Mr. GARFIiLD. Does not the bill allow mileage?
Mr. FARQUHAR. Iwill ask the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. Ham's] ifthe difficulty might not be obviated by allowing omcers to draw their rations in kind at the posts where the prices were so high.
Mr. BLAINE. That would be a very great imlprovement, and would make a very great di erenee.
Mr. FARQUHAR. The gentleman speaks of the Utah exedition. That was an expedition in the ficl, where they do not have commutation, but draw in kind.
Mr. BLAINE. I know they draw in kind in the field, as the gentleman says; and he speaks from experience in these matters. But under the bill of the Gentfrom Ohio 51th. Scusxex] they would not be allowed to 0 that. The Gentfrom Indiana will observe that this will cut them off from that privilege, and that the officer would be required to buy out of his private purse all of his rations and fuel, no matter how exorbitant and enormous the cost might be. I trust, Mr. Speaker, that if it be necessary to correct any excess of pay or allowances in any particular in a bureau here or a bureau there we shall confine ourselves to that task, and not legislate in this wholesale manner in regard to officers in the field and at distant posts.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. A message in writing from the POTUS was communicated to the House by Mr. Coorss, his Private Secretary.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. FORNEY, its Secretary, announced that the Senate had passed a JtResolution (S.R.No.94) iroviding for the payment of certain Kentuc y militia forces, in which the concurrence of the House was requested. The message also announced that the Senate had agreed to the amendments of the House to the following named Senate bills: An act (S.No.167) to incoi orate the Women’s Hospital Association of the DistCol: and An act (S.No.184) to define more clearly the jurisdiction and powers of the supreme l court of the DistCol, and for other, purposes. l PAY OF THE ARMY AGAIN.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM the SENATE. A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. FORNEY, its Secretary, notifying the House that that body insisted on its amendments to House JtResolution No. 154, relative to appointments to the Military Academy of the U.S., disagreed to b the House, agreed to the conference aske 'for, and had tippointed Mr. Wilson, Mr. Armour, and Mr. HI JNDRICKS managers of such conference on its part. Also, that it insisted on its amendments to House bill No. 37, making approriations for the support of the Military acemy during the year ending the 30th of June, 1867, disagreed to by the House, agreed to the conference asked for, and had appointed Mr. Fes snsnnx, Mr. Cosssss, and lidr. RIDDLE managers of such conference on its part. Also. that it insisted on its amendment to House bill No. 255, making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repair of certain fortifications and other works of defense for the ear endin the 30th of June, 1867, disagreedio by the house, agreed to the conference asked for, and had appointed Mr. Moaeax, Mr. iHORRILL, and Mr. SAULSBURY managers of such conference on its part. PAY or run ARMY AGAIN.
Skip Skip message FROM The SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. FORXEY, its Secretary, informed the House that the Senate had adopted a concurrent resolution in reference to the death of Lieutenant general Scott. DEATH OF GENERAL SCOTT.
The Speaker, by unanimous consent, laid before the House the following message from the POTUS: To the Senate and HoRep. With sincere regret I announce to Congress that Winfield Scott, late lieutenant general in the Army of the U.S., departed this life at WestPoint, in the State of NewYork, on the 29th day of May instant, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon. I feel well assured that Congress will share in the grief of the nation which must result from its bereavement of a citizen whose high fame is identified with the military history of the Republic., ANDREWJOHNSON. WASHINGTON, May 30, 1866. The message was laid upon the table, and ordered to be printed.
The Speaker also laid before the House the following message from the Senate of the U.S.: In Susiirs of the U.S., May. 1866. reaoloed by the Senate.(the HoRep concurriniz) That the ComMilAffrs and the Militia of the Senate and the ComMilAffrs of the HoRep be, and t cy are hereby a pointed a jtcom of the 2 Houses of Congress to take into consideration the message of the POTUS announcing to Congress the death of Lieutenant General Winfield Scott and to report what method shall be adoptedby Congressto mapi fest their appreciation of the high charactor, tried patriotism, and distinguishedpublic service osf Lientenant General Scott arid their decpsensibility upon the announcement of his death.
Mr. SCHENCK. I move that the House concur in that resolution. The resolution was concurred in.
Mr. SCHENCK. I hope there will be no more business done today; and I offer the following resolution: Resolved, That from respectto the memory of the deceasedthis House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and thereupon gt ten minutes before 4 o’clock p. in.) the house adjourned.‘
Skip Skip PETITIONS, arc. The following petitions &c.werepresented undei‘ the rule and refe redto the appropriate committees. By the SPEA R: The petition ofAllen J. Dent ten. chairman and Mark Foster, secretary, on behalf of colored people of Goldsbpro’.NCarolina. askin that the protecting influence of the freedmen's urenu may becontinued. By Mr. BEAMAN: The petition of Charlcs D. Stevenssa, nd others.citizens of Michigan, touchinl inBicyr Stateinsurance. Mr. DELANO: The petition of aficituens of Licking county. Ohio, praying for an increasedduty onBfyoreign woo s. Mr. ELIOT: The ctition of John Sherlock, for American relister for ritish brig Resolute. Mr. LAFLIN: The otitinn of citizensof L ittle Falls Horkimer county, NewYork, in favor ot the modification ofthn law taxing Statebank circulation the bnynor cent. after July 1. 1866. Mr. PERHAM: The petition of Alexander M. Fees, for pensron.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. THURSDAY, May 31, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.
Mr. DOOLITTLE, from the ComIndAffrs, to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S.No.348) to supply deficiencies and relieve destitute Indians in the southern superintendency; which was read, and passed to a 2nd reading. He presented a letter of the SecyInterior, submitting estimates for deficiencies for the support ot destitute Indians in the southern super intendency, to accompany the bill; which were ordered to be printed.
Mr. GRIMES, from the ComNavAffrs, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.269) to define the number and regulate the appointment of officers in the Navy, reported it with amendments.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The ComPubLands, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.341) amendatory of the preemption laws, and for other purposes, have instructed me to report it back, in order that it may be printed and recommitted to that committee. The bill was ordered to be printed and recommit ted to the comPubLands.
Mr. RAMSEY, from the ComNavAffrs, to whom were referred the petition and other papers of Paul S. Forbes, praying forrelief under his contract with the Navy Dept for building the sloop of war Idaho, submitted a report accompanied by a JtResolution (S. To. 99) for the relief of Paul S. Forbes, under his contract with the Navy Dept for the buildin and furnishing of the sloo Of war Idaho. The JtResolution was res and passed to a 2nd reading, and the report was ordered to be printed.
Mr. STEWART, from the ComPubLands, to whom was referred a bill (H.R. No.466) erecting the Territory of Montana into a surveyin district, and for other purposes, reported it with an amendment.
Mr. WADE, from the ComTerritor, to whom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 608) to amend the organic acts of the Territories of Nebraska, Colorado, Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and NewMexico, reported/it with amendments.
Mr. MORRILL, from the ComDistCol, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.325) to give certain powers to the levy court of the county of Washington in the DistCol, reported it With amendments.
Mr. ANTHONY, from the ComPostOffices, to whom was referred a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying for a modification of the ostal laws so as to permit the postage on boo s and doc uments transmitted to historical societies and libraries to be paid for on delivery, asked to be discharged from its further consideration; which was agreed to. LETTER CARRIERS IN SanFranCISCO.
Mr. RAMSEY. The ComPostOffices, to whom was referred the JtResolution (H.R.No. 142) authorizing the PostMGenl to Fpay additional sa ary to letter carriers in SanFrancisco, have instructed me to report it back without amendment, and recommend its passage; and as the resolution is a very brief one and may be easily comprehended, I hope that by common consent it will be considered at the present time. There being no objection, the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the JtResolution, which authorizes the PostMGenl to pay such additional sal ary to letter carriers in SanFrancisco, above that provided by law, as may be necessary to secure competent persons for such service. The JtResolution was reported to the senate without amendment, ordered to a 3rd reading, read the 3rd time, and passed. MINERAL WATER BOTTLES.
Mr. JOHNson. Some 8 or 10 days ago I moved to reconsider the Vote on the passage of Senate bill No. 265, in relation to the sale of mineral water bottles in this District. I move now that that motion be taken up with a view of offering one or 2 amendments to get clear of the objections to which the bill was obnoxious. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate proceeded to consider the mtRtv the bill (S.No.266) to protect the manufacturers of mineral waters in the DistCol, and for other purposes, was passed. The mtR agreed to.
The PRESIDENT protempore. It is moved that the vote by which this blll was orderengross for a 3rd reading be now recon sidered. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. JOHNson. I move to amend the bill by striking out the word “allowable” in the 4th line of the 1st section, and inserting “allowed to be sold.”
Mr. JOHNson. I also move to amend the bill by inserting after the word “marked” in the 5th line of the 2nd section the words “for sale.”
Mr. JOHNson. I now move to amend the bill by striking out in line 5 of the 2nd section the words “or to sell, dispose of, or to buy, ” so as to make the section read: It is hereby declaredtobeunlawful for any person or poisons hereafter, without the permission of the owneror owners thereof.to fill with mineral waters or other beveragesany such bottles so marked for sale, or to traffic in any such bottlesso marked, &e.
Mr. MORRILL. I should like to have an explanation as to the object of this amend “
Mr. JOHNSON. The objection to which the bill as it passed the Senate was liable, as I thought and)iu that I had the concurrence Of several members of the Senate was, that it would subject to the penalty which the bill imposes all who might u mineral water in bot tles, or get possession 0 bottles containing mineral water, and might afterward dispose ot them in any way. The object of the bill is to re tect the maker of the bottles, who is to place his name on the bottles under the authority of the 1st section, from having his bottles traded in by others. If the amendment which I suggest shall be adopted, then the penalt which the law will impose in order to protect the manufacturer of the bottles will be as against those who traffic in the bottles.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. PROPERTY OF RELIGIOUS CORPORATIONS.
Mr. WILLEY. I move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of House bill No.664. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill (H.R.No. 564) to annul the 34th section of the declaration of rights of the State of Maryland, so far as it. applies to the DistCol. It proposes to repeal and annul the 34ti section of the declaration of rights of the State of Maryland adopted 1776, so far as it has been recognized and adopted in the DistCol; and all sales, gifts, and devises prohibited by that section, or any law passed in accordance therewith, are to be, when hereafter made, valid and effectual.
Mr. JOHNson. The clause in the declaration of rights of Maryland, which it is proosed to repeal so far as the District of Colum liia is concerned, limits the amount of real estate that any religious congregation may hold. If it is repealed absolutely, there will be no limit here within the District, and they may hold any amount of real property. [ask the Senfrom Iowa [Mr. Ianxwoon] if it came from his committee.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I know nothing aboutit. I want to hear what you have to say about it.
Mr. JOHNson. If this bill passes there will be no limit in the District, and they can receive any amount of real or personal estate.
Mr. HENDERSON. What is the limit in your declaration of rights?
Mr. JOHNson. forget the amount of the limit. I ask that the billlie upon the table for a moment until I can see the extent of the limitation in Maryland. I forget what it is.
The PRESIDENT protempore. It is moved that this bill be laid on the table temporarily. Is there any objection?
Mr. WILLE.Ihave no objection, if the Senfrom Maryland insists upon it.
Mr. JOHNSO. We can fire it up in a moment. I only want to see what it is.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The bill will be laid on the table temporarily.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUBE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPm msos, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed a bill (H.R.No. 513) to reduce internal taxation and to amend an not entitled “ An act to provide internalrevenue to support the Government, pay interest on the u ic debt, and for other purposes, ” approve June 30, 1864, and acts amendatory thereof in which it requested the concurrence of the nate. The message further announced that the HoRep had non-concurred in the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H. It. No. 455))granting a pension to Anna E. Ward, the former announcement of concurrence in the amendment having been a mistake. The message further announced that the HoRep had concurred in the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R.No. 11) to facilitate commercial, postal and military communication among the several States. ANNA E. WARD. The Senate proceeded to considi rits amendment to the bill(H. It. No. 450) granting apen son to Anna E. Ward. which was disagreed to by the HoRep
Mr. LANE. of Indiana. I more that the Senate insist on its amendment to the bill. ask for a committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses thereon, and that the conferees on the part of the Senate be appointed by the Presicut protempore. The motion was agreed to; and Messrs. Last 2 of India.a. EDML‘NDS, and GUTllltlE were appointed the committee on the part of the Senate. BILL lNTHODCCl JD.
Mr. CHANDLER asked and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.349) to amend an act entitled “An act to provide a national currency secured by a pledge of U.S. bonds and to provide for the circulation and redeintion thereof." approved June 3, 1864 and the amendment thereto; t which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComFinance. LILH‘H or Ansnxcn.
Mr. WILLIAMS. Idesire to ask leave of absence for my colleague LiMr. Nusm m] for 2 weeks from Monday next. He has business that requires him to be absent from the Senate. Leave was granted. PENSIOX LAWS.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana. Idesire to make a report from the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the bill (Ll. It. No. 363) supplementary to the several acts relating to pensions. I will state that the llouso have concurred mainly in the amendments of the Senate, and that the amendments proposed by the House, which we have agreed to, are simply verbal and immaterial. I move that the Senate concur in the report of the committee of conference. '1he President 1‘ ro lentporc. The report of the comconference will now be read and considered. if there he no objection.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is suggested to me that it may be well to print a few extra copies of this bill, as they will be needed for use to a considerable extent. I repose that we order the printing of live 100 extra copies and I suppose it can be done by‘coiiitnon consent.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. Under the rules a motion to print extra copies goes to the ComPrintg; but the Chair can entertain the motion by the unanimous consent of the Senate. The Senfrom Maine moves that 500 extra copies of this bill be printed.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Senfrom NewHampshire suggests to me that the law reqairing such a motion to be referred to the Committee oii Printing can hardly be dispensed with by unanimous consent.
Mr. CLARK. The law requires that a mo tioti to print extra copies s iould go to the ComPrintg. They can report it back in a few moments.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The motion will be referred to the ComPrintg. IMr. ANTHONY subsequently, from the ComPrintg. to whom was referred the motion submitted by Mr. Fessnxmzs to print live 100 extra copies of [louse bill.'o. 613, reported in favor of the motion; and it was agreed to. DEATH or GENERAL SCOTT.
Mr. WILSON, from the joint Military Committees of the 2 Houses, authorized to report what measures should be taken in relation to the death of General Scott, reported the following concurrent resolutions: RemlvrdIll/(lie Senate.(the HoRep concurring.) That the 2 Housesof Congress have receivedwith profound sensibility the intelli nice of the death of Brovct. Lieutenant General Vinlield Scott. Ifemlved.That the exalted virtues. both public and private and the wisdom, patriotism and valor of this billustrious man in defense of his country and the maintenanceof her honor and glory for morethan halfa century against foreign on domestic enemies. in war and in peace.claim the liveliest gratitude and the deepestvcneration of the American people. Ii'fllu/Dftl.That as a further inurk of respect to the memory of the deceased.when the 2 Housesof Concrossadjourn to day . they shall adjourn to meet on Monday next and that a JtCommee.to consist of 7 members of the Senute and 9 incin bers of the HoRep be appointed, who. together with the Presiding Olfieers of both llouses shall proceed to WestPoint to represent. Congress at the funeral ceremonies which are to take place to ine rrow and that said committee be attended by the Sergeanu at Arms of both Houses.
Mr. WILSON. I ask for the present consideraiion of the resolutions. The resolutions were considered by unani mou consent, and agreed to nem. con.
Mr. WILSON subsequently said: I move that the committee ordered to be appointed to attend the funeral of General Scott tomorrow be nfiutlnted by the Chair. '1‘ motion was agreed tot paper in said A message was afterward received from the HoRep, by Mr. Meffintsox, its CIerk, announcing its concurrence in the resolutions.
The PRESIDENT protempore appointed Mr. wiisos. Mr. Joussos, Mr. Lass of Indiana. Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Gniitits, Mr. Axriiortr, and Mr. Nssiii'ru as the committee on the part of the Senate. KANSAS AND NEOSHO VALLEY RAILROAD.
Mr. POMEROY. Imovo that the Senate roceead to the consideration of Senate bill fo. 2 5. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill (S.No.23.3) granting lands to the State of Kansas to aid in the construction of the Kansas and Neosho Valley railroad and its extension to lied river. The bill was reported from the ComPubLands with amendments. The 1st amendment reported by the committee was in section one, line ten, after the word “ Kansas" to insert “ with a view of its extension."
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section one, line 12, to strike out the word " Parston" and insert “ Preston."
The PRESIDENT proIcmpore. That mod ification will be made without a vote, if there be no objection. The next amendment was in the same section, line 15, after the word " land" to insert “or parts thereof.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the same section, line 45, to strike out.after the word “road” the words “from the even numbered sections of said lands reserved to the U.S.;” so that the proviso will read: Abife: That said lands hereby granted shall not be selectedbeyond 20 miles from the line ot'iiaid read. 610.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section two, line 15, after the word " who” to insert “make their settlement after the passage of this act, and;” so that the clause will read: That settlers under the provisions of the homestead not who make their settlement after the passageof this act and complywith the terms and roquirement l ofsoid act shall be entitled. ke.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the some section, lines 18 and 19, to strike out the words “ anything in this actto the contrary notwithstanding.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 3, line 4, after the word "at" to insert “all;' so that the clause wul read: Said company.after the construction of its road shall Recp it in repair and use, and at all times be in readinessto transport troops.&e.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 3, line 17, to strike out. "100 and insert “so many ” and in line 18 to strike out “and” and insert “asare; so that the clause will read: Then the said SecyInterior shall ism? to the said companypatents for so man sections of the land within the limits abovename as are conterniiuouii with said completed section herembe for‘ irritated.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 24 of the same section to strike out "100 sections of said" and insert “ the ”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in the same section, lines 26. 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, to strike out the following proviso: Provided. That if mid railroad company orjtii assigns shall fail to complete at least ope section of mid road each your item the date of Ill acceptance of the grant provided for in this act, that:its right to the tands forlaid seetions ot hilin ofwm lotion shall revert to the Government of the cited total.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 32 of the same section to strike out “ further" in site for a fresh water basin for iron clad vessels the clause “and provided further.”
The President proem ore. That is a verbal amendment, and will e made without a vote unless thcre be objection. The next amendment was in section eight. line ten after the word “assigns” to strike out “and to its branches;” so that the clause will read: And the right of way through saidIndian Territory '5 herebygrantedto said Kansas and Ncoslio Valley ailroad company. its successorsandassigns, to the extent of 100 feet on each side of said road or roads. fire.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 9, line 6, after “public” to strike out “domain” and insert. “lands of the U.S.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section ten, line 7, after the word “approval” to insert “of the President.”
Mr. HENDRICKS. I presume that amendment will, to some extent, involve the general merits of the bill, on which I desire to address the Senate very briefly. But if it is the intention of the Senfrom Michigan to call up his resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution this morning, of course I will waive the examination of this bill at present.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. President, I thank the Senate for its kindness in postponing the consideration of this resolution last evening until the present moment. The hour was late and I was somewhat weary; and more, at the moment, from the manner and tone of my friendfrom Illinois. perhaps, than nnythin else, I confess that I felt some little degree 0 resentment, but that has passed. I know my friendfrom Illinois so well, and have known him so long, that it is but just to him and myself to say that I know very well that under that tone which he sometimes assumes in debate, apparent] y of anger, so provoking to a stranger, nothing of the kind is, in fact, intended. Sir, the moment has passed, and with it all feeling of resentment. I shall address myself to the ideas to which he gave utterance in reply to some points which I had briefly stated in objection to this amendment. He began by saying that there were some eeuliar ideas in Wisconsin, he thought. Now, Iassnre my friend that no ideas are prevalent there, that I am aware of, which do not prevail also in Illinois and the adjoinin States. Among others, he referred to what This been referred m before, a certain statement alleged to have been made by the 1st Asst PostMGenl, formerly Governor of the State of Wisconsin. It so happens that since last evening's discussion I met Governor Randall, and be authorized me to say to my friendfrom Wisconsin [ Illinois] that the remark to which he refers is not correct, that the statement is false, and therefore those who repeat it are giving currency to ii falsehood unjust to him.
Mr. HOWE. Was that remark addressed to me your “friendfrom Wisconsin T”
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I meant to say “my friendfrom Illinois.” It was my friendfrom Illinois who made the remark yesterday. '
Mr. TRUMB ELL. I believe I stated that I had seen some statement in the papers in regard to it, and I think I said I did not know whether it was true or not.
Mr. DOOI.ITTLE. I did not understand the Senfrom Illinois to vouch for the truth of it. What I state is, that the 1st Asst PostMGenl authorizes me to say that the statement to which the Senator referred as circulatin is false.
Mr. TTt MBULL. I know nothing about the statement, any further than that I saw it in the a ers.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. OfcourseIdo notintend to say that what the Senator stated, that he saw it in a newspaper, is false not at all, but that the statement circulating in reference to governor Randall was a false statement. My friendfrom Illinois also made a remark in relation to what I said on a former occasion which l think was not warrantedby what I said. Istated that executive oliicers were responsible to the President as the chief executive officer of the Government. My friendfrom Illinois seems to think that because I made this statement that they are responsible to the President. because 110under the Constitution has placed upon him the responsibility of seein that the laws are faithfully executed, I inteu ed to say that these men were subject merely to the will of the Executive and not to the laws of the land. Not at all, sir. The responsibility of the Executive is to see that those men who are exercising executive functions under him faith fully exccute the laws of the land. And, sir, is that an idea eeuliar to Wisconsin? I think that is a fun amental idea wel understood, and has been from the beginning of the Government, that the President being the chief Executive and sworn under the constitution to see that the laws are faithfully executed, executive officers who are under him are responsible to him in that sense that he must see that they faithfully discharge their duties. Now, Mr. President, enough on this question which has no bearing whatever on the subject before the Senate.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If my colleague will allow me to conclude, I desire to leave all these personal matters and go on simply with the consideration of the question before the Senate.
Mr. HOWE. I simply want to know precisely what the contradiction is which is made here in behalf of the 1st Asst PostMGenl. I understand him to deny the truth of a statement made yesterday by the Senfrom Illinois. The statement mm c by the Senfrom Illinois, I think, has some reference to a declaration of mine made here some time previous. I should like to know what the precise issue is. Here is one remark made by the Senfrom Illinois yesterday, as printed in the Globe: "I recollect having seenin the newspapers I do not know whether it is true or not: I very seldom allude to ncwspaper articles but I saw in someof the newspapersthat an oliicer of this Government. who was supposedto control someputronnzc in the mine r officer of the country, spoke of the officers M “eating the bread and butter of the freSidentz' recollectthe Senfrom Wisconsin himself. in a speech some days ago, spoke of the 'Prosident'l offieors.’" Is it denied by the 1st Asst Postinaster General that he has spoken of officers as eating the bread and butter of the President?" Is that the statement which is denied?
Mr. DOOLITTIJB. The statement that I made was that I had seen the 1st Asst PostMGenl, and that in conversation, alluding to that subject. he had authorized me to state that that rumor or statement which was circulating in the newspapers is not. true, that it is false.
Mr. HOWE. The language substantially as used by the Senfrom Illinois yesterday, I believe, was 1st introduced here by myself. I stated here that I had been told that the 1st Asst. PostMGenl had declared that no man should eat the bread and butter of the President unless he sustained his policy. That is as near as I remember the language. I made that statement. upon the authority of a member of the HoRep. I met. the 1st. Asst PostMGenl in the evening after I had made that remark. He did not call its correctness in question;' but.when I returned to my boarding house, I found anote from him asking me upon what authority I made that statement. I replied to him, saying I made it upon the authority of the Representative of the 5th district of the State of Wisconsin, since which I have heard nothing from him or anyone else questioning the accuracy of that statement. until this remark was made here by my colleague.
Mr. MORRILL. Will the Senator allow me to ask him a question?
Mr. DOOLIT'ILE. If it is right on this ponit.
Mr. MORRILL. Are we to understand the Senator to maintain that amnesty and pardon necessarily relieve from all civil disabilities, andgrant restoration of all civil rights?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. All this is in my speech.
Mr. HOWE. I wish the Senfrom Maryland. as he was giving us the state of the authorities on this question, would tell us whether he knows of any authority which has gone to the extent of declaring that either an amnesty or a pardon can impose any limitation upon the power of the people of the U.S. through an amendment of their constitution to fix the qualifications of officers.
Mr. JOHNson. That is not the nestion to which I spoke; it is quite another inquiry. I was speaking of the operation of a statute.
Mr. HOWE. But it is the question which the Senfrom Maine was suggestin.
Mr. GRIMES. The Senfrom IVisconsin [Ma Hows] has hit at the very suggestion which I was about. to make. It may be, and probably is, that in the case at. by the Senfrom Maryland, where the disability to hold future offico was attached to the commission of a crime which had been proved against the party, that would be regarded as a art of the penalty; but the fallacy of the Senfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Doomrun] is, that he assumes that this disability embodied in the 3rd section is as a penalty for an offense commit ted. It is intended as a prevention against the future commission of offenses, the presumption being fair and legitimate that the man who has once violated his oath will be more liable to violate his fealty to the Government in the future.
Mr. MORRILL. Before the honorable Senfrom Wisconsin proceeds, I trust he will allow me a moment as I seem to have been misnnderst good. I did not intend to interrupt the line of his remarks; but I did intend to bring to his mind the question whether he recognized whatI re rd as an obvious distinction between the pena ty which the State affixes to a crime and that disability which the State imposes and has the right to impose against perofficial station. That was the distinction and I wished to see if the honorable Senator recognized it.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The question of the effect (if the pardon upon men who have been convicted of offenses is pretty well understood. by all who are familiar with judicial proceedings. We all know that if a man is convicted of felony a full pardon restores him to his civil rights. He may be pardoned on condition that he shall not be restored to his civil rights; and it the pardon expresses that condition it is good. He may be pardoned out of the State prison on the condition that he shall leave ihe State. He may be pardoned out on the con. dition that he shall not be restored to his civil rights as a citizen, his right to vote and hold office. But when an unlimited, unconditional iardon is given it ‘covers the whole ground. [he question in regard to lawyers is altogether a different case from the case of a man who has committed an offense, because to practice law is the lawyer’s business, his profession. he lives by it, and to take it from him is to deprive him of a valuable thing. The other is a question which goes to disability as to civil rights growing out of the commission of a crime. have said, Mr. President, that Mr. Lincoln’s proclamation specified certain persons that were excepted from the operation of the amnesty which he granted.
Mr. DOOLfffLE. I hope the Senfrom Delaware will not interrupt me. I have been very much interrupted, and have had 3 or 4 speeches interjccted into my speech now. It costs too much to print a speech with the speeches of others in it.
Mr. CONNESS. I believe, if the Senator will permit me to say it, that he uses the term np lied to our country, of “disU.S.’ I think ho does.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I say that is the position in which you place us and have endeavored to place us from the beginning and from before the beginning of this Congress, while I have struggled to place as in the position of the U.S., speakiu one voice, rallying under the same flag; an I repeat it. here, without 25 stars on it, either. Our national salute is 36 guns, not 25; our flag bears 36 stars, the representatives of thirt aix States of the Unio not 25. Anti, sir, placed in that posi n. how much better should we stand before the nations of the earth. Roebuck would not rise in Parliament to say, “Wait a little longer; the war is not yet over; the States are still separated; they are denouncing each other; there is danger of a new civilWar breaking out.” Mr. President, I say, as I said before, that I ClallILd‘lO more weight.for my opinion than belongs? to any other person; but this is the light in which I look upon the situation. Thli gals is the danger which is impending over us now, that we are endeavoring to put into this conStitittltmttl amendment that which, instead of Lending to peace, tends to obstruction, tends not to restore but to keep separated. I had no intention of detaining the Senate at so much length; but I wish to move an amendment to this proposition. After the words “shall have” and before the words “engaeed in insurrection or rebellion, ” in line 37, I move to insert the word “voluntarily.” I shall also propose in the same section, after the word ‘thereof” and before the word “ but, ” in line 39, to insert “exceptin those who have duly received pardon an amnesty under the Constitution and laws, and will take such oath as shall be required by law.” My 1st amendment is to insert the word “ voluntarily, ” and on that I ask for the yeast&nays. The eas and na 5 were ordered.
Mr. DAVIS. I will say a word in notice of the remarks of the honorable Senfrom WestVirginia. He and myself and the honorable Senator who now occupies the chair [Mr. Haunts] are lawyers. We have read ot the atrocious penal code of England, and the number oferinies that are punis iable there by death and by transportation. We have read also of some of the benignaut principles of law that characterize the administration of the penal code of England; and among those principles is this: it is better, says the law, that 90 niuc guilty men shall escape punishment than that one innocent man shall be punished. But the honorable Senator, in the benignity of his nature, reverses the humane spirit of that maxim of the law, and lest some men, under the pretext of having been involuntarily forced into the military service of the rebellion, should escape, he is anxious to have them all pnn ishe, guilty and innocent. That is about the spirit of his remarks. In the administration of this penal code of England, as it has been transferred to the U.S and to all the States ofAmerica, what is the instruction rendered, I suppose by yourself, sir, if you ever presided in a criminal court, and certainly by every judge in America who has presided in a criminal court? "If. upon a review of the whole case.you haveren senable doubt of the guilt of the accused. it is your duty to give the accused the benefitof that doubt and to acquit."
Mr. WILLEY. The honorable Senator will allow me to say that he totally misinterprets my remarks. The point of my remarks was to show that the guilt or innocence of the party was not the matter at issue; that we were not trying them for their crimes, but we were providing security for the future peace of the countrv.
Mr. WILLEY. No, sir; the Senator is mistaken.
Mr. SAULSBURY. Explain the word “voluntarily” then, which is the word it is proposed to insert.
Mr. WILLEY. Does the Senator ask me to explain it, or will he allow me to explain it?
Mr. WILLEY. I wish to state. Mr. President, most distinctly, that I exclude the idea of punishment utterly from this amendment. It is not the philosophy of the amendment; it is not the principle upon which it is founded. I am not discussing the matter whether it is criminal or not. I only say that this is a precautionary, not a penal measure, lookin to the future, not to the past; but. that in loo (mg to the future, and in providing for it, it is very right and proper to look to the past, to see whether we run trust men in the future who have been faithIcss in the past.
The PRESDENT protemporc. The Senfrom Wisconsin asks that the question. when taken upon the amendment to the amendment, may be taken by ycas&nays. The cats&nays were ordered.
Mr. IOWAHD. 1 wish to make a single ObKOI‘WLHOlI.
Mr. JOHNson. It the honorable member proposes to debate the question at any length hope he will give nut to a motion to adjourn.
Mr. HOWA Itl). I 0 not propose to debate it at any length.
Mr. HOWARD. I shall be through in a moment and then I shall be entirely willing to take the vote on this amendment. Indeed, I will not say a word if there be a possibility of takingavote new on the amendments OITQI'UKI by the Senator. from Wisconsin.
Mr. FESSENDEN, and others. Let us vote on them now.
Mr. HOWARD. If no other gentleman wishes to address the Senate upon those 2 amendments, and the Senate is ready to take a rote upon them, I shall not occupy anytime of the Senate by remarks.
The PtEsIDENT protemporc. Is the senwe ready for the question on the proposed amendment to the amendment?
Mr. HOWARD. Are both the amendments olfered by the Senfrom Wisconsin included it. the motion?
The PRESIDENT protempera. But one question can be taken at a time.
Mr. JOHNson. The question now is on t“he amendment proposing to insert the word voluntarily, " as I understand it.
The PREO'IDENT protempura. That is the question. The question being taken by yeas&nays, resulte ye:is 10, nays 3’We ought to have a to.U. ABSENT 9 So the nmendment to the amendment was rejected.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I now more the other amendment of which Igave notice, to insert after the word "thereof" in the 39th 'liiic the words "excepting those who have duly received pardon and amnesty under the Constitution and laws, and will take such oath as shall be required by law, " and on that I ask for the yeas&nays. The veas and nos were ordered.
