New-York tribune., 1873-12-11

sentatives Feb. 2s. 1873. Copies herewith.
am s'r with great respect. your obedent servant
Gigned), W. W. BEIKSAP Secretary OF War
The DEBATE ON THE SALARY QUESTION.
SEVERAL STRONG SPEECHES MADE IN FAVOR or RE-
PEAI-A SPEECH By MIR. DAWES, THE FEATURE
or THE DAY-TIrE PRESIDENTS SALARY AND
PERQUIsIrEs STATED AT 100000 YEAR-A RE-
DUcrIoN OF ALL SALARIES ADvoCATED-A VOTE
TO BE TAKEN TO-DAY.
GBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBusEl
WASHINGTON. Dec 10.-Tbe discussion on the Sal
ary bill was very tame, after the remarkable per
iormances of yesterday. Lyman Treman essayed
ms maiden speech in the House on this question,
and began the debate. His voice was clear and
well pitched and he was listened to with marked
attention throughout; but it must be con
fessed that his effort was greatly below
public expectation. There was for
short speech, too much time wasted in prelimina-
ries and he spoke as If talking to jury. His good
taste was questioned for his illusions to Tweed, and
his general remarks were not strong or new az
were expected. He argued that all precedents--six
III number-were on the side Of retroactive pay,
and yet he said that Henry Clay found it difficult to
get back to Congress after voting for the increase.
lie thought the laws ought to be repealed, and
closed by saying that members would receive more
faithful servant" which would follow them.
Mr.. IIawley of Connecticut favored bill for
5000 for Congressman, because of the abrogation
of stationery and the franking privilege. He was
IN favor of the increase for Cabinet officers and
Justices of the Supreme Court but would not have
voted to increase the Presidents salary unless he
1.-THE Presidentl was required to pay hls own
expenses. Mr.. Kellogg also of Connecticut,
was IN favor of restoring the old rate to members of
Congress only. all other increased salaries to remain
as they stand now. Mr.. Roberts of New-fork re-
gretted the evil of general denunciation of public
men. and feared that monarchists would conclude
that in a Republic honest men went into retire
ment and rogues ruled He was in favor of repeal,
as there reason for high salaries Represen-
tatiyes shoud not live better here than at home,
and there il no place where the advantages of
wealth of little social political importance
as in Washington.
Mr.. Niblack of Indiana had a good deal to say
about popular camor as many OF the other speakers
had, but he would vote for some repeal bill. Mr..
Durham Of Kentucky, "A new member, was the first
to say that he favored the return of the Franklng
Privilege III some form. Mr.. Phelps of New-Jersey,
n new member. and one of the youngest men IN
Congress, made IN excellent impression on
the House, speaking with great iiuency and
grace. He took the ground that this Congress was
not responsible for the acts of the last and he did
think il would be just for this Congress 10 enact
law which would practically cause return to the
Treasury Of what its members have drawn since
March last under the law, for then the ALllld
Congress would suffer for the sins of the XLlld. He
favored the Townsend amendment, which is for
$1,000 year and actual travelling expenses. lie
made all his points very clearly and was listened TO
with with unusual attention. Mr. Frye of Maine
1. afs 9th
in which he said that if this discussion continued.
and hundred two more speeches in favor OF re-
peal were made the honest people at home would
think that all the speeches necessary to con
vert those who had not spoken He wanted to tell
his constituents that he not to be convert
ed for he was already in favor of repeal.
Mr. Dawes made, however the speech of the day
II was bold independent and strong. He made no
exceptions, but wanted the increase on every salary
repealed from the President down to the pages. He
said that the finances could not stand such
extravaganza and he spoke with especial
frankness on the Presidential increase He
showed that the Presidents expenses, outside his
salary cost the Government about $4,000 year,
and that with his salary at the same figure the IN
come Of the President for the four years will be
about 100000 He thought the old provision for
the Supreme Court and Cabinet ample, and answered
the numerous questions put To HIM with much skill
and bravery Mr.. Hale gave notice that he would
let the debate until o'clock tomorrow, the last
hour TO be occupied i'll fye-minute speeches.
The appearances i'll favor of an unconditional re-
peal much stronger than yesterday, but 1t is hard
to tell what course the bill will take. There are
many amendments, at least dozen, and the voting
on them will be very tedious, as with the present
membership it takes about half an hour TO call the
roll.