The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-02-28
xLVIIIth CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON. February 81, 1884.
SENATE

SENATE.
The Public-B Buildings Committee report
ed fayorably Senator Browns bill author
ling the erection OF a public building at
Augusta, Ca, at cost not exceeding
5000, 900 for the building and site thereof.
A bin was introduced by Mr.. Morgan
for an appropriation Of money for the inn
provement of the bay and harbor OF Mo-
bile, Ala. 1t provides that 100000 be
made Immediately available for continuing
thc Improvement OF the ship channel in
the bay OF Mobile.
Mr.. Van WICK offered the following
resolution, for which he asked immediate
consideration
ReSOiUed, That the Committee on Post
Offices and Post-Roads be directed to i'll
auire whether ut any time the Western
Union and Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph
companies. or any officers or employees OF
said companies, have entered into a con-
tract or negotiation for the purpose OF
consolidating said companies or making Il
combination for any purpose.
Mr.. Van Wyck explained that some days
ago he had offered Il resolution cOniining
the time OF the negotiation referred TO
within one year. The evidence OF DR..
Norvin Green Yesterday before the Com
mittee on Post-Ofiices and 'Post-Roads
had. he said, clearly established the fact
that contract was made and executed two
wears ago, but the elder Garrett had defeat
ed the operation Of the contract. We de-
sire to know why.
| After debate by Messrs. Bayard. Gar
land. Plat, ingalls,, and Hill, Mr.. Van
| Wyck's resolution was, without objection
Of that gentleman, referred to the Commit
tee on Post Offices and Post-Roads.
! MFR. sherman, from the subcommittee
on Privileges and Elections, submitted a
report to the effect that that committee
were unable TO continue its work be-
cause there was no money with which
10 nav witnesses. The joint reso-
Iution appropriating money for the
! committee had, MIR. Sherman reported,
been sent on the DIST Of February to the
Uonse of Representatives, and had not yet
been acted upon by that body. The Sec
retary of the Senate had refused to pay
vouchers for the expenses OF number oil
witnesses. on the ground that there was no
money available for the purpose. The
committee had therefore declined TO sum-
mon further witnesses, and would sus'
mend work until funds were provided
when iItl MOuiu tohethNN "' X
complete the investigation.
House bill repeating the test oath wa:
taken up and passed after being mouineo
bv the amendment proposed Dy th'
Senate Judiciary Committee, proVldihs
that no person who held commission
in the United States army or navy
before the war and was afterwards en-
Gagged in the military. naval, or civil seryie'
of the so-called Confederate States, snail d
appointed to any position i'll the army "
navy OF the United States.
The consideration OF the bill 10 proNld
for the construction OF new steel cruiser
for the navy was resumed, and MI. Jone
Of Florida addressed the Senate. Whii'
agreeing with much that Ind been sald D.
the opponents OF the bill with respect U
leytrayagance and bad management IN I'd
} mast conduct OF the Government so lar q
the navy was concerned, he could not, II
said. agree with them in their opposition
10 the bin before the Senate.
The debate lasted until O'Clock, ant
was participated in by Messrs. Jones 0
EIorida. Mcpherson. Hale, Cockrell, Vest
Rutler. Beck, Morgan, and Sewell. Tb
nrincinle advocates OF the bill were Messr.
,Iones. Butler, and Hale. and the opponent
Wessrs Vest and Mcpherson. The dis
! cuss;on ran in great measure to shar
nersonal colloquies, and as between Messr'
8utler and Vest, yerged closely upon
quarrel.
Adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr.. Morrison, Of Illinois, chairman
tho Committee on Ways and Means, n
Ie''S 1...to., diracfiuV the SaQYptor
II the Treasury to inform the House ho'
much money Is now in the Treasury. und'
, what several provisions Of law 1t is thel
retained. and how much, In view OF Gu
/ rent receipts, expenditures, and legal u
| Utilities OF the Treasury, can De apphea :,