Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-03-02
FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS,
Second Session.
The Senate.

WASHINGTON, March IA communication
from the secretary of war was received, recon-
mending repairs and public buildings at Fort
ress Monroe, at an estimated cost of $22. $50.
Petitions were presented from railroad Off
GERS against reduction of duty on steel rails.
Several petitions were presented for the ad-
mission free of duty of materials used in max
ing paper.
SPANISH CLAIMS.
The Vice President laid before the Senate q
message from the President inviting the atten-
ton of Congress to the subject of the unsettled
claims of Spanish inhabitants of East Florida,
settlement of which was provided for by the
treaty of 1919 between the United States and
Spain. The tribunal established under this
treaty by act of Congress, in 1888, allowed per
cent. interest on such claims as they acted
favorably on. but the then secretary of the
treasury declined to pay this part of the award
made. Claims for such interest have often
teen made since, but the secretaries of the
treasury have not ovsrruled the decision of
their predecessor. Under these circumstances
the President thinks it proper to lay the subject
before Congress for its consideration and such
action as may be deemed necessary.
INDIAN DEFICIENCY.
Senator Allison, from the committee on APP
propriations, reported favorably the House bill
making appropriations for the deficiency for
the support of certain Indian tribes, and
stated he would ask for its consideration to-
morrow. Placed on the calendar.
RED RIVER IMPROVEMENT.
Senator Jones introduced bill providing for
deepening the mouth and removing obstruc-
tions to the navigation of Red river, and ap-
propriating $500. 600 for the purpose.
STAR SERVICE.
Senator Beck submitted resolution direct
ing the secretary of the treasury to report to
the Senate the amount paid out of the appru-
priation for the star postal service for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1880, from July LIST, 1879,
to March lst, 1880, stating the amount paid Oh
each route and what amount would be required
to pay in full for all such star services at rates
under the contracts now existing for the re-
mainder of the preFent fiscal year, stating the
amount required for each route separately.
Adopted.
On motion of Senator Mcdonald the bill
for the relief of John J. Key and W. G.. M.
Davis, paying them for certain captured and
abandoned property, passed.
ALABAMA CLAIMS.
The bill for relief of Fitz John Porter was
taken up, but was temporarily laid aside to per-
init Senator Hoar to deliver his speech on the
bill to revive and continue the court of COM
missioners of Alabama claims. At the conclu-
sion of Hoar's remarks. Senator Garland gave
notice that when the subject comes up again
he desired to speak on it.
FITz JOHN PORTER.
Senator Randolph then made speech in
support of his proposed substitute for the COM
mittee bill for the relief of Fitz John Porter.
The substitute authorizes the President to
nominate Porter as colonel of infantry, his
commission to date from January, 1868, and
retire him according to law.
Senator Randolph reviewed the whole case in
detail, and during the course of his remarks
said I'VE shall show, if it becomes necessary
in this State, that not only did Gen. Porter
know the nature of the force from which he
didn't retreat. but that he was appraised
thereof by Gen. Mcdowell who swore before
the court martial that he didn't know the ma
ture of the enemy. There is in the war depart
ment, or should be, a dispatch from Gen Nc
Dowell, dated a month before the court martial
giving statement of such knowledge of the
nature of the enemy before him.
At the conclusion of Senator Randolph's
speech Logan obtained the floor, and stated
that be didn't wish to speak until tomorrow,
but in order that wrong impression might
not go out, he deemed it just to say now that
he thought the assertion of the Senator from
new jersey, hanOOlpu, III REGARD 10 the Qlsa-
greement betweena Gen. McDowelrs testi-
meny and his report to the war department
would be found to be erroneous.
Senator Randolph-If I find it 80 1 shall
make prompt and early reparation. don't
want to do any injustice to Gen. Mcdowell, but
have had placed in my hands a report of such
a date and 1 certainly have seen Gen. Mellow
ellis testimony of the latter date.
Senator Logan-Discussion will develop the
facts. One other thing desire to say in be-
half of this man, who is dead-Douglass Pope
that the Senator will search in vain to find
anywhere in the evidence any admission by
Douglass Pope that he had made any misstate-
ment on the trial. He swears before the board
that he never made such an admission, and the
orderly that travelled with him swears posi-
lively to the time and route and the whole
thing. Both witnesses stated exactly as they
did before the court-martial.
Senator Randolph-Isn't it true that two Of
icers testified that he did make just that ad-
mission.
Senator Logan-It is true that two officers
stated that in a casual conversation they under
stood him to say that he had met some one on
the road that had misguided him and delayed
him. Mr.. Pope came forward and emphati-
cally denies this and 30 does his orderly.
Senator Randolph have made my state
ments with care. The facts will be developed
in the course of the debate.
Senator Logan-Certainly, of course. l do
not mean to insinuate that the Senator has
made any Misrepresentation. He and under
stand the evidence differently Adjourned.