Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-12-13
PORTY.SEYEATH CONGRESS-.
SENATE.
WAsHIyGToS, Dec l:

WAsHISGToS, Dec II.
On motion of Mr.. Hoar resolution was
adopted directing the postmaster general to
transmit his last report on the administration
of the post office in Newport; also resolu-
ton directing the secretary of the treasury
to transmit a report of Edward o. Grimes on
the administration of the custom house. naval
Office, and surveyors Office in New York.
At the close of the forenoon Mr.. Beck pro-
posed to call up his resolution on political
assessments; but owing to the absence OF
Mr.. Edmunds, whose motion referring the
re solution to the committee on judiciary
matters was pending, Mr.. Beck agreed that
it should be laid aside temporarily.
The Senate next proceeded to consider the
calendar.
Bills were introduced and referred.
By Mr.. Ferry granting pensions to Stew
art Herbert and Julia Z. Revere, the latter
the widow of Brigadier General Revere.
By Mr. Beck bill TO prohibit officers and
employees OF the United States from contri-
butng money for political purposes. Re
ferred to the Judiciary committee.
Mr. Vest offered resolution, which was
agreed to, instructing the committee on Ter
ritories to inquire and report by bill or other
wise what legislation, if any, is necessary to
protect the public property and to enforce
laws of the United States in the Yellowstone
Park and to protect game there.
The bill to equalize the pay of navy chap
lains with that of army chaplains was DIS
| cussed, but without action, and the Pendle-
ton civil service bill was taken up.
The amendments reported from the COM
| mittee on civil service reform were agreed
to.
Mr.. Pendleton said the necessity of a
change in the civil administration of the
government had been fully discussed in pub
| lie and he would not make any further argu-
ment on that point. He proceeded to emu
| merate some Of the abuses of the present
system and spoke at length in support OF the
bill. Mr. PendIeton believed the passage OF
| the measure would hasten the day of demo
| cratic triumph, but even if he thought other
| wise he would still urge it because as much
as he loved the democratic party he loved
his country more.
| Mr.. Sherman feared his colleagues effort,
| to convert his party to the course of clvl
| service reform would prove unsuccessful aud
would find this like all other reforms, tina
| reforms must be made, if at all, by the re
publican party.
Mr. Sherman agreed that the civil service
should be reformed. The term of mino
officers should be fixed by law. Interference
| with the appointments ny senators ana mem
bers was not only demoralizing, but it Wa
humliating to them, and he had voted SOM
years ago tor bill Introduced by Senate
Trumbell to prohibit it. But civil service
reform bill which did not deal with the powe
of removal was the play of Hamlet will
Hamlet left out.
j Mr.. Hoar said that while the bill did no
deal directly with the power to remove, /
took away the temptation to remove improp
erlv or uniustly.
Mr.. Sherman dlssented from this view.
Amendments were offered by Messrs
Hawlev, Logan, Allison, Harrison, Hoar AM
Hale. which were ordered printed.
Adjourned.