The Rock Island Argus., 1878-03-22

that according to his sense Of duty he was
enforcing the law. Because of that he was
arraigned as oppressive to individuals, as
being un American. He (Matthews)
thought it was one of our cherished prin-
ciples that the best way to secure the re-
peal of obnoxious laws was to rigidly en-
force them. An executive officer of tn e
government had no discretion. He must
enforce the laws.
Pending discussion, Mr.. Davis, of Hi
nois, introduced bill to confirm to the
city of Chicago the title to certain land.
Referred.
Adjourned,
The speaker appointed as the committee
on the military academy bill, Messrs. Dur
ham, Clymer and Smith.
Mr.. Chalmers introduced a bill provid-
ing for the organization of a Mississippi
Improvement comission. Referred.
The house went into committee of the
whole on the naval appropriation bill. The
amount appropriated is $l4,04S.6S4.
Mr.. Clymer explained the bill 1t had
been agreed to unanimously by the com
mittee on appropriations. The appropri-
ations recommended we're $I,5O0,OO0 less
than last year. including deficiencies, and
$2, 100000 less than the estimates for the
next fscslyear
Mr.. Willis, New York, offered an amend
melt reducing the pay of midshipmen tC
5000.
Mr.. Townsend, of New York, said
every member wanted to be an econo
mist. There was nothing that went
hnnnn 70 fha hnoou, of hiC O..
like the idea of their representative be-
commence somewhere. The gentleman
from New York iWillis) reminded him
OF the clergyman, who being notified
by his congregation that he mus; not
preach against sin'to which it was ad
dicted. had preached against the Scribe'
aud Pharisees, because they had no friends
That gentlemen had picked out midship
men to commence economy upon, because
they had no friends and had no more vote
than heather Chinee. Laughter.
The amendment was rejected,
Several other motions to amend wer,
rejected.
The provision appropriating 81 ,500,00t
for the preservation of vessels on the stock
and 10 ordinary having been reached. Mr.
Danford moved to increase the amount t
50, 100000.
Mr.. Clymer opposed the amendmen
and said nearly half of the amount appro
priated last year FOR bureau of construction
and repair had been applied to the pur
chase of lumber which was not needet
and was to-day rotting in the differen
yards. An outrage and wrong had bee
committed by some one for some purpose
but he would not name either the ma
nor purpose.
Mr.. Calkins inquired how much tn
ships on the stocks had already cost
Mr.. Clymer replied that it would take
wiser man than he was to tell that. bu
during the last eight years there had bee
appropriated for bureau of CONSTRUCTION
and repair 100000 and for the bureau
of steam engineering S45, 100000.
| Mr.. Calkins- What have we got t
show for it noW9
Mr.. Clymer- We have got few hnlk
scattered through all oceans that are Oil
creditable TO the United States as ma
tion.
Mr.. Banks said these complaints wei
of the ordinary class, but it was self.ey
dent that the government should tai
, measures to defend its honor and interes
, on the high seas. The time was not fl
/ distant when it would be necessary to
J so. The appropriation of Sl,500,000 vi
, too snail.
Mr. Danford's amendment was rejecte
: The committee rose and reported the b
5 unameuded and it was passed.
Adjourned.