subjects at the time they were not up
for action; that, as to American commerce, the
committee ON commerce had bill before it, in-
tended to aid the maritime interests of the
country. The committee on foreign affairs had
the same subject under consideration, and, if
the gentlemen on the democratic side would
lend it their aid, he would promise them a
measure which, in ten years, would re-establish
the maritime interests of the United States.
Mr.. Cox would be glad TO aid such :. revival,
and hoped the measure included revision of
the tariff and the purchase OF ships abroad,
as there was no other mode of reviYing COM
merce.
Mr.. Brooks said that such was not his propo-
sltlon; he would not cOnsenC to let in foreign
built ships, but would trust the commerce of
the country to the American people, the best
shp0uilders, sailors and merchants in the
world.
Mr.. Cox admired such high toned general
ties, but would like to see the proposition in de-
tail before he gave it his consent.
The bill was then read by clauses for amend
ment.
On motion of Mr.. Brooks, the New York
japanese mission was put among the first class
missions, and the salary raised to ST., 900.
MIR, Brooks moved to abolish all but one of
the Central American missions, which was OPP
posed by Mr.. Banks and Mr.. Swami.
Without diSposing of the bill, the committee
rose and the house ad journed.