The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-01-24
XLVII CONGRESS--2d Session
SENATE.


WASHINGTON, Jan. %.
Several petitions of iron workers against the
reduction of duties we're presented.
Mr.. Van Wyck, from the minority commit
tee on pensions, submitted report in favor of
the passage of the HOUSE bill to give increased
pensions 10 one armed and one legged soldiers,
but az the majority report had not been made,
the uinorityreport could not be received
: Mr.. Harrisssggested that the majority re-
port would be ready in two three days, when
the other could also be presented.
The tariff bill was taken up and the Senate
began the consideration of Schedule G, met
ais"
Mr.. Miller, of New York, moved to make
the duty on iron ore and dross or residuum
from burnt pyrites 81 per ton instead of fifty
cents as in bill. He argued that this duty was
required for The protection Of cur nativ, ores
against cheap importations from Spain and
Africa
Mr.. Morrill, said the finance committee bad
come to the conclusion that tho duty recon-
mended by the tariff commission, fifty cents q
ton, was fair compromise rate.
Several amendments proposing change in
the duty on iron ore were lost.
Mr. Camden moved to make the duty sixty
cents per ton, and pending vote the Senate
adjourned.
Mr.. Butter worth of Ohio introduced bill to
provide for q committee to investigate the sub
ject OF railroad transp0rtion. Referred TO the
COIntHitl60 CH IdCluC ThilTUduS. tlt pTOVluBb
for the appointment By the President of seven
commissioners, three of whom shall be experts
upon the subject of railroad transportation.
The commission is empowered to visit such
portions of the country as it may deem advisa-
BILE, and is directed to report its conclusions to
the next session of Congress)
Several bills were introduced including one
to retire Brevet Major General Rufus ingalls,
with rsnk of Major General.
Mr.. Desendorf OF Virgiia from the commit
- l~.ll
Robert Ingalls, on the retired list of the navy
with rank of captain.
The House at 11.30 went into committee of
the whole on the naval appropriation bill, the
pending amendments being those for the grad
ual abolition of the pay corps of the navy.
After discussion the amendment offered by
Mr.. Calkins was adopted and is as follows:
Provided, that when vacancies occur hereafter in
the paymaster's corps there shall be no original
appointms nts to Hl such vacancies but promotions
may be made according to existing regu-
lations from tn Sc remaining in said corps Officers
in the line shall be detailed to perform the nues
as now required of paymaslers but sucb officers
shall not he entitled to increased compensation in
consequence of performing such duties.
The committee then passed from the first
paragraph of the bill and the clerk read the sec
ond paragraph, which provides for sea service
and for compulsory retirement.
Immediately half dozen members were on
their feet with points of order, Mcmillan of
Tennessee being the first recognized He con-
fined his point of order to the retirement clause
and argued it was change of existing law and
not in the interest OF economy
Mr.. RobesoD considered that the clause while
it changed existing laz reduced expenditures.
After discussion the Chair overruled the
point of order
Mr.. Blourt raised point Of order against
the clause making sea service prerequisite
OF promotion.
The Chair sus aimed the point OF order and
the clause was ruled out.
After the amendments had been adopted the
whole retirement clause was stricken from
the bill without division.
Point of order was raised against the provis-
ion for promotion by section TO the grade of
rear admiral.
The point was sustained and the provision
Mr.. Knott offered an amendment providing
promotions be make according to seniority.
Adopted
Mr.. Talbot offered an amendment request
ing the President to select from the army and
navy five officers to constitute board for the
purpose of examining and reporting to Goa
gress which of the navy yards or arsenas are
best adapted to establish government foun-
dry for the manufacture Of guns adapted to
modern warfare, together with the estimate
OF the cost of steam hammer OF sufficient
strength to manufacture guns nf large calibre.
Adopts d.
The appropriation of S100.Cco for the pur-
chase and manufacture of automobile torpe-
does having been reached Mr.. Harris offered
an amendment that they should be Of Ameri-
| can manufacture.
After debate the amendment was adopted.
Mr.. Harris then moved to strike out the
clause as amer d-d and insert tlause sppro-
priatiUg $100,Co0 for the purchase or manutac-
| ture after examination Of torpedees invention
of citizens of the United States, provided $780,
| 600 Of this sum shall be paid Asa Weeks when
| he shall execute and deliver to the United
States release in writing of all claims for the
| present or future use of all his inventions in
| torpedoes. Amendment was adopted.
| After completing consideration of IA pages
| OF the bill the committee rose.
| AdiOnrnad