National Republican., 1873-12-11

IMMEDIATELY after the House convsaed yos-
tcrlay, Judge Seohcld reported the bul agreed
to by the Naval Committee, authorizing the en-
ls;mcnt of hftccn hundred additional scansn.
The discussion which ensucd developed una-
nmity of sentiment on the floor IN favor of the
sustcuancc of American honor, aud the speedy
preparation OF the naval element for conflict,
should ono be precipitated. Coming, as this
proposition did, as the sequel OF a resolution
introduced little earlier in the day declaring
belhgerent rights to the Cuban pcoplc, II was
sought 10 couple tho two measures, al
though at variance, the one power to COM
pei peace, the other q direct invitation to
war. But the hum Of conversation soon
drowned the attempted spcculations, and the
resolution was consigned to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs. The debate on the enlistment
bill continued until the expiration Of the morn
ing hour, when an amendment limiting the
term of service to one year, from January /,
1874, was adopted and the bill passed.
The Committee on Appropriations will meet
| tomorrow morning to provide the money ncces-
| sary for the payment Of this addition to the
naval arm. The unequivocal Endorsement OF
the prompt and able management Of Secretary
Robcson ELECTED from both Democrats and Re-
| piblicans, during the debate, was happy re-
| cognition of his energetic efforts to place the
| navy In proper con lition, although hampcrel
| by the limited amount of money at his d.s-
| posal.
The termination Of this business ushcrcd In
| the salary repeal bill. The galleries were
again well filled, AMI the Hobbies In the rear of
| the Iioor also contained number OF the priyi-
l L.. To-.
tion with members was cx-Spca&rr Grow, OF
Pennsylvania.
The first to obtain the floor was the cloqucn.
lawyer, Lyman Tremainc, who delivered his
maiden speech in the House Of Representatives.
Adhering closely to the popular demands, his ini-
tiatory uttcrances commend him to the people he
so chccrfully Obcys. Adopting the theory that
the legislative halls are not marts of trade,
where individuals are retained for the pccu-
MARY compensation at stake, he forciby cv-
posed the fallacy that Congressman should hr
paid sums equal 10 the amount of service cx-
acted During the progress of his argument, /,
he pail his respects to his old antagonist, s. ).
| Cox, and nf,er the efiectual dilution Of the
'sdrwdrop of New York" len him eoniincd in
the tomb Of Thcseus' mother. The effort OF
Mr.. Trcmaine was worthy Of the high reputa-
tion he has recently attained, and stamps him
as foremost IN the Congressional ranks. The
various speeches following were In spirit ac-
coriant with those of the previous day, the
debate embracing, however, more elaborate
grounds.
Although no positive arrangement was
effected Ii seems probable that the final vote
will be had during the afternoon OF tomorrow.
The diversity of opinion has led to the intro
ductlon of numerous amendatory propositions,
and the various gentlemen interested arc
clamorous to have direct vote upon the
amendments offered. 10 this the chairman of
the committee, Mr.. Hale, urges no objec-
ton; but he deems It his duty to
secure, If possible, the adoption of the ma
lorlty report, which affects Congressman alone.
As II Is his intention to demand "lrst vote"
upon the bill, under the call for the ''preyious
question:" II will be impossible to enlarge the
scope of the measure or to substitute foreign
matter, unlcsss the "prcvious question" de-
mand is voted down. Before the vote, how
ever, Hon. Alexander II. Stephens Is expected
to speak. Consistent with his past record, II
Is understood that he will oppose not only n
reduction, but will advocate \ further increase,
fixing ten thousand dollars as the standard OF
Congressional compensation.