The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-12-13
Forty Third Congress - First Session.
HOUSE.

WASHINGTON. Dec. IL.
Mr.. Cox of New York, presented petition
of the Grand Division of the Sons of Temper
ance of eastern New York for commission of
inquiry concerning the alcoholic liquor trouble
Referred
The Speaker laid before the House commu-
cation from the Secretary of War calling at
tention to the defalcation in the accounts of
Gen. o. o. Howard of the Freedmen's Blu
reau. The letter was read The total amount
tars would have Gen. Howard tried by a
military court of enquiry were it not that most
of the matters were barred by the statute of
Limitation. At the conclusion of the re ding
MI. Wood of New York offered resolution
that the letter and accompanying reports be re-
ferred to the Committee on Military affairs,
with instruction to report resolution provid-
ing for the trial by military court martial of
any officer of the army implicated therein.
Mr.. Dawes OF Mass, moved to amend by
striking out the clause relative to instruction.
The Speaker said he had been about to refer
INSTRUMENTATION to the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs.
Mr.. Dawes amendment was agreed to, ia to
to SO. r.r :
The Senate bill removing the disabilities of
Ihos. 8. Bocock and others was taken up and
passed.
Mr. Holman of Maryland, offered resolu-
ton of inquiry whether payment had been
made by the War Department. over any rail-
road since January, 1866, in aid of which land
grants had been made. Adopted
Mr. Duell OF New York, presented petitions
for the repeal of the bankrupt law. Referred.
Mr. Dawes of Mass, said he did not desire to
shield Gen. Howard, but he objected to the res
olutiOn making statements as facts before a
hearing. Mr.. Wood said the resolution stated
as a fact what had been authenticated in two
official documents from the Secretary of War.
Mr.. Dawes said no matter how strong the
proof may appear, it is sufficient to use the
words ''alleged defalcations." He moved to
insert the word "alleged'' before ''defalca-
tons"
Mr.. Wood consented 10 let it 60, and said
if that side of the House takes the responsible
ity of shielding this man it may do So.
Mr. Dawes said his side of the House take
the responsibility Of shielding no man.
The resolution as amended by Mr.. Dawes
was adopted and the House resumed the con.
sideration of the salary bill
Mr. Orth offered substitute for these that
the committee report bill repeating the whole
salary act SO far as it can be done constitution
ally, except the Supreme Court judges, and de
termining the compensation on tie basis of
ances except frauking, paid to the 41st Con-
grassland restore all other salaries as before.
The previous question was seconded by 1872
to 126. The main question was then taken
and MI: 0rth's proposition adopted SO BIZ
recommitted and was agreed to. When the
bill is reported back it will be considered un-
der the five minute rule,
The salary bill was taken up the question
being on MIR: Orth's motion, made yesterday:
Mr. Nesmith, DEM, of Oregon, although in
structed to vote for repeal hardly knew what
to do. as ne was in the same condition as Mr..
Cox.
Mr. Comingo, DEM, of NO., defended the
measure, saying the clamor against the meas
ure was partly Misrepresentation and partly
misaprehension.
Mr. ph;l1ipc Pa, of Koosos cold +La poo-
pie were masters and Congress stood before the
bar of public opinion.
Mr. Burchard, Rep, of ILL.,, thought the re-
peal should take effect hom the commencement
OF this Congress, to JUSTLY the expectations OF
the people.
Mr. Orth, Rep, of Ind, said his proposit ion
was more of a compromise than otherwise.
Public opinion had settled that the law should
be repealed, that the mileage and franking
privilege should not be restored and that the
old salary, was sufficient. His proposition did
not provide for covering back pay into the
treasury, believing it better to have the reduc-
ton begin after the passage of the law. He
believed that to meet the views of the people
and of Congress. His proposition did not touch
the Supreme Court but did apply to the Cabi--
N. Y, he thought the salary of $4,000 was
enough for Cabinet members, compared to $1,000
for congressman. He moved the previous
question.
Mr. shanks, Rep, of Ind, hoped it would
heard
Mr. Eldridge, Dem, of Wis, thought the
latitude Of the debate should be much great
er, as the honor of Congress was involved.
Mr.. Munroe, Rep, of Ohio, thought thor
ough repeal was the only true thing to do.
position to recommit and substitute for the list,
I'd and Sd sections, that after the passage of
this act the compensation of Senators, Repre-