Mr. HEN'DILIC S. I wish to inquire of the Senfrom Wisconsin, what is the meaning of the last clause of his amendment? Does it contemplate the enactment of a law in the future prescribing some new oath or does it refer to the oath which has been already taken Id! pursuance of the proclamation of the Presient.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Perhaps that provision of the amendment is not necessary to the idea and I will omit that portion of it and let it stand simply as a test of the question whether those who have received parldon and nmnest shall be excepted from the clfect of this amen ment or not.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I think that is in better shape.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I should like to hear it read as modified. The Sneitm‘sttv. The words proposed to be inserted are, “exce ting those who have duly received pardon an amnesty under the constitution and laws."
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I understand that will dispense with the taking of the test oath. Is that the Senator’s intention? Mr. DOOLITTLE. No, sir; not at all.
Mr. KIRK i'OOD. The words requiring the taking of the test oath are stricken out.
Mr. DOOLH'TLE. The test oath is still the law of the land. This has no cTTcct on that law.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. This would 'override that if we adopt it.
Mr. DOOLlTTLE. Not at all. This simply excepts from the provision of the section those who have received pardon and amnesty. I maintain thatwliere we have granted under the Constitution and laws pardon and amnesty we have no right, though we have the' power, to put them under the disability again.
Mr. HO WARD. One word. I desire to ask the Senfrom Wisconsin whether the par don and amnesty of which he speaks extend so far as to remove the disability created by the confiscation act of 130.!against the holding of olilce under the U.S.
Mr. FESLSENDI'JN. I desire to ask my friendfrom Michigan whether that would make any particle of difference. We all know that this proposition has no chance of succeeding in any shape.
Mr. HOWARD. Not the slightest; but the Senfrom Wisconsin seems to maiiea point on that question.
Mr. WILLEY. I wish to ask a question of the Senfrom Wisconsin. Suppose there are pardons, as there are likely to he a good many, between the time this amendment shall be propounded by Congress and the time it may be adopted by the Legislatures; what will be its application to pardons granted between this time and that? 1
Mr. KHLKWOOD. I should like to hear the amendment read as it. was 1st offered.
The Secretary read the amendment as origi nally offered by Mr. Doom nan.
Mr. JOHNSON. Does the honorable member from Wisconsin propose to exclude all those who may after the adoption of the constitutional amendment receive pardon? That it seems to me would he the olfect as it now stands. I move, therefore, to ainend it by inserting the words. “ or shall receive.” The I’t‘tfb'iDlSN' f protemporc. The amendment of the Senfrom l"isconsin is not amendablo. The question is on the aincndment of the Senfrom “ISCOH‘SlIt to the amendment of the Senfrom Hickman. The question being taken by and uays, resulte ycas 10, uays 32; ABSENT 7. So the amendment to the amendment was rejected. The question recurring upon the amendment of Mr. OWMUD, the yeas&nays were taken, with the following result: YEAS 32. NAYS 10. ABSENT 7. So
Mr. FESSENDEN. I suppose it is not intended to go further with this subJect this evening. I move that thw b'eiiiite proceed to the consideration of executive business. The motion was agreed to; and after some time spent in executive sessnon, the doors were reopened, and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY, May 31, 1866. The House met at 12 o'clock in. Prayer by the Chaplain, ltev. C. B. Bovxrox. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.
INTER STATE COMMUNICATION. On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, by unanimous consent, bill of the llouse.'0. ll, to facilitate commercial, pestal, and military communication among the several States, with the amendments of the Senate thereto, was taken from the Speaker's table.
Mr. WILSON, of lowa. I ask that the amendments of the Senate be concurred in. The amendments of the donate weio read, as follows; 1st amendment: In the 4th line of the 1st sectionstrilto out the word " connections." 2nd amendment: At the end ot‘the2ndsectionodd as follows: Nor shall it beconstruedto ttlllitttftlt!any riilrozitl company to build any newroad or L‘OflttectlQwll ith any other road without authority from the btutu in wuicnsaid railroad or connectionmay be proposed. 3rd amendment: SEC. ‘2. Abife: That Congressmay atnny time alter. amend, or repeal this act.
Mr. LeBlOND. Before the vote is taken upon these amendments of the tienute. I Would like to inquire how they affect the bill.
Mr. WILSUN, of lown. The only amendments by the Senate are in the nature of limitations upon the terms of the House bill as it went to the $ennte. The amendments of the Senate were concurred in.
Mr. WILSON. of Iowa. mtRtv the amendments of the senate were concurred in; on the table. agreed to. HNILOLMZDniiissiosizn.
Mr. TROWBLHDGE. from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled bills of the following titles; when the Speaker signed the “me: An act (S.No.167) to incor orate the Women’s Hospital Association of the DistCol; and An act (8. No. 184) to define more clearly the jurisdiction and powers of the supreme court of the DistCol, and for other purposes. coxrrsrnn ELECTION.
The Speaker laid before the House papers in the contested election case of Koontz v. Coffroih; which were referred to the ComElections, and ordered to be printed. LEAVES OF ABSENCE. Mr. DAWES asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts, for one week. Mr. HUBBARD, of WestVirginia, asked and obtained indefinite leave of absence for Mr. LATHAM. Mr. JULIAN asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. STILWELL for 2 weeks. Mr. ANCONA asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. Summit for one week from tomorrow. The Speaker asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. HULBL'RD for 2 weeks, and Mr. VANHoax, of NewYork, for one Week.
Mr. GARFIELD demanded the regular order of business. The House accordingly resumed the consideration of House bill be. 537. to authorize the Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad Company, a corporation created and existing under the laws of the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania. to continue and construct the railroad of said company from the village of Youngstown, may honing county, in said State of Ohio, to and into the said State of Pennsylvania, and thence by the most advantageous and iracticable route to the city of Pittsburg in sai State of Pennsylvania and to establish said road as a Military, postal, and commercial railroad of the U.S. The question was on ordering the bill to be engrossed and read a 3rd time.
Mr. LeBlOND. I do not propose to deGARFIELD] relative to the intervention 0 m, My nunchmm, of, 1“, good!on, “ em“, State authorities of Pennsylvania be true. still i; they have their legal rights and can enforce i If all that is claimed by my colleague i[Mthne them in the courts. They can carry on their.| road to completion without coming here for to answertinal judgmentbad it been rendered in the court in which the suit or prosecution was com 3; and from any final Judgment rendered in, any such suit or prosecutionby such circuit.courts. a i.lallow me a few moments longert bate the amendments which have been offered by the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] to this bill in detail. The bill embraces many novel features in congressional legislation. But I wish to make this suggestion to my colleague. l [Illa Ganrisi.n] that inasmuch as there are many important features embraced in this bill 1, which in my judoinent affect directly the rights of the States, I Tiope he will allow this bill to go to the ComWhole, in order that it may be fully discussed and argued before final action is taken on it. I hope that There is another bill of a similar character, embracing the precise features of this bill, and in every essential feature it strikes down the rightof domain in ever State in this Union. I do not propose to stun here as the advocate of the rights of the State of Pennsylvania, or the right. of the State of Maryland. nor do I proposeto set myself up as the special advocate o my own State; but, sir, this bill involves principles which must affect every State in this Union. I do not believe that the time has yet arrived when this Congress is willing to declare that it possesses sovereign rights over every State in every particular of which the States have heretofore exercised exclusive control. Whv, sir, my colleague told as yesterday that the bill now under consideration confers no corperate powers upon this corporation.
Mr. GARFIELD. I did not say that. I said it conferred no powers beyond those already embraced in the charter of the company.
Mr. LeBlOND. No corporate powers except in one particular, was his statement. Very well, sir; it being conceded that it does confer corporate rights in one particular, then, I ask, if ongresa possesses t o right to confer corporate powers in one portion ar, has it not the right to confer such powersin 2 particulars? And if it can confer corporate powers in 2 particulars, has it not the right to grant every essential power necessary to create an immense corporation, extending its vast power through outthe length and breadth of this Government? The bill confers the power to appropriate private property for the use of the company. It also conters power upon the company to compel the claimant of'property taken who refuses to accept the amount tendered by the company in full satisfaction for his land taken by said company to seek redress in the Federal courts at a cost that denies justice. It does confer ad itional corporate powers beyond what is granted in the charter under which they were organized. In point of fact it creates the corporation. It takes it in its power less condition, as admitted by my colleague, [Mr. Gunman] and gives it vitality to act, which is, in point of fact, creating it. This bill strikes down the rights of the States. It is the entering wedge for t ie establishment of a irinciple that will enable its advocates to establish a centralized Government. Iadmon ish members that, before giving their support to any of these propositions emanating from this committee which has transcended the powers conferred upon it in its creation, they should ponder wel the results or they may assist in establishing aprinciple that will to tally destroy the rights of every State of this Union. This committee was created a select committee on a military and postal railroad from Washington to NewYork, but are enlarging their powers and are trying to help out every road that has met with difficulty in their enterprise. l t relief.
Mr. GARFIELD. I have promised a portion of my time to several other gentlemen; and my colleague will please be as brief as possible.
Mr. GARFIELD. I now yield to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mia Scorn 3.1).]
Mr. SCOFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I do not wish to raise any question as to the constitutional right of Congress to authorize companies to construct railroads. without having care fully examined the subject, I am inclined to believe that we have this power; but I am Opposed to this method of exercising it. The gentleman proposes to exercise that power in the same way that he complains Pennsylvania and other States have exercised it to authorize particular persons or a particular company by a mere power of vote. believe that is his word as reported in the Globe; by the mere power of vote to authorize the favoritesof congress to construct a road in particular places. row, the gentleman complains of Pennsylvania for doing that very thing and yet he asks us to do it here. If we have the 0wer, if the committee has come to the cone usion that we have tlw power to control railroad franchises, let us exercise it in a way not inconsistent with the interests of the people. a Let us pass a general law on the subject; do notauthorize our friends to establish a particular road or a particular track, but autiorize the American people to establish roads wherever they may see fit, where ever they think it will pay, or the public interest may require them. The gentleman says Pennsylvania would not “vs the privilege. Is not that some evidence tt ought not to be granted? The gentleman says his own patriotic State of Ohio would not rant the privilege. Is not that someevidence tt ought not to be noted?
Mr. GARFIEL. I said no such thing. I referred to the portion which lies in the State of Pennsylvania. The State of Ohio has granted the right to the portion in that State, and most of it has been built.
Mr. SCOFIELD. The people of my State may have been wrong in refusing this; but the fact they have refused is some evidence to me that they were right. If the gentleman wants to avoid the very difficulty, the very wrong rather, which he charges upon the State of Pennsylvania, let this committee bring in a bill which will authorize anybody to make a road anywhere.
Mr. GARFIELD. I now yield 5 minutes of time to the Gentfrom Pittsburg, [Mr. Moccasin]
Mr. GARFIELD. I yield to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, Mr. O’NEILL]
Mr. O’NEILL.Mr. Speaker, I am surprised at a remark which fell from my colleagne from the Pittsburg district, [Mr. Moon ns.n.] I understood him to say that the State of Pennsylvania by her legislation had sought to interfere with the construction of railroads running into or through that State. Does the gentleman forget that Pennsylvania has iven time and again the right of way to rai road companies incorporate by States adjoining her‘ Does he forget that she gave the NewYork and Eric railroad the right to run through a portion of the State even before her great line of railroad connectin Philadelphia and Pirtsburg was finished, an before connecting her eastern and western borders or extending her cpmmnnications with the West and North west
Mr. MOORHEAD. I do not forget, either, that she has taken back that grant in violation of chartered rights.
Mr. GARFIELD. l yield now for a few I moments to my colleague. [Mix Ensues mm]
Mr. EGGLESTOAI. This is a question of vital importance to the western portion of this Union. Although the claims of the State of l Pennsylvania and her State rights have been l so ably argued by my distinguished friendfrom the city of Philadelphia, [Mr. O'Nsn.l.] yet. I have failed to see the reason why we should sit here as the representatives of the people of the entire country and say that the State of Penu sylvania shall set up her puny arm and tell us I of the West. that our produce cannot. pass through that State without paying tribute to her as she has done in former days. Sir, if State lines are to he fucnglllZEd in l reference to the transit of property and per 1 sons uml say that when you arrive at particular points where one State connects with an, other you shall not pass over it without. stop 1 ping and paying tribute, as was the case a few years ago in Pennsylvania, I say it is time for this Congress to take the matter into their own hands and obliterate State lines entirely, so Ihr as commerce is concerned, and give us free trade. Why, sir, I remember the action of the State of Pennsylvania. some 8 or 10 years ago. when they erected pea nut stands at Erie and told us that we must.ship our preperty there to accommodate a few persons. And yet we find advocates here for the State rights of Pennsyl pnia in thus obstructing the commerce of the est. I say that to us of the West it is important i that we stand firm upon this question. We should stand together and hold that the commerce of the country should go free from one State to another and through all of the States;i and I hope we shall get.such a vote upon this qtestion that we will settle it. now and for ever. that the West has an interest in the means of transit. as well as the States through which the roads pass.
Mr. GARFIELD. I yield now for 5 minutes to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, Mr. Corruora. I
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I noticed, when the amendment was read which the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] moved to this bill this morning, that there is one section of it which declares that certain acts done toward this company shall be deemed misdemeanors and punished in a certain manner. The low est. punishment when by a fine is $1,000 and when by imprisonment the shortest. term is for one year. Now, I would suggest to the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] either to withdraw that section entirely or to.modify it. It seems to me that the penalty therein provided is too severe for tnauyacts which may he done toward the (property of this railway company. And in addition to that I would suggest that this legislation, even it' it shall pass Congress. receive the approval of the ’xecutive, and become a law, will doubtless be brought into the courts for adjudication. Doubuess the State of Pennsylvania will resist and this matter will go into the courts before anything can be done under this bill. The (lecisions oi the State courts may yctbe such that this company will receive all the protection necessary from State legislation. Now, it seems to me that it. would he better, and perhaps strengthen the bill, if that section were omitted altogether.
Mr. GARFIELD. I am willing to adopt.the suggestion of the Gentfrom Iowa, [Mr. wILSON] and withdrawthe 1st of the 2 sections which I offered as an amendment. The other section is one merely authorizing a peals in suits and is recisoly the section adopted iu the Couuellsvulc railroad bill. The 1st section of the amendment of Mr. GARFIELD was accordingly withdrawn.
Mr. SCOFIELD. I desire to ask the gentleman to allow mealittle time to reply to those gentlemen who have spoken particularly of the iliiberality of the people of my district.
Mr. GARFIELD. I must decline. I will take it for granted, if the gentleman pleases, that the people of his district are the most liberal people in the whole country.
Mr. SCOFIELI). I do not thank the gentleman for giving the floor to 3 different persons to assail the peeple of my district and then say that he will take it. for granted that the assault, was uncalled for. I hope, if it is the intention that no one shall speak upon this bill I except those who are pledged to these pet. corporations that the previous question will not. be sustained.
Mr. GARFIEI D. I yielded to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Scortsm] and tohiscollenguc, [Mia O’Nsn.t.] Ihave. yielded no more time to the other side.
Mr. SCUFIELD. The gentleman said that if he had known that. I would have spoken against the bill he would not. have yielded to me.
Mr. SCOlt‘lELD. I heard the gentleman make the remark to members around him. They asked him why he yielded to me and he said he thought I was in lavor of the bill, or he would not have yielded to me.
Mr. GARFIELD. The gentleman certainly misunderstood me.
Mr. GARFIELD. There is one point which has been urged by the Gentfrom Philadelphia. [.Mr. O'Nl Zlt.t.] which I must notice before I ask action on this bill. Ile says there wasaclause in the charter of this company requirin that the work should be begun on the may within 3 years and completed within 7 ears. I wish to inform the gentleman and tie llouse that there was no such provision in the charter.
Mr. O’NEILL. Let. me suggest to the gentleman that if he will send to the Library for the Acts of the Ohio Legislature of 1845 he will find that provision. the preamble to the act of the Pennsylvania Legislature of IBM recites the fact. as I have stated it. The limitation may, perhaps, have been in some general railroad law of the State of Ohio, and hence the statement in the preamble.
Mr. O’NEILL. Mr. Speaker, I want to lay one word. The same oar Governor of Ohio, not the Governor at that time, I think in 1558, came to the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania and begged through this act upon the faith that the road should be built. into the State of Pennsylvania according to the provision of the Ohio charter.
Mr. RANDALL. of Pennsylvania. I ask the gentleman to let me any a few words on this bill.
Skip Skip The House divided; and there were ayes 49, noes 32; no quorum voting. Mr. MOORHLAD demanded tellers. Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. GAP FIELD, and llssniim. of I’eniisylvunia. were appointed. The House divided; and the tellers reported a.yes 5.noes 34. So The previous question was 2nded. Mr. AhC ONA deinanded the yeas and nnyl on ordering the main question. The yeas and iiiiys were not ordered. The main question was then ordered. The question recurred on the amendment. Mr. li‘lXCK demanded the yeas&nays. The yeus&nays were not. ordered. " The amendment was ngreel to. The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time. Mr. GARFIELD demanded the previous question on the passage of the bill. The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. Mr. LeBlONI) demanded the ycas&nays. The ycas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the ntiiriiiative yeas 77, naysll, notvoting, 65; So the bill was passed. During the vote, Mr. JOHNson stated that his long absence was occusmned bysickness.
Mr. WRIGHT. I think this bill is an invasion of the rights of the States and I vote "no." I will state, also, that my colleague. Mr. ItoG l ZBS, is absent, if he were present he would vote “ no." The result having been announced as above recorded.
Mr. GARFIELD mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
The SPEAKER. The morning hour having expired, the next business in order is the consideration of House bill No. 450, to reduce and establish the pay of the officers and to regulate the pay of the soldiers of the armies of the I U.S., a on which the Gentfrom Pennsylvania L. Mr. T BAYER] has the floor.
Mr. SCHENCK. I would suggest whether there is not some business on the Speaker's, table that might as well be disposed of.
Mr. THAYER. With the understanding that I shall be entitled to my time I have no objection to proceeding to other business.
Mr. SCHENCK. I move that the House proceed to the consideration of the business on the Speaker's table. The motion was agreed to. POSTAL LAWS. The 1st business on the Speaker's table was House bill No. 281, to amend the postal lflws, returned from the Senate with ainend‘ meats. The bill, with the amendments, was referred to the comPostOffice. NITRO GLYCERINE. The next bill on the Speaker’s table was Senate bill No. 313, to regulate the transportation of nitro glycerine and glynoin oil; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComCommerce. COMMODORE THOMAS TURNER. The next business on the Speaker’s table was Senate billyNo. 251, in relation to Commodore Tufner; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComNavAffrs.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. MCDOssLn. its Chief Clerk. informing the House that the Senate had agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the disa recing votes of the 2 Houses on the hill of the House (No. 863) supplementary to the several acts in relation to pensions. The messace further announced that the Senate insisted upon its amendment to the bill of the House No. 459,) granting a pension to Anna E. Wa, asked for a committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses thereon, and had appointed Messrs. LANE of Indiana, Buttons, and Gcrnnii: mau agers on its part. Also, that the Senate had passed a Jtresolution of the House (No. 142,) authorizing the PostMGenl to pay additional salary to letter carriers in SanFrancisco. Also, that the Senate had passed a JtResolution manifesting the respect of Co ess to the memory of the late Lieutenant GeneralWinfield Scott, in which he was directed to request the concurrence of the House. FRESH WATER BASIN FOR IBON CLADS. The next business on the Speaker’s table was Senate JtResolution No.92, authorizing the appointment of examiners to examine a site for a fresh water basin for iron clad vessels of the U.S. Navy; which was read a 1st and 2nd time.
Mr. LYNCH. I ask for the immediate consideration of this JtResolution. The JtResolution was read in full. It authorizes an examination fora site for a fresh water basin for iron clad vessels near Portland, aine.
Mr. LYNCH. I move the previous question on the iointresolution.
Mr. LeBlOND. I would like to move a reference of this JtResolution to the ap ro priate committee. ltis too limited, I thin ', in confining the examination to Portland, Maine. It may be thought proper to go further. I hope the resolution will take the usual course and be referred.
Mr. LYNCH. This is a proposition to examine a site. I understand an officer of the Navy near that station will be detailed for that purpose. The object is simply for the SecyNavy to get information and report it ack' to the House for final action. this simply a matter of inquir, and I see no reason why it should 0 to the oval Committee.
Mr. LeBlGND. The gentleman’s remarks a place is necessary perhaps a committee should show the necessity of its reference. If auaval I officer at that station is simply to report upon the utility of a basin of that character at that point it can certainly have but little weight in the subsequent action of this House. If such be appointed to examine and determine where is the most feasible locality. I hope, therefore, that it will be referred.
Mr. LYNCH. This is simplya matter of examination and inquiry, which i will probably take a day. I do not see any necessity of having the resolution referred to the Naval Committee after having passed the Senate.
Mr. WRIGHT. Hwould ask the Gentfrom Maine to allow me a few moments. I wish to offer an amendment. It is of great impor' tance to the country that we have a site for a navy yard capable of affording the means of taking the best care of our iron clads. I would like to amend the resolution simply by adding “and also the Hudson river at 'ilappan bay.’ There is a splendid site there, and there is a natural flow of fresh water from the Palisades. It is able to accommodate vessels having the eatest draught of water in the U.S. he amendment can do no harm if the gentleman is really in earnest.
Mr. LYNCH. I do not propose to 0 into the merits of this resolution at all, for know nothing of it, and if the gentleman will brin in a resolution asking for the examination of l a site there, I will vote for it cheerfully; but I do not propose to give way for any amendment to this resolution. I demand the previous question.
Skip Skip The question was put upon 2nding the demand for the previous question; and there were ayes 35, noes 19; no quorum voting. The Speaker ordered tellers; and appointed Messrs. Lrscu and LB Btoxn.; The House divided; and the tellers reported ayes 50ninc, noes not counted. So
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded. The main question was then ordered to be put. "The JtResolution was ordered to a 3rd, reading; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. L N CH mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; upon the table. agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM TIll PRESIDENT. A message in writin" was received from the POTUS, by Mr. Coornn, his Private Secretary. DEATH or GENERAL SCOTT.
Mr. SCHENCK. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to take up the message of the Senate in regard to the death of General Scott. No objection was made; and the message from the Senate was taken up and read, as follows: In Senate of the U.S.. Man.1 Resolvedby the Senate, (the HoRepeoncurring.) That the 2 Houses of Congress have received with profound sensibility intelligence of the death of Brovct Lieutenant General Winfield ott. licrolverl. That the exalted virtues. both public and private and the wisdom.patriotism and valor of this billustrious man in defenseof his country and the maintenanceof her honor and glory for more than half a century against foreign and doineslc enemiesin war‘au in peace.cl:iiui the livelicstnrat itudo and the deepestveneration of the American people. lfeiolcrd. That as a further mark of respectto the memoryof the deceased, when the 2 Houses of Congressadjourn today, they shall adipurn to meet on Monday next and that amint committee to consist of 7 membersof the Senate and 9 members of the HoRep. Be appointed. with the Presiding 0HIcOI’8of both Houses, shall proceed to West I’0int to represent Congressat the funeral ceremonieswhich are to take place tomorrow: and that said committee be attendedby the Serucants at Armsof both Houses.
Mr. SCHENCK. I am instructed by the members of the jointeommittee on the part of the House to report that the resolutions as they come to us now from the Senate embody just They were directed to be reported 1st in the Senate and putupon their passage there. They have come to us now from the Senate, where they have been adopted, and they are therefore before the House as the report of the committee as well as in the form of a message from the Senate. I ask that the resolutions be concurred in. They were unanimously concurred in.
The Speaker subsequently said: The Chair announces the following members on the part of the House of the JtCommee of congress to attend the funeral of the late Lieutenant General Winfield Scott; being the ComMilAffrs of the House: Mr. Roars r C. Senesex, of Ohio; Mr. Essa! C. DEMING, of Connecticut Mr. GILXAN Mans roii', of NewHampshire; lifr. Lovam. H. Rous BEAU, of Kentucky; Mr. Jonx A. BIXGHAM, of Ohio; Mr. SYDENBAX E. Ascoss, of Pennsyl vania; Mr. JOHN H. KETEHAM, of NewYork; Mr. Janus G. BLAINE, of Maine; Mr. Camus SITGRKAVES, of NewJersey. The train will leave at half past 6 o’clock this evening, and if any entle mau named is unable to go, by notifyingt e Chair the vacancy will be filled.
Mr. PIKE. I ask that this billJnay be considered at this time. The bill was read at length. The 1st section provides that the produce of the forests in the State of Maine, upon the StCroix river and its tributaries, 'owned by American citizens, and sawed in the Province of NewBruns wick by American citizens, (the same being unmanufactured in whole or in part,) having paid like taxes with other American lumber on that river, shall be admitted into the U.S. free of duty, under regulations to be prescribed by the SecyTreasury. The 2nd section proVides that this act shall take effect from and after its passage. The question was upon ordering the bill to be read a 3rd time.
Mr. ELIOT. I will state that the ComCommerce have carefully considered this bill, and I have been instructed to report from that committee in favor of its passage.,
Mr. MOORHEAD. We had this same question up here some time ago, and the House decided largely against it. [therefore move to refer this bill to the ComWays&Means.
Mr. PIKE. I cannot yield the floor for any such purpose as that. Iwant to say in relation to this bill merely that it is precisely similar to one that was passed some time ago in relation to the StJohn river. The necessity for it arises from the fact that lumber of American growth coming down the StCroix river can, a portion of it, be sawed more conveniently on the NewBrunswick side of the river. This bill pro ' poses that lumber owned by American citizens and sawed by American citizens and aying the same taxes as other American lumber on that river, shall simply be considered American lumber. That is all there is in the bill.
Mr. MOORHEAD. As I understand it, this lumber is grown in the State of Maine, and brought down the StCroix river, and sawed in NewBrunswick. Now, I would like the gentleman to inform me how we can tell, when this lumber is delivered, whether it was grown in Maine or in NewBrunswick. I think the effect of this bill will be to allow all NewBrunswick lumber to come in free. We in vestigated this matter thorou hly in the ComWays&Means when we had the reciprocity treaty before us, and I hope the house will either vote down this bill or refer it to the ComWays&Means, where it can be examined.
Mr. PIKE. The Gentfrom Pennsyl vania [Mr. Moonnmn] is altogether mistaken. This is simpl a local matter, and has nothing whatever to do with the reciprocity treaty.
Mr. MOOl the aD. The gentleman does not answer my question, which is, how can you tell, when this lumber is brought into market, whekther it was grown in Maine or NewBruns wic 'I.
Mr. PIKE. On this river the whole of the lumber which can possibly be affected by this bill amounts to about 60 million feet peryear. That is the whole manufacture of the river. Of those 6t million feet, more than 2/3rds of the whole quantity grow upon our side of the river. Consequently there can by no possibility be more than 20 million feet taking advantage of this bill. Now, I tell the gentleman that where the place of growth is but about 25, 30, or 40 miles from the place of manufacture, there is practi cally no such difficulty as he suggests. The man who manufactures the lumber is known; it is known whether he manufactures American timber or NewBrunswick timber; it is known where he manufactures it; and there is no dif ficulty. I will say also that I have talked with the SecyTreasury about this matter, and he is in favor of the passage of the bill as conducing to the convenience of the Treasury.
Mr. UPSON. I desire to inquire of the gentleman whether it would not be better to encourage the sawing of lumber on our own side, instead of the NewBrunswick side.
Mr. PIKE. That proposition was taken up and carefully considered; and the mill owners on the American side of the river were opposed to it, because on examination it was found that in consequence of the run of the river there were on the NewBrunswick side conveniences which were not to be had on the American side.
Mr. MOORHEAD. I recollect very well that when we had before the ComWays&Means the question of the reciprocity treaty this same question arose with ref crence to the StJohn river, which I believe heads in the State of Maine, and runs down through one of the Provinces, where the timber was manufactured. Lumbermen from the State of Maine appeared before the committee protesting against any such legislation as is proposed in this bill. All the testimony before us was against.:such a prosition. The effect of this bill will be to allow this lumber, because it is grown in the State of Maine, to go into a foreign province to be manufactured, thus encouraging the labor of a foreign country in preference to our own. In addition to that the difficulty will be that when the lumber comes into market it will be impossible to tell whether it was rown in Maine or in NewBrunswick; and the result will be that all lumber rown upon that river will come in free. ow, sir, I have no connection with the lumber business, nor have m constituents any connection with it. But if there are any lumbermen in this House, I hope they will give this bill their attention, for it appears to me to be contrary to a principle which should always be regarded in our legislation.
Mr. PIKE. The gentleman has not read the bill, or he would not raise this objection. The bill provides that this lumber shall be manufactured by American citizens, as well as owned by American citizens and that it shall be of American growth. This measure isa simple matter of convenience to asmsll portion of the people of in district. It Mr. PAINE. ta pearsfrom the statement which has been may c that this lumber proposed to be introduced has already paid some tax. I desire to askthe Gentfrom Maine what tax it has paid, and how and where.
Mr. PIKE. It must pay all the local tax.
Mr. PAINE. But is any tax paid on the lumber before it is manufactured?
Mr. PIKE. All the local tax on the logs. The lumber on this river floats indiscriminately on both sides. It is provided that the lumber manufactured on the other side shall be taxed the same as that manufactured on our side taxed in the logs. Mr. Speaker, I call for the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was read a 3rd time. The question then recurred on the passage of the bill. Mr. MOORHEAD demanded the yeas and as s. The yeas&nays were not ordered. The bill was passed. Mr. PIKE mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. PAYMENT OF KENTUCKY MILITARY FORCES. The next bill upon the Speaker’s table was Senate JtResolution No. 94, providin for the payment of certain Kentucky militar forces; which was read a 1st and secon time, and referred to the ComAppropriat. ANNA E. WARD. The next business on the Speaker's table was a message from the Senate asking for a committee of conference on the disagreeiii votes between the 2 Houses on House bifine . 489, granting a pension to Anna E. Ward; which was agreed to; and the speaker appointed Messrs. TAYLOR, SAWYER, and Hana sing of Kentucky as managers of such conference on the part of the House. CONFERENCE REPORT.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the report was adopted. PENSION BILLS PASSED.
Mr. PERHAM, by unanimous consent, from the ComInvalidPens, reported buck the Senate amendments to the following bills. with the recommendation that they be concurred in: An act (H.R.No. 216) for the relief of Cordelia Murray; An act th. ll. No. 345) for the relief of Christina Elder; An act (H.R.No. 493) granting a pension to Mrs. Joanna wiiiaus; and An act til. 11. No. 4625)granting a pension to Mrs. Sally Andrews. The amendments of the Senate were never ally concurred in. llAlLltHAD LlNl l TO THE NORTHWEST.
The Speaker stated the next business in order to be House bill No. 527, to promote the construction of a line of railroads between the city of Washington and the Northwest, for national purposes.
Skip Skip Mr. GARFIELD demanded the previous question on its passage. The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. Mr. l ‘tNCK demanded the yeas and uays. The yeas and uays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the uflirmative yeas 05, nays 37, not voting 5]; So the bill was passsed. Mr. UPSON mtRtv the bill was passed: upon the table. agreed to'.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate. by Mr. HAMLIN. one of its Clerks, informed the House that the Senate had passed a bill (S.No.265) to protect the manufacturers of mineral waters in the DistCol, and for.0ther purposes. MtNflllAL WATERS. The next business on the Speaker's table was Senate bill No. 265, to protect the manufacturers of mineral waters in the DistCol and for other purposes; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComDistCol. ENROLLRD mu. SlUNl ID.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE. from the ComEnrollBill. reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled an act ([1. ll. No. 11) to facilitate commercial.postal and military coziimiiiiicaiion among the sciend States; when the Speaker signed the same. ritsnnnirs’s AFFAIRS.
The SPEAKER. laid before the House the llub. Jenckes. fclso, l. followmg message from the POTUS: To the HoRep l trniisuiitn communication from the SecyWar covering a supplemental report to that already made to the HoRep in answer to its resolution of the 21st instant requesting the reports of General Steed iuan and others in reference to the operations of the Bureau of Refugees, freedmen, and Abandoned Lands. ANDREWJOHNSON. Washington, D. C., May 30, 1806.
The Speaker. If there is no objection this communication, together with one of the same character received yesterday. will be ordered to be printed and referred to the committee on freedmen.
Mr. LeBlON D. 1 move that 10,000 extra copies of the report just handed in. together with the former reports of Generals Steedinnu and Fullerton, be printed.
