National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-03-23
CONGRESSIONAL.
PROCEEDINGS IN BOTH HOUSES.
Pensions for hfe.savlng Service Men-Passsxe Of a
Few Bills-Discnsslon on the Chinese
Blll-various Amendments
Proposed.

The Chair submitted messages from the Presi-
dent transmitting from the Secretary OF the In
terror the drah Of bill to authorize payment for
Government transportation OH certain railroads,
and from the Secretary Of the Navy a communica.
ton urging an appropriation Of $4,000 under the
head OF contingent equipment and recruiting "
to defray eccruing expenses
Mr.. Cameron, of Pennsylvania, presented the
resolutions adopted at a town meeting Of the citi-
zens of Philadelphia the 4th instant concerning
the persecution of the Jewish citizens Of Russia.
Mr.. MCPHERSON, from the Committee on Naval
Ahhirs, reported adversely the bill 10 equalze the
pay Of officers of the navy. Placed on the oalen
dar by request of Mr. Jackson.
Mr.. Vance, from the same committee, reported
adversely the bill to prevent officers OF the navy
from being kept on the retired list aier dsablli-
ties for which they were placed there have ceased
Indefinitely postponed
Mr.. Cameron. Of Pennsylvania. from the Mill
tary Committee. reported nvOrably the bill for the
relief Of the sufferers by the explosion at the
Brldcsburg Arsenal, Philadelphia, lii 1873,
Mr.. George, from the Committee on Claims. re-
ported the original bills ON the applications for re-
lief of George II. Plant and George N. Wilbur
The time up to two o'clock vas occupied In the
consideration Of amendments to the bill to pro.
mote the efficiency of the Life. Saving Service and
establishing additional stations.
The discussion was confined to the salaries of
the surfmen and supcrintendents The bill was
BY unanimous consent the tariff commission
bill (the regular ORDER was temporarily laid aside
den Illness Of Mr.. Garland from whom speech
was expected, and the Senate took up the consular
and diplomatic appropriation bill.
The Senate committee amendments were read
and agreed to, These included an item of $4,000
for contingent expenses OF the Department Of
State.
Mr.. Beck moved an amendment requiring here
after all commercial agencies, whether paid by
fees or otherwise to be specifically enumerated,
with the compensation In each case, in the annual
estimates of the secretary of State. The amend
ment prevailed and the bill passed.
Mr.. Harris, from the select committee on the
same subject, reported, with sundry amendments,
the bill TO prevent the introduction Of contagious
diseases in the United States.
The Chair again announced the tariff bill as the
regular order, but no member rising TO speak on
the subject, the Senate on motion of Mr. Conger,
again took up the House Lile-Saving Service bill,
subject to a call for the regular order.
Mr.. Conger, by way of obviating objections TO
the BILL proposed reduction in the salaries,
as to establish two grades-namey S3,00O
and N,JOO. The proposition did not re-
ceive unanimous concurrence, and the previous
discussion upon the alleged inadequacy Of the
pay for the superintendents in certain districts by
reason OF their greater responsibilities and labors,
as compared with other, was continued by MesSTs
Call, Hale, Hawley, McPherson, Conger and
Brown.
An amendment fixing the salary in the district
embracing Rhode Island aud Long Island at u 500
finally prevailed
Aftcr long and desuitory debate, in which Mr.
Brown contended for q unifoqn salary of 81 300
the salaries of the superintendents In districts
covering the more dangerous lines of coast and
reported in the bill at $500, were fixed at $500
and those in districts reported at 5000 were
graded at 81, 800 Upon an amendment offered by
Mr. Brown for slight increase for the Florida
coast district Mr. Jones' of Florida said the losses
from wrecks were greater there than upon any
other portion of the Atlantic cost line. Mr. Nor.
gan said that but six of the total of293 stations had
been given to the dangerous Gulf coast and spoke
OF the value and importance of the Gulf conf
merce. The bill was finally laid aside without
action, pending motion for executive session.
session and lat 500 adioufned until Thursday.