The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-25

some protection, that I am anxious to build up
the navy; and if the country has no honest men
who can be intrusted with the building of q
navy we had better lower our flag and seek pro
lection in some honest country
Mr. Tilmau opposed the pending amendment
A colloquy then ensued between Mr.. Kasson
and Mr.. Cox, of New York as to the Jay Hub
bell assessment circulars which partOok SOME
what of personal character, but had little to
do with the question directly under discussion.
Mr. Hewitt said he was willing to trust the
expenditure of this money TO the present Score
tary of the Navy. He knew him to be an able,
astute politician, and he believed that i'll the ex
penditure of public money he was an honest
man; yet the country had some experience as to
what he would do when placed in position Of
great necessity.
Mr.. Hiscock made inquiry as to what his
colleague referred to.
Mr. Hewitt replied that, under the naval law
of 1888 the Secretary of the Navy was directed
to dispose of certain ships and ordnance
stores no longer required for public
use, and to pay the proceeds of those sales into
the treasury Of the United States. Under that
act the Secretary proceeded to have appraised
and condemned large number of vessels which
were sold in September last which sale produced
something over 1000, 000 When the pending
bill was originally before the House. he Mr..
HEWITT went to the Treasury Department TO
find whether the money had reached there. 1t
was payable to the Secretary within thirty days
after the sale of the material, and yet, up to
three weeks ago 1t had nOtreached the treasury
Now, he made no charge whatever of improper
use of that money He did not believe the Sec
rotary Of the Treasury would appro-
pirate dollar of it; but when he
of some subordinate in New York or Boston he
neglected his duty. He tIr. HEWITT had found
that so, 600 Lad been received from purchas
ing agent in New York on an open check, and
the Secretary of the Treasury was unable to say
from what account it came, except that it was to
the credit of the Navy Department He would
not trust public officer who did not see that
money that came into his custody was properly
placed in the treasury, as the law required.
There was no obligation on his part to turn in
money before the election, except the obligation
of law which he had not complied with three
weeks ago.
Mr. Calkins defended the Secretary of the
Navy.
Mr. Cannon quoted from the annual report of
the Secretary of the Navy to show that alImoney
received from the sale Of old material had been
placed on deposit with the treasury of the United
States, subject to check by the Secretary of the
Navy. as the expenses connected with the sale
We're TO be paid out of the proceeds
Mr.. Calsens sent to the Clerks desk and had
read a telegram from the Secretary stating that
the proceeds of the sale had been Immediately
deposited III the treasury, and there remained.
The reading of the telegram received with
applause on the Republican side
ALr Cannon, continuing, thanked God that he
was not so organized that he was compelled at
dli lllltS, III SEASON anu Oub VI Std
son, to distrust every public officer
or every private citizen He thanked God
he did not belong to party that was put in such
a strait that its principal leader or leaders were
compelled, for the purpose of making the party
a success. to insnuate on false premises against
the honesty and honor of public officials.
Mr.. Hewitt repeated mis- statement that, on
his inquiry at the Treasury Department he had
been informed the money had not been paid into
the Treasury. When investigation was made,
it would be found, though, that the money
might be in the treasury, though it was not Gov
cred into the Treasury rs the law required.
Mr.. Cannon said the gentleman from New
York had gone in search of mafeasances. and
had succeeded in showing not only n-will
but his ignorance of the public reports of the de-
partments.
Mr.. O'Neills motion was lost and the remain
der of the Amendments were non-concurred in.
The committee rose and the House agreed to
the report the vote on concurrence i'll the
ordnance amendment being yeas 1876, nays 106.
Mr.. Kasson Withdrew the point of order which
had sent the POstoffice appropriation bill and
Senate amendments to the committee of the
whole. and the House proceeded to their con
sideration. The amendments were not con-
Cured in.
The House then took recess until o'clock
the evening session to be FOR debate on the tariff
bill