The Speaker. That motion oes to the ComPrintg, under the w. rsxsioss.
Mr. PERHAM, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read. considered, and agreed to: [ emloed.That the ComInvalidPens be instructed to inquire into the expediencyof in the pensionsof the widowsof deceasedsoldiers and sailors ot the recent war in proportion to the iiuinber of mine r children under 16 years of age of such deceased soldiersand sailorsdepend cut on such widowsfor support and to report by bill or otherwise. extritn STATES COURTS.
Mr. LAWRENCE. of Ohio, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill relative to records in appellate courts: which was read a 1staud 2nd time, and referred to the ComJudiciaryar.
Mr. LAWRhNCE. of Ohio, by unanimous consent. introduced a bill to enlarge the powers of the national courts as to process; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComJudiciary. BUTLER MOltHIS.
Mr. JOHNson, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill for the relief of Butler Morris; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComInvalidPens. JACOBA.tional.
Mr. JOHNson, by unanimous consent, introduced a.bill for the relicfof JacobA. Cable. late of company G. 153rd regiment Pennsylvania volunteers; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComInvalidPens. llElllS OF SUIEON GOBLE.
Mr. JOHNson. by unanimous consent, introduced a bill for ilic relicfof the children of Plicnbe Wilson, deceased, who was the widow ot'Simcou Coble. A revolutionary soldier; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComRevPensions. CHARLES H. STOUT.
Mr. JOHNson, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill for the relief of Charles M. Stout. late 2nd lieutenant in company E, 7th regiment Pennsylvania Reserve corps: which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComMilAffrs. I'AY OF THE ARMY.
Mr. THAYE R. I call For the regular order. The House accordingly resumed the consideration of the special order. being House bill No. 460, to reduce and establish the pay of the officers and to re date the pay of the soldiers of the armies oft to U.S., upon which Mr. Tunes was entitled to the floor.
Mr. TH YER. l took occasion yesterday to point out to the House wherein I conceived the attempted analogy which was drawn by the chairman of the Military Committee between the circumstances of the nllicers of the Navy and the circumstances of the officers of the Army failed. I endeavored to show that there was such a total want of similarity in those circumstances that no argument could be predicated upon any such analogy. l desire now, sir, to call the attention of the House to the fact that these very allowances which were prohibited by law to the Navy have, been restored by law, the act prohibiting those allowances having been repealed. An order has recently been issued by the See etaiy of the Ntuy upon this subject which I ask the Clerk to read. 'lh.i Clerk read as follows: [General Order. No. 75.], Navy DEPT.May 23, 1866. coCmopnegnresassTTon having.in viewof the call for increased to n the crsof the Navy. repealed the law which prohhited any allow PM): to them “ tor rento quarters or to pay rent or furniture or for lights or incl. ken" the Dept of irider to provent a recurrence of the irregularities. abuse a1n.d arbitrary allowanceswhich occasioned the prohibition. deem it|iro|etro establisha fixed rate of the compensation in lieu of the extra allowanceswhich were prohibited by the law now re caled. Accordingly, from and alter the 1stday of mm proximo. officers W110are not provided Withquarters on sliorestations, will he allowed u suiii equal to 33 undone ethxicrdep % ot their pay in lieu at all allowances. for mileage r travcl ing excases under or tiers: and those provided Wllh su c quarters 20%. other pay in lieu of said allowances. The act olMarch 3. 186.) having increased the pay of midhshinmgn and mates. the allowance hereby authorized will not be extendrd t‘o tht in. otniSn'CoexrctWnEryLLES. of HI: Now
Mr. THAYER. Now, if any gentleman has doubts in relation to the unjust operation of this bill upon offieers of the Army, I be e before he casts his vote for it he will consider attentively the facts stated in these letters. The opinion of Geueral Brice will, Isuppose, be objected to by the Gentfrom Ohio as perhaps not being entitled to much weight, although be is certainly an officer familiar with this subject. But he is a bureau officer, yea, the head of a bureau; and I suppose that in proortion to the closeness of his connection win that bureau the value of his testimony will depreciate in the estimation of the Gentfrom Ohio. However, air, the reasons which he gives are for the consideration of the House; and I direct attention to what he says, not so much on account of the position which he occupies as on account of the common sense vicws which he presents and the cogent reasons by which he supports them. I desire now to glance, in a very rapid manner, at the a uments by which the Gentfrom Ohio iin ertnkes to maintain the proposition which he presents. I throw out of the account, as of no value in the estimation of the calm judgment of this House, what he has said about the bureaus of the War Dept. I suppose, sir, that bureaus are necessary, if on fiave a staff for your Army; and if you have a staff and bureaus, I suppose that you must employ officers for the conduct of the business of the staff and the bureaus. I do not see the justice of the implied imputation which the gentleman has frequently cast in his remarks on this floor upon the officers of these bureaus. I do not feel myself called upon to defend these officers, because I do not understand that even the gentleman, notwithstanding all his insinuations, has ventured to make, in plain language, any charge against the officers of those bureaus.
Mr. SCHENCK. Once for all, let me tell the gentleman that I made no insinuation. What I say in this House I say openly and distinctlv.
Mr. THAYER. The gentleman says that he makes uoinsinuations. Then he makes charges. Now, I would like any gentleman to read his 5 cech as printed in the Globe, to sift it, and then tell me what is the precise charge that the gentleman makes against the officers of the bureaus of the War dept. I will yield to the gentleman if he has any charge to prefer. do not understand him as making a He now says he did not make an insinuation.
Mr. SCHENCK. Mr. Speaker, all I wanted was to call the gentleman back to the real question in this case. His whole argument is a tissue of sncers and intimations that the ComMilAffrs are carrying out their prejudices, are influenced b some sinister motive. And when he used the word “insinuation” I interrupted him a thing I very seldom do in order to tell him that I, for one, am not.in the habit of making insinuations in this House; that if I have anything to say on any subject I say it openly, plainly, and distinctly. Now, whether I have made any charge: or not and in the sense in which the gentleman uses that term I know I have not, for I have attacked nobody, nor made this a personal question in any way the gentleman can find by referring to what I have said, for it is reported in the Globe.
The Clerk read as follows: “Let me state a case. I will suppose there are ten generalofficersin this city today to be ordered by GenlGrant to as many different points. Let us suppose the system of commutation of forage, rations, fucl, servants' clothing, quarters. Are" on tirely abolished. You send one officer to a postin the Northeast. anotherto SanFrancisco.anotherto Fort Bridger, another to NewOrleans. another to New Meiuco, and so on, and then give them all the same arbitrary amountof pay as proposed in the pending bill and I submit that you haveimposed the grossest in“equality of burden and responsibility upon them.
Mr. GARFIELD. Doesnot the bill allow mileage? "Mr. Bums. I am not talking about mileage. am talking about the expenses of llVlfIQ’ after the various postsof serviceshall hnvo been reuched. wastalkin only esterday With an officer who had servedint c Roe y mountains and at Fort Bridger. The Government lins had to contractthere for wood at nearly 100 dollars percord and corn at 12 dollars a bushel and flonrnt 75 dollars a barrel. I submit that if you send a brigadier general out there under the pay provided in this bill and compel him to foregroall the pflVllOBZOoSf commiilulion he cannot feed 2 horses and keep 2 servants on his entire pay. "The Gentfrom Ohio sayshe does not draw his rutions in kind but takes commutation. I know that is the case.but he draws it in commutation of value at the point where he is stationed.”
Mr. PAINE. The Clerk will now please read from the remarks of Mr. THAYER.
The Clerk read as follows: "Sir. it mustbe manifestthat in a country includ inw so large a space asthat which is coveredby the U.S. cmbracing so mnii deyzrecosf l iiti tude and longitude, the expenses 0 living mustdiffer vastly in different parts of the country". Tnoprice of subsistence is onething at StLouis: it is a totally different thing at Eastport. it is onethmqat NewOrleans; it is a differentthing at Philadelphia. It is one thing at Csrlisle an interior town in my own State; it is quiteanothor thing in Washington." " Sir anoflicor who is obliged to pay but asmall rice for his board in a town wheretheprice of liv n is cheap.is. as any man must see, on an entirely diherent footing from an officer who is placed in another position where the expenseof living is extremelyliiglh. The Government remedies this inequality b purchasing the subsistenceand furnishing it in kin to both the officers. "The Government ean 0 into all the markets of the U.S and pure useits provisionsfor the Army. It can ureliase them at ratesvastly below the prices which an individual officer would be obliged to pay for his individual subsistence. The Government, therefore has hitherto thought it wise to purchaseby contract the subsistence for the officer and to deal out to him, whether he besituated in Arizona or in Boston, those provisions which it has purchasedfor the common benefit of the army."
Mr. BEAINE. Is the gentleman willing to be interrupted for a moment?
Mr. BLAINE. I do not at all dissent from the gentleman’s statement of facts, nor do I understand that his statement differs essentially from that which I have made. I understand that the officer may under the present law buy rations from the Government at cost exclusive of transportation, or if the rations are not there to be bought or furnished, he is entitled to commutation at the price which it would cost to have the rations there. AmI not right in that?
Mr. PAINE. No, sir, I do not understand the gentleman to be right in that. I should be glad if the gentleman would oint out to me a provision conferring such authority. There is no such provision in the law or in the Army Regulations.
Mr. BLAINE. How is it with regard to fuel and forage?
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. I ask the Gentfrom Wisconsin whether an officer who do“ not choose to commute his rations is not permitted to draw them in kind.
Mr. PAINE. I will repeat, for the 5th time, that an officer cannot draw his rations in kind, either for himself or even for his sol“ vent, unless that servant is an enlisted mflll of the Army.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. I understand from this paper, which emanates from some of the military depts in this city, that it is optional, and the oliieer may commute his iatigns at 30 cents each or draw them in in.
Mr. PAINE. I of course do not know what paper the gentleman has in his hand.
Mr. SCHENCK. I ask the Gentfrom Vermont to refer to the date 0 that communication and he will find that it was made 40 years ago. The other part is Brice’s introduction to it.
Mr. PAINE. I know not what the gentleman has in his hands, but I know what authority I have read to the House. I have read from the Army relations issued by authority of the SecyWar. I have read the provisions standing on pages 252, 262, and 363, and I declare these to be the regulations now in force. I know by experience that they have been rigidly enforced during this war, With the modification as to cash payments to which I have referred. I never card of the case of an officer drawing rations in kind.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I think this is an important feature of this discussion and I think it should be understood. I are no information on the subject except what I have received here. I ask whether an officer who purchases a ration from a commissary of subsistence is not entitled to receive it at 30 cents.
Mr. PAINE. I will again read the law on page 252: “An officer may purchase subsistenceof the commissa riut, paying cash for it on delivery. at cost prices, without including the costof transportation. gimhig'c'grtiflcate that it is for the useof himself and I declare that to be, and to have been, the law, with the sole modification often referred to which gave officers a short credit on these purchases when long delay in the payment of the troops had rendered it impossible for them to pay cash on delivery.
Mr. BLAINE. An officer at Fort Bridger is furnished with revisions at their cost in NewYork city. this the cost of transportation which goes to swell up the price at the frontier posts. The gentleman’s point, therefore, amounts to nothin.
Mr. PAINE. N ow, iMr. Speaker, I have no dispute with the gentleman on that point. I have read the law over and over again. It provides that the officers shall purchase rations at cost, not including transportation. If the government sees fit to purchase these rations at StLouis or any other place, they will be sold to the officers without adding the transportation. So far as that is concerned, the gentleman is right at last; but I want to call is at tention and the attention of the House to something else which he seems entirel to overlook. Does the gentleman believe that the bill before the House, with the fproposed amendments, changes this feature of the law; that in consequence of any provision in this bill officers will not be allowed to purchase rations of the government on precisely the same terms as here tofore? If he does, he is, I think, as much in error as he has been respecting the existing law on this subset. The bill be are the House provides that “instead of pay, allowances, a emoluments, of eve kind except as hereinafter provided, the fol owing shafl be the yearly compensation of all olIicers of the Army, ” 8:0. It makes no provision affecting directly or indirectly the right of an officer to purchase from the Government. On the contrary, pass this bill and on this point let me assure the House that I cannot be mistaken pass this bill, and the officer has the right, stationed at Fort Bridger, to purchase subsistence of the commissary dept at the cost price, not including transportation. I want to have the gentleman indicate, when his time comes to speak again, how the law now in force in this respect has any advantage over the bill which the committee ask us to pass.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. I have in my hand a communication from the PayMGen of the Army, and appended to it is an article which seems to have come from PayMGen Towson in 1826. I do not know anything against this article except it be its age. I “find the following: When the difficulty of procuring provisionsdoes not exist the rations are commutedat 20 cents each, [theyarenow 30.]which amountstothesame as sllowmg a specificsum. The option to commute is with the oficer." That was the law in 1826. What I rose for was to ask the gentleman for I desire information on this point when the law was altered so as to take away from the officer the option of drawing rations or commuting them at the sum which the Government established.
The Clerk read as follows: Insert afterthe amendmentalreadyadoptedb the Honse in relation to forage, the following: "0 cers may purchase from the quartermaster's dept the amount of fuel prescribedin section 1068 article 47, of the Army Regulations of 861, on their certificate that it is for their own use, paying cash therefor on delivery, at cost price, not.including the cost.of transportation incurred after purchaseby the quartermpster’s dept; nndnothing in this act contained shall eject the right of officersto use without tcharge public barracks or quarters or buildings hiredfor their PSI in aqpordance with the laws and regulations now in orce.
Mr. PAINE. I will also send to the Clerk’s desk to be read for the information of the House an amendment prepared by the Gentfrom Indiana [ Mr. Vssnnuns] who is absent from the House, and has requested me to present it. It relates to the same subject. he Clerk read as follows: Abife: That the officers of the Army may urchuseof quarterinasters and commissarics of subsistence the same amountof rations and fuel to which they are now entitled by law at a uniform price fixed by the SecyWar, not to exceed the averageactual costof the same to the government exclusive of transportation: Promded. That said officers shall at the time of the purchase certify that the same is for their own use.
Mr. WOOD RIDGE obtained the floor. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED.
Mr. COBB, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly eprolled a bill and JtResolution of the following titles; when the Speaker signed the same: An act (S.No.208) to protect American citizens engaged in lumbering on the StCroix river, in the State of Maine; and A JtResolution (S.R.No. 02) authorizing the appointment of examiners to examine a site for a fresh water basin for iron clad vessels of the U.S. Navy.
Mr. SCHENCK moved that the House adjourn. The motion was agreed to. And then (at ten minutes to 4 o’clock p. in.) the House adjourned until Monday next.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The followin petitions. to" were presentedunder therule and r erred to the appropriate committees: By Mr. DAW LS: The remonstranes of SamuelFay and others, of Massachusetts, against the extension ofBtyhe burrin machine patent. Mr. H A E: The etition of James Smith and 91 others, citizens of Willsboro, Essexcounty. NewYork for protection to American wool growers. By Mr. JULIAfi: The petition of Major George H. 1 money stolen from him while in the militar serviceof the U.S. By Mr. MOORlihAD: The petition of citizens of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. in skin for protection to homea must foreign labor. Mr. MOU TON: The petition of citizens of Panu, Illinois, praying that Congresswill enact just and equal laws or the regulation ofinter state insurancesof all kinds. By Mr. MYERS; The petition of Lcivis Ladomus and William P. Ellison, of Philadelphia, representing the estate of John Moore, deccused.ownursofs uare No.760East Capitol street, betweenSecon dand' bird streets, Washington, DistCol. occupied by the Government since 1861, asking congress for thBey passageof an act to pay themrent fer t 0some. Mr. PSON: The petition of Drusilla Churchill and others, of StJoseph county Michigan. praying for anincrenscot‘the pensionsto the widows mothers and orphans of soldiers who havefallen in defenseof their country.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Moan“, June 4, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of Thursday last was read and approved. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION.
The PRESIDENT protem are laid before the Senate a communication of the PostMGenl, transmitting, in answer to a resolution of the Senate of the 23d of February last, information relative to the establishment of a telegraph in connection with the postal sys tem; which, on motion of Mr. SHERMAN, was referred to the select committee on that subject and ordered to be printed.
Mr. WILSON. The ComMilAffrs , to whom was referred a bill (S.No.273) to authorize the President to convey to William P. Rogers and his asso ciates the island of Yerba Buena, or Goat Island, in the harbor of SanFrancisco, have directed me to report adversely thereon. I move its indefinite postponement. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. WILSON, also, from the ComMilAffrs , to whom was referred a bill (S.No.287) to provide for the construction of awagon road from Boise City, in the Territory of Idaho, to Susanville, in California, reported it without amendment. rsrsx'r nxanmnns.
Mr. COWAN. I beg leave to report, from the ComPatents and the Patent Oilice, a bill (S.No.860) to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examinerst e salary fixed by law for the duties performed by them; and I ask that it b. but on its passage. I do not know that itwillIead to any debate or difficulty. It is a matter of some consequence to those concerned. There being no objection, the bill was read twice and considers as in ComWhole. It proposes to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed in the Patent Office from April 1, 1801, until August 1, 1805, as examiners and asst examiners of patents, at the rates fixed by law for those respective ades. The money is to be paid out of the patent Offico fund, and the compensation thus aid is not to exceed that received by those duly enrolled as examiners and assistamt examiners of patents for the same erio.
Mr. COWAN. I have simply aword to say by way of explanation of the ill. It ap ears that in 1801 the ComrPatents ound it, necessary, ashe supposed, to reduce the salary of the examiners and the asst examiners, owing to the pressure upon the funds of the Dept at that time. Those funds, however, have now accumulated, owing to the 'increased business of the office, and I think he has perhaps $75,000 of a Eurplus on hand.
Mr. COWAN. Perhaps it may be. I under stood it was $75,000. It is now proposed to pay the examiners and asst examiners the salaries which had been before fixed by law to be paid them, and that the amount be paid out of this fund. I think it is eminently just.
Mr. SHERMAN. Does it increase the sal aries?
Mr. COWAN. Their salaries were reduced in 1861, and they are now to be aid the sum they would have got if there tad been no reduction.
Mr. COWAN. It goes back to 1861. I think it is eminently just and proper, and the committee were of that opinion and reported this bill, and I hope there wilhbe no objection to it. The bill was reported to the Senate without amendment, orderengross for a 3rd reading, read the 3rd time, and passed. RAILROADS TO THE WEST.
Mr. CHANDLER. The ComCommerce, to whom was referred a memorial of citizens of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, praying for the enactment of a law authorizing the Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad company to extend its road from the west line of the State of Pennsylvania to the city of Pittsburg, have directed me to report it back and ask to be discharged from its further consideration, and to move its reference to the ComForRel, who have now the charge of that subject.
Mr. COWAN. I think that is a very singu lar reference to refer a railroad matter to the ComForRell Iam afraid my friendfrom Michigan is jesting.
Mr. CHANDLER. I am merely following the precedent set by the Senate on Thursday last.
Mr. COWAN. If the chairman of the ComForRel desires to take cognizance of such things, though utterly foreign to the institution itself, I have no objection, of course.
Mr. SUMNER. I am not aware of the subject to which the Senator refers. I did not hear the motion of the Senfrom Michigan.
Mr. COWAN. It was to refer a matter relative to the construction of a railroad from the Cleveland and Mahoning railroad to the city of Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, to the ComForRel.
Mr. SUMNER. I must protest against that being referred to the ComForRel. I think it would he a great enlargement and expansion of the jurisdiction of that committe
Mr. COWAN. I move that the memorial be laid upon the table.
Mr. SHERMAN. These railroad matters ought to be referred to some committee.
Mr. CHANDLER. A bill from the HoRep on this very subject was last week referred to the ComForRel, and I supposed that in making this motion I was simpl following that precedent.
The PRESIDE T protem are. The motion now is that this memoria be laid on the table. That motion is not debatable.
Mr. SHERMAN. I move to reconsider the vote by which the other bills were referred to the ComForRel.
The PRESIDENT ro tempera. That motion is not now in or er, the pending motion being to lay this memorial on the table, and that motion is not debatable. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. SHERMAN. I now move to reconsider the reference of these railroad bills to the Committee on Forei Relations“
Mr. SHERMAN. the two hills which eased the HoRep providing or the construction of railroads, and) which were referred to the ComForRel.
Mr. SUMNER. Railroads between what pomts?
Mr. SHERMAN. One bill was for arailroad between Pittsburg and Cleveland, and the other to secure railroad communication between here and Pittsburg and the Northwest. They were probably referred to the ComForRel under amisapprehension. I move to reconsider that reference, so that they may 0 to the ComCommerce.
The PRESIDENT prolempore. The motion now is to reconsider the vote of the senate by which the bill (H.R.No. 527) to promote the construction of a line of railroads between the city of Washington and the North west for national purposes, and the bill (H.R.No. 537) to promote the construction of a line of railroad from Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, in Ohio, were referred to the ComForRel. The Chair will put the question on both bills together if there e no objection. The mtR agreed to.
Mr. SHERMAN. I now move that those 2 bills be referred to the ComCommerce. The motion was agreed to. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER R. L. LAW.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The ComNavAffrs, to whom was referred the etition of Lieutenant Commander Richard) L. Law, prayin to be restored to the active list of his rank, have directed a resolution to be reported for his relief, and as it is a formal matter, I ask for its consideration now. The JtResolution (S.R.No. 100) for the restoration of Lieutenant Commander Richard L. Law, U.S. Navy, to the active list from the reserved list was read twice and by unanimous consent considered as in ComWhole. It proposes to authorize the President to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate to appoint, Lieutenant Commander Richard L. Law to the active list of the Navy. The JtResolution was reported to the Senate and orderengross for (3rd d'. re‘
Mr. HENDRICKS. The chairman of the ComNavAffrs suggests to me that I ought to add the words “and to restore him to his original rank.” I move this amendment.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The JtResolution was orderengross for a 3rd reading, and was read the 3rd time and passed. BILL INTRODUCED.
Mr. MORRILL asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a JtResolution (S.R.No. 101) directin the removal of certain obstructions from the public gguare known as Market square in the city of ashington; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComDistCol. APPROTAL of BILLS.
Skip Skip A message from the POTUS, by Mr. Cooran, his Secretary, an nounced that the President had approved and signed, on the 2d instant, the fol owing acts and JtResolutions: An act (S.No.167) to incor orate the Women’ a Hospital Association of the DistCol; An act (S.No.184) to define more clearly the jurisdiction and powers of the supreme court of the DistCol, and for other purposes; An act (S.No.208) to protect American citizens engaged in lumbering on the StCroix river, in the State of Maine; and A JtResolution (S. It. No. 02) authorizing the appointment of examiners to examine a site gar a fresh water basin for iron clad vessels of the U.S. Navy. CLERKS op INTERIOR DEPT.
Mr.DOOLlTTLE. Bystrikingout the word “ 3 ” in line 33 and inserting the word “5” in the bill as it stood originally, the effect would be the same, and it would be more in harmony with the other sections of the bill. It would then read, “one chiefclerk and 5 clerks in charge of divisions, at an annual compensation of $2,000 each, ” instead of 3, as reported in the original bill. I will state that the s)00l8l committee appointed on this subject ha before them the heads of these several bureaus; and on consultation with them and ascertaining the condition of affairs in the Pension Office we became satisfied that there are 5 important divisions in the Pension Office, at the head of which there on ht to be a man of sufficient capacity to take c arge of the division, instead of 3. The ComrPensions was decidedly of that o inion, and certainly we were, after hearing im at length on that subject. We have no doubt that it is one of the most important bureaus in the Government. It has charge of all questions relating to pensions, decidin who shall have them and who are not entitled to them. I will state that on the subject of the salariesmentioned in this bill there is a printed statement accompanying the bill, giving a comparison of the salaries as they now stand, and as they will be underthis bill. Someof the salaries are raised, but the whole amountof expenditure is no greater.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The nestion will be on the amendment propose by the Senfrom Wisconsin to the amendment of the committee. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
The PRESIDENT protampon. The question now is on the amendment reported by the committee as amended.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The amendment that I proposed was an amendment to the original ill as it stood, waiving the amendment proposed by the committee. The effect is precisely the same by inserting “ 5” instead of “ 3 ” in line 33 in the bill as it stood.
The PRESIDENT protempore. Then the amendment reported by the committee will be considered as disagreed to; and the amendment of the Senfrom Wisconsin to the bill, instead of to the amendment, will be considered as adopted. The next amendment was to strike out afier the enacting clause of the 2nd section the following: That the compensation of the messcpgcrs, asst messengers, laborers and watchmen in the Dept of the Interior and the several bureaus and officesthereof shall be the same as it new is under the operation of the act entitled "An act making flpSfQprllttlOXlSfor the lcelfillllIVC, executive, an in icial expensrs of the government for the year ending June 30, 1865, and for other purposes." approved June 25, 1 And to insert in lieu thereofThat there shall be authorized to be employed in the Dept of the Interiorin llICFOVCHll bureaus thereo the followink named employes, namely: In the GLO: one messenger at $1.00oper annum; 4 messengersat $840 each perannum; 8 watchmen at 8720eachper annum: 9 labor ersat $720eachper annum: and 2 packersat $720 each perannum. In the Pension Bureau: one chief nicssen er at81,000 pernnniim; 5 asst iiivssengersat.5840eachpernnnuiii: 6 laborersnt 67‘200nch er nnniim: and onc watchmnn at $722 poer uniium. In the Indian Bureau: one messengei'in chicfat $1.00oper annum; 2 watchmen at $720 each perannum; and 2 laborers at $720eachper annum.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. This amendment does not change the law as it now stands. The idea of the committee was that as this was a bill to reorganize the Dept of the Interior, we should specify in it the number of messengers that are now provided by law and their sala ries, so that it should al appear in the same bill, and then there would he no difficulty in turning to the bill to ascertain precisely what they are without looking at other statutes 0n the subject. This morning the Assistagt SecyInterior called on me in relation to this amendment, and stated the fact that in specifying these officers in the amendment the committee had omitted to specify the messengers of the Dept proper. The messengers, laborers, &e., here specified are the mes sengers and laborers of tevarious bureaus. I therefore move, in order to supply the deficiency, to insert after line 12 in the amendment on the 4th page, the followmg: In the Secretary's office:one chief messengerat 1.00oper annum: 2 asst messengersat $8“) erannnm; 3 laborersand 13 watchmenat 720eachper annum. n The amendment to The amendment was agreed to. The amendment, as amended, was adapted.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. There are one or 2 verbal amendments necessary. In the present stage of the session the bill may not pass the other House before the 80th of June. It is necessary to make it a ply to the coming fis cal ear. I move in ine 3 of the 1st section on the 1st age to strike out “ next” before the words “ seal year” and insert after the word “year” the words “ ending June 30, I!
The PRESIDENT protempore. The Chair will suggest that all the amendments reported by the committee are not yet acted upon. perhaps it would be better to conclude them before offering other amendments.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Very well. I supposed those amendments were through with. The next amendment reported by the committee was in section four, lines four, 5, and 6, to strike out “shall be the same as that now allowed by law to the ComrPatents, ” and to insert “namely, the ComrIndAff, the ComrPensions, and the ComrGLO shall be $4,000 each perannum;” so that the clause will read: That from and afterthe commencement of the next fiscal year. the compensation of the Asst SecyInterior and that of the headsof the hu reaus of the Dept of theInterior, namely, the ComrIndAff, the Commiuioner of Pensions and the ComrGLO shall be $4,000eachper annum.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. This is the amendment which raises the salaries of the heads of these bureaus. The committee were unanimously of opinion that it ought to be done. The head of the GLO is one of the most impertant officers in the Government. He is constantly passing upon legal questions, deciding titles to land, and is as important an officer as one of the judges, I may say, of the Supreme Court. Then the ComrPensions is one of the most important officers also, and very great and grave questions are constantly coming before him; and I think to a man who is capable of properly discharging that duty we ought to give at least $4,000 a year; and the same may be said also of the ComrIndAff: the amount of business which is thrown upon the head of that bureau is very great, especially in the development of the western Territories which have brought us into contact with all the Indian tribes. the business of the bureau ro of has increased at least 3 fold within the 1st 6 years. Mr. President, I do not desire to take up the time of the Senate in ating the question, but it was the unanimous judgment of the committee that we ought to put the salaries at this amount.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I do not object to raising these salaries to that amount, i that is the judgment of the Senate, and I do not rise for that purpose; but I want to notify my friend' that the inevitable result will be to raise the salaries of all the heads of bureaus and all the Asst Secretaries.
Mr. FESSENDEN. 3,000 500 dollars, I think.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. 3,000 dollars in the Interior Dept.
Mr. GRIMES. I should like to inquire of the Senfrom Wisconsin, if it is so necessary to raise the salaries of these gentlemen who are now getting $3,000 to $4,000, why is it that you propose in this bill for poor men who are provided for salaries of S720, men who have families to so port as well as these high salaried officers, whose services are important to the Government, Itake it, or else we should not employ them? It seems to me there is rather too great a disparit between the lower class of officers and the higher class.
Mr. GRIMES. Will he not employ the some men he does now?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. He will employ some of the same men undoubtedly; but he employs now 177, an the bill prooses to allow him to employ but 147. Some men are ca able of performing more services than 3 0t or men. There is this difficulty: if a man not accustomed to the business in the Land Office or the Pension Office makes a mistake, a blunder, it cests 2 or 3 clerks of capacity a long time before they can correct it; therefore the necessity of keeping experienced clerks in these offices. This was the reason which was urged upon us by the head of the Dept, and Fhave no doubt it is well founded.
Mr. FESSENDEN. There may be gentlemen whose backs are stiff enough to enable them to refuse to interfere in this matter, but the number is not great. Of course I shall not insist a inst the disclaimer by any gentleman ofw at may be his own particular prac tice; but I think the practice is very general, and perhaps it is unavoidable. It has grown up in the course oftime, as a matter, perhaps, of necessity, from the disposition of the Depts to divide their appointments among the States so far as they couId possibly do so, and to accommodate members by having all the districts represented in the Depts. It seems to be no more than fair and right that it should be so; but the difficulty is that it is car ried too far. One day I removed aman in the Treasury Dept because he was utterly unfit, he could not write without blotting his paper all over, and he could not make up accounts at all. He was a very clever old gentleman, but utterl useless for any purpose in the dept. n the course of 3 or 4 days after his removal I had a petition signed by 20 members of Congress to put him back a in.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I refused. I would not at him back again although I could not help eeling for him. He was a clever old gentleman who did not seem to be fit to do anythin; he could not get a living anyhow unless lie got it there; but I could notsce why he should have it out of the Government when he could not render any service. This is but an illus TTation. I take as much blame to myself as anybody can for this interference by members of congress. I do not imputd anything to anybody else that I am not Willing to take my share of. If we kept our hands off these matters, and aid competent salaries to competent men, caving the Depts free to act as they thought proper, we should get along much better than we do; I believe we should save money and have the affairs of the Government better conducted. In fact it would not require so many hands as it does now. We need not talk so much about this high salary business. These salaries are, as the times go, very low. Men are hardly able to scratch along with the salaries they get, under the expenses they are subjected to in this city; and although some of them are aid very low, yet, of course, in all tithes andpin all places and in all business, men are paid according to the nature of the services required of them and what they can earn elsewhere. That must be the rule, and although many of the messengers in the Depts receive but $720ayear, and it is hard to get along on that, yet you can get plenty of others who will perform the services just as well for that sum, and who would be glad to do it; but with regard to the higher classes of clerks. you cannot get them on the salaries now paid, or if you do, when they stay long enough to show their capacity you, e done in 5 will lose them. Something has to reference to this matter or we shall not be able to get along.
Mr. HOWARD. I call for the special order.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The morning hour having expired, it becomes the duty of the Chair to call up the unfinished business of Thursday, which is House JtResolution No. 127.
Mr. DOOIJTTLE. I hope the honorable Senfrom Michigan will let us come to a vote on the bill before the Senate.
