Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-03-21

mlttee on appropriations. like his colleague (Cht.
teuden) and tell us the necessity for making these
appropriations, instead of coming before the
House and making demagogical appeals to the
people OF New York. [Laughter.l Why does he
claim to be a leader of the House on economy and
then come here and complain Of appropriations
not being made
Mr.. Cox-When | spoke of leading on matters
OF economy, | referred to certain matters only
connected with pay and back pay. Economy does
not cut down wages of men honestly earned.
Long before my colleague (Chittendenl took
charge OF the matter and had inquired into it,
had written letter to the secretary of the navy
had called the attention of the chairman of the
commlltee on app opriations to it, and had been
assured by him that it would be attended to
promptly. have also been before that committee
urging 1t. What more could dol
Mr.. Whitthorne, chairman of the committee ON
naval affairs, expressed belief that it would be
Shown as result of the investigation now going
on, that the money which was properly due to
mechanics and laborers at the navy Yards, had
gone to enrich contractors, and he should not be
surprised if some of these contractors were among
the constituents of the gentleman from New York
-(Cox)
Mr.. Cox do not represent them.
Mr.. Nhitthorne-The money which was due
these laborers aud mechanics was appropriated by
Congress, but was misused and diverted by the
last administration.
MIR. Hewitt of New York, member of the ap.
Propriatlon committee, resented his colleagues
(Coxs) Imputatlon against that committee. The
mrs knowledge OF the matter which he (Hewitt)
had was derived from letter of Mr.. Chitte nden's
which had been promptly taken up aud referred
to the secretary Of the navy. Ii it had been
known to the committee sooner a bill would have
been reported for the purpose. Ii was a cheap
method OF bidding for popularity to arraign that
committee Tor not doing that which under the cir
cumstances 1t WAS impossible for it to do.
MIR. Randall 1.-THE spezker)-Does not the gen.
teman know that finding fault with the approx ria
ton committee has been always a chronic COM
plant.
Mr.. Hewitt have not been on that commit
tee long enough to sustain this chrome comp amt
with entire unanmity. | propose to have the
just de bts OF the government discharged at the
earliest possible moment. | do not propose that
any cheap popularity shall be made at my ex-
pense.
Reference having been made in the discussion
to the refusal of the appropriations for public
buildings, Mr.. Blount, member of the appropr-
alton committee, said that if it was not question
whether or not the buildings could be put up
cheaply now, but grsver question was where
was the money to come from. Would the pres
ent revenues supply 1t. The secretary of the
treasury dad not think so. The revenues were
constantly decreasing. Something must be done
to repair them.
Alter long discussion Mr. Ford offered an
amendment making ii unlawful for the secretary
OF the treasury to destroy, cancel or retire any
more Uunited States treasury notes.
MIR. Hewitt making point Of ORDER the amend
ment was ruled out.
After few important changes the committee
rose aud reported the bill to the house which was
passed.
Inc mouse then proceeded to consoles the bill
providing for permanent form of government
for the district Gas if in the committee Of the
whole Mr. hale of Maine in the chair.
The bill prov ides for the election or appoint
ment Of three commissioners, one to be appointed
by the president one to be elected by the senate,
and one by the house of representatives, who
shall serve for three years. 1t also provides for .
council of twenty fonr members, to be elected by
the citizens OF the district, which shall have pow
to carry investigs alton into the accounts ard
official conduct of any officer of the district, and
which shall have right to disapprove any con-
tract which shall be entered into by the commits
sioners now in existence and devolves their duties
on the commissioners on the persons appointed
by the com mis toner's.
The matter went over without action.
Mr.. Ellis offered the usual resolutions on the
death of Hon. j. E. Leonard of La, and gave
notice that he would call them up for action on
Saturday April 9th, at two o'clock. and the house
adjourned.