Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-02-28
PORTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS-.
Second Session.
SENATE.

.
After the reading of the journal. Mr.. Hale
called up the naval appropriation bill, but
objection was made to taking it up until the
completion of the morning business.
Mr. Hale said he wanted the senators to
realize the almost intolerable condition in
which the Senate finds itself with the great
appropriation bills tumbling in upon il during
the last week of the session. In order to
avoid an extra session it was essential TO give
the appropriation bills every possible ad-
vancement.
A namber of House pension bills were
adopted and placed on the caleudar.
Mr.. Dawes said that in the absence of the
chairman of the military committee (Logan)
he would inquire what had become of bill
some time since introduced, to provide for
the appointment of an assistant signal officer.
The bill was meant for the benefit of Lieut..
Greely, who was a native of his State. and
the people of that State had great interest as
well as pride in the achievements of that
officer.
Mr.. Harrison, in the absence of Mr.. Logan
said the bill presented some questions having
no relation to Lieut.. Greedy, and if there was
time it would be considered. He expressed
high admiration for the services of Lieut..
Greedy.
The chair laid before the Senate the reso
luton submitted yesterday by Mr.. Frye. pro-
viding for a recess of the Senate from to s
p. NJ. daily, for the remaining days of the
session.
The resolution was laid over and the naval
appropriation bill taken up.
At o'clock thu anti-silver coinage bill was
laid over. and the consideration of the naval
bill continued.
On the suggestion of Mr.. Miller of Cali.
fornis. the limit of the maximum tonnage for
the two new cruisers recommended was made
5000 instead of 1000 tons.
An amendment offered by Mr.. Hale was
agreed to, appropriating $4,000 for the pur.
chase of Ericson's destroyer. With this ex-
ceptIon the bill was passet substantially as it
was reported from the Senate committee or
appropriations.
The Senate at 2.l5 went into executive ses.
sion.
At $40 PM. the doors were re-oepned.
Mr.. Van Wyck obtained unanimous con.
sent that claim bills be temporarily laid aside
to take up pension bills originating. in the
Senate and favorably reported from the com.
mittee.
The bills favorably reported were then
taken up in their order
The House bills giving pension of $50 a
month each to the widow of Gen. Benz. AL
word. the widow of S. Dana Greene, late
commander in the U. s. navy, the widow OF
Brig. Gen. Chas. A. Morgan and the widow
of Commodore Marchud, were passed.
The House message announcing disagree.
ment on the Legislative appropriation bill
was laid before the Senate, which insisted on
its amendments.
The House substitute for the river and
harbor bill, appropriating gross sum, was
laid before the Senate, and having been read
once, Mr.. Cameron of Wisconsin objected to
lis second reading, so the bill lies on the
table, not having been referred to the COM
mittee.
MIR. Morgan asked unanimous consent to
take up the bill for the relief of Lettia
Tyler Semple, daughter of the late President
Tyler. The bill would give her pension OF
$50 a month.
The lady named, Mr.. Morgan said, is now
blind and dependent on the charity of Mr..
w. w. Corcoran. in the city Of Washington.
Mr.. Riddleberger objected. He saw no
reason for pensioning the presidents daugh-
ters.
MIR. Cockrell also objected. He thought it
crime against the people to pass such bills.
1t was the beginning of a civil pension list.
The vote on the bill resulted yeas IL, nays
II. No quorum having voted, no decision
was reached.
Adjourned.