Mr. HOWARD. Ijudge from the character of the bill that it will lead to considerable debate, and I therefore must insist upon calling up the unfinished business.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The unfinished business of Thursday is regularly before the Senate.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FRO.“ THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. LLOYD, its Chief Clerk, announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled bills and JtResolution; and they were thereupon signed by the President protampon of the Senate: A bill (H.R. N. 216) for the relief of Cordelia. Murray; A bill H.R.No. 345) for the relief of Christina ‘lder; A bill (H.R.No. 863) supplementary to the several acts relating to pensions; A bill (H.R.No. 462) granting a pension to Mrs. Sally Andrews; A bill (H.R.No. 493) granting a pension to Mrs. Joanna Wiuans and A JtResolution (H.R.No. 142) authorizing the PostMGenl to pay additional salary to letter carriers in SanFrancisco. RECONSTRUCTION. The Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of, the U.S., the pending question being on the amendment proposed y Mr. Howsan to insert the followin after section 3 of the proposed article 0 constitutional amendment: Sec. 4. The obligations of the U.S., in curred in suppressing insurection or in defenseof the Union or for payment of bonuties or pensions incident thereto, 5 all remain inviolate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. CLARK in the chair.) The question is on the amendment of the Senfrom Michigan to insert an additional section as section four.
The Clerk read The next amendment, of Mr. HOWARD was in section [four] 5, line 46, to strike out the word “ already” before the word "incurred, " in line 47 to strike out the words “or which may hereafter be in curred, ” in linfi48 to strike out the words ‘of war and insert the word “rebellion, ” in line 49 to strike out the words “loss of involuntary service or labor” and to insert “ the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall be forever held illegal and void;” so that the section will read: Sec. [4] 5. Neither the U.S.nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion juat the U.S or any claim for compensation for the lossor emancipation of any slave: but all such debts.obli gataons and claims shall be forever hold illegal and voi.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I did not notice that the 4th section was agreed to. Was it agreed to?
Mr. FESSENDEN. mien I Shall move a reconsideration, as I propose to offer an ameudment to it.
Mr. HOWARD. Imoveto amend the amendment to the [4th ] 5th section, in line 49, by striking out the words “for compensation for” and inserting the words “on account of, ” so as to prevent the repetition of the word “for.”
Mr. HARRIS. I do not see that that improves it at all. I think it is quite well enough as it is. I would not change it.
Mr. HOWARD. The object is merely to prevent the repetition of the word “ for.“ It now reads, “any claim for compensation for the loss, ” dte. 7
Mr. FESSENDEN. It will make better phraseology.
Mr. HOWARD. I propose simply to make it read, “ or any claim on account of the loss or emancipation of any slave." It makes it more harmonious. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to. The amendment, as amended, was adopted.
Mr. HOWARD. There is one other amendment that escaped my attention. In line 30 the word “that, ” at the beginning of section 3, should be stricken out. It is entirely superfluous. The section will then read: No person shall be a Senatoror Representativein Congress, or elector, Ete.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment will be made if there be no objection, being a verbal amendment.
Mr. FESSENDEN. There is a little obscurity, or, at any rate, the expression in section 4 might be construed to go further than was intended, and I have rather come to the conclusion that it was best to put sections 4 and 5 in one single section; and I ask the Chair, as section 4 has been adopted and also the amendments to section 5, if it will be at any time in order to strike out both and insert a substitute for the 2 sections. It
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. CLARK.) is in order now, in the opinion of the Chair, to strike out those sections and insert a substitute, and it will also be in order when the JtResolution is reported to the Senate.
Mr. FESSENDEN. But section 4 has been a reed to. The RESIDING OFFICER. It has been agreed to, but it will be in order to strike that out with something else, and insert a substitute.
Mr. FESSENDEN. These amendments will come up in the Senate in their regular order, as I understand.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I will omit oli'ering my amendment, then, until the resolution is reported to the Senate. he PRESIDING OFFICER. All the amendments proposed by the Senfrom Michigan have now been disposed of.
Mr. HOWARD. I be e the amendment will not be adopted. I 0 not see any prppriety iu incorporating into the Constitution any provision relating to amnest or pardona subject which is already provided for by the act of 1862 and by the Constitution itself. There is full power already in the hands of the POTUS, under that act of Congress, to pardon every rebel who has participated in the civilWar, conditionally or unconditionally, as he may see fit. He has, besides that special clause in the act of, 1862, the general pardoning power given by the constitution of the U.S., which he can exercise even before conviction if he sees [it to do so. I therefore look upon this amendment as entirely unnecessary and not productive ofany beneficial result. Besides, it looks to me like a deformity incorporated in the constitution of the U.S. We are now settling the fundamental principles upon which our Government is to be conducted iicreafter, and I think we should omit any reference to that subject.
Mr. DAVIS. I ask for the on this amendment. The yeas and an s were ordered.
Mr. SHERMA. In addition to what the Senfrom Michigan has said, it seems to me that this is a subset for legislation, not for constitutional amendment. W e have already provided that. the POTUS may do precisely what would be done by this proposed amendment; and if more liberal legislation is required hereafter, and the President fails to extend amnesty so broadly as it should be, Congress has always power to relieve, by a general not or special act, from the penalties of crime, and may provide for a general amnesty by law. I therefore submit to the Senfrom WestVirginia whether, although his proposition seems to be a reason able and proper one, it is worth while to put it in a constitutional amendment, when it is of so temporary a character, and the matter may be regulated by law.
Mr. VANWINKLE. The amendment, it will be seen, removes disqualitications and disabilities, and from what have heard and read, nobody believes that the amnesty granted by the President will have that effect. At any rate, there is a difference of opinion; it is a moot point as to what effect that amnesty will have; and, again, it is a moot point and has been debated here upon the floor of the sen‘l e I think, within a few weeks, as to the right yeas and uays l l of the President to pardon before conviction. These points have both been denied, and denied by those to whose opinions some weight is attached. My reason, therefore, for proposing that this proposition should accompany these amendments to the Constitution is that everybody may know, as it were, in advance, what is like] to be his fate.
The guestion being taken by yeas&nays, resulte yeas 8, nays 26; 15. So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I now offer the amendment which I before suggested to the 2nd section. It is to strike out all after the word “taxed, ” in that section, in these words: But wheneverin any State the elective franchise shall be citizens of any portion of its maleinhabitants U.S. not less than 21 years of age or in any way abridged. exceptfor participation 14“rebellion or other crime. the usis of representation in such State shall be reduced 1nthe proportion which the number of such mule citizens shall bearto the whole number of male citizens not lessthan 21 yearsof ago in such e. And in lieu thereofto insert these words: And excluding also 2/5ths of such persons as have been discharged from involuntary servitude any proclamation of the POTUS or by the amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. since the year 1861 and to whom the elective franchise may bedenied. I will make a very brief explanation of this amendment. The effect of it will be to leave the representation of the southern States just where it was before the war. It is objected and urged as a reason for a constitutional amendment that the slaves, having been made free, are now all counted in the basis of representation, and that the effect of that is to increase the southern representation. To avoid this objection this amendment is proposed, so that the representation from the southern States shall be upon precisely the same basis that it was before the war. I desire to explain one portion of the amendment. It speaks of persons made free by an proclamation of the President orby the amen ment of the Constitution. I do not myself believe that the proclamation of the President had the effect in law of emancipating the slaves; I believe that that work was done by the constitutiOnal amendment; but as other Senators hold that the proclamation had the effect to make the slaves free, out of deference to their views I have used that expression.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If I correct] understand the effect of the amendment of e Senfrom Indiana, it is that until the elective franchise is extended to the colored men of the South they are to be counted in the basis of representation just as they have heretofore been counted;. that is, 3/5th s of them are to be counted, and no more. I am inclined to vote for this amendment, because I believe it would be more likely to be ado ted both by the States South and by the States lilorth. The effect of it is to count the colored iopulation of the South asthey have heretofore eeu counted until they shall be enfrauchised; and of course when enfranchised they will all be counted. The southern States, in my judgment, would vote for that proposition sooner than for the pending proposition as reported by the committee, because it does not ecrease their representation. The northern States would vote for it because it secures them in their proportion of political power against any increase on the part of the southern States by virtue of the emancipat' n of the slaves at the South, while it tends in t (2 same direction with the amendment reported by the committee as it nowstands. That amendment as it now stands excludes 5 5th s until they are enfranchised. This amendment 1 excludes 2/5th s until they are enfranchised. For my part, one of the greatest anxieties I have about constitutional amendments. if they are to be submitted, is, that they be submitted in such a shape that the States will ratify them, so as to close up this matter and have an end 'ofit. For this reason I am inclined to vote for the amendment. The amendment was rejected.
Mr. GRIMES. The amendment of the Senfrom Wisconsin provides for the voting basis, not the basis of citizenship. In Wisconsin a man can vote who has been on this continent only 6 months. Does the Senator intend to include such persons as those in his basis in the State of Wisconsin?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. According to my amendment they would be embraced.
Mr. GRIMES. The would be embraced in Wisconsin; but wou d they be embraced in Massachusetts?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. It depends on what Massachusetts decides on that question.
Mr. GRIMES. Then the pur pass and object, oratany rate thelegitimate resultof this amendment, would be to degrade the elective franchise so as to allow every man to vote on the same platform, on the same basis.
Mr. COWAN. Oh, no. We have 100,000 negroes in Pennsylvania, and under that proposition we should ose one.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Perhaps that may be so., Ohio has under the present apportionment She had in 1860 442.441 voters. Upon the voting basis Ohio would have 22 Representatives, again of 3, whereas, under the reconstruction amendment, she would have 20, a gain of only one. Indiana, under the present ap portionrnent, has 11 Representatives. She as 272, 143 voters. Upon the voting basis Indiana would have 13 Representatives, a gain of two, whereas upon the proposed amendment of the committee, Indiana would have 12 Representatives, a gain of one. Illinois has 14 Representatives under the present apportionment, with 330, 693 voters. Illinois would have 17 Representatives I upon the voting basis, a gain of 3, whereas, according to the proosrtion of the committee, Illinois would have at 15, a gain of only one. Michigan has under the present apportionment 6 Representatives, with 153, 537 voters. Upon the voting basis Michigan would have 8 Representatives, a sin of two, while upon the proposition oft c committee she would have 7,:1 gain of one. Wisconsin has 6 Representatives, with 162, 180 voters. Wisconsin, like Michigan, would have 8 Representatives on the voting basis, a gain of two, whereas, upon the proposition of the committee, she would have but 7, a gain of one. Iowa now has 6 Representa‘tives, but she has one of her Representatives upon a fraction. She had but 128, 331 voters, so that according to this table her representation would remain the same on the voting basis.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. How does the Senator arrive at the number of voters in 1860?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. By the number of votes castin the presidential election of 1800. I am speaking on that basis. Perhaps there are still more voters that did not vote, and you might be entitled to more if you counted them all. It would make it still better for you.
Mr. CRAGIN. With the permission of the Senfrom Wisconsin I desire to ask him a question.
Mr. CRAGIN. Suppose there are more voters, would it not change his whole calculation?
Mr. CRAGIN. Take, for instance, the State of Vermont, adjoining NewHampshire. The population of the 2 States is about the same, lint in NewHampshire the contests are always close, and we bring out almost the last vote.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. You do not lend them any of your voters. [Laughter]
Mr. CRAGIN. In Vermont, according to the Senator’s table, the number actually voting was 40,000 and over, and the Senator reduces her representation from 3 to two; but it' the actual number of votes were counted Vermont 1 would have the same as NewHampshire. It spoils his whole calculation.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. That may be so, but my amendment provides for the representation being based on the voters as returned by the census, so that there will be no mistake about that. If Vermont has the voters she will not lose representation. Every voter in Vermont has just as much right to be represented as a voter in Wisconsin. The calculation on which I am relying is based upon the actual vote cast in 1860.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is based also, I suppose, on the idea that the southern States W111 not enlarge their voters but that they will remain as they are now.
Mr. WILLIAieiS. Beforethe Senatorleaves that part of his argument, I should like to ask him a question wrth his permission. Representation is now based upon population, and it is estimated, and I suppose there is not much doubt about the correctness of the estimate, that there are in the State of NewYork 400,000 foreigners not naturalized. Those foreigners give to the State of NewYork at this time 3 representatives in the HoRep. The Senator proposes, by adopting voters as the basis of representation, to strike out those 400,000 foreigners, and at the same time he says NewYork will gain 3 in her representation. I should like to have an explanation of that difference.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. President, there were cast in 1860 4, 731, 103 votes, which, according to that estimate, would give 20, 400 voters to each Representative elected. The State of NewYork cast in 1860, 676, 156 votes, which, divided by 24, 400, gives NewYork 34 Representatives. I think these tables will be found, upon calculation, to be sulficiently accurate to illustrate all that is necessary to be shown upon this subThe principle that voters should have an equal voice in the choice of Representatives in the HoRep, the popular branch of the Government, is a prinnciple upon which we can stand and conten. We can ask men, even when it disfranchises the States of the South, to vote for that, when on cannot so well go to them and say, “ Gent emen you must consent to lose 1/3rd, one 4th or 1/2 of your representation unless you will allow the colored population to vote.” That is a different question. You may say the elfect produced is the same; but when you are arguing for a principle, that is to say, that the voice of the voter is what is to be heard in the HoRep, the will yield to the principle and accept it an vote for it when they would not vote for it presented in its present form. I ask for the yeas&nays upon this amendment. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Mr. POLAND. I had prepared some remarks with reference to these amendments generally, and in the course of those remarks I had attempted to discuss the question that is raised upon this particular amendment. perhaps it maybe appropriate that I should deliver them now, although all that I might say is not perfectl germane to this amendment.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Does the Senfrom Vermont desire to go on this afternoon, or would he refer to go on tomorrow?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If the Senator willgive way I will move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business.
Mr. HOWARD. I hope that motion will not be a reed to.
Mr. SHERMAN. There are quite a number of amendments to be offered, and I think we might as well proceed with them now, and the Senfrom Vermont, if he desires it, can have the floor tomorrow.
Mr. POLAND. It is quite immaterial to me whether I proceed to night or tomorrow morning. I give way to the motion for an executive session.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I understood the Senfrom Vermont to say that he rather preferred to submit his general remarks on the subject of reconstruction upon this amendment, and he desired to do it before the amendment was acted on by the Senate. It was with that view that l rose to move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business.
Mr. POLAND. I yield to your motion. The motion was agreed to; and after some time spent in the consideration of executive business, the doors were reopened, and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MONDAY, June 4, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock in. by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. BOYNTON. The Journal of Thursday last was read and approved. Prayer BILLS ON LEAVE. The Speaker stated the 1st business in order to be the call of States and Territories for bills on leave for reference and not to be brought back by a motion to reconsider, commencing with the State of Maine. ousamans or LUNATICS, ETE.
Mr. PATTERSON introduced a bill to amend an not entitled “An act to enable guardians and committees of lunatics appointed in the several States to act within the DistCol;” which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComDistCol. U.S. CIRCUIT COURT.
Mr. JENCKES introduced a bill to alter the places of holding the circuit court for the Rhode Tsland district; which was read a 1st and sec 0nd time, and referred to the ComJudiciary.
Mr. JENCKES also introduced a bill in addition to an act entitled “An act. to establish the judicial courts of the U.S and the acts in addition to and amendato thereof;" which was read a 1st and secon time, and referred to the ComJudiciary.
Mr. WRIGHT introduced a JtResolution relative to a fresh water basin for iron clads at Tap an bay, on the Hudson river; which was reefs. 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComNavAffrs. STEAM TO0 'r. W. sorrnn.
Mr. SPALDING introduced a bill to change the name of the steam tug T. W. Notter, of Cleveland, Ohio; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComCommerce. FRANK LYNCH.
Mr. SPALDING introduced a bill for the relief of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Lynch, late of the twcn 7th Ohio volunteers; which was read a rst and 2nd time and referred to the ComInvalidPens. TERRITORY OF LINCOLN.
Mr. LAWRENCE, of Ohio, introduced a bill to provide a temporary government over the Territory of Lincoln; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComTerritor. U.S. COURTS.
Mr. FARNSWORTH introduced a bill to amend the practicein the U.S. courts; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComJudiciary. TENURE OF OFFICE.
Mr. PRICE introduced a bill regulating the tenure of certain offices; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComJudiciary. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEBRASKA.
Mr. HITCHCOCK introduced a bill to provide for the geological survey of the Territory of Nebraska; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComPubLands, and ordered to be printed. PUBLIC BUILDING IN NEBRASKA.
Mr. HITCHCOCK introduced a bill to provide for the erection at Nebraska City, in the Territory of Nebraska, of a building for a postoffice, internalrevenue offices, and for the holding of U.S. courts; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the Committee on The callApoprotphreiatSiotantse.s and Territories for bills and JtResolutions having been comlcted, the Speaker stated, as the next business in order, the calling of the States and Territo ries for resolutions, commencing with the State 10: Nevada, where the call rested on Monday st.
Mr. BURLFPIGH submitted the resolution; which was read, considerfoeldlo, wmang agreed to: Resolved, That. the SecyInterior be requested to furnish this HouseWith a full statement of all moneys on hand on the 10thday of July. 1865. applicable to thesupport of the variousIndian tribes andufor all the purposesconnectedwith the Indian zervico: also. t o entire amount which has been expended since that time and up April. to the 20mday of 1&56 and the objectsfor which such expenditures have beenmade, togetherwith the amount now 9innghhaenad dsu.paislioc.athhlcc to said seryiceunder the follow amountwhichhas beenexpended over and above the appropriations already made namely. pay of superintendentsand agentsnpuy of sub agentsrpay of temporaryclerks by supenuipnd epnatys. pay of interpreters.payfor presents to Iridians. for ozone buildings and repairs. For conting ont enpensespf ndlau dept.for making treaties with Indian tribes. for transportation of nuity Indian an good support of rain as Indiansin the southern and mi dlo superinten encies, and amount ox pended for supportofrefugce andotherIndians over and above the amountheretofore appropriated. PUBLIC HONORS TO TRAITORS. The call of the States and Territories for resolutions having been concluded, the Speaker stated, as the next business in order, the consideration of resolutions lying over for one day, the 1st in order being the preamble and res olution offered last Monday by Mr. WILLIAMS.
Mr. WILLIAMS. On that resolution I demand the previous question. 4
Mr. ELDR DGE. sit in order to call for a division on this preamble and resolution, and have a separate vote On each? The SI EAKElt. It must be taken separately on the preamble by the rule to be found on age 137 of the Digest. h
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I wish the Gentfrom Pennsylvania
Mr. Wilma ins] would spe cify precisely what c would like to have done in order to make treason odious in his estimation.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I would do precisely what the Gentfrom Wisconsin would not.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I sug st that the proamble is merely a recital of gfacts represented to have taken place.
The SPEAKER. The previous question applies 1st to the resolution, and exhausts itself thereon. It must be separately moved on the reamble.
Mr. HAYMOND. I rise to suggest to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania that inasmuch as the preamble and resolution embrace what. he has just stated to be the recital of alleged facts, perhaps it will be wise to allow some debate upon them in order to know upon what evidence those facts rest. As far as am concerned I am eutirelyignorant of any facts upon which to base my action upon the resolution.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I will merely say to the gentleman that it is a question of representation and not of proof. The resolution has been spread upon your records, and has been read by the members of the House during the past week. Debate cannot throw any additional light upon it.
Mr. RAYMOND. I should like to know who the persons making these representations are. I have never heard of any warrant for these statements except in newspaper para graphs.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I will merely answer the suggestion of the Gentfrom NewYork by remarkin that the facts stated in the preamble were crived fromanewspaperpublishedin the city of Augusta, Georgia.
Mr. RAYMOND. I desire simply to ask, inasmuch as the Gentfrom Pennsylvania has stated on what authority these facts stated are alleged to rest. if it would not be fair to allow some remarks to the credibility of that authority or to cite authorities upon the other Side.
Mr. WILLIAMS. The gentleman may state that these facts are represented b myself as the author of the resolution if he chooses.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Iwisb to ask the gentleman whether he personally is prepared to represent the facts as stated in the preamble.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I am prepared to say that the facts are so represented upon authority which I believe to be good. In the absence of other evidence, I am prepared to indorse the statements in the way of a recital in this preamble. I renew the demand for the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded ayes 59, noes 29. The main question was ordered to be put; and under the operation thereof the resolution was agreed to. Mr. WILLIAMS demanded the previous question on agreeing to the preamble. the previous question was 2nded and the main iiestion ordered. 7 Mr. LDRIDGE demanded the yeas and nsys on agreeing to the preamble. flie you&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it Was decided in the aflirniative yeas 74, nays 80, not voting 70; So the preamble was agreed to. During the roll call, Mr. A LISON said: Upon these questions I am paired with Mr. Sraonss. I should vote in the affirmative and he would vote in the negative. Mr. BAKER said: Not being suiiicimtly advised of the truth of all the averniciits in the preamble, I vote “no. Mr. ANCONA said: My colleague. Mr. S'ruoussi, is absent on leave and is paired with Mr. ALLISON. The result of the vote having been announced as above recorded, Mr. WILLlAMS mtRtv the preamble and resolution were agreed to; on the table. agreed to. GOVERNMENT RAILROAD PROPERTY.
The clerk read The next resolution was the following, submitted by Mr. KELLEY on the 28th of May, and laid over one day under the rule: h Socrotary of Will: be directed to the HoRep nsclii; ule of all railroad property which was in the possession of the Government on May I. 1865w, hether held by right of capture or by purchase and if by iurcliase. stating the cost. Also. what disposition has beeninndeofsuch property; if sold. whetherfor cashor credit: and if or credit. under what law or authority and whether the purchase money has been paid or what stepshave been taken to recoverit.
Skip Skip Mr. KELLEY called the previous question upon agreeing to the resolution. The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the resolution was agreed to. Mr. KELLEY mtRtv b which the resolution was agreed to; on the table. agreed to. PURCHASE AND SALE OF COLD AND BONDS. The next resolution lying over under the rule was the followmg, submitted by Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, on the 28th of May: Resolved, That the SecyTreasu be dloirnegcintegdto report to this Ilouse howmuch go] be to the Governmentof the U.S.has beensold since the 1stday of January. 1866.the date andamount.bywhom sold.the compensation allowed for such sales and the premium received; also. whetherany gold has been bought for the Treasury sincethat date and if so.the amounts and datesof such purchases.the amount of premium paid and who acted as agents in making such purchases;also. whetherany bonds of the U.S. have been bought for the Treasury since that date.the dates and amounts of such purchases.the amounts‘pnid for the same and the c aracter and denomination of said bonds.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I desire to modify the resolution. I therefore move to amend the resolution by striking out after the word “also” the following: Whether any bondsof the U.S.have been bought for the Treasury since that date. the dates and amounts of such purchases.the amounts paid for the same and the character and denominatigi of said bonds. Au l inserting in lieu thereof the following: boWuhgehtther an bondsof the U.S.have been or sol for the Treasury since that date. the dates and amounts of such purchasesor sales.the amountspaid or receivedibr the same and the character and denomination of "aid bonds And upon the resolution and amendment I call the previous question. The preiious question was 2nded and the main question ordered.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The resolution, as amended, was agreed to. Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, mtRtv the resolution was agreed to; on the table. agreed to. GUARANTYING MEXICAN BONDS. The next business was the consideration of the following series of resolutions, submitted by Mr. Dawson on the 19th of March, and lying ever under the rule: Resoloed. That the U.S. cannot guaranty the bondsof the Mexican or any other Government without impairing her own credit and imposing now burdensii wonher eoplo. llenolfle. That the sacred faith of the American peopleis pledgedto the paymentof our public debt and that it is unwise to complicate our financial affairsby the assumption of the obligations of other countries. Resolved. That the true policyof the U.S. is. in the language of Mr. Jefferson. “peace. Comtmanerg clien.gand honest friendship with all nations; on alliances with none."
Mr. DAWSON. I call the previous question.
Mr. ORTH. I would suggest to my colleague 0n the ComForAffrs [Mr. DAW sos] that these resolutions better be referred to the ComForAffrs.
Mr. DAWSON. I think it is a very plain proposition, and therefore must InSlSi.upon my call for the previous question.
Mr. STEVENS. hope my colleague Will let those resolutions lie over for one week. There does not seem to be any necessity for their pas e at this time.
Mr. DAWSON. I would be very.Wlllln to have these resolutions lay over were it not that I am anxious to test the sense of the House n on them. If they go over they wdl very h ely be postponed till the close of the session, and we would have no vote upon them at all. I I must therefore insist upon the previous ques LIOIl.
Mr. STEVENS. Then I hope the previous question will not be 2nded. Thu question was taken upon 2nding the call for the previous question; and upon a division, there were ayes 30, noes 57; no quorum voting.
Mr. DAWSON. It being manifest that a majority of the House are opposed to voring upon these resolutions without some discus Slon, I will yield to that feeling, and withdraw the call for the previous question upon the adoption of the resolutions, and move now to refer the resolutions to the Committee on Foreign Ali'uirs; and upon that motion I call the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered, which was on agree in to the motion to refer.Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. that motion I ask for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were not ordered. The motion to refer the resolutions totic ComForAffrs was agreed to. AGRICULTURAL REPORTS OF 1854. The next resolution lying over under the rule was the following, submitted by Mr. MlL LIB on the 19th of March: Whereas it is alleged that 25,000 lesscopiesof the Agricultural Reports of 1864have been printed than those of previous ears: and whereas the type has not yet been istributed: Therefore Resolved.That the Comittee on Printingbe, and are hereb‘. authorized an required to inquire into the ups iency of ordering 25,000 copies of the Agricultural Reportso 1864a.nd report accordingly.
Mr. LAFLIN. If I understand this resolution it is simply a resolution of inquiry. I see no objection to its adoption. The resolution was agreed to.
Mr. MILLER mtRtv the resolution was adopted: upon the table. agreed to. TRANSIT FROM THE WEST TO THE ATLANTIC. The next resolution was the following, submitted on the 2d of A ril by Mr. RAYMOND which, debate arising thereon, had been laid over under the rules: Received by the HoRep align. (the Son ateconcurring.) That a commisnon ot live persons be appointed by the POTUS to considerand report to Congressat its next session upon the necessityof some more speedy.cheap, and reliable means of tranrportation between the western Statesand the Atlantic sea board: and to submit some plan, whether by law or treaty.'wliereby the national Governmentean aid in yroi’iding for said necessityif it shall be found t o exist: Provided. That said commissioners shall receivono compensationfor their services ind no paymentof any kind except for such traveling expenses ns they may actual y incur in dischargingthe duties imposedupon them by this resolution.
Mr. RAYMOND. Isng est that this resolution be laid over informal y under the rules.
The Speaker. Thatwill be done if there be no objection. The resolution will again be reached when the call of States and Territories has been concluded. There being no objection, the resolution was laid over informally. IRAUDS UPON THE REVENUE. The next resolution was the following, submitted on the 23d of April by Mr. Hioav; which, debate arising thereon, had been laid over under the rules: Resolved, That the ComPublic Expendi lures be instructed to investigate the comruinises of fraudsupon the revenuewhich areallege to have taken placein connectionwith the customhouseat Boston and to ascertain what disposition has been madeof the moneyspaid under such compromises: also. to investigate such other alleged frauds upon the enstomsor internalrevenue usthey may deem advisable. and whetherany vexationssuitshave been commencedagainstimportersand others broughtor instigated by any person or personsconnectedwith the customsor internalrevenne service in the cities of Boston or NewYork: and that the committee be authorizedto sendfor fiersons and papers: and if. in Upon their judgment, it she be necessary and most eco nomical to tak tunonyin Bostonor NewYork by I such memben of the committeeas they may desig nate. not exceeding 5 in number.sue designated dmuermingbersof the committeemay have leave to sit the recessof Congressfor the purpose ofauoh investigation, and with the aforesaid powers and authority.
The Speaker. Another resolution cov ering the same object as this was subsequently introduced by the Gentfrom California [Mr. Hionr] under a suspension of the rules, and was adopted. If there is no objection, this resolution will be considered as laid upon the table. There was no objection.
The Speaker announced as the next business in order the call of States and Territories in inverse order for the introduction of resolutions and bills on leave. NEW EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Mr. NIBLACK submitted the following resolution, on which he demanded the previous question: Resolved.That the ComAppropriations be instructedto inquire into the propriety and expe diencyof makingprovision for the erection of a new Executive Mansion for the useof the POTUS and in case it shall beso found ro or and expedient.then that said committee be urth er instructedto inquire into the expediencyof letti n art the presentExecutive Mansion for the use t ‘e State dept and to report by bill or otherwise.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question or cred: and under the operation thereof the resolution was adopted. Mr. NIBLACK mtRtv the resolution was adopted, on the table. agreed to. WILLIAM H. ltlCKlIAltT.
Mr. DEFREES introduced a bill authorizing. the payment of bounty due to Sergeant William H. Rickhart, a discharged soldier of the 20th Indiana Veteran volunteers: which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComMilAlfairs. RECOGNITION OF FENIAN BELLIGERHNCY.
Mr. CLARKE, of Ohio, submitted the followmg resolution, on which he demanded the premium question: Renlved. that whereastherecentsuccesseswhich ohragvaeniastatteionnd.ed the demonstrations of the Fenian with the avowedpurpose of liberating Ireland from the oppressive rule of GreatBritain. according to the laws ot nations asinterpreted by the British authorities. entitle said Fenian organiaation to be regarded with respect and “entitled to the rights of belligerents, [laughten] that the ComForAffrs be re nested to inquire into the propriety of recommon in; such action as may be proper to securethat object.
Mr. ROGERS. Is this resolution debatable?
Skip Skip The SPEAKER. his not. The Gentfrom Ohio has demanded the previous question. Mr. ROGERS. Well, I hope the resolution will be adopted. The previous question was not 2nded; there being a t's 15, noes not counted.
Mr. BRAN EGEE. I rise to debate the resolution.
The Speaker. Debate arising, the resolution goes over under the rule. CLERK TO A COMMITTEE.
Mr. PHELPS submitted the following res olution; which was read, considered, add agreed to: Resolved.That the resolution of this House providing lbr the employiiient of a clerk by the committee on the Hi itia be and the same is hereby rescinded. MEMPHIS RIOT.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, moved that the usual number of copies of the report of Major General Stoneman in reference to the Memphis riot be printed for the use of the House; which, under the law, was referied to the ComPrintg. MILEAGE.
Mr. JOHNson submitted the following preamble and resolutions, on which he demanded the previous question: Whereas the compensation to Members of congress for mileagewas fixed at a tune when the distances of those mldlflfifarthmt from the capital was not half so great as at of a very large portion of the members at the present day and when. too. tftlVL‘lwasoften on horseback, “ at least in coach‘s. thus involving great delays and expense as compared with stahnedptrheesseenmtmoroedreemofottreafvroeml by the racial paitnadl tnhreei reuwnhbolleedtsoadlarraywamndordeamilyonpeayyi, nto mileage though neat disparagement of those who reside near the capital, oafndliv nin greaaliskecsoumbiccted to the largely increase cost tired with whatit was at the time Inch sale and oily pay werefixed: Therefore. Resolver. That thg ComAppropriat be instructed t o bring in a.bill so regulalin and equalizing the mileiige and payof members 0 Congressas Will distribute among all of themthe aggregatenow pnaoidurrinedJuwsht iproortion to the expenses necessarily o n the capital and in traveling to and from the sumc: Provided. That the whole amount to be so paid shall not pxeced the wholo amount now paid for solar and mileage. erolocrl. that the SecyTreasury be directedtoreport tothis House the respective amounts drown h the icvernml embers of both branohcs of the 38th Congress as salury and as mileage separately. togetherWith the number of miles for which each one waspaid.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I suggest to the gentleman to refer the resolutions to the Commit tea on Mileage. The law now fixes the pay of members of Congress.
Mr. JOHNSON. I propose to havethelaw remedied.
Skip Skip Mr. Johnson. I insist on the emand for the previous uestiori. The house divided; and there were ayes 80, noes 37; no quorum voting. The Speaker, under the rules, ordered tellers: and appointed Messrs. Fsnxswon'rn and Boron. The House again divided; and the tellers reported ayes 55, noes 44. So The previous question was 2nded. The main nestion was then ordered. The preum lo and resolutions were adepted. Mr. JOHNson mtRtv the preamble and resolutions were adopted; upon the table. agreed to. RECONSTRUCTION. The morninghourhaving expired, the House, eer'ibly to order, resumed the consideration 0 House bill No.643, to restore to the States lately in insurrection their full political rights, on which Mr. HART was entitled to the floor.
