National Republican., 1880-05-01
Conrrers Yesterday.

In the Senate yesterday, after the transaction OF
somo unmportant morning-hour business, the
Senate resumed consideration Of the bill to estab-
lish retired list for non. commissioned officers OF
the army, the pending question being Mr.. Alison's
amendment TO authorize the President to appoint
two colored cadets atlarge annually to the Military
Academy at West Point.
Mr. Burnside said that when the amendment
was offered lie had been inclined to oppose it, both
as not gcrmane and because he did not favor legis
lation recognizing race distinctions. Ho knew that
the amendment did not meet the approval of the
Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Brucc) or of the lead
ing men OF the colore race. But, after reflection,
he would vote for the amendment. Recent events
at the academy had aroused the public mind
TO a remarkable degree. As graduate Of and
lover of the institution, he took n deep interest
In its management 1t was National institu-
ton and should have national characteristics. The
students ought to represent the National Legisla-
ture II might be too soon after the war TO expt CT
all prejudice against the colorcd race TO have died
out among the people but an Institution under
direct control OF Congress should not be allowed TO
keep this feeling alive. There seemed To be dis
position not to recognize the colored race In ap-
pointments of cadets. The President as matter OF
precedent appoints sons of retired officers dis
tingushed statesmen. Very few colored boys In
the North fitted by training to pass tho exami-
nations which have come TO be required for admis-
sion when appointed by Members of Congress.
Mr.. Dawes moved to amend the amendment so
as to direct the appointment without specifying
color, of five cadets-at-large He wished to trust to
the effect of public sentiment 10 govern the Pres-
dents action. A cadet appointed under compul-
sion would 60 TO the academy under even more
unfavorable circumstances than poor Whitaker
did.
Mr.. Hamin would not vote to send any more
cadets 10 an institution whose officer told the stu
dents that he would not associate with 4 colored
cadet because II would be Injurious to him." and
whose president issued an order exonerating his
cadets while they were yet on trial. II the news
paper dispatches were correct this had occurred at
West Point. He would not PREJUDICE the case, but
would not send more cadets there until an exam
ination into the management was had.
Mr.. Hereford said the fault in this matter was
not with the professors the students. Congress.
men proposed to ask OF cadets what they would
not do themselves, No Senator would allow his
daughter TO marry colorod man. This feeling
was implanted in mems breasts by divine decree.
No law could enforce social intercourse between
the races. The colored men should be let alone
and not constantly made the subject of Congress
sionHl debate. They would develop naturally and
take their proper position In society, and this was
what they themselves most wished
Mossrs. Herman and Maxey opposed the amend
ment of Mr.. Dawes because II unduly increased the
number of cadets, which was already redundant.
Pending debate the morning hour xpired and the
Naval appropriation bill was taken up.
The bill was read and passed without any gen.
eral discussion and without amendment, the bill
going teuihe President without rider and in pre-
csey the condition 1t was in when reported from
the House Committee on Alppropri%ti9ns.
Senate resumed the consideration of the Spoflord.
Kellogg resolution.
Mr.. Vance addressed the Senate for a short time
md then gavo way In order that the Senate might
give expression to It's regret ut the death of Mr. D.
w. Middleton for n motion which was adopted,
and at 800 p. m. the Senate adjourned to Monday.
In the House Mr.. Ballou, from the Committee on
Education and Labor reported a bill TO constitute
commission TO report on the subject Of the
amendment OF the photography of the public docu-
ments
Mr.. King gave notice that he would call up the
Monroe doctrine resolutions reported by himself
on Wednesday next Wednesday.
The call of committees was then proceeded with,
and q large number of private bills were reported
and placed on the private calendar.
The House next went into the Committee Of the
Whole on the private calendar, and n number of
bills, mostly for pensions, were agreed TO and Or
dered to be reported to the House.
Mr. Singleton reported back the Consular and
Diplomatic appropriation bill, with Senate amend
ments Some wer0 concurred in and others nom
concurred in, and the bill will go to q conference
committee.
The Indian appropriation bill with Senate
amendments was taken from the Speakers table
and referred 10 the Committee on Appropriations.
The House proceeded with the consideration Of
business ON the Speakers table, and all the private
bills the table were passed. until the bill for the
relief of l.. Madison Day was reached, when there
was manifested strong opposition TO the bill, and
on the question of its final passage the vote stood
yeas. 50; nays, 67.
The point Of order was made that no quorum
was present and at little after p. m. the House
adjourned