Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-04-09
HOUSE.

Mr.. Negley, from the committee on
commerce, reported bill giving con-
sent for the erection of a bridge across
the Arkansas river at Pine Bluff, ,Arkan-
sas. Passed.
Mr.. Sessions reported bill to provide
for the sale Of the present marine hos
pital and site, and the erection of new
marine hospital at Pittsburg. After re-
marks from Messrs. Negley, Randall
and tSpeeT in correction and advocacy
of the bill, Mr.. Garfield offered ali
amendment, authorizing the secretary
of the treasury to contract with the city
authorities Of Pittsburg to care for such
persons as are now cared for in the ma
Tine hospital. The amendment was re-
jected, and the bill passed.
Mr.. Platt, from the committee on pub
lie buildings and grounds, reported bill
authorizing the secretary of the treasury
to defer operations on public works au-
thorized but not yet commenced, or to
proceed with the same as he may deem
best for the public interest. Referred on
point of order to the committee of the
whole.
Mr.. Killinger, from the same com.
mittee, made q report on the subject of
an alleged violation of the eight-hour
law in the New York postoffice build
ing. The committee reports that the
law is not being violated in the work
done under government supervision.
and as to that done under contractors
there is no way Of enforcing the law.
Mr.. Cox believed the eight-hour law
should either he carried out or repealed;
it had not been carried out in the
public buildings either in New York or
elsewhere, that there was jiggle in that
business, and he wished the house to
take action on the subject. He had
brought it to the attention of the house,
and that was all he could do in the pres
ence of the adverse report. Mr.. Platt
denied his statement as to the violation
of the eight-ho1r law on public buildings
by express orders of the secretary of the
treasury.
Mr.. Killinger remarked that he did
think it necessary to have the testimo-
ny taken by the committee and printed.
Mr.. Cox said he would like to have 1t
printed.
Mr.. Killingel-The committee has no
objection.
The report and testimony were ordered
to be printed, and the committee dis
charged from further consideration,
Mr.. Woodfor1, from the committee on
civil service reform, reported bill pro-
viding that no officer of the United
States shall directly or indirectly receive
or be paid, for bis own use or benefit,
any money or property of the United
States, except his salary or compensa-
ton; and that no public property shall
be used by officials, or by any person, for
private purposes. The act is not to be
so construed as to prevent the payment
of all actual and necessary travelling ex-
penses when travelling on legitimate and
necessary duties pertaining to their Of
fees.
Mr.. Maynard inquired how the bill
would affect collectors OF ports whose
compensation was made up largely of
fees. Would it restrict them to their
salaries and no more?
Mr.. WoOdford replied that il would.
Mr.. Dawes offered an amendment by
inserting words, 'Or make any private
profit or use of labor or services of any
person employed by the United States,
which labor or service is paid for by the
United States"
The morning hour expired and the bill
went over until tomorrow. The house
then resumed the consideration OF the
currency bill.
Mr.. Coburn made speech in favor of
the bill. He denied the assertion that
what the south and west lacked was not
currency but capital. he maintained,
on the contrary, that 1t was not capital
they wanted but currency. The census
tables showed that they had wealth and
capital In abundance; quite enough to
command respect and to silence those
who 1nsolently made such q statement.
He could see no safety in contraction,
and none in standing still. The bill
passed by the senate was now on the
speakers table. So far as 1t
went it was a measure of re-