Mr. liIOltllILL. I move, with the crmission of the Gentfrom Kentucky, that this subject be iostponed until Wednesday next.
Mr. LEBLOND. I ask the learned chair man of the ComJudiciary one question in reference to the position he has u. If I understood him aright, he said that it would be judicial treason for the SCOTUS to decide whether a State had the right to go out of the Union under the Constitution. I ask the gentleman the question: suppose
Mr. Davis was on his trial and his counsel were to contend, under the Constitution, the State had a right togo out of the Union, the counsel for the government denying it, what becomes of the duty of the Supreme Court under the law?
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I will state to the gintleman what I think to be the duty of the preme Court. It is simply to say to Mr. Davis’s attorney and to the attorneys of the Government if they should join any such issue, “This is an issue which cannot be tried in this court."
Mr. LeBlOND. I ask the gentleman if it is not a judicial question, or a question with reference to the construction of the constitution itself, and ‘if it does not come within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Mr. wILSON, of own. My answer to that is, it is not ajudicial question in any sense of the term. It is a political question which the people of this country decided when they made the Constitution, and they have never, by constitutional or other means, conferred upon the SCOTUS any right whatever to entertain an issue of that kind, namely, to determine upon the question as to whether this is a Government or not.
Mr. LeBlOND. I ask the gentleman if it is not a question of construction of the Constitution purely, which the Supreme Court, above all others, is the proper tribunal to determine.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I answer that it is not a question of construction. And I would like to ask the gentleman whether he believes it is a question which should go to the courts for adjudication., Mr. LeBlOND. Why ccrtahily I do. I believe it is a question that belongs to the Supreme Court as well as to the whole American people. I do not believe, for one, that a State can ever go out of this Umon. I have repeat edly put myself on the record on that question; a State once in the Union, always in the Union. But when that question is once presented, as it must beif JeffersonDavis is put upon his trial, it must be decided. Because it is one ground of defense that he would make. If the States have not that constitutional povmr he is guilty of treason, but if they have it he is not guilty ofit. Hence it is ajudicial question, and must be determined by the Supreme Court.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. As the gentleman has answered one question. I desire now to ask him another. Does he believe that JeffersonDavis has committed the crime of treason against this Government?
Mr. LEBLOND. Why, sir, I have repeat edly said I believe it. I believe that all those men who have taken up arms against the federal Government are guilty of treason.
Mr. WILSON, of 10wa. I will state in reply to the gentleman that he has given a direct answer to the question which he 1st propounded to me. If JeffersonDavis has committed treason then of course the State of mississippi had no right to go out of this Union. Now, he proposes to have JeffersonDavis in dicted for the crime of treason, to have that indictment presented to the courts of the U.S., and then to ask the judge to deter mine 1st whether there is such a thing as the crime of treason by proceeding to trial.
Mr. LeBlOND. Will the gentleman allow a moment I It is the gentleman’s opinion that a State has not the right to go out of the Union. That is my opinion. But Salmon P. Chase, and quite a number of distinguished statesmen both North and South, have in days gone by held differently, namely, that a State had a right to go out of the Union. So that it is a qpestion, and being a question, if presented to to Supreme Court it must be decided by that tribunal, the gentleman’s opinion to the contrary notwithstanding.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I do not know whether Chief Justice Chase ever expressed such an opinion or not. I do not believe he did, although, doubtless, the gentleman believes his own assertion, and has a reason for desiring this question to go to the Supreme Court. If Chief Justice Chase has already made up an opinion that a State has a right to secede, and should carry it out in the decision which the gentleman desires he should make on this question, of course JeffersonDavis must be acquitted.
Mr. LeBlOND. I say to the gentleman that I desire no such thing. I do not desire the Supreme Court to make any such decision, nor do I believe they will.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Then the gentleman certainly does not believe that CliiefJus tice Chase, who will probably preside in the court which will try JeffersonDavis, primarily entertains the opinion which the gentleman attributed to him; because it is presumed if he does honestly hold that this question should be entertained by him in the court, he will decide in accordance with that opinion.
Mr. LeBlOND. I hope that the Chief Justice by this time has changed his opinions and) become a much better man than he used to e.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I am glad that the gentleman is increasing in his respect for the ‘hief Justice. Now, just a word more. I wish it to be distinctly understood that the doctrines which are contained in the remarks which I submitted this morning I believe to be not only good law but absolutely necessary for the safety and perpetuity of this Government. If we, as I then remarked, throw this question into the courts a question which was decided origi nally by the people and subsequently by armswe are unsettling the foundations of the government, and we may find at some period in the future that courts made up by those who may have possession of the Government, in sympathy with this theory, will dissolve this government by a decree of the court, or at least cast it into anarchy universal. Now, I do not want any such result, and therefore I did say, and I repeat it, that for any judge of the U.S. to entertain this question, decided at the commencement of the Got'ernment and since affirmed by the armies, would be judicial treason against the Government of the U.S.
Mr. HORRJLL. I now move to postpone the special order until Wednesday next after the morning hour. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and found truly enrolled bills and aJtResolution of the following titles; when the Speaker signed the same: An act ( I. R. No. 493) granting a pension to Mrs. Joanna Winans; An not (H.R.No. 216) for the relief of Cordelia An actM(uHrr.ay; t. No. 863) supplementary to the several acts relating to pensions; An not (H.R.No. 345) for the relief of Christina Elder; An not (H.R.No. 462) to Mrs. Sally Andrews; anJtResolution (H.R.No. 142) authorizing the PostMGenl to pay additional salary to letter carriers in SanFrancisco.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Mr. HOLMES. I ask indefinite leave of absence for my colleague from NewYork, Mr. HUBHAHD. No objection was made, and the leave of absence was granted. Mr. BAKER. I ask leave of absence for 3 days for my colleague, Mr. COOK. No objection was made, and the leave of absence was granted. PENNSYLVANIA CONTESTED ELECTION.
Mr. MARSHALL. I rise to a question of privilege. I present additional evidence in the case of Koontz against Coffroth, and move that it be referred to the ComElections and printed. The motion was agreed to. REPRESENTATIVES FROM MISSISSIPPI.
Mr. MARSHALL. I wish to present the credentials of Hon. A. M. West, a member elect from the State of Mississippi. The credentials were referred, under the rule, to the JtComReconstruction.
Mr. MARSHALL. I also present the proclamation of the Governor of Mississippi in regard to the representatives elect from that State. The proclamation was referred to the JtComReconstruction, and ordered to be printed. sonnimis’ AND sliitons’ euros.
Mr. COBB, under leave heretofore granted to report at any time, reported back from the ComDistCol, bill of the House No. 587, to incorporate the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Union of Washington, DistCol, without amendment, and with the recommendation that it do pass.
Skip Skip The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordiii ly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. C BB mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. ANNA E. WARD.
Mr. TAYLOR from the committee of conference on the disagrecin votes of the 2 Houses upon House bill I o. 459, submitted the following report: The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendment to the bill (H. H. No. 459)grunting n.)EDEIODto Anna E. Ward.havingmct, atrerfullund roecnnferencehave agreed to recommend and do recommend, to their respectivo Housesas follows: but the Senate recodofrom their amendmentto saidbill. granting a pension JHA.MSE. LSAoNuErnnin. Managerson the port of [heSmalle NELSON TAYLOR. P. SAWYER. A. unwise., Managua onthepart of the house. The report of the committee of conference was agreed to. Mr. TAYLOR mtRtv the report was agreed to; on the table. agreed to. PAY OF THE ARMY. The House then resumed the consideration of the special order, being House bill No. 450, to reduce and establish the pay of the officers and to regulate the pay of the soldiers of the armies of the U.S., upon which Mr. Woonsmnes was entitled to the floor.
Mr. SCHENCK. ill the Gentfrom Indiana allow me to correct him? He has stated that a colonel is entitled to draw for 3 servants 24 dollars. I would remind the gentleman of the fact that by an explicit act of legislation the officer is allowed for ea servant the same compensation which is poi to a private soldier, making the commllta oii for 3 servants 48 dollars. the allowance for clothing is increased w 50.
Mr. SCHENCK. I am exceedingly desirous that this bill should be brought to a conclusion tomorrow morning if possible, and if there are 2 or 3 others to speak perhaps it might be well for the gentleman to go on half an hour today. I give notice that I wish to dispose of the bill tomorrow if possible.
Mr. DAVIS resumed the floor but gave way to Mr. WOODBRIDGE, who moved that the House adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and thereupon (at 4 o’clock an ten minutes p. m.) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The followin petitions. k0, were presentedynder the rule and referredto the approp nto committee: Mr. DAVIS: The petition of N. Beardsley, W. tome, and 8 others. bankers, of Cayugacounty. NewYork. prayingjor the modification of the act Jtuaxlyin the circulating notes of State banks altar, 1866. Also, like petition of Henry Westfnll. Henry Weed and 89others, merchantsand businessmen of Onon dagacounty. NewYork. i B Mr. ELIOT: the petl 'on E in! M Moshef, an 366others citizens of wlfiedfiird, Massachusetts prayingthat a law regnl. ting the hours of labor and fill“! 8 hours as a day‘s work in the employ of Government should be payed by Commas. By Mr. HARDILG of illlNllSl A remonstrance from citizensof Rutbs urg, lhnois, againstobstruct xvebridgesover Mississippi rlvcr. By Mr. HOLMES: The petifion of Delos De golf, and pther s.citizensof OsWcgocounty. NewYork, for modification or repeal of law imposing tax of 10%. upon banks paying out thenuteu of State anks after July 1.1860. p ‘Also, the atrium of n. Bliginbotham, and others, tizens of odison county, cwYork, for modification of same law. By Mr. J. M. HUMPHREY: The gtition of John Cooper for American enrollmentof t o vessels 3 oils and Sweet Home. By Mr. JULIAN: The memorial of L. H. Whit nay, and 2500th erss, cttlerson the Soscpl ranch in California, prayin for the passageofo.JtResolution declaratory o the construction of the act'of 8d MaBrych. 1863r.elating to said lands.
Mr. KELSO: Petition ofcitizensofLittle Rock. Arkansas. for a.law declaring theroad from Fayette vi‘lle. Arkansas, vm.Cincinnati, Arkansas, to Fort Gibson. Cherokeenation. a post road.
Mr. SCiOFIELD: A petition from volunteer lol iers praying for a discharge. 0
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Tucson, June 6, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. EDMUNDS, from the Committee on reo.mmerce, to.whom was referred the bill (H. No. 477) further to provide for the safety of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, to tag ulate the salaries of steamboat inspectors, and for other purposes, reported it with amendmental
Mr. LANE, of Kansas, from the ComIndAffrs, to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S.No.258) for the relief of the trustees and'stewards of the Mission church of the Wy and ott Indians; which was readaud passed to a 2nd reading. uni annual: or A BILL. On motion of Mr; oomvnss, it was Ordered, That the bill (S. No.343) to quict land titles'in California he referred to the ComPubLands. BILL BECOMMITTBD. On motion of Mr. STEWART, it was Ordered, That the bill (S.No.287)to provide for the construction of a.wagonroad fromBoiseCity,in the Territory of Idaho. to Susanvillc. in Ca mm, yesterdayre ortedfrom the Committee on illtury Affairs and the Militia. be recommittedto that comIm so. BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. POMEROY asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.351) to authorize the SecyInterior to lease such of the public lands of the U.S. as are known as saline lands, or lands Containing mineral sprin s, and to provide for the preservation and evelopment of the same; which was read twice by its title, and referredto the ComPubLands.
Mr. NYE asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.'No. 352) granting to A. Sutro the right of way and granting other privileges to aid in the construction of a draining and explorin tunnel to the Comstock lodc, in the State 0 Nevada; which was read twice by its title.
Mr. NYE. I move that the bill be and referred to the ComPublicLands.
Mr. CONNESS. I think that bill should go to the ComMining.
Mr. NYE. It is for a grant of lands. It is simply a right of way and other privileges throuph the public lands. I think the refer eucc propose is proper. The motion Was agreed to.
Mr. HOWE asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a JtResolution (S.R.No. 102) construin and giving effect to the JtResolution entitled “A resolution fort e relief of the State of Wisconsin, ” approved uly 1, 1864; which wasreadtwiee printed by its title, and referred to the ComJudiciary.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep by Mr. LLOYD, its Chief Clerk, announced that the House had passed bill (H.R.No. 587) to incorporate t‘ e Soldiers' and Sailors’ Union of Washington, DistCol; in which it requested the concurrence of the Senate. The message further announced that the HoRep had passed, without amendment, the bill (S.No.203) to enable the NewYork and Montana Iron Mining and Manufacturing Company to purchase a certain amount of the public lands not now in market. ANNA I.WARD. Themessa ge also announced that the HoRep had concurred in the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R.No. 469) grantininpension to Anna E. Ward.
Mr. A 'E, of Indiana. I ask that the Senate concur in that conference committee’s report; It is simply to strike out words which Were repeated twice in the act, a mere verbal inaccuracy. I have the report here and submit it. The report was read, as follows: The committee of conference on the disagreeing votosof the 2 Houses on the amendmentto the 'll (H.R.No. 459)granting a pensifpnto Anna E. ard. having met, after ull and ree conference have agreed to recommend and do recommend, to their reotiva Housesas follows:. Tdhgt the Senaterecedofrom their amendmentto so: I JHA.MSE. LSANE Manager: GUTHRIE. onthepart of the Senate. NELSON TAYLOR. P. SAWYER Manager, A. HARDING. on the part of the horus. The report was concurred in. OCCUPATION or MINERAL LANDS.
Mr. CONNESS. I desire to give notice that at an early period, as soon as I can get the attention of the Senate to iIt, shall ask for the consideration of Senate bill N 0. 257, reported from thoComMining to regulate the occupation of miheral lands and to extend the right of predmption thereto. We regard it as an important bill, and as in is get ting late in the session, I hope the Senate will be ready to consider it when we call it up, which will be at an early period. NAVAL PENSION FUND.
Mr. GRIMES. I movo to take up Senate JtResolution NO. 95.,
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I hope my honorable friend will waive that motion so that I can ask the Senate to take up the unfinished business of esterday’s morning hour.
Mr. GRIMES. This resolution will not take more than a minute.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Then I give notice that after it is disposed of I shall ask the Senate to rocced with the unfinished business of yester pay morning. I The motion was agreed to; and the JtResolution (S.R.No. 95) nmendatory of a resolution regulating the investment of the naval pension fund, approved July I 1864, was considered as in ComWhole. It proposes to amend the resolution approved Ju y 1, 1864, entitled “A resolution regulatin the investment of the naval pension fund’ so as to require such portion of the fund as is ordered toilie investedpin registered securities of the U.S. to be made a permanent loan to the U.S. at 6% interest perannum in coin, is able on the let of January and the list of.lh y of each year' but nothing herein contained is to be construed to amend or alter the resolution except so far as relates to the mode of investment. The JtResolution was reported to the Senate without amendment.
Mr. GRIMES. I will state that the purpose of this resolution is sim 'ly to change the law whidh now requires that t io naval pension fund shall be invested in registered bonds of the U.S. It is designed to make this a permanent loan to the U.S. by an act of Congress, so as to obviate the necessity which is now impOsed by law on the SecyTreasury to issue these bonds, and to go through all the forms that ordinary registered bonds are put through, and also to obviate the necessity upon the SecyNavy of keeping these bonds after they are issued to him which are liable to destruction and loss. It invests this naval pension fund in the some way as the Smithsonian flind and several other funds are invested by the U.S. The JtResolution was ordered to been grossed for a 3rd reading.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I should like to inquire a little more about this subject. What is the amount of this fund?
Mr. FESSENDEN. This resolution, I no? derstand, proposes to make ii: a permanent ire vestment at 6%., which would preclude us from making any change herent er and attempting to make it less.
Mr. GRIMES. I will state that the‘resOIution, as it is now before the Senate, is in the precise phraseology drawn at the Treasury Dept, and I have a letter from the Asst SecyTreasury stating that it met the approval of the Secretary, and that the SecyNavy also had been consulted. It dispenses with a great many forL mulas and a considerable amount of expense and also obviates the risk which is now incurre by having these bonds issued.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The difficul that occurred to me is, that this is propose to be made a permanent investment at 6 %., as I understand.
Mr. GRIMES. It is to be a permanent investment, but the Government is now obliged to pay interest at 6%.
Mr. GRIMES. By all the laws that have been passed on the subject ever since 1803.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That is the case with the Smithsonian fund, but I did not knew that it was so with regard to the naval pension fund.
Mr. GRIMES; It is the case also with the naval pension fund. or.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think the resolution had better lie on the table until we can look into the subject., Mr. GltI MES. I want to get through with it now.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I should like to see how it affects the laws on the subject.
Mr. GRIMES. Very well. I move that it be committed to the ComFinance.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I object to that. The ComFinance have enough to do with' out attending to this matter. The Senator had better recommit it to his own committee.
Mr. GRIMES. I do not want it. We have already considered it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Then I ask that it lie on the table for the present.
The PRESIDEN'I protem ore. it is moved that the JtResolution be aid on the table. The motion was agreed to. HOCSR BILL REFERRED. The bill (H.R.No. 587) to incorporate the Soldiers' rind Sailors' Union of Washington, DistCol, was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComDistCol. MILITARY ACADEMY BILH.
Mr. FESSENDEN submitted the following report: The committee of conference on the dlsfiwreeink votesof the twollousos on the amendmentsto the sbuilpl p(oH.R. No.37) making appropriations for the of theMilitary Academyfor the 'cnrcoding the 30thof June, 1867. Having inet. after lll and free conference have agreed to recommend.anddorecommend.to their rospectivo Housesas iollows: That the Ilouscof Represcutotlves recedo from their disagreementto the 3rd. 5th and 6th amendmentsand once to the some. That the HoRep recede from t 011d'isagreementto the 2ndamendmentof the Senate and agreeto the same with an amendment as follows: in line 2 of the said amendmentstrike out the word “ten” and insert in lieu thereof the word “5, ” and the Senate agreeto the same. JWOIHLNLIAM P. FESSENDEN. CONNESS Maonsaogae"on READ RIDDLE. onlhepart of the Senate. R. P. SPALDING, ManSa. gMe.rsCULLOM. on the par! of the home.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The result is that the House recede from all their disagreements except one, and in that case they agree to our amendment with an amendment which reduces somewhat the sum that was appropriated by the Senate. If there is no objection to the report on the part of the Senate, I suppose it may be adopted at once. the report was concurred in. CLERKS OF INTERIOR DEPT.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I now move to resume the consideration of the unfinished business of the morning hour of yesterday, Senate bill No. 282., Mr. SUMNER. Will that take much time?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I think not. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the bill (S.No.282) to reor ganize the clerical force of the Dept of the Interior, and for other purposes, the pending question being on the amendment reported by the select committee, in section four, liuc four, after the word “Interior” to strike out the words “shall be the same as that now allowed by law to the ComrPatents, " and to insert, “ namely, the ComrIndAff, the ComrPensions, and the ComrGLO shall be $4,000 each perannum;” so that the section will read: SEC.4. Abife: Thatfrom andafter the comincnccment of the next fiscal year the compensation of the Asst SecyInterior and that of the headsof the bureausof the Dept of the Interior, namely. the ComrIndAff the ComrPensions and the ComrGLO, shall be $4,000 eachper annum.&l$. it.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. I!
Mr. DOOLITTLE. In the same section 4 I move to insert the words “ other than the Patent Office" after the word “ bureaus” in line 11, so as to make the clause read, “ and that of the chief clerks of the bureaus other than the Patent office, ” &c. The salary of the chief clerk of the Patent Office now is $2, 500 perannum. The reason why his salary is $2, 500 and ought to remain at that is that he is not only the chief clerk of the bureau, but heis the disbursing officer of the bureau, and has to give bonds in a large sum for the safety of the funds. The effect of the amendment I propose is to allow the salary of the chief clerk of the Pat ent Office to remain as it is now fixed by law, while if these words be notinserted the section would reduce his salary to $2, 250, which ought not to be done.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. "Mr. CONNESS. I desire to inquire of the chairman of the committee why the ComrPatents is left out of the officers enu merated in the 4th section whose salaries are raised.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I will state to the honorable Senator that the Patent Office was cre ated distinct by itself, and is paid, not out of the funds of the Treasury, but out of the fees which are received by the Patent Office. The ComrPatents receives $4, 500 perannum by the existing law, and the committee thought itnot wise to reduce that salary, although were they now to fix it the would probably fix it at the same sum as t t proposed for the other heads of bureaus. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and the amendments made as in ComWhole were concurred in. I
Mr. GRIMES. And the residue as temporary clerks.
Mr. SHERMAN. Perhaps so. I doubt very much whether there will be an actual decrease in the number of clerks; but if there is a decrease, it will only show that during the war, when we needed all the money we could get, they employed 46 persons unnecessarily. That is the whole argument on which the bill is founded. I do not wish to argue it; I shall content myself with voting against it.
Mr. POMEROY. In reply to the remark of the Senfrom Ohio, that if we pass this bill we shall also have to relieve the officers of the other Depts of the Government, it may not be improper to say that there is no Dept of this Government now in which the heads of bureaus have not a larger salary, with the exception of the Post Oliice, than is proposed by this bill. If the Senator will refresh his memory, he will. remember that the Comptroller of the Currency, to begin with, has $5,000; he will remember that the ComrIntRev has $4,000; he will remember that the Superintendent of the Coast Survey has $0,000' he will remember that the Treasurer of the ilU.S.s has $5,000; and the ComFinance, I believe, have already reported an addition to that which will make his salary, if we concur in their recommendation, $6, 500. When the law was passed reorganizing the supreme court of this district, the salary of the judges was placed at $3,000, dwe have sincc increased itto$4, 500; and all the heads of bureaus of the Navy Dept have a salary at least equal to what is proposed in this bill.
Mr. GRIMES. Oh, no; they have 253, 500. Each one of the heads of bureaus in the Navy Dept, except the chief of the Bureau of ards and Docks, who draws pay as an admiral, has $3, 500.,
Mr. POMEROY. I have not been able to learn exactly the sum received by the chiefs of bureaus in the Navy Dept. from the fact that the amount that they receive is not precisely at down.
Mr. GI IMES. We have the exact amount in the Navy Register.
Mr. POMERUY. In the War Dept we have a brigadier general at the head of each of these bureaus, which gives them a salary of at least 555,000.
Mr. GRIMES. That may be, but it is not so in the Navy Dept.
Mr. POMEROY. The head of the Coast l Survey, and, I think, most of the heads of the bureaus of the Navy Dept, receive a 1 larger salary than this.
Mr. GltlhIES. No, sir: none of the Navy 1 Dept. except one. The Asst SecyNavy gets $8, 600 a year: the I chiefs of the Bureaus of Navigation, of Ord nance, of Recruiting, and of Construction and Ilepair get $3, 600 each; and the chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Admiral Smith, gets $4.000, drawing pay as a naval officer.
Mr. POMEROY. My attention was particularly directed to the remark of the Senfrom Ohio, that if we passed this bill the officers in the War Dept would be here asking for an increase of salary. Idirected my attention particularly in reply to that.
Mr. DOOLITTLI‘J. I desire to remind the Senfrom Kansas that during this session the salaries of the oliicers throughout the Navy Dept have been increased, I believe, 33%.
Mr. I’OMEltOY. I did not know how much, but I knew their salaries had been increased somewhat. That will bring up the salaries of the heads of bureaus in that Dept to at least. $4.000.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The salaries of all the officers in the naval service have beenincreased, I. as I am informed.
Mr. SHERMAN, [to Mr. Gaines] Is that so?
Mr. GRIMES. There is no law of congress about it, but the SecyNavy as made an order on the subject.
Mr. SHERMAN. I should like to know if that is so. That is rather a remarkable statement, that the SecyNavy has increased the salaries of the officers connected with that Dept under an order.
Mr. GRIMES. The SecyNavy has issued an order, under the law of congress, commuting allowances of all kinds and paying to officers an increase upon the amount of their salaries, as fixed by law, in place of drawing it as commutation for rations, forage, and servants.
Mr. SHERMAN. Is that in the power of the SecyNavy?
Mr. GRIMES. Yes, sir; he has the same power on that subject that the SecyWar has. All the allowances of the Army are based on the Rules and Articles of War. There is no authority of express law authorizing commutation for quarters. fuel, lights, &c., in the Army.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. There are 2 or 3 verbal amendments necessary to be made as to the time when the bill shall take effect, as it may not pass until after the 30th of June. In the thir line of the 1st section I move to strike out the word “next, ” and in the 4th line after the word “year” to insert “ending June 80, 1867;" so that it will read: That fromand nflcrthe commencement of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1067.the clerical force in the officeof the SecyInterior and in the ser cral bureausof the Dept of the Interior shall be as follows. ke.
Mr. POMEROY. I thought we inserted that yesterday.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. As it did not come from the committee, it was not incorporated in the vote concurring in the amendments of the committee. I move this amendment of my own motion.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. In the 49th line of the 1st section I move to strike out the word "‘ next” and insert the word “said;H so that it will read: Fromand after the commencement of the said fiscal year. And I also move the same amendment in the 2nd line of the 4th section, to strike out the word “ next" and insert the word “said.”
The PRESIDENT ro tempo". Those changes will be made in order to make the bill corres end with itself.
Mr. 811ltMAN. I should like to have a little more information as to the manner in which the pay of the Navy has been increased 33%. because I must confess, been done in my presence here, without my knowing anything about iIt, should like to know when it was done and under what law it was done. If there is to be an increase in one Dept of the Government, I would not stand ere claiming that it should not be done in other Depts of the Government. I must confess that I am taken very much by surprise when I am informed that the pay of the Navy has been increased 33%., and I should like to have some explanation from the Senfrom Iowa about it.
Mr. GRIMES. I think I can inform the Senator without much trouble. By a lawpassed, iI think, in 1702, the SecyWar was authorized to make rules and regulations for the government of the Army, which should have the same force and effect as laws of the U.S., provided those rules and re u; lotions did not contravene the laws of the U.S. such a law as that was not made applicable to the Navy, because the Navy dept was not created until 1798; and no law of that kind was in existence authorizing the SecyNavy to make similar rules and regulations for the Navy until about 3 or 4 years ago, during this war. Under that law of 1702 has grown u the whole system of commutations that are allowed to officers of the Army. 1 think if the Senfrom Ohio will examine the statutes of the U.S. he will find nowhere, except in regard to the loa gevity rations. any authority for commutation the If he will examine the Army Rules an Regulations he will see that it is by the order of the SecyWar. It was simply by an order of the SecyWar that there was a double commutation allowed to officers stationed hero in this place.
Mr. SHERMAN. I am familiar with that, and I think all of the Senate are familiar with that.
Mr. GRIMES. I shall be through in aminute. Up to 1835 officers of the Navy were allowed commutations for quarters, for servants‘ for fuel, for lights, and for transportation 0 baggage. lathe law that passed, fixing the pay of the Navy, in 1835, there was an express prohibition against any such allowances being made in the future to oliicers of the Navy; but it was not made applicable to officers of the Army. When the naval appropriation bill was under consideration at the present session of Congress I olI'ered an amendment repealing the law of 1835, and allowing the Secretary. theref fore, under the authority that was vested in him by the act of Congress, to give commutation in certain instances. That billwos passed by both Houses and it)proved by the President. It is upon the authority, therefore, of the law as it stands, with that section of the act of 1835 stricken out of the statute book, that the SecyNavy has made an allowance to the officers of the Navy forlheincrcase of their pay. lt met the unanimous approval of the ComNavAffrs of the Senate and I understand it has meta similar approval of the ComNavAffrs in the HoRep.
Mr. SHERMAN. Iwas once a member of the ComNavAffrs, and I think we passed a pay law, and it was universally agreed that the system of commutation and allowance of the Army was not applicable to the Navy, and at the request of the officers of the Navy the had a fixed pay. That. pay was increased, think on the motion of the Senfrom Iowa; at any rate some changes were made when new grades were added.
Mr. GRIMES. No, sir, the pay was not increased and has not been during the war.
Mr. SHERMAN. Then there were some additional grades made and some changes in the law; but I did not know until this morning that under a provision 'inserted on an appropriation bill the pay of the Navy was increased 33 and 1/3rd%. I am now informed of the mode and manner of that increase; and I think the 1st duty of congress is to fix by law a salary for the officers of the Army and the Navy. An abuse which has beeningrafted in the Army from time to time, and grown up as an admitted abuse, is now extended to the Navy. It seems to me the better way would be to establish the salary of both Army and Navy hereafter by law. Iftho pay of officers of the Navy has been increased in this way, I certainly do not object to the increase of the pay of such ofllcers as the ComrPensions and these various officers 5 or 600 dollars a year. If by usimple amendmentingrafted on an appropriation bill, when many of us were not present certamly I was not the whole pay of the Navy has been increased 33%., certainly will. not stand here resistin, in the interests of economy, the addition 0 a few 100 dollars to the pay of such officers as the ComrPensions and the Commissioner of Public Lands.
Mr. GRIMES. Let me say a word to the Senfrom Ohio. The avorage increase of pay that will be allowed to Officers of the Navy under the order of the Secretary will not exceed $200.
Mr. GRIMES. I say the average will not exceed $200. Some of them only get 20%. While in the Army the commutation exceeds the amount of the pay proper, I believe, one or 200%., the SecyNavy was so anxious that it should not be run to an excess in the Navy that he has limited them to 20%. in some instances, and the highest is but 33%. I will state, further, that that amendment in its present form erhnps might not have been adopted if it had not been that the HoRep utterly refused to make any sort of appropriation to supply uarters for the novel officers who were require to do duty at navy'yards. We were required to have from 15 to 25 navn officers at the NewYork yard, as an example. The shore duty pay of a lieutenant commander, stationed there, who has been in the service 25 years, would be only $1, 875, and he Would be obliged to pay at least 1/3rd and in some instances 1/2 of that for house rent alone. It was absolutely oppressive. The only wayin which the evil could be obviated, as we thought, was to permit the Secretary in certain instances to allow a commutation. Men who are stationed in the yards and furnished quarters are not allowed by the order of the Secretary to have 33%., but only 20%. of an increase of pay, which to a lieutenant commander doing duty at a navy yard would be about $300.,
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I hope we shall now have the vote.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The Sea at'or from Nevada is entitled to the floor. The Chair will put the question as soon as the debate terminates, but cannot do so before.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I beg pardon of the Senfrom Nevada; I was not aware that he was on the floor.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. He is not in the Interior dept that I know of.
Mr. NYE. This document is si ed by Robert Wright, president; Ferdinan L. Sar miento, secretary.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. No such names have appeared in the Interior Dept, to my knowledge.
Mr. WILSON. This man Jaekson is aclerk i“n the 2nd Auditor’s office, one of the chivalry.”
The PRESIDENT otempore. ltis moved that the further consideration of the bill be indefinitely iostponed.
Mr. CONNESS. The motion was not for an indefinite postponement.
The PRES] DENT protempera. ‘lie statement was until certain facts could be found out about a certain paper, which is of course an indefinite 0st nement.
Mr. DOOLIT' LE. The Senator rather appeals to me personally. If I did not suppose he was jesting this morning malii I' should taEe it seriously; but it certainly is a su)reme jest for him to quote that long article Prom the Intelligencer and make that have any sort of application to the bill that is now pending before the Senate. The bill before the Senate, it is true, increases the salaries of the ComrPensions, the ComrIndAff, the ComrGLO, and it increases the sal aries of some of the principal clerks and heads of divisions in those ureaus and decreases the aggregate number of clerks in the Interior Dept.
Mr. NYE. That is what I complain of. H it to put out the men who do not maintain “ the deptal club” and raise the salaries of those who remain?
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I hope the honorable Senfrom Michigan will give way up the order of the pay that we may dispeoasleliong this question.
Mr. HOWARD. I insist on the order of the day.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. This is an important matter.
Mr. CONNESS. Let it go over until tomorrow.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. All the amendments have been passed upon, and it is simply a question on the passage of the bill. Isould like to have it disposed of this morning.
