The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-05-20
BY TELEGRAPH.
ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORT.
TO THE DAILY LEERLLIGRNoER
CONGRESSIONAL.
Mr.. Stevens Puts Himself on the
Record Asainst Potter's
Resolution.
Discussion Of the Army Bill.-.Mr.
Hewitt Makes Some Sisni-
ficant Remarks.
ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORT.
TO THE DAILY LEERLLIeENoER
CONGRESSIONAL.
HOUSE.
WAsHIsoroa, May Is.


Mr.. Stevens asked to be put upon the
record. he was absent on leave OF the
House yesterday when the vote was taken
upon what Is known as the Potter reso.
luton, and was paired with Mr.. Harris.
But for the pair he would have voted
against the resolution as it stood.
Mr.. Ellis, from the Committee on
Elections, reported a resolution declaring
that there had been no fair, free and
peaceable election In the First Con-
gressional District Of South Carolina, and
neither that Mr.. Rainsy, sitting member,
nor Mr.. Richardson, contestant, was en-
titled to the seat. He stated that he
would call the resolution up on Thursday
next.
The House then went into Committee
OF the Whole, Mr.. Springer, OF illinois, In
the Chair, on the Army Appropriation
Bill.
Mr.. Hewitt, Of New York, who has
charge Of the bill, in his statement said
that he regarded the crucial test Of states
mGnship TO be reduction o! the burdens
Of taxation, 80 that the hand Of labor
might reap It's reward and keepit when
earned. The idea had been the pole star
which.the Committee on Appropriations
had set before 1t.
The reduction in expenditures 10 1877
had been twenty-five millions.
Mr.. Foster-I beg pardon. The reduc.
ton does not amount to twelve millions.
Mr.. Hewitt reaffirmed his statement,
and added, the expenditures should be
still further reduced twenty. millions.
The cost OF the army in 1850 amounted
10 forty-fye cents per head OF the entire
population, and in 1877 to tiity-four cents.
That made difference Of between four
and five millions.
On test OF army posts now and in 1850,
fifty.three Of the present posts were use
less; there was also surplus in the
strength Of the army.
He though there was no danger OF an
Indian war. As to the use Of the army
10 put down labor strikes, he said II was
not in accordance with the Republican
principle Of government to keep an army
restrain any portion Of the people from
exercising any just right. II these strikes
gave rise TO disorders, 1t was the duty OF
the States individually. 10 repress them.
What the Government ought 10 do, was
10 organize a National military system
throughout the country. He was in "a.
yor of encouraging rifle clubs, for Re.
publican country need never fear disord.
er when the people were armed. As TO
Communism, which was faunted before
Congress as reason why the army should
b. increased, that never had q footing,
and never would have footing In this
land unless Congress should undertake TO
police the country with standing army.
II that were done Communism would
break out in every town in the country.
But II Communism should break out, the
President was authorized to call out the
militia.
II the militia could not be trusted, Re.
publican institutions were failure.
Mr.. McCook criticised the reductions
proposed. Referring to the bill prepared
BY the Chairman OF the Committee on
Military Affairs, he said, section In
that bill providing for the disbandment
Of the army, had been seriously contem.
plated, and received the sanction Of dis.
tipguished members Of that committee,
and possibly Of the Appropriation Com.
mittee.
Mr.. Hewitt-I object to any such state
ment as TO the Committee on Appropri.
ations; It Is entirely uniounded in fact.
Mr.. McCook-I said "possibly."
Mr.. Hewitt still object 10 the state
ment and AK the gentleman to con.
iine himself to the facts.
Mr.. McCook-It Ia an unques.ioned
fact that such section, providing for the
disbandment Of the army in case Of fail
ure Of Congress to pass the Army Appro-
priation bill, was incorporated in the
Army Bill; that 1t was discussed and
defended; that for over two months II was
obstinately adhered TO, and that should
make Us hesitate before agreeing TO fol-
low the other suggestions from the same
source, even when adopted by the Com
mittee on Appropriations.
The commftte then rose, and the Speak.
er stated that he would be absent the
early part Of next week.
Mr.. Eden offered resolution appoint
ing Mr.. ssyler Speaker pro tem. Adopt
ed.
It was arranged that there should be
evening sessions for regular business pur.
poses all next week.