The Portland daily press., 1883-12-18
XLvIII CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, Dec. IA.

In the Senate Mr.. Sherman offered resolution
that the Senate proceed to the election of its Off
GERS, which was ordered to lie over till tomorrow.
Mr.. Hale introduced several bills relating to the
navy, and expressed hope that the naval committee
would report to the Senate at this session such
measures as would put that branch of the public
service in an efficient condition.
One of the bills authorizes the President to estab
4sn 4sn Two naval or coaling stations at or near the
1sthmus of Panama, one on the Atlantic one on the
raclnc side. and make preliminary arrangements
ior the establishment of similar stations in such
other parts of the world he may deem advisable.
Anotner bill provides for the construction of seven
steel vessels, one steam ram, cruising torpedo
Doat and two harbor torpedo boats, recommend
ed by the Secretary of the Navy in his last annual
report. The third bill provides that the President
shall appoint board of nine officers of high rank
10 thoroughly scrutinze the active list of the navy
anu select not more than 620 officers of the line
l7u medical corps, 81 pay corps and 220 engineer
corps for retention the active list and ali other
oincers to be placed on separate reserved list not
entitled to promotion and to have leave of absence
with pay but subject to orders for service in tine of
war, M then to have full pay. The bill abolishes
tue bureau of construction and REPAIRS and estab.
hshing instead bureau of naval construction. IN
presenting this bill Mr. Halle said it did not seem 70
nim that many subjects were likely to come before
Congress OF more immediate importance than the
question OF the condition of The navy. The rapid
disappearanceof the old wooden shipstells too plain
~ that the more important work Of further increas
ing the navy In its force of ships ought 10 be at
tended to at once. He hoped the matter would be
considered not with reference the past but future
not with reference to politics but to what is great
and increasing need of the republic
message was received from the House announc-
ing the death of Mr.. Haskell of Kansas, which was
tor Ingalls,, of that State, on his motion the
President of the Senath appointed committee to
attend tie obsequies.
The Senate then out of respect to his memory ad
journed.
HOUSE.
In the House to-day the Chaplain, in few touch
ing words, referred to the death of Hon. D. c. Has
keil, OF Kansas, and invoked the Divine blessing
upon the bereaved family.
Mr.. Scales, of North Carolina presented the GER
tifcate of election of Thomas g. skinner Repre-
from the First District of North Car
pima, ana asked that the gentleman be sworn in
He, however, withdrew his request for the present,
upon notice by Mr.. Keifer, OF Ohio, that he had
resolution to offer in regard to it.
On motion of MIR. Holman of Indiana, it was or
dered that when the House adjourn to-day it be to
meet Wednesday next.
Mr.. Anderson, of Kansas, then arose and said:
"lt is with great that perform the sad duty
of announcing to the House the death of nay la
mented colleague Hon. Dudley G. Haskell who died
at his residence in this city yesterday myrning with
the earliest tint of that sacred day which typies to
the Christian the resurrection of the dead. His
spirit was severed from the jurisdiction OF this
Congress of the United States and Joined that sub
lime general assembly of representatives from all
nations, continents and centuries, AS babe sleeps
he slept out of life and woke to that Immortality
youchsafed and, given by our Lord Jesus Christ Mr.
Haskell has served dur ng the last three Congresses
WIN eVeI-lncl easing ability fidelity and efficiency
and had he been spared to occupy this seat draped
with he emblems of mourning, but bril- htened with
flowers of Christian hope, he would have taken
high and deserved ra' k in Congress or his never
que tone purity of character bright legislative ex-
lerience and craftsmanship. This is not the time
10 speak, however. On some future day the House
Will be asked to suspend its ordinary proceedings
aud pay ting tribute of respect the life of one
whose words and deeds have become inseparable
parts OF lis history Mr.. Anderson then offered the
customary resolutions, which were unanim ously
adopted and the H use, as a tribute of respect to
the deceased adjourned at 1915 until Wednesday.