The PRESIDENT protempera. The morning hour having expired, the unfinished business of esterday is in order, and it can be laid asi e, except on motion, only by unanimous consent.
Mr. HOWARD. I must insist on calling up the unfinished business of yesterday. nnc ONSTItb'CTlON. The Senate, as in ComWhole, If the Senfrom resumed the consideration of the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) ‘proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the JU.S., the pending question being on the amendment. proposed by Mr. Doou'rru z, to strike out the 2nd section of the proposed article and insert in lieu of it the following: After the censusto betaken in the year 1870 and each suceeedingcensus, Representatives shall beupportioned among the several States which may be includctl Within this Union according to the number in eachState of male electorsover 21 years of age qualified by the laws thereof to choose members of the must numerous branch of its Legislature; and direct taxes shall beapportionedamongthesev oral States MOOHHHK to the value of thereal and person loanlg taxable property situuted in each State not to the State or to the U.S.
Mr. SUMNER. Was it notaddressed to the SecyState as having charge of our for eign relations?
Mr. HOWARD. By whose authority was that done?
Mr. HOWE. By the authority of the POTUS. Sir, the best advice I can give to the people of that county is, not to die until a new judge of probate is elected. I am afraid there will be trouble in the settlement of their estates. [At this point, the honorable Senator yielded to a motion that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business.] Wiznxssmr, June 6, 1866. The same subjectbeing again under consideration
Mr. WILSON. There are not a great many of them.
Mr. HOWE. No, I do not mean to say there are a great man of these representatives. There are a few of tern aiding in that work. I am told that the design is to pack the congress of the U.S., to select men and to secure the election of men devoted to the single purpose of getting representatives "in here from these late y rebellious States. Mr. President, there was an attempt about 200 years ago to pack a Parliament in England, and it would be well enough perhaps for those engaged in this enterprise to recur to the history of that. It is said, indeed, that those who are engod in this enterprise have the President With them and have the patronage of the Government on their side; that that is all potential; that the country and the public conscience cannot stand up against it. I'They may be right who put. that estimate upon the influence of patronage. But recollect we do not know that this patronage is to be in the hands of the present Executive for more than about 2 years. When, 200 years ago, the undertook to pack a Par liament in Englan, this patronage was all in the hands of a king for lite and hll heirs after him.
Mr. COWAN. 'lhere is not much objection to that these days toleration and indulgence.
Mr. DOOLI'ITLE. It is false that I ever said that anywhere. It is true that in 1852 I supported General Pierce and my colleague supported‘General Scott; but they stood precise y on the same platform, as for as slavery was concerned.
Mr. HOWE. If it is false that my colleague ever made any such defense of slavery, I am very glad to hear it, and I am very glad that I have furnished him the opportunity to say so.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. In relation to that, I do not know where my colleague obtains any information bearing on this subject, but it is utterly false. For 25 years I have s oken on the subject pubficly, in the State of NewYork and in all the States, andI have always maintained, in every form in which language could be used, that slavery was wrong. the idea that I ever defended it as a.divine institution is utterly false.
Mr. HOWE. I am very lad to be corrected. I did not make mysclt responsible for the statement. I introduced it ere in his hearing that he might contradict it if it were not true. I have heard it repeatedly said within the State of Wisconsin; I am surprised it should have come to my colleague‘s cars new for the 1st time. If I am mistaken about it, as I must think I am, I am glad to be so told. But if he did not advocate slavery then and there in his a eech, he defended and upheld a party which did uphold slavery, and he did not adhere to the Free Democratic party which he did uphold in 1848.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I have stated to my colleague that in 18521 supperted the election of General Pierce; and upon the slavery question his platform was precisely the same as the platform of the Whi party, whom my colleague supported in Wisconsin. So we stood on the same platform as to that. It was averred in the platform of both parties thatthe slavery question was ended, and nothing should be said about it,0 or con, in Congress or out of Congress. at in 1854, when the democratic party which elected Pierce, violated its pledges, renewed the slavery agitation, put in the knife, repealing the Missouri compromise, I from that moment denounced it as the dissolution of the Democratic party, and I gave what little power I had to help to overthrow it and trample it under my feet, because it was false to the pledges upon which it. was elected and in 1856, as a matter of course, we carrie Wisconsin for Fremont, and against the extension of slavery into the Territories. My course, therefore, has been entirely consistent on the slavery question ever since 1847, when in the convention of the Democratic party of the State of NewYork, I myself introduced the corner stone resolution upon which the Free soil party of NewYork was organized, before the fiuffalo convention. The Buffalo convention followed all that. It was the incident to it. It came in, and renominated Mr. Van Buren, who had already been nominated in the State of NewYork by the Free soil Democ racy, as they were called the Barnburners, in the language of the day, by way of epithet. Those are the facts.
Mr. HOWE. I was not arraigning my colleague because he did not support General Scott in 1852. There was nothing in his previous history that I know of that seemed) to make such action on his art called for. I thought it peculiar that he did not support the candidate of the same party whose candidates he supported in 1848. It was not because he did not support the Whig party, but that he did not stand by the Free Democratic party which in 1848he had pledged himself to stand by forever. I simply say that although there might have been some similarity and I do not concede that between the attitude of the Democratic party and the Whig party in 1852, there was not that marked similitude between the attitude of the free Democratic partyin 1848 and the Democratic party in 1852. I am not accusing him of an want of sincerity. I am bound to suppose tiilhe was just as sincere in his devotion to the Democratic party in 1852 as in his devotion to the free Democratic party in 1848; but there, I do insist, is the proof that he was not adhering to the same principles in 1852 that he was in 1848. But, Mr. President, it is true, as my colleague has said, that the Democratic party did not keep the pledges they made in 1852; that in spite of their promise made there to have no more agitation upon the question of sla; ver, they did introduce it again 2 years later, an they did repeal the Missouri compromise. My colleague says now that from that moment the Democratic party was dissolved. He will not undertake to say that his cbnnection with the Democratic party was dissolved from that moment. I never heard of his dissolving his connection with the Democratic party until 1856, some 2 years after the Missouri compromise was repealed.
Mr. DOOLlTTLE. Upon that subject, if m colleague will allow me to call it to his rec oliycction, he will remember at once that Iweut on the bench as judge of the 1st judicial circuit of Wisconsin in 1853, and from 1853 to 1856 was judge of the 1st judicial circuit, and of course while upon the bench I did not take part in political affairs. After I had resigned from the bench then I felt at liberty to take part in them.
Mr. HOWE. upon the bench, but I believe he recollects perfectly well that his political affiliations were known all that time. I think I cannot be mistaken in my recollection that his 1st declaration in behalf of the Republican party, which was formed in 1854 if I remember aright, was after Congress adjourned in August, 1856, and then a letter from him was published which was the 1st that was known to the people of Wisconsin that be adhered to the platform and policy of the republican party.
Mr. DOOLIT' LE. It is true, as my colleague states, that the 1st public declaration whichI made was upon the adjournment of Congress in 1856, where the point decided was that Congress would enforce the border ruffian slave code in Kansas. The outrage was such that I could not, for one, endure it, and I publicly denounced‘it, and from that moment threw all the influence that I possessed against the party which had sustained that course and determined to enforce, as the laws of the territory of Kansas, that border ruffian code.
Mr. HOWE. I believe my colleague is entirely correct. He did not leave the Democratic party because of the repeal of the Missouri compromise, nor because of their enactment of the fugitive slave law. He adhered to it in spite of both those acts. But in 1856, 2 years after the Missouri comromise had been repealed, after Congress lad adj ourned, he then joined the Republican party; and then I believe he is entirely correct in say in that he gave as his reason, not that he objected to these measures, but that the principle of squatter sovereignty, or popular sovereignty, socalled, had not been 0 served in Kansas.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. My colleague will do It is true my colleague was me the justice to understand certainly that while upon the bench I did not write any public letters or make any public speeches, but I did in conversation privately express my most declared opinions on that subject to all persons who conversed with me upon it. As far as I was at liberty to make declarations, being upon the bench, I did so; but I did not make any public declaration by letter or s eech; that is all. I denounced the repeal o the Missouri compromise from the moment it was proposed.
Mr. HOWE. That was not all. I‘he point is, that when he did make apublic declaration of his adhesion to the Republican party, it was not placed upon the ground that they had passed an obnoxious law in 1850 or another in 1854, but that the principle of popular sovereignty, which was pledged to the people of Kansas in 1854, had been violated, and they had not had the benefit of it. That was the ound upon which he, as I understand it, left ‘t e Democratic party in 1866 and joined the Republican party. But I am not disputing that he was just as sincere to his convictions in 1856 as he was in 1852or in 1848, and I am not disputing that he is just as sincere in his convictions today, when he is leaving the Republican household, when he has left the Republican faith, as he was in 1856when he embraced it.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I will say to my colleague that I have not left it and do not expect to leave it. I do not mean either to be seduced from it or driven from it. Mr. HOWE. Mr. President
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. Pom mar in the chair.) It becomes the duty of the Chair to remind Senators that the question under discussion is the amendment to the Constitution of the U.S.
Mr. JOHNSON. I was about to ask what the question before the Senate was.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The constitutional amendment has been under discussion for some time, and it is hoped that Senators will confine their remarks, as near as they are able to do so, to the question under discussion.
Mr. HOWE. Yes, sir; and I propose to confine my remarks as nearly to that question as I am able to do, but under these extraordinary circumstances I was not able to confine m remarks any nearer to that question than I have so far. Findin myself arraigned here as for a crime, that I had once afiihated with the Whig party, I thought it right to consider very briefly the party relations of my colleague heretofore. My co league says now that he has not left the Republican party. I am very glad to hear that, if he really means to be unerstood by that that hereafter be will adhere to that party and to its principles and to its candidates and to its organization. But I'un derstood him to say the other day that he had got on to a platform of his own and he did not gropose to leave that although the Union party did leave it, and he did not propose to cave that, althouch any other art got on to it.
the PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senfrom Wisconsin yield to his colleague?
Mr. HOWE. I cannot refuse to yield for exlanations.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. As this is a matter or sonal to myself, I hope my colleague will allow me to say a word. I sayI have not left the Republican party which is that party which stands upon the platform on which we elected the President and VEEP in 1864. I stand on that platform and by its principles, and 'do not intend to leave them. I do not intend to be driven off from them, nor to follow anybody else off who may choose to go 05' from them on to a new platform; nor Will I abandon the platform who ever else may come on to it. I mean to be governed by the principle which I avowed the other day and which Iexpect to control my action. I will not interrupt my Wilmgue in his speech further.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senfrom Wisconsin yield to his colleague?
Mr. HOWE. No, not now. I take it there is no errplanution to be made on that point.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The last remark of my colleague seems to me to call for an answer.
Mr. HOWE. I shall be through in a moment.
The PRESIDING OFFICE. The Senfrom Wisconsin declines to yield the floor.
On motion of Mr. HOARD] the Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and after some time spent in executive session the doors were reopened, and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TUESDAY, June 5, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock in. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Borxrox. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. MINERAL LANDS.
Mr. JULIAN, from the ComPubLands, b unanimous consent, reported back House hill 0. 322 to provide for the survey and sale of the lands of the U.S. containing gold, silver, and other valuable miner als, for the assaying and coining of such minerals, and for other purposes, with amendments and an accompanying report. The bill with the amendments and the accompanying report were ordered to be printed and recommitted to the comPubLands. NEWYORK AND MONTANA MINING COMPANY.
Mr. STEVENS. I call up the mtRtv Senate bill No. 203, to enable the how York and Montana Manufacturing Company to purchase a certain amount of the public lands now in market, was referred to the ComPubLands. ‘hc question was taken on the motion to reconsi er, and it was a reed to. The question recurre on ordering the bill to a 3rd readin.
Mr. STEVEN. This is a bill to enable a company to establish iron works in advance of the building of railroads in Montana Territory. It passed the Senate unanimously without any illicult. It becomes necessary to cause a survey of the lands, and this bill is the result.
Mr. SPALDING. I would like to hear from the chairman of the ComPubLands something in regard to the merits of this bill.
Mr. JULIAN. The Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. Houses] had more particular charge of the bill, and probably can explain it more intelligibly than can.
Mr. HOLMES. The total amount of lands which this bill authorizes them to preempt and purchase is 12,800 acres, of which 10, 880 acres are to be wood or timberland. All mineral lands except iron and coal are exressly reserved, and the patents when issue are to convey no title to any lands thus reserved. No one can over estimate the benefits both to the General Government and the people of the Territory of Montana that will accrue from the: establishment of works of this character in that Territory. Industry, enterprise, and thrift will follow and surround them. will receive, as I believe it deserves, the support of ever member of the House.
Mr. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, [think these gentlemen are launching upon a rather perilous excriment. They must have great faith in the in ux of population into the Territory of Montana. The idea of. making iron, the most val uable of all metals, even more valuable than gold nud'silver, there in advance of much population is one which ought to be eucouraged, and can be encouraged only in the way set orth here. As to the number of acres that would be required to produce 1500 tons of pig iron and convert it into bar iron by means of charcoal every one acquainted with the subject knows that it. would require at least 16,000 acres. I should think 20 thous and acres as little as any man would want to start with. I have but a small establishment myself, and yetl find 16,000 acres too little for my purpose. I should not have referred to my own works if the Gentfrom NewYork [Mia HOLMES] had not referred to them. They are situated in what are called the South mountains, between Adams and 'Franklin counties. There are 4 iron works adjoining mine. One of them has more land than mine has, about 17,000 acres. Mine has between 16 and 17,000 acres. I doubt if any prudent man would think of putting charcoal iron works on less than from 15 to 20,000 acres.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. I would suggest to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. STEvens] that it makes a difference whether the timber is hard wood or soft wood. He has been speaking of hard wood in his calculations. The timber in Montana is composed in great. part of soft wood, pine. hemlock, dzc.
Mr. STEVENS. The gentleman is If correct. the timber should happen to be pine and hemlock it would require more; 20,000 acres would be as little as would e necessary to carry on these works. Our chest nut timber will grow in 20 years so as to he fir, for cutting for thispnrpoa. But the timber in I hope the bill Montana, I understand, is mostly pine and hem lock, and of course it would require a longer time for it to be renewed. Inasmuch as iron enters largely in the pursuits of mining, agriculture, and manufactures, I think we should do all that could be done to foster its manufacture in these new regions. This company asks nothing from the Government except the privilege of now doing what they would have a right to do, had these lands been surveyed by the Government. I think much can be said in favor of the bill, and I can see nothing that can be said against it.
Mr. PRICE. I would like to ask the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Srsvsxs] one or 2 questions in regard to this bill. Is it to grant to this company the privilege of preempting these lands or of purchasing them?
Mr. STEVENS. The privrlege of purchasing them.
Mr. PRICE. To purchase 20 sections of land in a square form in the Territory of Montana.
Mr. HOLMES. Amounting to 12,800 acres in the aggregate.
Mr. PRICE. Are the mineral laudsexcepted from the operations of this bill?
Mr. STEVENS. Yes, sir; all mineral lands are excepted except iron and coal lauds. This bill is perhaps more carefully guarded in that respect than another making a land grant that I now recollect, and I have looked into it very particularly.
Mr. PRICE. Then the only effect of this bill is to give this company the privilege of purchasing these lands in advance of the Government surveys?
Mr. STEVENS. Yes. sir, payingthe expense of the surveys themselves, on paying for the land in 2 years, in which time they must have their iron works established.
Mr. PRICE. Then I can see no objection to the bill.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was read the 3rd time. The question was upon the passage of the bill.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nde and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was passed. '9 Mr. STEVENS mtRtv the bill was passed; and also moved that the motion to'reconsider be laid on the table. agreed to. TRACTION ENGINE ROADS IN TERRITORIES.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to aid in establishing a line of traction engines and wagons from the Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for pestal, military, and other purposes; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComPubLands, and ordered to be printed. sonninns’ AND sunons’ onriisss’ FAIR. I now call the previous:1";
Mr. MOULTON, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: emlved.Thatthe SecyWarbe respectfully Irneglusaeislotersdt’o olropahnatnost’hfaeilrahdnyomwabneainggehrseoldf tihnetshoisldcieitrys, speh Amencnn flags in his possession as may be do sirpd to decorato the building in which the said fair is being held.
Mr. MOULTON mtRtv the resolution was agreed to; upon the table. agreed to. EXPENSES OF INTERIOR DEPT.
Mr. WRIGHT. I ask unanimous consent to introduce for present consideration a resolution ofinquiry addressed to the SecyInterior, calling for his annual report. upon the contin ent expensesof his Dept.
Mr. SP LDING. Let the resolution be read.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. I object. noecs'riox or COLORED YOUTH. On motion of Mr. HOLMES, by unanimous consent, the ComPubLands was discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the NewYork Central College for the education of colored youth; and the same was referred to the ComPrivLandClms. A. L. GOODHICH AND NATHAN CORNISH.
Mr. FARQUHAR. I ask unanimous consent to make a report from the comPostOffice. There was no objection.
Mr. FARQUHAR. I am directed by the comPostOffice to report back Jtresolution (H.R. No.77) for t ie reliefo Ambrose L. Goodrich and Na than Cornish for carrying the U.S. mails from Boise City to Idaho City, in the Territory of Idaho, and to move that the House non-concur in the amendment of the Senate, and ask for the appointment of a committee of conffirenee. The motion was agreed to. DAVIS FOSTER. On motion of Mr. SCHENCK, by unanimous consent, the ComMilAffrs was discharged from the furtheg consideration of the petition of Davis Foster, lieutenant of the 24th Massachusetts volunteers, for reimbursement for clothing, &c., lost by the sinking of the U.S. transport Fanning; and the same was referred to the ComClaims. AMOS SANFORD. On motion of Mr. SCHENCK, by unanimous consent, the ComMilAffr was diseharged from the further consideration of the petition of Amos Sanford, of Prairie City, Illinois, for an appropriation of $125; and the same was referred to the ComClaims. CANAL AND SEWEHAGE COMPANY.
The Speaker. The Chair omitted to state that the bill (S.No.190) to incorporate the DistCol Canal and Sewerage Company would, in regular order, have come up this morning immediately after the reading of the Journal, but by an arrangement between the chairman of the ComDistCol [Mr. Ixcsasouj and the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. FTHOMAS] it was agreed that, with the consent of the House, the bill should not be called up until next Thurs day morning. The Chair presumes there is no objection to this arrangement.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I ask the Gentfrom NewJersey to yield to me a moment that I may present some amendments.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I move to amend as follows: In section one. line 3 alter the word “establilshed” insert the words “by the SecyInterior" so that the clause Will read: There shall be established by the SecyInterior, at the city of Washington, a Dept of Education, Ste. At the end 9f the same sectionadd the following: apApnodintfor this purpose be is harsh authorized to 2 clerks. at a salary of 1, 800each perannum. Strike out section 2. In section 3, has two, strike out the words “Commissioner of Education” and insert in lieu thereof the words “SecyIntenon" so that the clausewill read: That it shall be the duty of the SecyInterior topresent annually. as.
Mr. GRINNELL. I desire to ask the gentleman a question. I wish to know whether he has ever opposed an appropriation for the purpose of collecting agricultural statistics, and whether this idea of collecting information in regard to education does not stand somewhat on the same basis.
Mr. ROGERS. No, sir; it has no resemblance whatever. The object for which the Agricultural Bureau was established is one almost coevalwith the formation of the Government itself. It is a system established by our fathers, and not asstem of modern times at all. It is one which is necessary in order to hold complete and intimate connection with foreign countries and get the necessary information for the Federal Government. It is necessary for the diffusion of knowledge of a national character all over the country, and has no analogy to this interference with the simple rights of the States in regard to the education of their own people.
Mr. GRINNELL. would ask the gentleman, if we can show that we are able to compete successfully with foreign countries ina i culture, whyshould we not show them that we have a better system of education.
Mr. GRINNELL. I wish to ask the gentleman a question.
Mr. OGERS. I cannot be interrupted now; I have but 15 minutes.
Mr. GRINNELL. I only wanted to ask the gentleman if he thinks that education promotes isloyalty.
The Speaker. The morning hour has expired. TREASURY “LES OF GOLD.
The Speaker, by unanimous consent, laid before the House a communication from the SecyTreasury in response to a res olution of the House of the 28th ultimo, in regard to the amount of old sold by him since may 1, 1866, the rates otgsale, ke.; which was lai on the table, and ordered to be printed. PAY OF THE ARMY. The House resumed the consideration of the special order, being House bill NO. 450, to re uce and establish the pay of the officers and to regulate the pay of the soldiers of the armies o the U.S., upon which Mr. Dans was entitled to the floor.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I understand the gentleman to argue that the pay provided by this bill for officers on duty in the city of Washingion is not sufficient.
Mr. DAVIS. I say I do not believe it is.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I would inquire of the gentleman what relation the pay provided in this bill for officers on duty in this city bears to the pay of persons in the civil service in this city whose duties correspond with those in the military service.
Mr. DAVIS. I will not pretend to say what precise relation does exist between the two. have not said, and do not say, that the pay of an officer located elsewhere is sufficient to support himself respectably in times when every. thing is as high as it is at present, or has been for 2 years past.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I would ask the gentleman if by the provisions of this bill the officers of the Army are not and will not be the bestpaidofficers under the Government; better than any officers in any other Dept.
Mr. DAVIS. Under the requirements of the law an officer engaged in the military service of the Governmentis prevented from engaging in anythin else. Now, the Gentfrom Illinois [A Mr. FARNBWORTH] can use 1/2 of his time as a member of Congress in the pursuit of his profession. He can give counsel ere. He can argue acase in the SCOTUS, and employ his vacations at home in nirsuing his profession.
Mr. FARNSWORT. Aclerk in one of the Depts with a salary of only $1, 800can not engage in other pursuits hal his time. I am not talking about members of Congress but officers in the Depts, in the civrl service of the Government, and I do say that under this bill those in the military service are better paid than those in any other Dept of the Government.
Mr. DAVIS. Sir, theirs is a ver ifferent service. A clerk in any Dept may go Wherehe leases' and obtain employment elsewhere. rii man who swears fidelity to the goverument in a military capacity cannot do it. He takes the peril of the old and looks to the Government for his support for a life time, Willie the clerk in a Dept, after having acquired in the service of the Government that kpowledge and experience which will render his services more profitable elsewhere, goes into a bank in the city of NewYork, Philadelphia, or elsewhere, and instead of receivin $1, 800 a year receives $2, 600 or $3,000. An most of these clerks are single men, while an officer of the Army who commenced as a sin gle man is not supposed to be denied the privilege of matrimony.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. Does not my friend think it is better for a man to be provided for for life than to go into a Dept to continue there during good behavior or at the pleasure of his employer?
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. Will the gentleman state how much the private soldiers get 'I
Mr. DAVIS. Privates are taken care of by the Government itself. The private soldier takes his pay with the knowledge that he is to have his rations and quarters furnished him by the Government.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. How much does he get for himself and his family when he is stationed in the city of Washington?
Mr. DUMONT. Will the gentleman yield to me a moment?
Mr. DUMONT. I deny utterly that I ever said any such thin.
Mr. DAVIS. I certainly understood the gentleman to say that he had never seen a pay roll which set forth the truth.
Mr. DUMONT. I said that I had seldom seen a pay roll that set forth the exact truth.
Mr. DAVIS. If I have misrepresented the gentleman in any regard, I will retract every thing which he denies that he said or intended to say. I stated what I understood him to say, and I was about to add that I thought the gentle man himself must have used inaccurate languagc, for I do not think it possible that an officer who had been in the vo unteer service, a man of intelligence and cultivation, would assert anything that he did not believe to be entirely true. Now, what I said was, that the gentleman stated here that the returns which are made out by officers of the Army do not state the truth; that he had never seen a return which did; that he himself had made such returns
Mr. DUMONT. I did not say anything of the kind.
Mr. DAVIS. Will the gentlemen state what he did say, for I do not wrsh to do him or any other gentleman the slightest injustice?
Mr. DUMONT. I stated that I had had a conversation with an Army officer, and had said to him that I had seldom seen an officer’s' pay roll which in every respect stated the exact' truth; that he then propounded to me the question whether I had ever made out a false pay roll; and that I replied to him that present company was always excepted, and that I was not there to testify in regard to either him or myself. And I state a ain that I have seldom seen an officer’s pay ro 1 that in every respect stated the exact truth. I said not one single word about my own account, nor have I said a single word in regard to any other officer. In regard to sayingt at I had certified to many such a pay roll, there was not a word of that kind said; the subject was not adverted to, not a single word was said in regard to the certificate.
Mr. DAVIS. While I disclaim any intention whatever of doing the slightest injustice to the honorable gentleman, I cannot. forget the words he uttered upon this floor. He said, and he spoke of it as a matter within his own personal knowledge, that a dozen officers messing together and employing in common 2 or 3 servants would include those servants in each of their pay accounts.
Mr. ROGERS. I believe I have only a few minutes. How much time have I?
The SPEAKER. There are only 15 minutes remaining of the hbur of the Gentfrom NewYork.
Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, of course my experience in military matters is very limited. Much of the information that I have wntbreard to the status of the Army has been derived mm the speeches I have heard delivered on this occasion. But when I look at the act 1st organizing the Army and fixing its compensation, Which it is now proposed to change, I find that it dates back to March 3, 1795. It is enough for me to know that a system of pay which has existed for over 70 years cannot suddenly at this time be changed without doing injustice to officers of the regular Army. There is an impression on my mind I think I have seen it in this House from the commencement of the session that several gentlemen who have not been educated at WestPoint have been continually attacking the regular Army. I believe that had it not been for the discipline which the WestPoint officers, whose pay is attempted to be cut down b this bill, infused into the gallant volunteers, this rebellion would never have been put down and secession in this country would have succeeded. Sir, I remember, in looking over the history of this rebellion, that Stonewall Jackson at one time with 15,000 men kept 3 able generals on our side, who had not been edu cated at WestPoint, in abeyance for 6 months with 65,000 men under their command, although if they had been educated cadets it might have been the same. I am furt ier opposed to this bill because there is no member of the regular Army who is advocating it. This question has been brought before the Congress of the U.S. at different times. It was talked about in 1826, and a report upon it was made by the then PayMGen, and his report was against it; and it is a significant fact, which has become a part of the history. of the country, that no SecyWar, from the 1st SecyWar down to the present time, with the axcetion of JeffersonDavis, has ever advo cate the system of pay proposed by the bill now under discussion.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Will the gentleman yield a moment?
Mr. ROGERS. I cannot yield any more, for my time is limited to 15 minutes from the commencement. There is no compensation sufficient to pay these men or volunteers for their services in the Army. Our officers ought at least to be sufficiently well paid so that when they die they can leave means enough to support their families. I believe in paying our officers and soldiers properly for their services, whether in the Army as volunteers or regulars, because if any men should be well paid it is those who have saved their country. The saviour of his country is to be compared with the Saviour of the world, and should be so remunerated by us that those coming after us will see from our example how brave and heroic men should be rewarded. There are no men more deserving the grati tude and care of their country than these men who by their great and brave deeds have accomplished the salvation of their country; they cannot be compensated in dollars and cents for the services they have rendered. Much has been said about the Government havingbeen at the expense of officers. How educatinglthese is it? A young man, having erha s a home of ease and comfort. enters est oint, separating himself from the rest of the world, and there receives an education, and afterward devotes his whole life and abilities to the service of his country, as General Scott has done. Is there a man who would have wished that General Scott should have died without leaving a sufficient competence for his family? I think not., Now, I su wposethere are some on the other side of“the l house who will consider my speech a sufficient reason why they should vote for this bill.
Mr. SCHENCK. I think the speech has been an argument in favor of the bill. And as both sides have been heard, I suppose there can be no objection to my now notifying the House that I propose to put an end to this discussion by calling the previous question on the bill.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I hope the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. Summer] will yiel to me for a few moments.
Mr. SCHENCK. I was about to say that I propose to hold the floor before calling the previous question, and yield to 2 or 3 members who desire to offer amendments, and also for 5 or ten minutes each to 2 or 3 others, and then I shall call the previous question.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Mr. Speaker, Ihope the gentleman will yield to me a few moments. I asked the Gentfrom NewJersey [Mr. Roonus] to yield to me amoment while he had the floor, but he declined to do so. I suppose he speaks so seldom, and then for such as iort. time, that he did not feel that he had any time to s are. ll
Mr. SCHENCK. I will yield to the Gentfrom Kentucky [Mr. Rousseau] for a few minutes.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I expect to vote against this bill. But in doin so want to say that I do not in the slightest egree indorse the sentiments of the Gentfrom NewJersey, [Mr. Roonus] and do not tyield my assent to his misrepresentations an slanders of more than 0. million brave men who served in the volunteer service of the U.S.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. B 'saying that they would not have fought or made good soldiers without the aid of the officers of the regular Army.
Mr. ROGERS. I did not say that. I said they would not have won so great victories but for the brave officers of the regular Army who commanded and led them.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. The gentleman is like an unbroken colt in a burr patch, you can neither catch him nor hold him. [Laughtea] Now, the idea of charging that the Army of the U.S., composed almost entire] of volunteers, would have been but a mere mobexcept for the officers of the regular Army, is a slander upon the volunteer soldiers of this country which I will not hear uttered anywhere by anyone without repelling it. Sir, the regular Army has no better friend in this country, in a humble way, than I am. I have been its friend always, and I am its friend now. I am a friend to WestPoint and those who have been educated there, and I shall vote against this bill and for that reason. But I wantit distinctly understood thatin doing so I do not indorse the sentiments of the Gentfrom NewJersey, [Mr. Rooms; ther than indorse those sentiments I would vote for this bill or almost any other. The gentleman cannot have read the history of his country if he believes what he has stated here. Where are the regular officers who organized, drilled, discipline, and led the volunteers of the Army '1 Their numbers are just as a drop in the ocean compared with those of the volunteers.
Mr. ROGERS. I would ask the gentlemau if he is a WestPointer. Perhaps that is the reason this matter touches the gentleman so much.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I am not; I have never seen WestPoint; and it is not necessary that I should see it in ordertoknow what volunteers can do and have done. The volunteer army of this nation Put down the late rebellion, and the could have done it as well if there had not been a single WestPointer in the whole Army.
Mr. RO USSEAU. The gentleman may have stated what he believes, but it is not of the least importance what he believes. I do not think that he has any sufficient knowledge in regard to the matter. Iask him, where are the men of the regular Arniy who drilled and taught the volunteers to fight? In the whole army of the West and gallant, brave men they werethere was not a handful of WestPointers. I had the honor of commanding all the regulars in the West, and if they have a friend on earth today I claim to be that friend. I feel it an honor to be called their friend. I had hoped, sir, that the Gentfrom NewJersey could oppose this bill without assailing the volunteer army of the U.S. As one of that army I repel this assault upon them, and if I were a WestPointer or a regular I would repel it all the more strongly
Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, the Gentfrom Kentucky, [Mr. Rousseau] in the remarks which he has just made, totally misrepresents ine. His object ap ears to be to place me in a false position before the comWY.
Mr. SCHENCK. I do not yield the floor to the Gentfrom NewJersey, [Mr. Rocsns.
Mr. ROGERS. I claim the right to be heard in vindication of myself against misre resentetion; and I say that the records of this country will not sustain the Gentfrom Ken tacky
Mr. SCHENCK. I do not yield to the Gentfrom NewJersey.
The Speaker protempore, (Mr. On'rii in athe chair.) The Gentfrom NewJersey will take his seat. The Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. Scunsesj is entitled to the floor.
Mr. SCHENCK. I have promised to yield to my colleague [Mr. GARFIELD] that he may offer an amendment to remove what he considers an ambiguity in the bill.
Mr. ROGERS. I ask the gentleman to grant me 3 minutes that I may make an explanation.
Mr. SCHENCK. I do not yield to the Gentfrom NewJersey, I yield to, my colleague.
Mr. ROGERS. Well, all I have to say is that the charge which the Gentfrom Kentucky has made against me is utterly false.
The Speaker protemporc. The Gentfrom NewJersey must take his seat.
Mr. WOODB tlDGE. I ask the Gentfrom Ohiowhether it is not true that postmasters and route agents are paid according to the services which they perform and the locality in which they may be stationed.
