Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-13
Congressional Proceedings.

Congressional Proceedings.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. H.
House.
The salary bill was taken up, the question
being on Mr.. Orth's motion. made yesterday.
Mr.. Nesmith, although instructed to vote
for repeal, hardly knew what to do, as he was
in the same condition as Mr.. Cox.
Mr.. Comingo defended the increase, say
| ing clamor against it was partly misrepresen-
| tation, partly Misrepresentation.
MIR. Phillips said that the people were the
| masters, and Congress stood before the bar Of
public opinion.
Mr.. Burchard thought the repeal should
take effect from commemorate Mt of this con-
gress to justify the expectations Of the peo-
pie.
Mr.. Orth said his proposition was more of
a compromise than otherwise. Public opin-
ion had decided that the law should be re-
pealed. That mileage and the Thanking priv
ilege should not be restored and that tine old
salary was sufficient. His proposition did
not provide for covering back pay into the
treasury. He believed it better to have the
reduction begin after the passage of the Law.
He believed that it met the views of the peo-
pie and of Congress. His proposition did
not touch the Supreme Coart, but did apply
in the Cabinet
In response to query from Mr.. Hale of
N. Y, he thought salary of $4,000 was
enough for Cabinet members, compared to
$4,000 for Congressman. He moved the pre-
vious question.
MIR. Shanks hoped that it would not be
seconded until all members had been heard.
Mr.. Eldrdge thought that the latitude of
the debate should be much greater as the hon
or of Congress was involved
MIR. Monroe thought thorough repeal was
the only true thing to do.
The House then voted on Mr.. Hurburts
proposition, to recommt and substitute for
the lst' I'd and Sd sections, "That after the
passage of this act the compensations of
Senators. Representatives aud Delegates be
$4,000 and actual travelling expenses. That
the Speakers and Vice Presidents compen-
laws on the subject be repealed"
Mr.. Orth offered a substitute "That the
committee report bill repeating the whole
salary act, so far as it can be done constitu-
tionally, excepting Supreme Court Judges.
and report bill determining the compensa-
ton on a basis of average salary mileage and
other allowances, except franking, paid to the
4lst congress, and restore all other salaries
as before.
The previous question was seconded-l32
to 1876.
The main question was then taken and Mr..
Orths proposition adopted.
So the bill was recommitted, and it was
agreed that when it was reported back it be
considered under the five minute rule.
The House went into committee of the
whole on the bill appropriating four million
dollars for the navy.
Mr.. Cox said there was not fight enough in
the House to kill q mouse, as proven the
other day by action on belligerent resolution.
Our diplomacy had dragged the flag in dust,
our navy should be in better condition than
it is, and the city of New York is now at the
mercy of European iron clads.
Mr.. Kellogg asked if it was good time to
go to war.
Mr.. Cox said he was not speaking of going
TO war. The Administration is not up to the
| sentiment Of the people and the House is pu-
sillanimous before all the world.
Mr.. Hale Of Me. expressed qualification at
the conversion of Mr.. Cox of n. Y, who,
when representative from Ohio, persistently
| voted against appropriations for the navy.
Mr.. Hale continued at some length saying
the best thing about the conduct of the Sec
tary of the Navy was his naval preparations,
which were an argument for peace, and to be
well prepared is to show the world that we
protect ourselves from insult. The fitting of
a feet 10 six weeks by the Secretary of the
Navy was in the interest of diplomacy. in
the best interests Of humanity, not to precip-
itate war, unless forced upon U.s. No sane
man wants to see war again in this genera
ton. That peace has again doomed in the
ske is owing to the good conduct, vigilance
and enterprise of the Secretary of the Navy.
He thanked the administration for not being
bounded on to war by such men as Cox.
Mr.. Hawlye OF Conn. said he had listened
with an indignant start to the remarks of the
gentleman from n. Y, (Cox) who had dared
to tell the House it was pusillanmous, and
had not energy enough to kill mouse, and
that the flag of the country had been dragged
in dust He had no admiration for that
cheap sort of bravery, but he would not re-
tort by sny remarks that would be equally
cheap. He would not ask that gentleman
why, when there was grand opportunity a
few years back to plunge into fight on one
side or the other, and il was not material on
which side, he had not gone in. Did that
gentleman know what war is? Had he ever
seen cannon balls 20 through men at his side
and had he seen men moved down by hun
dreds around him? Did he know what war
is? If he did, why had he got up here and
ranted as he had done? l say that man is
guilty before God and his country, who dares
stand here and tritle with this great question.
He does not know what war is, or if he does,
then he is ten times more guilty. l knew
man once who was extremely anxious to go
into one of those little fights. The war had
been progressing about year and half and
he had been assigned to fancy duty and some
distant post, and complained that he never
saw fight. We started an expedition and
gave this gallant colonel the command of it.
He cane suddenly upon the enemy and they
| pened fire upon him. In three minutcs he