The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-02-27
xLvIIIsh CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, February %, 1884.
SENATE,

WASHINGTON, February 20, 1884.
SENATE.
Mr.. Sewell, from the Committee on Mil
itary Affairs, reported favorably House
bill for the relief OF Fitz John Porter. and,
on his motion, il was made the special
order for Wednesday, March ~.
| Mr.. Wilson, from the Committee on
Post-0flices and Post-Roads. reported IA
vorably bill to prohibit the mailing OF
papers containing lottery advertisements.
Placed on the calendar.
Mr.. Jackson, on behalf Of the minority
OF the committee, submitted minority
report.
Mr.. Hale introduced the following Joint
resolution, which was at once read three
times and passed without debate:
Resolved by the Senate and House Of Rep
reSentatiUes, That the act of her Britannia
Majesty's Government in presenting to the
United States Government the Arctic
steamship Alert, which will be used in the
contemplated expedition TO relieve Lieu
tenant Greedy and his party, is recognized
as opportune and generous, and Is deeply
appreciated by Congress and the people OF
the United States.
That the President be, and he Is hereby,
requested to communicate a copy OF this
resolution to her Britannia Majesty's Gov
ernment.
Mr.. Plumb offered a resolution, which
was agreed 70, calling upon the Commits
sioner OF Agriculture for Information as TO
the production for several years past of
wheat, rye, corn, and cotton; also whether
in his Judgment speculation by "options
or cultures" in those productions, where
no actual transfer takes place. tends TO
affect The market value OF the commodity
to the injury OF the consumer or producer.
The Senate took up the unfinished bust
ness OF yesterday, beng bill 10 authorize
the construction of additional steel vessels
for the navy.
Mr.. Hale addressed the Senate upon it,
pointing out the necessity for ships, the
United States possessing hardly single
ship OF the class now recognized by the
nations of the world as necessary for naval
purposes. When we contemplated things
that were happening almost every day -
clouds lowering on the political horizon
though not themselves fraught with dam
ger. at least showed that this country
should no longer be permitted to remain
in its present helpless condition. In the
case of trouble the people OF the United
ministratiOn OF public affairs that had not
sought to do something to remedy the
present defenceless condition Of the nation.
Mr.. Mcpherson offered the amendment
submitted by him yesterday reducing the
number Of steel vessels provided for by the
bill TO four (cutting off the cruisers and
dispatch-boats), and providing that the
gunboatS. rams, and torpedo-boats should
Il lao ffrt m
be supplied by the Navy Department, cX-
cept one gunboat, to be built upon plans
to be furnished by the Admiral OF the
navy, such building to be done by contract
with the lowest responsible bidder, made
after at least sixty days advertisement,
and that no such vessel should be accepted
unless built in strict accordance with plans
and specifications.
Without coming TO a vote the Senate
went into executive session.
Adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr.. Mayo, Of Virginia, rising to ques-
ton of privilege. said that the gentleman
from Virginia &c. ID. Wise), on the floor OF
the House, had stated that the Governor OF
Virginia had refused TO sign the formers
certificate, when the latter knew that the
Governor uOts HOT slSu any CtilluCdttS.
The Chair replied that the question was
not one OF privilege.
Mr.. Mayo: 1.-THE gentleman has stated
that I'm fraud. That's personal TO my
self"
Mr.. Wise arose to reply, but the Chair
refused to recognize the question rs one Of
privilege.
The House again went into Committee
OF the Whole and took up the pleurO-pneu-
monia bill, and the controversy was re-
sumed which arose when the bill was orig
inally presented over its constitutionality.
Mr.. Hatch Of Missouri favorlng the bill
and Mr.. Eaton Of Connecticut opposing,
were the principal contestants on the con-
stitutional point.
The bill was also discussed pro and con
by Messrs. Weaver, Reagan. Hart. Dun
ham, Wilson OF Iowa, Randall, Keller, and
others.
The committee rose informally TO receive
a message from the Senate, and Mr.. Cox.
Of New York, asked unanimous consent
for the immediate passage of Senate joint
resolution expressing the appreciation OF
Congress and the people Of the United
States of the generous act OF her Britannia
Maiesty's Government in presenting to the
United States the Arctic steamship Alert.
Mr.. Robinson, OF New York. was on
band. however, TO interpose an objection.
The Committee of the Whole resumed
its session. Having concluded the con-
sideration OF the I'd section, the committee
rose, and the House adjourned.