Mr. GARFIELD. I am aware that on the California coast in almost all salaries we have made a discrimination, but that is an exception to our general practice. I say to the entleman that the principle of this bill to which he objects is one which runs through all of the official depts of the Government. I think, Mr. Speaker, that the men who do not engage in active service in the field should not have, in addition to their comfortable positions, more pay than those who hear the bur den and heat of the conflict and rough it in the field or on the frontier. Icall upon the members of the House who desire to do jus tice to the men who were the life of the Army and whose acts illustrate the brightest pages of ourhistory, that those men shalfnot receive less than those who have been in easy and comfortable positions during the whole strug gle. I should like to have it known through out the country that Congress will stand by these men and say that pay shall depend upon the character of service rendered, and that it shall not be, as now, that the less duty shall earn the greater ay.
Mr. SCHENCK. I will accept the amendment proposed by my colleague. It does not alter the sense at all of that section, and per ha s makes it a little clearer. propose to insert after the word “ field, ” in the 17th line of the 1st section, these words: “or on service as chief of bureau, ” so as to give a brigadier general, the ranking officer of a bureau, the highest compensation of his rank while on duty in that capacity. I offer this after consultation with some gentlemen of the War Dept. It is but just it should be included in that class. The Gentfrom Wisconsin, [Mr. PAINE] who discussed this matter the other day, had an amendment which, in his absence on account of sickness, I will offer to the bill. In the mean time I will hear what the Gentfrom Ver montjias to offer.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. It is ofcourse known by those who heard what I said upon this bill yesterday thatI am opposed to it both in rin ci ile and detail, but at the same time, i the bill shall pass, I desire to have it as perfect as it may be made. As the chairman of the Committee on Militar Affairs does not give me time to answertearguments of my friendfrom Ohio, [Mr. GARFIELD] I simply content myself by proposin the following amendment, to come in as an additional section: Abife: That officersof the Army, when on detachedservice, shall be allowed. in addition to their fixed salary, the actual cost of fuel and quarters.
Mr. SCHENCK. I decline to yield to allow that amendment to be offered. I have an amendment to offer on behalf of the Gentfrom Wisconsin, [Mia PAINE] as a modification of or a substitute for an amendment which that gentleman has already offered. The Gentfrom Wisconsin is absent on account of indisposition, and he desires me to withdraw the previous amendment and offer this in lieu o it, to come in as an additional section at the end of section 5: Abife:, That officers may purchasefrom the propel deptsthe same amoupt of subsistenceand fuel which they are now permit ted by law to draw in kind, or commuteat unjlorm prices, to be fixed from timoto time by the SecyWar, not exceeding the average actual cost of"the same, exclusiveof transportation, ii ion their certificatesthat it is for theirpwn iise or the useof their families. But nothing in this act contained shall affectthe right of officersto usewithout charge public barracks or quarters or buildings hired or their use in accordanceWith the laws and regulations now in force. I have only to say that this does nothing but declare the law as it now is. we have not proposed by this bill to interfere With the permission to purchase subsistence and fiiel; but to remove all doubt this amendment has been preared by the Gentfrom Wisconsin, an I hope it may become a part of the bill. The question being taken on the amendment, it was agreed to.
Mr. SCHENCK. I am now a caled to b the Gentfrom Pennsylvania? LTHAYERS to yield to him ten minutes of in time for the purpose of relying to the remarks of fhe Gentfrom ndiana, [Mr. Dunoiv'r]
The SPEAKER. The time for which the Gentfrom Ohio [Min Sensrvex] yielded to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. TUAYER] has exired.
Mr. THAYE.I trust the Gentfrom Ohio will icld to me a few minutes more.
Mr. SCHENCK. The gentleman will rec ollect that the reason he gave me for yielding in the 1st place to him was that he desired to reply to the Gentfrom Indiana, [Min Dunoxr.] But he appears not to be doing so now.
Mr. THAYER. The gentleman must observe that I am addressing my remarks directly to the bill.
Mr. SCHENCK. Very well; I will yield to the gentleman 5 minutes more.
Mr. SCHENCK. I will now yield ten or 15 minutes to the Gentfrom Indiana, [Mr.
Mr. DUDMUOMNOT.k T. Mr. Speaker, I do not desire to occupy either ten or 15 minutes in replying to the Gentfrom Pennslvaniu, [Min Truman] He seems to be inclined to believe that I have inflicted some wrong upon him. him not conscious of having done so. such a thing never entered into my imaination. Everythin I said was in entire kinness toward him. giy remarks may not have been in the exact strain which the gentleman himself would have used; but the style l of those remarks was my own, and I do not know how to use any other style than that which a kind Providence has given to me. Now, the Regulations of the Army declare in so many words that commutation of subsistence shall be drawn. Another section of the Regulations declares that officers may purchase subsistence from the commissary dept at the contract price therefor, deducting transportation, upon filing a certain certificate. The gentleman says that he does not cure anything about the Regulations; that he goes back to the statute. He does not seem to know that the Regulations themselves are b an express statute made the laws of the lan. The gentleman also says that the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Puss] is careful about what he states; that he does not indulge in that he knows what he talks about. Waggery Well, i incline tobelieve that such is the case, and that the Gentfrom Pennsylvania. would improve very much by being governed by the same rule. There is a statute passed by congress declaring, in so man words, the Regulations of the Army to be the law of the land; and I do not care how much the gentleman oes back to the year 1800 or the year 1705 to hunt up old obsolete statutes which have been repealed.
Mr. THAYER. I desire to ask the gentleman whether he can pointto any statute which repeals the provision which has been the subject of controversy. The gentleman says it has been repealed; I desire to know by what statute.
Mr. THAYER. Then I will ask the gentleman by what clause of the Regulations; because it will not, I an ose, be pretended that a more foot note adde by an oihcer is a regulation.
Mr. SCHENCK. I insist on the demand for the previous question.
Mr. SCHENCK. Before proceeding to close the debate I will yield for a moment to the Gentfrom Maine. NEBRASKA WAR DEBT.
Mr. BLAINE, by unanimous consent, from the Committee on Militar Affairs, reported back the memorial of the egislative Assembly of Nebraska, to reimburse that Territory for money expended in raising troops, &c.; comAppropriations. The motion was agreed to. PAY OF THE ARMY AGAIN.
Mr. SCHENCK. Mr. Speaker, I regret the absence of my friend ‘from Wisconsin, [Mr. Parxs] as I was desirous he should make some reply to the remarks of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. THAYER.] However, I do not know I can better supply what he would have said than by asking the Clerk to read the letter which he has sent notifying me it would be impossible for him to be present to vote, as he wished, for this bill.
The Clerk read as follows: WASHINGTON, D. 0., June 5, 1866. MY DEAR GENERAL: I very much regret that I cannot be present to vote for your Army bill this afternoon. I Wouldcertainly be there if it werepossible, but cannot believe that the House will vote down so just a measure, thereby declaring its approval of the policy which hashitherto madefighting and service with troops not the hi best, but rather a 2ndaryduty for officers of the rmy. At present it is mortifying to seehow they scramble for clerkships. Very truly yours. H. E. PAINE.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. Do I understand the gentleman to say that that report is signed by PayMGen Brice? I should think not. I know that only 2 months ago I had a conversation with PayMGen Brice on this very subject, and he told me then that he thought such a bill as this ought to pass, and that it would certainly save the pay dept very much trouble if the pay of officers were fixed at a definite sum, and not left to depend upon various contingencies.
Mr. SCHENCK. Not only that, but it is a simplification of the mode of pay, saving a vast amount of machinery of the paymaster‘s dept a machinery now occupied in ci hering out these long, inextricable rolls which ni friendfrom NewYork [Mr. Davis; thinks that “he who runs may read, ” an understand, too.
Mr. DAVIS. Will the gentleman allow me a word?
Mr. SCHENCK. As I have referred to the gentleman, I suppose I must yield to him.
Mr. DAVIS. desire to know what effect this bill would have upon the pay of a major general, a brigadier general, who had been in the service thirt ears.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. You were a major general in command at Baltimore, at one time, believe.
Mr. SCI IENCK. No, he says he lives in a city. Well, I will take my rural friendfrom Iowa, Mr. GRINNELL
Mr. AVIS. I would ask the gentleman whether it would not make a difference to an officer with a family 1200 miles away and with a family 2 or 300 miles away, where he can occasionally visit them.
Mr. BLAINE. I want to ask the gentleman whether or not this bill, as it now stands, does not continue this forage just as before.
Mr. BLAINE. Then I would ask whether the bill as amended does not give the right to draw commissary stores as be ore.
Mr. BLAINE. I would ask the gentleman whether this bill does not give officers the right at some posts to draw fuel in the same way that the present law does. 1
Mr. BLAINE. That is just the way in "which I understand it, and the gentleman has modified his bill so as to give the longevity ration. It also continues the abuse of charges on commissary stores, just as now. It provides also for a continuance of the abuse in reference to fuef so that a man ordered to the base of the Rocky mountains can draw his fuel at the rate of $100 percord. The bill also contains the abuse in regard to forage; so that the committee has given way in regard to these 4 particulars.
Mr. SCHENCK. Icongratulate myself, sir, that the Gentfrom Maine has come over to my si c. This bill is precisely what the law is now; and I expect that he will vote for it. He said that he was going to ask me a perti nent question. Well, sir, I have answered so many impertinent questions that I expected something pertinent to the subject this time; but I can make no answer to such a question. This bill proposes to readjust and modify the whole system and get rid of the greatest abuses. His argument is that we should do nothing at all. Now, in regard to this matter of the purchase of commissary stores, I say that the amendment sent to me by the Gentfrom Wisconsin, [Mr. PAINE] and which I acce ted and offered to the House in his behalf, oes not alter the present law at all; nor did the bill as originall introduced alter it.
Mr. SCHENCK. Oh, no, sir. The gentle. man would not understand it. An opportunity is still left to officers of purchasing stores for themselves. The original bill did not interfere with that provision; but in order to make it perfectly clear, to "' make assurance doubly sure, ” I have put into the bill the amendment su gested by the Gentfrom Wisconsin, [fin Farsi 1.]
Mr. BLAINE. What I meant to say was, that the very abuses upon which the gentleman has been commenting in reference to commis sary and to fora e are continued in his own hill.
Mr. SCHENCK. No, sir;I be the gentleman's pardon; I was not doing that at all; I was referring to these matters merely as an illustration. But, s'ir, in addition to these things which appear upon the face, and which run through a l the different grades of the Army, there are other advantages which these officers have, who are so much whined about, and which we, so far from taking from them, as it is said, this bill really gives them. I say that a major general, in addition to his pay of $8,000 and it is the same with officers of'other grades gets an advantage in the purchase of his beef and other articles of consunition. For instance, ifIwautteaorcoffee, be‘c or flour, I must buy it at retail prices at the baker's or the grocer’s. But officers of the Army can get these articles at the commis sary stores at commissary prices. They do it now, and they can do it under this bill.
Mr. BLAINE. The 1st section of this bill, a“s originally introduced, was in these words, that from and after the 30th September, instead of the pay, allowances, and emoluments of every kind,excopt as hereinafter provided, the following 'shall be the yearly compensation.” Now, will the gentleman pretend to say that this is not an “emolument” or “al lowance, H the privilege of buying articles of Consumption at a low price? The Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Parse] admitted it, and at his instance the Gentfrom Ohio has reinserted that ver provision in the bill.
Mr. SCHENCK: If so, then I have this advantage over my friendfrom Maine, [Mr. Baum 2:] if I am convinced whether by the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Puss] or an one else, that I have committed an error, I admit it. But has be ever been open to an such corwiction? No, sir, never. Laughter 6 These are privileges and advnnta cs which we did not take away from these officers; which we never intended to take away from them. But in order to remove all doubt about the matter, we have consented that an amendment shall b. but in declaring that we do not intend to take them away.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. I wish to ask the Gentfrom Ohio [Mia SCHENCK] this question: whether a colonel at Fortress Mon roc, in command of the fortress, would not under this bill receive $8, 500 a year, with his fuel and quarters; and whether a colonel in the same branch of the service on duty here in washington would not receive but $3,000 a year, and out of that be obliged to pay for his fuel and fora e.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the affirmative yeas 85, nays 40, not voting 68;. So the bill was passed. During the call of the roll, Mr. N BLACK said: On this bill I have aired with the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. S'rsvnxs.]("he were here he would vote for the bill, while I should vote against it. Mr. ALLISON said: I desire to state that on this question the Gentfrom Illinois, Mr. INGERSOLL, is aired with the Gentfrom Maryland, Mr. HARRIS. The Gentfrom Illinois, if he were here, would vote in the affirmative, while the Gentfrom Maryland would vote in the negative. The result of the vote was announced as above stated. Mr. DUMONT mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agrged to. MILITARY ACADEMY APPROPRIATION BILL.
Mr. SPALDING presented the followmg report: The committee of conferenceon the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendmentsto the bill (H.R.No. 37) making appropriations for the supportof the Military Academy for the year ending June 30.1867.having met. after full and free conferencehave agreedto recommend and do recommend. to their respectiveHousesasfollows: That the HoRep recede from their disagreement to the 3rd. 5th and 6th amendmentsand agreeto the same. That the HoRep recrde from their disagreementto the 2ndamendmentof the Senate and aizreeto the same with an amendment. asfollows: in line 2 of the said amendmentstrike out the word "ten" and insert in lieu thereof the word "tive." and the Senateazrec to the same. JWO.HPN. FESSENDEN. CONN ‘SS GEORGE READ RIDDLE, Managerson the part'o/‘ theSenate. R. P. SPALDING, S. M. CULLOM. Mmwgereon the part of the Hull" the report of the committee of conference was agreed to. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION.
The SPEAKER. The nextbusiness in are is a JtResolution (H. No. 63) Prgpomqq an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. This resolution was introduced by the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mia BINGHAM.]
Mr. BINGHAM. I move that this JtResolution be indefinitely postponed, for the reason that the constitutional amendment already passed by the House covers the whole subject matter. The motion was agreed to. NAVAL DEPOT AT LEAGUE ISLAND.
The SPEAKER. The next business in order is a bill (H. H. No. 45;!) to authorize the SecyNavy to accept League Island, in the river Delaware, for naval purposes, on which the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] is entitled to the floor. WITHDHAWAL OI' PAPERS.
Mr. DELANO, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved.That all claimants whose applications have receivedan adversereport froui the ComClaims have leayc to withdraw their respective papers.leaving copiesthereof.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. FORNEY, its Secretary, informing the Hoiise that the Senate had agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses upon the amendment to House bill No. 459, granting a pension to Anna E. Ward. ADVERSE REPORTS.
The SPEAKER stated that the unfinished business was the report in reference to League Island; and thatif the House should adjourn it would come up after the reading of the Jour nal tomorrow, and be the order of business before the House until disposed of. And then, on motion 0
Mr. KELLEY, (at foun o’clock and 30 minutes p. m.,) the House adjourned.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Wrznxssnar, June 6, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Senfrom FLORIDA.
Mr. JOHNson. I beg leave to present the credentials of Wilkinson Call, elected a senator of the U.S. from the State of Florida for the unexpired term ending the 3d of March, 1869. I move that they lie on the table. The motion was agreed to. REPORTS or COMMITTEES.
Mr. MORRILL, from the ComDistCol, to'whom was referred aJtResolution (S.R.No. 101) directing the removal of certain obstructions from the public square known as Market square, in the city of Washington, reportedit without amendment. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a JtResolution (H.R.No. 143) making an appropriation for the repair of the Potomac bridge, reported it without amendment.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana, from the ComPensions, to whom was referred the petition of William Croswell, praying that he may be allowed a pension, submitted a report accomanied by a bill (S.No.854) for the relief of Villiam Croswell. The bill was read and passed to a 2nd reading, and the report was ordered to be printed.v He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a bill (H. It. No. 616) for the relief of Lucinda Gates, reported it without amendment. BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. CHANDLER asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a JtResolution (S.R.No. 103) in relation to the pay and accounts of collectors ofinternalrev ciiuc who have failed to take the required oath of office; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComCommerce.
Mr. CONNESS. I should like to hear that resolution read.
The Secretary read the resolution, which proposes to authorize the SecyTreesury to adjust the accounts and pay the salaries of all officers and employees of the Treasury Dept who have been heretofore actually engaged in collecting revenue within the State's lately in insurrection, such adjustment and payment to be made with and to each officer or employee who has failed to take the oath of office required b law whenever his successor has been du y appomted and lawfully qualified, and not. otherwise.
Mr. CONNESS asked, and by unanimous consent obtained. leave to introduce a bill (S.No.355) to establish certain post roads; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComPostOffices. VISITORS TO NAVAL SCHOOL.
Mr. GRIMES submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to: Resolved.ThattheSccretary of the Na bedirccted to communicateto the Senate a copyoft ereport of the boardof Visitors tothelate annual examination of the N rival School. hernunuca or A BILL.
Mr. NYE. YesterdayI introduced a bill (S.No.352) granting to A. Sntro the right of way and granting other privileges to aid in the construction ofadraining and exploring tunnel to the Comstock lode, in the State of Nevada and had it referred to the ComPubLands. The Senfrom California [Mr. Coxxnss] suggested at that time that the pror reference would be to the Committee on ines and Mining; and on reflection I have come to that conclusion. Itherefore move that the ComPubLands be discharged from the further consideration of that bill and that it be referred to the ComMining. The motion was agreed to. ALEXIS GARDAI’IER.
Mr. HARRIS. I move take up for consideration Senate bill No. 308, which has been reported from the ComPrivLandClms. The motion was agreed to; and the bill (S.No.308) confirming the title of Alexis Gardn ier to a certain tract of land in the county of Brown, and State of Wisconsin, was considered as in ComWhole. lt ropeses to confirm the claim of Alexis Gar apier to a certain tract of land situate in the county of Brown, Wisconsin, described in the report of the commissioners to examine titles an claims in the Territory of Michigan as “lying on the west bank of hexriver, and more particularly known as being a vacant strip lying between a tract No. 1, confirmed to Jaeques forlier, on the north, and tract NO. 2, confirmed to Louis Grignon, on the south, commencing at low water mark, and running west 80 arpents and in width 3 arpents on the aforesai river;” and the bill also directs the ComrGLO to issue a patent therefor, which is to be recorded in the office of the register of deeds for Brown county, for the benefit of the heirs or assigns of Alexis Gardapier. The ComPrivLandClms reported the bill with 2 amendments. The 1st. amendment was in line 14, after the word “authorized, ” to insert “to cause the said tract of land to be surveyed in the some manner as other private claims to lands in Green Bay have been surveyed.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 17 after the words “to issue a patent therefor to insert “according to the provisions of the 5th section of the act of Congress approved February 21, 1823, entitled ‘An act to revive and continue in force certain acts for the adj ustment of certain land claims in the Territory of Michigan.’ ”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and the amendments were concurred in. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. SLOOP OF WAR IDAHO.
Mr. RAMSEY. I move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of JtResolution No. 99. The motion was agreed to; and the JtResolution (S. It. No. 99) for the relief of Paul S. Forbes, under his contract from the Navy Dept for building and furnishin the steam screw sloop of war Idaho, was read the 2nd time and considered as in ComWhole. It authorizes the SecyNavy, as in his judgment he deems best, either to accept the steam screw sloop of war Idaho of the contractor, Paul S. Forbes, at the contract rice of $600,000, or to transfer the vessel to the contractor, on the latter giving bond, with good and sutficient security, to be approved by the SecyNavy, to refund to the Dept, within 6 months from the date of such transfer, all advances of money made by the Government to him on account of the construction and e uipment of the vessel.
Mr. RAMSE. This case was considered by the ComNavAffrs, and they come unanimously to the conclusion embodied in the resolution, and have made a report in the case, which, if read, will give as clear on account of the whole matter as I can possibly g]ve.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I desire to inquire of the Senator who reports this resolution whether there is any objection to striking out the alter native proposition which authorizes the government to purchase this naval vessel at $600,000, so as to provide simply that the govgrnment may transfer all its claims to the vessel and release Mr. Forbes from his contract on his giving bond and security to refund the money that has been advanced by the Government. I presume we have no use for this vessel now, and it is just paying out $600,000 to a patriotic citizen, as it seems, for a vessel that we do not need. If he can make any use of her, and is willing to accept that alternative, and the Government can get back the funds it has advanced after waiting 6 months for them and allowing him the use of them in the mean time, perhaps that will be satisfactory to him and save the Government $600,000 for a vessel which of course we do not need now. We have more vessels of ivar now than we have anyluse for in time of peace, I suppose.
Mr. RAMSEY. If the Senfrom Illinois carefully reads the resolution he will find that it is entirely in the option of the SecyNavy whether to take this vessel, the hull being said to be worth the money, or to turn her over to Mr. Forbes on his returning to the Government the money advanced.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Have we any use for the vessel?
Mr. RAMSEY. I do not know. That is left to the discretion of the SecyNavy. It may be possible that for this particular vessel e may have use, but surely he will not take her unless she is required for the public service. There is nothing obligatory on him in this resolution. It is at his discretion. If the Navy Dept does not want the hull of this vessel, which is very good and worth the money, of course the Secretary will let Paul Forbes take her on his giving security to return to the Government the money already advanced. I think the resolution, in its present sha e, is in no way objectionable.
Mr. (JONNESS. I wish to ask the member of the ComNavAffrs in charge of this resolution, the Senfrom Minne sot. whether, when this matter was considered by the Naval Committee, they consulted the Navy Dept, and if so, what the conclusions of that Dept were. This vessel, I think, was built under a special contract, the object of which was to introduce a new system of engineering applicable to the machinery of steam vessels, which is found, I believe, not to be whatitwas claimed itwould be.
Mr. RAMSEY. The ComNavAffrs were informed that Paul Forbes was willing to take the vessel of? the hands of the Government and return to the Government all the money that had been advanced, some 300,000 dollars. I think that is about all that is substantially provided for in the resolution. There is no necessity on the part of the SecyNavy to acce t this vessel unless it is entirely agreeable to (PO so. If he does not want her, if the vessel is of no useto ghe Government, of course he will not accept her.
Mr. CONNESS. [asked the honorable senator for certain information. If he is in possession of iIt, should like to have it; ifnot, of course we cannot expect it. That was as to the views of the Navy Dept upon this transaction.
Mr. GRIMES. We have not any immediate necessity for her. We have not any actual, im mediate necessity for any vessel of war hardly, or but for very few; but the theory upon which 'we proceed is that we shall have vessels of war ready to hand in case of any great national emergency occurring. I am satisfied, from what I know, that the engines can be taken out of the hull of this vessel and NewEngines subslituted in place of them, and she would be a most cfiicient and valuable vessel of war; and the engines that are now in her could be taken out and remodeled, and used for very valuable purposes by the Government.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I should like to inquire of the Senfrom Iowa if he, as chairman of the Naval Committee, if this were a new question, would now recommend the construction of such a vessel. I know that the policy of the Government is to have a navy, to some extent, in time of peace, to be ready for war; but would he think it advisable, with the Navy we have on hand, to recommend the construction of avessel of this class at this time, if she were not already built?
Mr. GRIMES. That is a pretty difficult question to decide, and I do not know that I am called upon to decide it.under the present circumstances. We have got to keep up wooden ships; they are much cheaper as cruisers, and they have got to be used for that purpose; and if I was going to build wooden s ips, I do not know of any vessel that would be more efficient for the purpose for which we want to use them than this kind of vessels. I do not think, with the lights now before me, that I would put such an engine into her as there is in this vessel. The hull of this vessel is an excellent one. The hull alone has cost, I suppose, 2 or 300,000 dollars. That the engine is defective I have not any doubt; but it is my conviction that if her engine was taken out, and broken up and used, as portions of it might be for other purposes, and anew engine put into her, she would be an excellent, va na 10, and efficient vessel, and would not cost 7 the Government more than it would cost to build a vessel similar in design to this for the purposes of the Navy. I do not think that the Government would lose anything, therefore, in taking her on Mr. Forbes’s hands; but Mr. Forbes does not want to let the Government have her. She has cost him $350,000 more than the contract price, and it is to favor Mr. Forbes, if he cannot make a satisfactory ar rangement with the SecyNavy, that this alternative is inserted in the resolution.
Mr. TRUMBULL. As Mr. Forbes seems to want this vessel and has lost a good deal of money upon her, and even the chairman of the Naval Committee is not satisfied to advise us that he would undertake the construction of such a vessel at this time, I will move to strike out this alternative proposition so that the JtResolution will read: That the secyNavy he.andhe is hereby, authorized to transfer the steamscrewsloop of war iIndgahboontod, t Wheitheonatnrdacatnodr, sPuafluiel ieSn. tsceur‘i y. to bea provedby the SecyNavy. torefund to the Dept, Within 6 months from the date of such transfer. all advances.of money made by the Government to the said Paul S. For cg on account of the constructionand equipmentof said vessel. He seems to have been a patriotic citiien, and ForbesE on his giv was engaged in this undertaking from patriotic motives, and now he thinks he can save himself by selling this vessel, and I would not, for one, desire to hold him to the contract, as I think the Government can have no immediate need for the vessel. I therefore propose this amendment so as simply to authorize the SecyNavy to release him from his contract and transfer to him the claim of the Government to the vessel on his refunding the money advanced in 6 months. I make that motion, to strike out the alternative proposition.
Mr. NYE. I should like to inquire of the Senfrom Illinois whether the SecyNavy does not possess the power, aside from this resolution, of accepting the ship if he pleases. T he object of' this resolution was to give Mr. Forbes this alternative, as he had lost some 350,000 dollars an way in an experiment which has proved in the ritish navy to be entirely successful. I think the great trouble was that he attempted to make it too economical a ship, andin that way so lessened its power as to make it less cilicient; but the principle upon which that power is applied has been recently applied in the Britis navy with great success. I hope the resolution will not be amended. It can certainly work no hardship, for the SecyNavy would have the right to acce t the vessel if be pleased without any law. ede sire to give the Secretary the alternative, to allow him to take her if he chooses, or to transfer her to Mr. Forbes, if he has a pros. ect of selling her so as to save himself from the loss that he has incurred. I hope the Senfrom Illinois will not insist on his amendment.
Mr. RAMSEY. There is some little variance in the character of the vessel from the vessel described in the contract. Her execution does not exactly come up to what was stip ulated for in the contract. It is possible for that reason, that the SecyNavy might not be empowered, without some legislation, to acce ttie vessel. But suppose, for a moment, that ’aul S. Forbes, for some reason beyond his control, was unable to accept the last of these repositions, and return to the Government tomoney advanced to him, and at the same time the Government really desired to take the vessel, why should they be debarred from doing so? I am satisfied that the committee, in the resolution which we have reported here, have presented a method of settlement which the government ought at once to accept. If they do not, this thin will be presented here from year to year to an: government, and this 0 ortunity will be lost to the Government in all probability.
Mr. TRUMBULL. here seems to be very little basis, then, for the assertion that Mr. Forbes is anxious not to have the Government take this vessel.
Mr. RAMSEY. I have not said so. I said that by possibility such might be the case, and I think the Government ought to protect itself.
Mr. TRUMBULL. That was given as a reason, I supposed, for the passage of the res olution, that this was a ver valuable vessel, and the Government was may in something by the contract, and Mr. Forbes di not want the Government to take it. Now, when we propose that the Government do not take it, upon whom there would be no obligation whatever to take it, I imagine, at this time, and when it is proposed to let Mr. Forbes take the vessel just as he wants to do, the objection is interposed that that may not satisfy Mr. Forbes, that after all he may not be able to take it. 'I was a little apprehensive of that, I confess. I have no doubt in the world, from the intimations thrown out by the Senfrom Minnesota, that the Government of the U.S. will get the vessel at $000,000, if you leave in the 1st rowosition; but if it really be true that Mr. Forbes is to be damaged thereby, let him have the benefit of his vessel. That is the way the statement was made. Certainly we shall not be troubled with this thing year after year, as the Senfrom Minnesota supposes. if Mr. Forbes really does not want us to take the vessel. There is no danger of that.
Mr. RAMSEY. A misfortune might occur to him between this and tomorrow y which he would lose the ability to refund the money already advanced by the Government. That is possible. I have no doubt about his honest desire on the subject, or of his ability at this time.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I think the Government of the U.S., from the intimations we have had here, can have no particular use for this vessel at this time, and in my judgment it will be a great saving if Mr. Forbes can dispose ofher. I have suggested the amendment to the Senate, and if they choose to do so they can vote it down.
The PRESIDENT ro temporc. The amendment will be read at the desk.
The Secretary read the amendment, which was in line 4, after the word “authorized, ” to strike out the words “as in his judgment he deems best, either to acce t, ” and to insert the words “ to tmnsfer;" in inc 5 to strike out the word “ of” after the word “ Idaho" and insert the word “to;” and in line 6, after the word “Forbes, ” to strike out the words “at the contract price of $000,000, or transfer the said vessel to the said contractor, on the latter” and to insert the words “ on his:" so that the resolution will read: That the SecyNavy be, and he is hereby, authorised to transferthe steamsloop of wur Idaho to the contractor.Paul S. Forbes.on his giving bond. With goodand sufficientsecurity, to be approved by the SecyNavy. to refund to the Depart meltnvithin 6 monthsfrom the date ofsuch transfor, all advancesof money madeby the Government to the said Paul Forbes. on account of the construction and equipment of said vessel.
Mr. CltAGIN. There is one point in this case to which I desire to call the attention of the Senfrom Illinois and others as a reason why his amendment should not prevail. The Government has already paid Mr. Forbes $550,000, or within $50,000 of the contract price. Now, suppose Mr. Forbes should conclude not to take this vessel, how is the Government going to get back this $550,000? Had they not better take the vessel and advance the remaining $50,000, if necessary, rather than lose all the have aid on the vessel?
Mr. TRUMBU L. They will have the vessel.
Mr. CRAGIN. You propose not to permit them to take it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. There is no obligation on the part of the Government to take it, but this resolution proposes that it may be transferred to him on his giving gdBd and sufficient security to refund the advances made to him, which would hold him. I suppose there can be no trouble about that. The $50,000, perhaps, would be a sufficient margin to enable Mr. Forbes to dispose of the vessel. I have not looked into the statutes on the subject, but I can have no reason to doubt that the government would have a lien on the vessel for the amount of these advances; that nothing could be done with it so as to deprive the Government of its claim.
Mr. GRIMES. I do not put this case on any such ground as that. Mr. Forbes is able to refund this money to the U.S. Government; but here are the facts: as a patriotic citizen, he undertook, without any particular regard to the amount the vessel was oing to cost him, to make a ship of certain dimensions and with a certain speed. He made her. She cost him $350,000 more than be contracted for. We have paid him $550,000 of the $600,000 we agreed to pay if she should make the speed he agreed. She is a good vessel; and we propose to take the vessel, not paying him the amount that be expended over and above the contract price, but simply to take the vessel upon the terms we agreed to take her, and to forgive him for not making the speed he undertook to make.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The time within which she was to be completed was not complied with.
Mr. GRIMES. She was not to be completed until about the time the war was ended. I
Mr. GRIMES. We simply forgive him, for and in consideration of the $350,000 that she has cost him in excess of the amount we agreed to pay him, for not having been able to bring her to the speed he contracted for; that is all. The amendment was rejected. The JtResolution was orderengross for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. PRINTING OF A COMMUNICATION.
Mr. CONNESS submitted the following res olution; which was referred to the ComPrintg: Ifesnlugd.That 500 extra copies of the communication of the PostMGenl. transmittin, in answerto a resolutipn of the Senate of the of February, information relative to the establishment of a telegraph in connection with tshe ptostal system. be printed for the use of the can. 0.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I desire to call up the unfinished business of the morning hour of yesterday, being the bill (S.No.282) to reor ganize the clerical force of the Dept of the Interior, and for other purposes.
Mr. CONNESS. When this bill was up yesterday morning, the last action had upon it was in the nature of a motion
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The Senator will give way to allow a message to be received from the HoRep.
