The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1873-12-18


confidence OF the country. If he had
his own way, he would repeal the whole
law of 1873, as far as be constitution
ally could, and then refer the whole
subject Of salary 10 a committee to
prepare 8 report, and in view of the
present discussion and the expression
OF popular opinion upon the subject,
he doubted not but that the salaries
could be arranged and the public would
be satisfied with what had been done.
He would make the present bill appli-
cable to the Executive. He would do
this, because he had signed bills of
more doubtful constitutionality than
this, Let him sign the bill
and then appeal to the courts
The clamor which was now heard
was but the first evidence Of the coming
storm Of popular wrath and indignation
which would sweep all before it. He
would tell those who defed it it would
overtake them. But yesterday it swept
over the grand old commonwealth
which he had the honor to represent,
and had forever put an end to frauds in
elections and opportunities for frauds in
legislation, which had heretofore dis,
graced his State. This was what it had
done and this was but an earnest OF
what public clamor would do hereafter.
Mr.. Law, OF Kansas, said he had OPP
posed the salary bill OF the last session,
not because he believed the salary was
not commensurate to the services Of
but because it was unwise
He voted against the increase in all its
steps and be would now vote to repeal.
Mr.. Dawes, Of Mass, said Mr.. Tre-
mains amendment was direct assault
upon the executive departments OF the
government, because it implied they
were willing to grasp the increased sala-
ries given them, while they were de-
mandiDg Increased taxation TO meet the
expenses Of the government. He took
the liberty OF saying that all the mem
bers OF the executive department were
in heart and spirit CO operating to cut
down the eX.rayagant expenses.
Mr.. Tremaine inquired whether NJ r,
Dawes had authority from any Cabinet
officer to say he was opposed to the
bill.
Mr.. Dawes replied that he had the
authority in the character OF gentle
man who occupied Cabinet position.
He WAS prepared to say that the MEM
bers OF the Cabinet did not desire that
their salaries should be held up while
those of others were lowered.
Mr.. Wood, OF New York, inquired
whether Mr.. Dawes knew that the
President had drawn his increased SAL
ary or not.
Mr.. Dawes replied that it was not
his business to inquire as to that mat
ter.
Mr.. Storms, OF Pennsylvania, said be
had voted Tor the salary bill of last ses-
sion and he proposed to stand by that
action, but If the salaries were TO be
repealed he wanted it TO effect all OIL
ticers.
Mr.. Tremaln said at the request o.
the Speaker OF the House be would
amend his amendment by striking out
all allusion to the Speaker OF the
House.
The question was then taken up
whether the salaries OF the Vice PresI-
dent and cabinet officers should remain
at ten thousand dollars each, and it was
rejected Ayes 15; nays 1873. The
question was then taken on Mr.. Hale's
(N. " amendment striking out ell re-
Is,ing 10 the President OF the United
States, which was rejected. Ayes 20;
nays $50
Mr.. Poland offered amendments pro-
vidipg that all members OF the Forty
third Congress vino as members OF the
Forty-second Congress had receiv-
ed excess OF pay, shall re'uud the
amount so received, aud dlrecring the
Treasurer OF the United States to report
all who did not refund.
Mr.. Holman proposed an amend-
ment that all members OF the Forty
third Congress who were members OF
the Forty second Congress, should re-
turn the back pay received IN the For
ty-second Congress.
Mr.. Beck inquired whether the gen.
tlemeu couldn't make an amendment
fo- those who were not members OF this
Congress TO return their back pay.
Nj Poland said he did not propose
n do that If the members OF the present
Congress were compelled to return back
pay he believed the money would burn
in the pockets of those who were 10:
members, and that they would i'm
return it.
Mr. Beck inquired whether the Pre-
sidents increased pay wss burning IN
his pockets.
Mr.. Poland said he did not think
that WAS germane to the present ques-
ton. Laughter. ,
After further discussion, Mr.. Hale, OF
Maine, demanded the previous ques-
ton on the bill aud pending amend
ments. The House voted it down yeas
72; nays l43. :.
Mr.. Holman then renewed his
anne ndment providing that al the
members of the present Congress, who
as members OF the last Congress had
received extra compensation, should re-
lupd the amounts so received. Adopt
ed. Yeas l56; nays lOl. :,
Mr.. Maynard, OF Tennessee, offered
an amendment TO except the Clerk and
other EN- ployes OF the House from toe
opera,ion OF the bill.
Mr. Butler, Of MASSACHUSETTS,, renew
ed his amendment TO make the return
Of the pay retroactive.
Mr.. Msynsrd's amendment was
rejected.
The vote was then again taken on
M. Buffers amendment, aud 1t was
declared agreed 10 by vira voc: vote
Mr.. Hurlbut, offered en- amendment
a. a substitute for the whole bill that
the COMPENSATION of the members OF
Congress shall be at the rate OF o,OUO
per annum, sad actual travelling e1pen-
ses. with the addition Of $4,000 for the