Daily Kennebec journal., 1873-12-11
Congressional Proceedings.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 10.


Mr.. Burlington of Mass. offered resolu-
tion for survey by the Secretary of War of
Plymouth harbor, with view of dredging the
same, and report on the feasibility of making
such Improvements. Adopted.
Mr.. Dawes of Mass. offered a resolution
directing the Postmaster General to inform
the house whether any custom officers or de-
tectives have been allowed to examine cor
| respondence passing through Boston or New
York postoffices, and whether any such Off
cials have opened or otherwise tampered with
such correspondence, for the purpose of as
certaining whether revenue laws have been
violated, or for an other purpose, and to re-
port all facts to the House. Adopted.
Mr.. Wood, from the Committee on WAYS
| and Means, reported resolution directing the
Secretary Of the Treasury to report the cost
of refundng the pu bile debt thus far into FIVE
per cent. bonds, with q detailed statement of
the amounts paid on account, to whom paid
including travelling and other expenses of
| any persons attached to the treasury depart
| ment. Also whether in the adjustment of
| the differences Of interest the government
| received its proper allowance, with detailed
| statement of interest account, giving the
| amounts, dates and names of the prrties
with whom the negotiations were made.
| Adopted.
Mr.. Maynard introduced bill to authorize
the organization of National banks without
circulation. Referred.
| Mr.. Hays, from the Committee on Agricul-
ture, reported a resolution for printing 25O,-
600 copies each of the annual agricultural re-
ports Of 1872 and 1873. Referred to the
Committee on Printing.
| Mr. Randall stated in connection with the
same subject that the Post Office Committee
had before it in question of public documents
| and referred it to the sub committee. This
subject also embraced the point Of repeating
| the former legislation in connection with the
| circulation of newspapers within the county
where published and also as to exchanges.
Mr.. Scofeld, from the Naval Committee,
reported bill authorizing the present num-
ber of enlisted men of the navy to be in
| creased from $500 to 10000 men. He said
the Secretary of the Navy informed the Com
mittee on Appropriations he had not men
enough to man the ships. He for one had
not been very strongly inclined to make this
increase for the present emergency, because
he was under the impression that it would
/ not be needed.
| Mr.. Hale Of Me. asked If the increase was
to be permanent.
| Mr. Scofeld replied that the law would be
permanent until changed.
Mr.. Garfield offered an amendment provid-
| ing for an increase of force not beyond the
lst Of Jan, 1875 He thought the speck of
war would soon blow away.
Mr.. Coburn regarded the proposition as
unfortunate. The government was doing
everything it could to bring about an AMIGA
bic adjustment, and he feared an increase of
the war power might create agitation and ap-
prehension which would tend to break up the
negotiations for amicabie adjustment.
l r fairfield n tO no
said that he could not tell the cost of addi-
tional men, but he had been instructed by the
committee to offer q bill appropriating
for extraordinary expense of the navy. He
proposed that the matter be postponed until
the negotiations became known.
| Mr. Kasson advocated the bill as necessa-
ry measure.
| MIR. Archer supported the bill. Stated that
one month after the outrage on the Virginius
here were only 22 guns on American vessels
in Cuban waters, while the Spanish navy in
Cuban waters at the same time carried $50
guns. 1t was possible within l20 days to
have an American fleet of 500 guns in Cuban
waters. But Spain could also have navy of
5l4 guns. embracing four Of the most power
tul iron clads in the world. He was satisfied
that whatever difficulties might arise this
country would be prepared for every emer-
gency.
| Mr.. Starkweather of Conn. said that the
navy was in good degree of readiness to
meet any emergency likely to arise. He be-
lieved no war would occur with Spain. He
hoped that if war came it would be not to
aveuge any fancied wrongs but to defe nd the
honor and integrity of the nation. 1t is said
to-day there are 800 guns within reach of the
scene of the difficulty. The country needs
and desires an era of peace, to recuperate
from the effects Of the late war.
After further discussion by Messrs. Beck
Speer, Myers and Hale of Me-, Mr.. Garfeld's
amendment was adopted and the bill passed al
| amended.
Mr.. Butler of Mass. presented compila-
tion of U. S. laws, prepared by the commits
sioners. Referred.
Mr.. Garfield, of the Committee on Appro-
priations, reported bill appropriating o.
600, 900 for extraordinary expenses of the
navy. Referred.
The House resumed the debate on the sal
ary question.
MIR. Tremaine spoke in favor of the pro.
posed reduction. He agreed with the minor
ity report Of the select committee in the
statement that the increase Of salary had
been condemned by every class. He said
this was time when the members should be
willing to make personal sacrifices. The
|
paralelled severity. and embarrassment oi
commercial and agricultural interests, and
the pressure of taxation TO meet the interes,
on the national debt was resting most heavily
on the industries of the country.
| MIR. Hswley Of Conn. addressed the House
in favor Of a reduction Of salaries.
Mr.. Niblack thought that the most graceful
thing TO do was to reinstate the old law.
Mr.. Durham would vote for reduction, in
obedience to the voice Of the people
| Mr.. Kellogg of Conn.,, favored the reduc-
duction of salaries.
| Z. Roberts of N. Y. said he obeyed the
popular will, because he believed it right.
Mr.. Phelps favored the bill.
| Mr.. Frye declined making speech, as he
was already in the faith.
| Mr.. Dawes said his prediction, made when
opposing increase of salary, had become his
tory. His reasons then given had proved
good and valid. He believed now more than
ever that it was,an unwise measure.
| Mr.. Marshall of Ill. favored the repeal OF
the salary bill.
| Mr.. Southard favored the repeal of the
whole law, not part of it.
Mr.. Hale notified members that he would
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