The Portland daily press., 1882-06-27
XLVIIth Congress-1st Session
SENATE.

w
A bill was introduced constituting Robert
Garrett, VIM. 7. Burns, VIM. f. Frick OF
Maryland and their associates company to
lay teleg raph cable between America and
Europe. Referred to the committee on foreign
relations.
The appropriations committee reported
hack the legislative, executive and judicial
appropriation bill with amendments, and NOV
ed its consideration tomorrow. 1t approprl-
ates $50, 100000, being an increase OF S326, 600
over the amount of the bill as 1T passed the
House. Ordered printed.
A conference on the West Point military
appropriation bill was read and adopted
On motion of Mr.. Hawley provision was
made for the printing of portions of the report
of the ordinance board and information con-
cerning the society of the Red Cross for the
ameioration of sufferings of soldiers during
Mr.. Pendleton moved to take up the resolu-
tion concerning political assessments.
Mr.. Conger objected.
The chair ruled that the taking up of the
resolution notwithstanding the objection
would enable the discussion to proceed outside
of the limit upon debate in the morning hour
Mr.. Conger withdrew his objection, when it
was renewed on the Democratic side.
The resolution was taken up without dissent.
It instructs the committee on civil service and
retrenchment to enquire whether any attempt
is being made to levy or collect assessments for
political purposes or parties from government
employees in Washington.
Mr.. Pendleton after expressing his surprise
that objection had been made, proceeded to
address the Senate.
Mr. Pendleton read from the Republican
Congressional committees circular and severe
ly criticised it.
the committee wished the fact distinctly un-
derstood that the assessments were entirely
voluntary and were compulsory upon no one.
The debate was temporarily Suspended and
the House resolution providing for final ad-
journment July 10, was briefly considered and
finally laid on the table to await further pro-
gress on the appropriation bills.
The discussion of political assessments was
then resumed.
- Mr.. Alliston asserted that in 1880, which
sent out to which only 1,514 made an affirma-
tive response, and he chaytorged refutation of
the assertion that not single remoyel from
Office was the result of failure to contribute.
Mr. Hale spoke in similar strain and said
the posing of the Democratic party now in the
attitude of special advocates of civil service re-
form was but temporary expedient to gain
popularity. The spoils system had always
been an element of Democratic strength, and
he quoted from the Cavode investigation to
show the extent to which this was carried on
before and during Bpchanans campaign. A
Republican administration could show nothing
as bad as that.
Upon the conclusion of his remarks the sub
Mr.. Logan presented the conference report
on the army appropriation bill. Retirement
had been made compulsory at "a years and
voluntary after 40 years service. The report
was agreed to.
Without further action on the political as
ssssment resolution the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
A bill was passed appropriating 100000 for
public building at Williamsport
Mr.. Butterworth of Ohio submitted con-
ference report on the army appropriation bill
and it was agreed to.
Several bills were introduced and referred.
Mr.. Hiscock of New York, chairman of the
committee on appropriations, reported the sun
dry civil appropriation.
ted.
Mr.. Neal of Ohio then claimed the floor for
the fcommittee on the District of Columbia
Mr. Neal stating that at 2.30 he would yield
to Kelley of Pennsylvania to Call up the IN
ternal revenue bill.
Several bills pertaining to the District OF
Columbia were passed.
At 2.45 the District committee yielded the
floor and the House went into committee OF
the whole on the bill to reduce the internal
revenue taxes. Several amendments were
offered and rejected.
On motion of Mr.. Carlisle the substitute for
the third section offered by Mr.. Kelley was
amended by reducing the tax on cigars to "a
Der anu Ou ClSdEobtS WOiSulu lOo iloAO
than three pounds per 1000 to 70 cents. Mr.
Kelleys substitute as amended was agreed to.
Mr.. Flower then offered as substitute for
the entire bill the amendment of which he
gave notice some days ago. He took the
ground that all taxes under the internal
revenue system ought to be reduced except the
tax on distilled spirits. He believed such
reduction would be in the direct line of
revenue reform and civil service reform. He
referred to the fact that almost on the anniver-
af Drao ilnnt Gar 4fa1A
the two per cent. Republican assessment was
ringing through the papers in order to cele-
brate it, He would not as member OF the
Democratic Congressional campaign committee
solicite single subscription.
Mr.. Cox offered an amendment providing
that no political assessment be imposed upon
any person engaged in the execution OF inter-
nal revenue laws
Mr.. Kasson said the manhood of the country
is not to be insulted by that side any more than
by this. When freeman is asked to pay
money for political purposes he has the right
and it is his duty to decline II he does not wish
to do so. If find any officer in Congress or in
the departments who interferes to get a man
turned out on the ground that he has not CON
tributed, will get up on this floor and de-
nounce him. There is no one man who will
lose his office for declining to pay his assess
ment.
Mr.. Springer made a strong denunciatory
speech upon the subject of political assessments
and inquired whether he was at liberty to in
form employees of the House they were nottex-
pected to pay the assessment unless they want
ed to.
Mr. Hubbell-So far as L am concerned you
have that right
Mr.. Springer-Then 1 inform the employees
they need not pay the assessment.
Mr.. Flowers substitute was rejected.
Mr. Anderson vehemently attacked the
bill.
The committee then rose and the previous
question was ordered on the bill and amend
ments, thus ensuring their coming up tomor-
row as unfinished business The matter then
went over.
Adjourned.