The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-02-12
] ThsSNSNERS~6 = W.
WAs11NGToN. February II, ]
Congressional.

C.
lutlon offered by him yesterday calling upon
the President to inform the Senate if any
officer of the army on duty in South Caro-
lima had been instrumental in procuring le-
eislation in that State to reward him for
services rendered, sc, be passed. A long
discussion ensued.
hr. Bayard, in explaining the resolution
aforementioned, said he was morally con-
vinced that Major Lewis Merrill, Of the
Seventh United States cavalry, received from
the State Of South Carolina S21 400 for his
agency in securing the arrest aud conviction
of persons engaged in kukluX outrages, AID
that the said Merrill aided in lobbying the
bill through the South Carolina Legislature
giving S35 900 to persons who should secure
such arrests and convictions.
MIR. Howe reminded Dir. Bayard that the
Government had distributed one hundred
thousand dollars among army officers for the
arrest OF JEFF. Davis, whose offence was, per-
haps. less than that of the perpetrators of
the kukluX outrages.
Mr.. Scott defended Major Merrill as an
accomplished officer, and believed he de-
served the reward which he may have
received.
The bill for the equalization Of national
bank circulation was resumed, and occu-
pied the entire day, with no action.
House.-Indian affairs were considered
and leeislated upon.
In the Committee Of the Whole the amend
ment to the army bill placing two additional
members on the War.claims commission
was adopted.
Mr.. Bromberg, Of Alabama, moved an
amendment that the two additional commits
sioners provided for in the bill shall be Sc
lected from the southern States. Rejected.
Mr. Cox, Of New York, offered an amend
ment that the army shall not be used in aid
of The pretended State government, known
as the Kellogg government, i'll Louisiana,
or so as to interfere in the elections OF that
or any other State.
Mr.. Wheeler made the point Of order that
the amendment proposed new legislation,
and was out of order.
Mr.. Sypher, of Louisiana, hoped the
amendment would be admitted, for the he'
logg government had troops enough 10
thrash out the rebel Democracy.
Mr. Randall, of Pennsylvania: "1t has
rascaIs enough"
The point of order was sustained, anu the
amendment was excluded.
The committee then rose and reportedthe
bill. and the House proceeded to vote on tne
amendments.
TIE first vote was on the amendment Of
fcred by Mr.. Young, of Georgia, extending
the time for the presentation of claims to the
Ist of November, 1873.
The amendment was agreed to-ayeS 13l; !;
noes, 104.
All the other amendments were agreed to
in bulk, and the bill was passed.
Proposed Reduction of the Army.
A bill is now before the Military Commit
tee of the House providing for sweeping
reduction of the army.
Among the reductions are live regiments
of infantry, two of cavalry, and ore OF artll-
lery. Officers who may necessarily De ehcct-
ed by the reduction are to receive one years
pay on being mustered out. lmporlans
changes are also proposed IN the numoef anu
mode of selection of officers as Wen as lhe
commanding generals of the seVeral military
departments. -
The bill provides for the appointment OF
assistant surgeons and assistant quarterhas-
ters from officers who had served in The
Medical and Quartermaster's Departments
during the late war, and that the flfst twenty
graduates each year from the Mllltary Acaus-
nv at West Point shall be assigned 10 lesi-
ments and the remainder discharged.
The National Waterways.
The Board of Navigation Commissioners
held a meeting tonight. The Committee Oh
Resolutions, to whom was referred all mat
ters relative to national waterways, report
ed series of resolutions, which emDody
M the main points embraced in the resolutions
offered e this morning. They pronounce ener-
yefieally in favor of the opening up ana lnl.
nnrovement ofthe great water-lines, and that IL
+ Is the first duty of Congress to provide ample
r,.sans - for the same. That in this policy
centres our best hone for returning pros
nerttv. and immediste relief TO our suffering
neonje. especially the laboring classes. Iney
denounce the false cry OF economy, Wiz Mn,sn
L Sl.a onox,.fn2 nk DT0NrPse.