National Republican., 1884-04-12
A HALF-suELL CONGRESS,
Only the House Being in Session, and
Nothing Important Done.

Mr.. Ellis. Of louisiana from the committee on
appropriate ons, reported back the senate bill nu-
thorizing the secretary of the navy to offer re-
ward ofs25Q0O for resouing ascertainng the fate
OF tho Greedy expedition. Alter a brief debate
principally devoted to badinnge between Mr.
Belford, Of Colorado, and MIR. Weller, of Iowa. the
bill was passed.
Mr.. Dingley, of Maine, from the shipping COM
niltee, reported back n resolution, which was
adopted. calling OH the secretary of the treasury
for Information as to what light house dues, ton
mage charges or other equivalent taxes nre i'm
posed on American vessels entering and clearing
Mr. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, as a privileged
matter, called up the resolution declaring that
the charges against II. V. Boynton are not sus-
Wlneu by the evidence and that there Is no
ground for any action by tho house." He stated
Una snat the committee reporting the resolution DID
otdesire 70 debate H. Mr.. Keller, Of ohio, the
author OF the charges, was present, but did not
see fit to make speech. and tho resolution was
adopted without opposition.
Alter an unsuccessful attempt by Mr.. Hancock,
OF Texas, TO secure the consideration Of tho PEN
SION appropriation bill, the speaker proceeded to
call committees for reports of private nature.
At tina conclusion of the call, Mr.. Aiken, OF
South Carolina, from the committee on education,
reported q resolution recommending an appro;,
school at Howard university Referred to tho
committee on appropriations.
Mr.. McMillin, of Tennessee, from the committee
on revision OF the laws, reported bill limiting
| the time within which prosecutions may be i'm
sututed against persons charged with violating
tho internal revenue laws. Placed on the house
calendar.
Mr.. Henley of California, from the committee
| on public lands, reported bill forfeiting the
Northern Pacific land grant. Placed on the house
=, The house then lat 1;50) went into committee Of
the whole lAr. springer. of Illinois, in the chair
on the pension appropriation bill.
The bill apprOprates s20,Gs4 400 and reappropri-
atos an amount estimated at s66,000,000. The ap.
propriaonB for the current year were Sl26 900 600
of which only S25,67S,000 were expended during
| the first half of the year.
Mr.. Cannon, of Illinois, spoke in opposition Ia
that portion of the bill which reduces the salary
| of pension agents. maintaining that under the rc.
| duction no agent could afford TO do the business
| of the Office and the result would be TO delay and
| embarrasS the payment OF pensions.
| Mr.. Keifer, of Ohio advocated tho policy oi
raising the limit OF the fec allowed 10 lawyers In
| certain pension cases.
Mr.. Hart of ohio, advocated such change in
the pension laws 30 as to provide for the granting
| OF service pensions.
Mr.. Rogers, OF Arkansas, gave notice that he
would at the proper time move TO strike out thC
second section, which limits tho lawyers fee tC
SlO In cases of arrears of pay, lost horses, ant
| bounty lands
After further debate and without action tn,
committee rose.
The speaker laid before the house message
from the President, submitting special estimate
from the lief OF ordnance for a permanent an.
nuai appropriation of Sl,5O0 900 to provide neces
sary armament for seacoast Notifications.
The President says: In presenting this estimate
| do not think 1t necessary TO cnumerate the con
siderations which make 1t of the highest import
ance that there shall be no unnecessary delay IL
entering upon work which must be commen
surate with the public interest to be good, anC
which will take much time.
The message was referred, and then, at o'clock
the house took recess until $780, the evening ses
sion TO be for the consideration of pension bill
| only.
sion. bills. and then, at zoos o'clock, adjourne,
until to-day.