Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-23
FORTY-NIATH CONGRESS-.
First Session,
SENATE.

Mr.. Logan submitted the following resolu-
| ton and asked that il might be printed and
lie over, saying he would call it up at some
future day and suomit some remarks upon
it,
| Resolved. That the sessions of the Senate
commonly known as executive sessions. so
far as they apply TO nominations, confirms-
tions or reflections, shall hereafter be held
with open doors and that a public record of
the same shall be kept, the same as of legis-
| lative sessions.
The resolution was ordered printed and to
| lie over.
An urgent deficiency bill was laid before
the Senate and sent to the committee of con-
| ference.
The chair laid before the Senate Mr.. Lo-
gan's bill, increasing the efficiency of the
army. MIR. Logan. at the suggestion of the
secretary of war, moved for some further
amendments OF detail to the bill and they
were agreed TO.
Mr.. Hale then moved to strike out the sec
| ond secrion, which provides for the future
force of 5000 enlisted men in the aruv. II
there was any need, he said, of an increased
army force. il was because nt the needs of
the Indi an frontier Mr. Hale recited IA nun
be- OF !niian wars fought during the past
ten years to shUw that that the existing force
0t %, 900 men was sufficient army to pro-
the frontier. He read IRON the report of the
present secretary of war, stating that the In
dian was no longer source of danger. Mr..
Hale believed the morale Of the army was
better today than at any time since the war.
He did not find that the secretary of war or
lieutenant general of the army desired the
increase suggested. An increase of 5000 to
the army meant an increase of $4,000, 900 TO
the army appropriation bill. The work for
which the army was maintained had been de-
creasing year by year for the past several
years. Our recent history had shown what
the American people could do in the wav of
improving the army, and our present condi-
ton showed no necessity for the proposed in
crease in the army. The navy could be
improved. 1t would take years to build. or
ganize and equip the navy, but not so with
the army.
The debate continued between Messrs. Lo-
an and Hale until cut off by the limitation of
time, and the chair laid before the Senate the
judiciary committees resolutions.
MIR. Colqut took the floor in opposition of
the majority. If there WAS ever question
Mr.. Colquitt said, that should be settled, it
was the question involved here. 1t had been
settled by the constitution and by the first
Congress, and remained settled for 40 years,
tied and remained settled nntil this dav Re-.
ferriny to the contest between President
.Jackson and the senate Mr. Colonitt sold
that IL the gigantic intelligence of Messrs
Clav Calhonn and Web,ter could not succeed
| in ovarturp;nu rho raceiv.d and es,.bl;.hed
| construction and interpretation of the consti.
tutiop. il sbould he a warning to the leaders
| of this dav that they are engaged in a futile
| attempt to place another construction on the
constitution. The only object Mr.. Colouitt
conld s.e that was to be subservad bv the
adontion of the resolution. renortad nv tho
majority of the committee. was to nlace nm
record and perpetuate the malice of that ma
Jorly The Senate IN TINS matter, he SAID,