The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-01
XLVIIItb CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, February %, 1884.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, February 90, 1884.
SENATE.
In the Senate this morning Mr.. Ransom,
from the Committee on Appropriations, re-
ported back adversely the Joint resolu-
ton introduced by him last Monday, and
referred to that committee, providing for
an appropriation to aid the sufferers by the
great storms in the southern States. In
reporting il back Mr.. Ransom stated that
the committee had given the matter very
careful consideration. kilograms were
sent TO the Governors OF the different States
affected, and to other persons in those
States supposed to be best acquainted with
all the incidents OF the storm and subSe-
Quent suffering; and, while the first ac-
counts of the great sufrerngs OF certain
communities had been fully confirmed, yet
those sufferings were not, in the judgment
OF the committee, Of that widespread,
transcendent, and paramount character
which baffled all local, individual, munich
pal, and State relief, so as to demand the
Intervention OF the Government. He
could not let the occasion pass, Mr.. Ran
som added, without saying that while in
presenting the resolution he had been
actuated by impulse, it was proper now
that that country should know at the ear
lest moment that Congress could not take
steps for its relief in this instance. He
said this in order that private and local
charity may not be suspended. The en-
ample OF the people OF those States in that
great ordeal OF suffering could not but
command the admiration OF their country
men everywhere. He (Ransom) might
sometimes be carried away by enthusiasm
for his own people, but when he looked at
what had taken place among the people OF
North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama,
and Georgia, and saw their resolution to
bide their faith and not come TO Congress
for relief even when an effort had been
made to give it TO them, it reminded him
OF the heroism Of Fabricius and Regulus
and OF that great Athenian who sacrificed
everything that he might stand by his
country. He hoped the noble example
given by the afflicted people in this case
would be useful to richer and more pow
eriul communities which might not be
worse afflicted. In conclusion, Mr.. Ran
som thanked the Committee on Appropria-
tions for the careful and painstaking con-
sideration they had given TO the subject.
Mr.. Garland said he supposed the action
Of the committee was based on the ground
/ that they did not consider. from the iEfor-
nation received, that there was necessity
for the iuterpositiOn OF Congress.
Mr.. Ransom said that was the ground.
Mr.. Garland said he did not understand
such interposition TO have been declined
on the ground OF the uncOnstitutionality Of
such aid in cases where it was shown to be
/ required.
Mr.. Ransom: Not at all.
Mr.. Garland said that he did not wish il
to be understood that he, for one, doubted
the authority of Congress TO extend aid il
cases calling for It, II the question haC
arisen on tlat he would have had some
thing to say.
Mfr. Ransom said that il this were thu
| time TO discuss that matter he ransom
would be able to show line OF precedent'
favoring the cOnstitutiOnality OF such &C
ton from the beginning OF our Govern
ment to the present day. When the matter
came to be Investigated there could. h
said, be but one opinion as TO the cOnstitu
tional authority OF Congress in case o
such imminent and impending ruin as L
exceed the capacity Of local and State aid
The Senate resumed the consideration o
the bill to authorize the construction o
steel cruisers for the navy. The question
Immediately before the Senate was tn
amendment of MIR. Jones, of Florida, Il
the amendment OF Mr.. Sewell. Mr.. Sew
elPs amendment provides for the build
ing Of the ships at one or more OF the Gov
eminent navy-yards, while the Jone
amendment provides that the building
shall be appOrtiOned among the dilieren
nayy-yards. After further debate tn
amendments Of Messrs. Jones and SeweI
were voted down.
Mr.. Morgan withdrew his objection T.
the vessels being built by private contract
and an amendment offered by him was
after modification, accepted by Mr.. Hale
embodying in the bill by direct words AM
not by description merely the substance O
the acts of 1882 and 1888, together with
provIsion that bids may he accepted no
oniy from builders who may now be read
to build the vessels, but who may DC adj
to satisfy the Secretary OF the Navy ina
they can IN three months after tue maxim
OF the contract be ready to do so. IN
bill was then passed-ayes, 3S; noes, IL
Adjourned until Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
The House, after some unimportant bus
ness. went into Committee OF the Whol
on the private calendar. The hrst Di
taken up was one authorizing the retire
ment OF Alfred PleasantOn, with the ran
of major-general. After good deal
discussion an amendment offered
Mr.. Cutcheon. providing that Gener'
Pleasanton shall be retired with the ran
OF colonel. was adopted, and the bill,
amended, laid aside for favorable repor
One more bill for the relief OF l.. a. Bodd
was favorably considered. and then 10
committee rose and the dispute over u
Pleasanton bill began afresh. sever
members tried to kill IL with amendment
and by talking II to death by points
order. Pending decision upon one
these points Of order several dilatory m
tions were made, and the roll-call col
sumed the time until O'Clock.
The post-ofiice appropriation bill W.
J reported aud referred TO the COMMITTEE
the Whole. Thee House then took recel
until 1880 O'Clock, the evening session
be for the consideration OF pension biils.
The House, in the evening session, pas