The Rock Island Argus., 1880-12-20
Last NIGHTS Dispatches.
KEW CONGRESS.
HOUSE.


WASHINGTON. Dec. Is In regard Il
the diplom attic portion of the consular bill
there had been no change whatever made
from the law of last year. La regard tC
the consular service the committee Oh
appropriations had adopted some changes
which had been proposed by the secretary
of state, comprising chiefly the transfer
| OF consulates from one class to another.
| he dwelt upon the importance of the con-
suiates from one class to another He
dwelt upon the importance of the consular
service In advancing the commercial inter
ests OF the country, but argued that its
utility was neutralized, by laws against
free ships. The carrying trade of the
country had almost disappeared under the
restrictions which had been placed upon it
by laws which said that a man could not
go to any country he pleased and buy a
vessel and get an American register, He
contended that these laws should be
amended as they had proved very detri-
mental to commerce.
Mr.. Conger referred to the great inn
portance of extending tho consular ser
vice. but ridiculed the smallness Of the
So aries paid consuls. New markets were
opened through the exertion of these
officers and the com merce of the coun.
try moved. though ships were no: al
lowed to be bought In England. The
American people could manufacture ships
against the world and were doing it to
day. LIT 1t were not for the continual
threat made in this House that the peopIe
should go and bug free ships and thus en-
danger the establishment of American
ship yards, ships could be manufactured
here cheaper and better than they were
to day, and to-day they were the finest
ships 10 the world. The people had in
advance told the gentleman from Missis-
sippi (Singleton) if he had diplomatic
BILL to introduce it but to close the por
tails of his speech on the subject of ships.
lie criticised the Committee on Appropri-
tions for not increasing the salaries of con
sular officers. which criticism called forth
that he regretted that Mr.. Conger had not
been called to the position of Secretary OF
State instead of MIR. Evarts.
Mr.. Conger replied that he regretted
that, like all other attemps made by the
other side, the effort to have him promoted
to that high position came to late. Con.
tinuiDg his speech. he said that continu-
Gus wilful (he had almost said miicious)
attack on the diplomatic and consular
system had been made for the last six
years by the Democratic sids of the
House.
Mr.. Sparks asserted that though at.
tempts had been made 70 trim the dipIo
matte service, none had heen mado On the
consular service.
MIR. Springer says that notwithstanding
the lamentations of the gentleman from
Michigan (Conger) times had never been
as prosperous, the exports as large. or
business SO remunerative as during the
time that the Democratic party had q pa
jority in Congress.
Mr.. Heilman inquired whether the pros |
perity of the country had not been brought |
about in spite of the Democratic party.
Mr., Springer-It has been brought |
about in spite of the legislation Of the Re |
publ can party,
Mr.. Heilwan-Y know better and the |
knows better.
Mr.. Springer-It was under Republican |
rule and when the Republican tariff laws I
we're in full force and effect 10 1873 that |
the great financial crisis came on Us.
Mr.. Heilman- Was it not brought |
about by the Democratic rebellion, which |
nvolvedsthe .country in immense expen-
ditures?
Mr., Springer-ShlI harpiug on my
laughter. Laughter Nothing can de
said in reference to the business or ex-
ports or imports that some gentleman does |
not say Did it not happen on account of |
the late rebellion2
Mr.. Hawk inquired ia what particular
the Democrats had modified tariff since
1873?
SIR. Springer Ia oaly one respect, and
and abat was to take the duty Of quinine so
that Republicans ,ud get free q1inine in
the midst of their shaking.
Mr. offer asSertrG that Ouinire WAS
higher since the Democrats had taken the |
duty off than it had been before.
The general debate then closed and |
the bill was read for amendment, but
none being offered the committee rose and |
reported the bill to the .House, The vote
40. nays 2-Messrs Nc !
MILAN and o. Turner. No quorum.
Adjourned until Monday.