The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-02-22
Forty-sevcnfh Congress-Second SEES
sion.
WASHINGTON, February q, 1888.
SENATE.


Mr.. Garland offered q resolution for
the appointment Of committee OF seven
senators 10 examine into the work now in
progress for the improvement OF the Mis-
sissippi river below Cairo, the methods,
contracts, application OF the appropriations,
and also into all matters pertaining to the
feasibility Of the outlet system and to the
Improvement at the mouth OF the river, the
system OF ietties, their permanency. etc.,
and into NIL matters touching such improve
ment-thc committee to hold sessions
during the recess OF Congress Mt places on
the river or elsewhere, TO examine per-
sons and papers, and report at the next
session. After remarks on the subject, the
resolution went over till tomorrow.
After brief executive session the Senate
took uptbe army appropriation bill. While
considering in amendment limiting TO q
three-years' term OF staff service in Wash
ington OF the line officers OF the army the
fact that that exception did not apply to the
officers OF the Signal-Seryice corps gave
rise to n discussion, Messrs. MaXey and
others arguing that those officers should
not be removed from Washington after
three years service, and Mr.. Logan. who
has charge Of the bill, DENYING that he was
las he was represented hostile TO that
corps, and contending that the military
duties performed by it should be
learned by all army officers. He
wished all army officers to have an
opportunity OF learning these duties, and
he proposed to offer an amendment that OF
the twelve SIgnal-Scryice officers now in
Washington four shall he sent back TO their
regiments in 1888, four in 1884, aud four in
1885 (0tber officers to be detailed In their
places. lie alluded TO the fact that he had
been attacked in editorial articles all over
the country rs being hostile TO the Signal
Service corps, and said that these editorials
had been enclosed to him in letters, with
the information that they had been written
in the Signal-Seryice office and paid for out
OF Government money. He could demon
strate the truth OF that statement.
This brought about n discussion OF the
merits of the Signal Service and its chief
officer, a counterpart Of one which was
progressing in the House at the same mo-
mcnf. where Mr.. Beethoven had attacked
the Signal Bureau.
Mr.. Logan's amendment was finally
ruled out on point OF order.
After the adoption OF number OF amend
ments in the line 81 rctrenchment the COM
mittee rose and reported the bill to the
Senate, and it was passed.
The new conference committee on the
postal appropriation bill was appointed.
The Notifications appropriation bill was
passed.
Mr.. Edmunds called up the joint resolu-
ton to provide for the termination OF the
articles Of the treaty OF Washington rela-
ting TO the fisheries. and it was passed.
After being amended SO as not to change
the law permitting transportation OF goods
i'm bond through American territory the
Utah bill was then taken up and discussed,
but without reaching vote the Senate adj
journed.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr.. Caswell, OF Wisconsin, submitted n
conference report on the post-oilice appro-
priation bill. stating that his conferees were
unable to agree. Mr.. Caswell explained
that the chief points OF difference were the
items appropriating SlSj,0OO for special
mail facilities. and relating to Immigrant
railroads for mail transportation.
A further conference was ordered, and
MesSrs. CasweIl, Cannon, and Ellis APP
pointed as conferees.
The House went into Committee OF the
Whole on the sundry civil appropriation
bill.
Mr.. BeltZhoover raised point OF order
AGAINST the appropriation for the pay OF the
officers of the Signal Service, but withdrew
his point, and offered IN amendment
striking out the clause authorizing the
Secretary OF War to detail for service in
the Signal corps not to exceed eight com
of gnpnnI
lieutenants OF the Signal corps authorized
by law.
In advocating his amendment Mr.. Beltz'
hoover made an attack upon the admins.
totion OF the signal service under General
IIaZen. He believed that this bureau was
purely a civil institution and wholly I'm.
military. and that il should be transferred
to some civil department OF the Govern
ment. and especially that it should BE-
placed under charge OF head who had
some scientific knowledge and some stand
inc and reputation among the responsible
scientists OF the country. The speect
which he had printed some time ago in tll'
Record had been criticised because II haC
not been delivered on the floor OF the
House. In order to avoid any misunder
Standing he had formulated his statements
in A series of charges, twelve in number.
In these charges Mr. Beltzhooyer &C
cuses Mr.. Hazen OF having practiced How
qate's methods and improved upon hI
pattern. He accuses Ilazen OF false pre-
fences, ignorance, incompetency, Ne, an'
rakes up the old charges OF cowardice an'
dtrpicity against HaZen.
MIR. Converse. OF Ohio, Il. u. Taylor
\ p,,..or,vortb Gotkius and others dcicnde(
TlaZen, and the amendment was lost.
The committee rose informally III orde
TO Kermit OF the House receiving from tn
senate House bill to reduce internal-reye
nue. taxation, with the Senate tariff amend
ments. The bill was ordered to be print
ed, and under the rules went to the Speak
er's table. The committee resumed It's sei
sson, but without completing the bill tn
committee again arose and the House aC
iourned.