Skip Skip A message from the House 0 Representatives, by Mr. MCPBERSON, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had concurred in the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendments to the bill (H.R.No. 37 making appropriations for the support of the Iilitary Academy for the year ending the 30th of June, 1867. The message further announced that the HoRep had disagreed to the amendments of the Senate to the JtResolution (H.R.No. 77) for the relief of Ambrose L. Goodrich and Nathan Cornish, for carryin the U.S. mail from Boise City to Ida 0 City, in the Territory of Idaho, asked a conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses thereon, and had appointed Mr. Jens H. FARQUHAR.of Indiana, Mr. Dox ALI) C. McRL'Eit ofCalifornia, and Mr.WILLIAM E. FINCK of Ohio, managers at the same on its part. The message also announced that the HoRep had passed a bill (H.R.No. 4 30)to reduce and establish the pay of officers and to regulate the pay of soldiers of the Arm of the U.S., in which it requeste the concurrence of the Senate. ENROLLEI) BILL SIGNED. The message further announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed an enrolled bill (S. o. 203) to enable the NewYork and Montana Iron Mining and Manufacturing Company to purchase a certain amount of the public lands not now in market; and it was thereupon signed by the President prolcmpore of the Senate. PAY OI!‘THE ARMY AND NAVY.
The PRESIDENT protem ore. The Senfrom California is entitle to the floor.
Mr. CONNESS. I give way to the Senfrom Iowa.
Mr. GRIMES. I move that the Senate order to be printed the bill (H.R.No. 450 to reduce and establish the pay of oliieers an to regulate the pay of soldiers of the Army of the U.S., and upon that motion I wish to say a single word.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I hope the honorable Senator will not take u the remaining ten minutes of the morning our. I want to dispose of this bill. The Senfrom California (15the floor.
Mr. GRIMES. When some subject was under consideration yesterday some animad versions were made upon the passage of a law here authorizing the SecyNavy to allow a commutation to officers of the Navy. The ComNavAffrs are as conscious as anybody can be that this system of commutation is a vicious system, and it was assented to by them very much with a view of bringing about a reform in this particular. A bill has now passed the HoRep reducing and fixing the pay of officers of the Army, and has just been sent to the senate. It has been said, and I understand that some Senators entertain the opinion, that the officers of the Na now receive much higher pay than officerso the Army. I simply desire to say, in behalf of the Naval Committee, for whom I am authorized to speak this morning on this subject, and in behalf of the Navy, that they will most gladly accept as the pay of the Nav this reduced bill fixing the pay of the Army or corresponding grades, and H trust that when the ComMilAffrs shall report back this military bill they will attach to it a section which shal give to officers of the Navy of corresponding rank the same fixed, precise pay, without commutations, that issprovided for officers of the Army, and they WI 1 most gladl accept it.
The PRESIDENT protempers. The bill will be printed, of course, when it shall have been reterred to a committee. OLERKS IN THE INTERIOR DEPT.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Now I must insist on going on with the bill.
Mr. CONNESS. I shall occupy but a' very short time in what I have to say. I was ro ceedin to observe that the last action ha on this bil yesterday was in the nature of a motion made by the Senfrom Nevada [ML NYE] to postpone its further consideration that it might be ascertained whether the socalled “ deptal club, ” of which he gave us the history and proceedings, were to be benefited by the passage of this bill. To that view of the case desire now to address a very few remarks. This is a proposition to reor mzega
The PRESIDENT o lemporc. The Chair will suggest that the bill is not yet before the Senate. The question is on the motion that the Senate proceed to its consideration. The Senate has not ct decided to take up the bill.
Mr. CONNESS. I presumed there was no objcction to that.
Mr. WILSON, and others. Let the bill be taken n).
The ILRESIDENT protempore. The Senfrom California addressed the Chair before the Chair had an opportunity to put the question to the Senate. Of course the Chair supposed that he wished to be heard on the question whether the bill should be taken up or not.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The motion before the Senate is to rocced to the consideration of the bill named) by the Senfrom Wisconsin. The motion was agreed to and the Senate resumed the consideration of the bill (S.No.282) to reorganize the clerical force of the Dept of the Interior, and for other purposes. p
The PRESIDENT protempore. The nestion now is on the motion of the Senfrom Nevada that the bill be indefinitely postponed.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Ihope the Senfrom Nevada will withdraw that motion, and let a vote be taken directly on the bill itself.
Mr. NYE. I did not know yesterda what class of clerks this bill applied to. A or the adjournment of the SenateI took a little pains to inquire into the subject, and I find that this “deptal club” as its existence in 2 of the other Depts, not in this.
Mr. NYE. The man who introduced the resolutions which I read yesterday belongs to the 2nd Auditor’s office of the Treasury Dept.
Mr. CONNESS, [to Mr. NHL] Do not honor him with notice.
Mr. NYE. I shall not; but as the resolutions of the club recommend the removal or resignation of Mr. Harlan, of the Interior Dept, I am satisfied that it has no connection with this bill. I therefore withdraw my motion and shall consent to let the bill pass.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The motion to postpone beingwithdrawn, the question is, Shall the bill be engrossed for a 3rd read in? air. KIRKWOOD. I desire to ask the Senfrom Wisconsin a question. Does this bill increase the pay of certain grades of officars in the Interior Dept? a
Mr. DOOLITTLE. It does increase the salaries of some of the heads of dwisions, and it also increases the salaries of the heads of bureaus.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. Above the pay now given to officers of similar grades in other depts 7
Mr. DOOLITTLE. No, sir; I think not, upon the average. I think the bill is right.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I find this state of affairs to prevail here: if we increase the pay of a sing 0 man of a particular grade, it is made the basis upon which we must increase the pay of eve other man of the same grade in every otherp ace. Now, if by assiu this bill we are increasing the pay officertain grades of officers in one Dept, so as to make it necessary to increase the pay of all other officers of the same grades in all other depts, I am against it, because I do not think that in the present condition of our finances we should do any such thing. Ifwe commence in this Dept and run up the pay of certain grades of officers to a certain sum, we shall be called upon next week to rup up the pay of similar grades of officers in all the other Depts to an equal sum.
Mr. COWAN. I understand that this bill does not disturb the pay of the different des. It requires more clerIrs of a higher graft:i
Mr. COWAN. No, it does not increase the pay of the grades. Persons in the lower classes are to be aid as before; but it creates some additional chief clerks.
Mr. COWAN. It does not affect tIileapnyof the old ades.
Mr. RUMBULL. It increases the pay of the same officer with the same rank, as I understand it.
Mr. COWAN. I have not, so understood it, and I was a member of the committee and heard all the various parties, and it was evident to me from their statements that we should have the same amount of work done and pay less for it.
Mr. SHERMAN. I think I can inform the Senfrom Illinois how the matter stands. The bill adds a new grade of clerks, and gives them higher pay. It abolishes, substantially, the lower grade of clerks in certain bureaus. For instance, in the office oi the SecyInterior there will be one disbursing clerk, one chief clerk, one clerk of public lands, one clerk of Indian affairs, one clerk of pensions, 3 clerks at $1, 800, 4 at $1, 600, 4 at $1, 400, and none at $1, 200. The real effect is to raise the pay ten or 15%. In other words, it divides the pay of 46 clerks, who are dispensed With, among those who are retained. It reduces the number of clerks, and divides the pay of those dispensed with among the others.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I quite agree with much that was said by the Senfrom California, that the pay of these officers is too low at the present time
The PRESIDENT protem ore. The morning hour having expired, it becomes the duty of the Chair to call up the unfinished business (1111' yesetgrday, which is House JtResolution I o.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. B the courtesy of the honorable Senfrom Michigan, LLH'. How.mu] it is understood that the special order is to lie over informally for a few moments in order that this bill may be disposed of.
The PRESIDENT protempore. If no objection be made and that be the unanimous consent of the Senate, the order of the day will be laid aside temporarily.
Mr. TRUM'BULL. I designed saying but a word or two. I am quite satisfied that the pay of the clerks, not only in the Interior Dept, but in the other Depts of the government, is inadequate at the present time. That is not only true of the cler 's, but it is true also of most of the officers of the Government. We have had before the ComJudiciary petitions from allportions of the U.S. asking us to bring in a bill to raise the salaries of the district judges. I think they ought to be raised. Ithought so 2 years ago, during the war; but the committee at that time and I quite agreed with the committee then thought it not advisable to attempt raising salaries when we were on gaged in this great war. But the salaries of the districtjudges ought certainly to be raised, and a bill is now pendin for that purpose. The Senfrom Iowa [Mr. Kiimwoou] is correct in supposing that if this bill passes it will lead to a raising of all the salaries. I have no doubt we shall report a bill from the ComJudiciaryar at this session to raise the salaries of the judges. I think they are the poorest paid of any officers in the government, almost. If you are going to have competent man to filljudicial positions of high importance, on must pay them reasonable salaries. I shall not vote against this bill, because I am prepared for one to vote for an increase of salaries; but if this bill be voted down, we shall then understand that salaries are not to be raised. The amount of the recious metals has been so much increase, so much moneyis afloat, that it is not of the value it was when these salaries were fixed, and it seems to me that there is an absolute necessity upon Congress to increase the salaries of the public officers.
Mr. GUTHRIE. I feel inclined to vote for this bill, because it arranges the Interior Dept by a reduction 0 clerks, and awards compensation to those who do the work and who must do it. I have no doubt a judicious change of the same kind applied to the other Depts would be just and proper. We should then retain the able. efficient, and working men in the offices who now do the business, and they would get an adequate compensation for it. I think we are in no condition to commence a general raisin of salaries. I have no question that salarie officers are in general poorly paid; but it is much wiserlegislation to give compensation to the men who othe work by dismissing men who do but little and who are of but little account to the Government. I fear, however, that if this bill passes there will be an application for an additional number of clerks. Some people are never satisfied with what they get while there is a chance of get tin more, and appealing to Congress or anybody else who has the power to give. If there was any way to increase the capacity of the tax ayers it would be well enough to go into the usiness of increasin salaries. This, I think, is a bil properl framed to give compensation to men who of the work and to get clear of those who do not work or do not know how to work. A great many persons in the public offices have got in there by outside influence. I presume such is the present condition of things. I know it was so in the Depts ears ago. There were then always in the public offices a large number of individuals who were incumbrances to the public service and really retarded the men who worked and did the public business. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, and was read the 3rd time!
Mr. MCDOUGALL. Mr. President, without making any argumentI desire to say in this connection, for I have been in communication with the SecyInterior and his Asst, that it is my opinion that we should have a general hill systematizing employment in all the Depts so that elficient service might be properly compensated. All persons conversant With the business of the Bdepts know that about 3 out of 5 employes of the Depts do not labor during the reasonable hours of the day in the transaction of their particular business, and it is e nally true that nearly 3 out of 5 do not now how to perform the labor which the public service requires. There should be applied to the Government service in the Depts something like the same rule that belongs to our ofi icers both in the Army and Navy. Persons who have been disciplined in a special dept and have acquired the knowledge necessary to perform the services required with skill, should be maintained in employment and should be entitled to promotion. I look upon this measure as an inau gnrating measure in the same line; but a complete system of that kind should be devised by some persons who have the authoritv to devise these things, and made the law of the land. I desire to say this because it is an opinion of mine which I have long entertained, and which is, I think, the opinion of all informed persons who desire to see the public service properly transacted by persons intelligent about their particular business; and therefore I am for the i. The bill was passed. House BILL REFERRED. The bill (H.R.No. 450) to reduce and establilsh the pay of officers and to regulate the pay of soldiers of the Army of the U.S. was read twice b its title and referr'ed to the ComMilAffrs . GOODKICH AND CORNISH, The Senate proceeded to consider its amendments to the JtResolution (H. It. No. 77) for the relief of Ambrose L. Goodrich and Nathan Cornish, for carryin the U.S. mail from Boise City to Idaho City, in the Territory of Idaho.
Mr. STEWART. I move that the Senate insist upon its amendments and agree to the conference asked by the HoRep, and that the conferees be appointed by the President protempera. The motion was agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPEKSON, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed the following bills and JtResolution, 'in which it re nested the concurrence of the Senate: A ill (H.R.No. 438) in relation to the courts of Washington Territor; Abill (H.R.No. 621) to regulate and secure the safe keeping of public money intrusted to disbursing officers oipthe U.S.; and AJtResolution (H.R.No. 148) to authorize the distribution of surplus copies of the American State Papers in the custody of the SecyInterior. RECONSTRUCTION. The Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S., the pending question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. DooiIrriu as a substitute for the 2nd section of the proposed article of constitutional amendment.
Mr. HOWE resumed and concluded the speech commenced yesterday. His entire argument will be published in the Appendix {already inserted}.
Mr. DOOLITlLE. Mr. Presicut. the senate will bear witness, and I have no doubt my colleague will cheerfully accord the same, that never upon any occasion has aword fallen from me calculated or intended to wound in the slightest degree the good name or good fame of my colleague. I think no such word ever escaped me, and if I know my own heart no such word will ever fall from mylips. Butthe remark which my colleague made when he concluded his sentence which had reference to me, that in my history I had, politically, been found where office or position brought the highest price is a remark which if not construed with more charitable feelings than most men are capable of exercising, might be supposed to contain some reflection upon the integrity of my purpose in my political action. Sir, I claim no infallibility; am as liable to mistakes as other men; but what I do claim is that in what I have done in my political life I have intended to do right. I may have erred in not carrying those intentions fully into effect; but, sir, that I ever intended in the slightest degree to swerve in my political action for the sake of offices or the price of offices in the market, is to those who know me a statement wholly without foundation.
Mr. HOWE. My colleague does not mean Sissy that I have charged him with any such ing.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. My colleague does not assume to charge it, but assumes to say that it looks like it.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I understood my colleague to say that from my course it would seem that I was the most fortunate of all politicians to be always where the offices could be obtained which commanded the highest price in the market.
Mr. HOWE. No; not even that, though that is very different from what my colleague was replying to. After stating the situation of iarties and political affairs at these periods, I1 did remark, expressly disclaiming any idea = ofcharing him With being untrue to his convictions that it was a most fortunate coincidence that e had always happened to have the very convictions which at those different periods bore the highest irice in the market.
Mr. DAVIS. Mr. President, the pending question before the Senate is, I believe. the amendment proposed by the Senfrom Wisconsin, [Illa Dooi.ir'ri.i:.] If it"be the pleasure of the Senate, I should like to have the vote taken on that proposition now, so that I may have the opportunity of offering 2 or 3 amendments to self.
The PRESIDING FFICER, (M1‘.POMEROY in the chair.) The question before the senate is on the amendment of the Senfrom Wisconsin to the 2nd section, upon which the yeas&nays have been ordere.
The SPEAKER. The amendment is to strike out the 2nd section of the proposed article, and in lieu of it to insert the following: After the censusto be taken in the year 1870, and each succeeding census, Representatives shall bea portioned ampng the several States which may 0 included within this Union accordingto the number in each State of male electorsover 21 years of age qualified by the laws thereof to choosemembersof the mostnumerousbranch of its Legislaturc: and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several Statesaccordingto the value of the real and personal gtatoxatbhloe traotpscorrtytosi the U.S. a.tenot
Mr. TRUMBULL. I would inquire if we did not vote on that direct proposition once before.
Skip Skip Mr. CLARK. It was submitted, but not voted The up)R”E. SIDING OFFICER. The vote has not been taken. The yeas and iiays have been ordered. Mr. HOWARD. I hope the vote will be taken. The question being taken by yeas&nays, resiilte yeas 7, nays 31;. So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. By the courtesy of the Senfrom Kentucky I (1081"? to offer another amendment. It is not the same as the last; it differs in this respect, that it bases representation upon male citizens who are voters, and not on male electors simdply. I do not suppose it will give rise to any isenssion. I merely offer the amendment, and ask for the sense of the Senate by yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
The Secretary read the proposed amend rnent, which was to strike out section 2 and in lieu thereof insert the following: Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Unionawcording to the number in each State of male citizens of the U.S. over 21 yearsof age qualified by the laws of such State to choosemembersof the most numerousbranchof its Legislature, and including such citizens as are disqualified by participating in rebellion. Directtaxes shall be apportioned among the several Statesac cording to the value of the real and personaltaxable groperty situate in each State not belongingto the State or to the U.S.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I voted for the amendment proposed by the Senfrom Wisconsin, not that I believe that representation in this country ought to be based upon the votin population, but I voted for it as I thought it etter than the proposition that is before the Senate from the committee. I think representation ought to be based upon population, and that taxation ought to rest upon the property of the country advalorem; and now that this nestion has been raised in this country, I believe it will yet come to that before the question is finally settled.
Mr. WILSON. After the remarks made by the Senfrom Ohio I desire to say simply that I regard this amendment as a proposition to strike from the basis of representation 2,100,000 unnaturalized foreigners in the old free States, for whom we are now entitled to 17 Representatives in the other House, and it weakens that part of the country that much. That is all there is in it. It is simply a blow which strikes the 2,100,000 unnaturalized foreigners who are now. counted in the basis of representation from that basis, and takes the Representatives for that population from the loyal portion of the country for the benefit of the other end of the country that has been disloyal. That is the proposition, and I shall vote against it.
Mr. SHERMAN. They are coming in. But ought they to be counted until we intrust them with political power? The Senfrom Massachusetts has no more right to vote for a foreigner whom the laws of the U.S. declare to be unfit to vote for himself than I have, merely because he lives in Massachusetts. It seems to me that is not a fair argument. Another argument has been often drawn into this discussion. I do not know that it is worth while for me to continue the discussion, because as I feel bound by the action of my friends I shall vote against this amendment. But there is another argument. It is said that the young and active men of all the eastern States, including Ohio, which now sends‘more abroad than it receives, emigrate westward, leaving their families behind them, and that it. is unjust to deprive those families of political representation. So itwould be takin asu er ficial view, but you must remember that these young men who go West themselves represent their families, and that they bring the principles in which they were tai ght back into this ody and into the other house. They exercise political power for their families when they go to the West. The West gives these emigrants office, honor, position. Should not the West count for that? When a young man goes from Massachusetts to Minnesota, on ht not Minnesota to have the benefit of his po it ical power in her count of representation, when she gives him office and honor and power and patronage? Undoubtedly. Wherever the man votes there he ought to be counted; and: if he leaves behind those who do notvote they ought not to be counted. He ought to be counted where he exercises his political power, so that a man in one State may be the same in every State, having the same political power. But I will not discuss this matter further.
Mr. WILSON. They have the right of voting, absolutely, in Massachusetts.
Mr. COWAN. “ Absolutely” if they can read the Constitution.
Mr. COWAN. Then it is not absolute even for a white man. That is the liberality of the reformers of the present e. After all this talk of political power and how it ought to be divided among men, however man great and small, wise and foolish, should have is share of it, a poor devil who cannot write has none at all in Massachusetts. The honorable Senfrom Ohio ought to have been reminded of that.
Mr. ANTHONY. Colored men vote in our State on the same terms with white people.
Mr. COWAN. Exactly. You put your restraints not only upon negroes but upon whites; but where is the restraint to be put on the people down South? You do not put any limitation there. You do not say to them, “If you let the literary negroes vote you may have all represented.”
Mr. MORRILL. Suffrage is absolute in my State unlimited I may say.
Mr. I ILSON. They will send more loyal men.
Mr. HOWARD. I refer the Senator to the Constitution of the U.S., which declares that none but a natural born citizen of the U.S shall be elected POTUS. That is one instance.
Mr. COWAN. Oh, that is a capital joke. Mr. President. Now, we have been bamlioo zled and fed on that kind of stuff for the last 4 years.’ That is an answer to the argument! I ask the honorable Senator if he believes there is a sane man in the world who thinks that has anything to do with my argument. It has no more resemblance to the case I put than a hawk has to a liand saw not a bit. Because all the people who are not born in this country cannot be President they are punished! Is that so?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the amendment of theSenfrom Wisconsin Mr. Doolittle]
Mr. VANWINKLE. I desire to say that my collea us
Mr. Winn 1r] has been called own for this aternoon. the question being taken by yeas&nays, resulte yeas 7, nays 31;. ABSENT 11. So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Before the Senfrom Oregofiproceeds to offer any amendment I desire to offer one further amendment.
Mr. WILLIAMS. The Senator will excuse me.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Does the Senator offer an amendment in behalf of the committee? I supposed the committee’s amendments were through With. I had 2 or 3 amendments I desired to offer.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I beg to be excused from yielding the floor. I move to strike out the 2nd section and substitute these words for it: Representatives shall be apportioned among the several Statesaccordingto their respectivenum crs, ceoxucnlutdininggthe whole numberofpersons in eachState. right Indians not taxed. But whenever the to vote at any election held under the Constitution and lawsof the U.S or of any State is denied to any of the mule inhabitants of such State, being 21 yearsof ageand citizens of the U.S or in any in. abridged except for participation in rebellion or at orcrimc, the basis of representation therein shrill be reduced in the nphrouplobrteioanr 2 hitch he thwehonluemnbuemrobfersuocfh male citizens 21 years of agein such State.
Mr. SHERMAN. I should like to have that printed.
Mr. CLARK. it is merely in abetter form.
Mr. SHERMAN. I should like to have the opportunityof seein it in print.
Mr. HOWARD. I can assure the honorable Senfrom Ohio that the amendment offered. by the Senfrom Oregon does not vary in elfect the 2nd section. It is a more condensed form in which the ideas contained in that section are expressed, but I am not aware that it changes the meaning and legal effect of the section at all. I hope, therefore, it will be ado ted as it has been very carefully and thor oug ily considered.
Mr. JOHNson. So was the clause as it stands carefully considered. I ask for the rendin of that amendment again. The ‘ccretary a sin read the amendment.
Mr. JOHNSON. I should like my friendfrom Oregon to state in what the amendment differs from the section as it stands.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I will state that in substance and effect it is the same as the original section; but the words “ the right to vote” are substituted for the words “the elective franchise.” It was suggested, with, considerable force, that this section related to the appor t“ionment of representation, and that the words elective franchise” might be construed as exclusivel applying to that subject, and thata State might claim that it was entitled to count persons as allowed to vote when it extended the elective franchise to such persons so far as the election of Representatives was concerned and therefore the words “any election held under the Constitution and laws of the U.S or of any State” were substituted so that electors could not be deprived of the right to vote at State elections. The object of the change in the liraseology is to require the State to allow those persons, before they can be counted in the basis of representation, to vote at elections held under the constitution and laws of the State as well as at elections held under the Constitution and laws of the‘ U.S.; so that there is substantially no difference. There is a change in the phraseol Ogy; some of the sentences and words are transposed, the object bein to make the section more clear and explicit an satisfactory than it was in the other phraseology.
Mr. JOHNson. Will the honorable member explain why it is that the words “ which may be included within the Union, " in the 18th line are omittedin the ainendinent?
Mr. WILLIAMS. They were omitted for the sake of brevity and because they added nothing to the sense of the section.
Mr. JOHNson. That is the language of the original Constitution.
Mr. VILLIAMS. That is true. At that time, when the Constitution was adopted, there were States that had not been admitted into‘ the Union, States that mi lit not ratify the Constitution, and those words were intended I suppose to apply to those States that might ratify the Constitution afterward. At t is time these words are not supposed to be applicable, and certainly the Senator will not contend that the words in the preposed substitute are not as full and as complete as the wordsin the original section, and they are altogether more brief. That is the only reason why those words were omitted.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I suppose it is desirable that we shall know what is in this amendment, and of course we could not understand its full force by merely hearing it read. I move that the Senate adjourn. It is past the usual hour of adjournment.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If the honorable senator will allow me, I should like to submit amendments that I intend to propose, so that they me. be printed also.
Mr. ENRICKS. Ver Mr. DOOLITTLE. I amendments to be printed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom Wisconsin proposes an amendment which he intends to offer at another time, and asks to have it printed. The order to print will be made.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The etfect of my rop Osition is that each of these sections sha I be submitted as separate articles, to be passed upon severaly. That is the effect of the amendment 0 which I now give notice.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I move that the pending proposition be printed, and that the Senate adjourn. fhc PRESIDING OFFICER. The order to print will be made if there be no objection. The Senfrom Indiana moves that the Senate do now adjourn. The motionvwas not agreed to, there being 10 in favor of the motion and 19 against it.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not expect to vote for this proposition nor the one for which it is proposed as a substitute, but stillrI resume that even the minority have some ittle say well. desire to submit and do about an amendment of the Constitution. Yesterday afternoon there was no press upon the Senate to stay here and consider this resolution. We adjourned at an early hour, when the Senfrom Wisconsin [.Mr. Hows] was making his speech, I believe about 4 o’clock. I suppose he was a little fatigued in making his speech, and some Senator proposed that we adjourn I think it was the Senator who has charge of this measure and there was no Senator who thought of questioning the propriety of the nd'ourument to accommodate the Senfrom Visconsiu.
Mr. HOWE. The adjournment was not at my request at all.
Mr. HENDRICKS. By no means; butthe Senator yielded that the motion might be made; no further business was transacted in open senate; we went into executive session for a little bit. Now, there is a proposition simply that we adjourn that a very important amendment may be printed. I do not suppose it is the purpose to'pass this measure to night. I have not Iieard that expressed. I do not want to discuss it myself; but I should like to know what is in it before we vote on it. If it is better than the original, I want to vote for;it if it is not better, I do not want to vote for it as an amendment. I have a right to know what is in it because my judgment stands before the country upon the 2 propositions. This is an amendment to the caucus proposition, and I want to know whether it is better or worse. I have to give an intelligent vote on the subject, and I find it is impossible to know just what is in it by merely hearing it read. The language is changed materially.
Mr. MORRILL. A motion to print it has been agreed to.
Mr. JOHNson. No; the order to print has not been made.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is not in order to move to lay the amendment upon the tabl.
Mr. ANTHONY. That would carry the bill with it, as I understand. Mr. JOHNSON. Then I move that the amendment be printed. That answers the same purpose. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. DOOLITTLL. I ask that the amendment which I proposed to submit be printed also.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The order to iriut has already been entered.
Mr. HENDERSON. I am a friend of this measure, and I expect to vote for it and every one of these sections. I think, however, that at this hour of the evening the friends of the proposition ought not to insist upon a vote upon it. I have never seen this amendment before; I have not examined it; it is entirely new; and when the Senfrom Oregon offered it I really did not know whether it came from himself or the committee. certainly we do not desire to take from the nents of this measure the o)portunity of jouppoging it and examining it, an much less‘can we wish to take from our own friends the up or tunity of examining the principles contained in it. It is now 5 o’clock; it is the usual hour of adjournment.
Mr. CLARK. Will the Senator allow me to offer an amendment before he moves an adjournment?
Mr. HENDERSON. I will give way for a moment until you present it.
Mr. CLARK. With the permission of the Senfrom Missouri, if there is a disposition to adjourn, I wish to offer an amendment to strike out the 4th and 5th sections and to substitute what I send to the Chair, and I will state for the information of Senators that it is an amendment from the committee. I move that it be printed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The order to printwill be entered, ifthere be no objection.Mr. HENDERSON. Now I move that the Senate adjourn.
Mr. ANTHONY. I hope that before we adjourn some understanding may be arrived at on both sides of the Chamber as to when we shall have a vote on this question. I think we should take advantage of the good feeling that is exhibited at present to come to some understanding on that point.
Mr. HOWARD. I trust we shall stay here a little longer today and make some further progress in the discussion. There are several Senators on the other side of the Chamber who intend to speak to the measure which is now under consideration, and I am anxious to make all the progress that is possible today and tomorrow; andI wish it understood that so far as it depends on me I shall expect that the final vote will be taken at least on Friday.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom Missouri moves that the Senate do now adjourn.
Mr. HOWARD. I hope we shall not adj ourn. The motion was not agreed to; there being, on a division ayes 11, noes 17.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. President, I had a svmgathy today for the Senfrom Ohio gitMr. HERMAN] when he announced to the Senate that his judment was that the amendment proposed by toSenfrom Wisconsin was right; that of the 2 measures that ought to be a part of the Constitution rather than the proposition of the caucus, but that he could not support it; and he said that I had been placed in like circumstances 100times, and my political friends had decided for me how Isould vote. I desire to say to that Senator that he is entirely mistaken upon that proposition. I never in my life cast a vote upon an important legislative measure because anybodyo men sai I should; and I do not think I ever will. I am responsible to the people of the State of Indiana; and when it is proposed to change the Constitution of the country, I must be satisfied in my own judgment that the proposition is right, that it is the best proposition that is before the body, or that my constituents expect me to vote for it, else I cannot give it my vote.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I should like to ask the Senator a question if he will allow me.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Has it ever occurred in the history of that Senator that when he became satisfied that he could not get what he wanted he voted for the next best thing he could get, or did he stick to the 1st and lose it, and let the other go with it?
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not recollect ever to have been placed in just that embarrassment. I am practical in my views as a general thin, an do the best I can.
Mr. I" SSENDEN. That, I suppose, is the case with the Senfrom Ohio.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not recollect any particular instance in which I was placed in the embarrassment the Senator suggests.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I can vary the form of my question.
Mr. ENDRICKS. Will the Senator allow me to complete my answer? When a proposition is before a legislative body, and an amendment is proposed to it, and the amendment, in my judgment, is better than the origi nal proosition, I am never so embarrassed as to say that I shall vote for the more objection able of the 2 propositions. I do not do it, and my party never ask me”to do it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I suppose, then, if the Senator was satisfied that his vote would be thrown away on the 1st proposition but would have effect on the 2nd, he would refer to throw away his vote and thus lose bot.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I should vote for the proposition that my judgment approved. But so far as I have been connected with political parties I have never gone into any caucuses to decide upon any legislative measures. I have gone into caucuses to decide who should be the presiding officer of a body, and how the organization should be completed;Ihave gone into conventions for the purpose of establishing platforms for a political campaign; but to go into a convention of the members of the Senate or of the HoRep, in which a majority decides how the vote shall be cast, and that ma'ority fixingit, a measure is brought before this body which 2/3rds must support before it shall pass, I say is exceedingly objectionable. That is the position that the Senfrom Ohio admits himself to occupy today. Upon a measure that 2/3rds of the Senate, under the Constitution, must approve before it can be submitted to the people, he subordinates his judgment to the will of a majority of his party friends in a caucus. He says his judgment approves of a particular proposition. I think that is illustrative of the present condition of the Senate. 'How the Senfrom Oregon comes to offer an amendment at this time, I do not know. The amendment comes here. Whether he was authorized to make the proposition, whether there was some latitude allowed to him in the decisions, I do not understand. It seems to meet with favor. I do not want to vote upon it to uight; I am not ready to vote upon it; but I am willing to stay here and discuss the question until in the end we get to know something about it. As apart of my remarks, I ask that the proposition of the Senfrom Oregon be read.
Mr. CLARK. We adjourned yesterday at a quarter ast 4 o’clock.
Mr. SHERMAN. it is now 5 o’clohk, and 2 amendments are introduced to the Constitution, it is true, only varying in form; but to attempt to force a vote on them to night is simply absurd. It cannot be done in a body organized like the Senate. I, however, sympathize with all as to the long time that has been occupied by this debate, and I think a time ought to be fixed for taking the vote. The Senfrom Michigan having this matter in charge says that he expects a vote on Friday evening, and if he adheres to that I will support him in it.
Mr. HOWARD. I said “at least on Friday;" and I expect the vote to be taken in the morning.
Mr. SHERMAN. I will support him in that. If some general understanding can be effected by which the vote may be taken on Fridayl have no doubt we shall be able to get through without being at all hurried in the mean time.
Mr. CONNESS. I move that the Senate adjourn.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom California has the floor.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The Senfrom California has not the floor. –
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom California was recognized by the Chair.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Iyielded the floor to the Senfrom Ohio.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair was not aware of that.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I am not anxious about adjournin. I am entirely indifferent on that subject. Sfit is the pleasure of the senate to stay here and discuss this measure this evening, I would just as lief go on now as at any other time.
Mr. CLARK. If the Senator will permit me, I wish to make a suggestion to him. I do not suppose angbody on this side of the Chamber, or in the Senate, desires to force a vote place Gross?. 2993 tD night, but we desire to make some progress; forI think all Senators will bear me witness that we have never been so much behind in matters before the Senate at any session as we are now. It is desirable for some of us to have a vote on this question on Friday by 3 or 4 o’clock.
Mr. CLARK. That would put it out of the power of some of us to go away from the city. this necessary, I will say, that I should leave in the train on Friday evening, if I can. If we can have a vote by 3 or 4 o'clock on Friday.
Mr. JOHNson. The train does not go until halfpast 6.
Mr. CLARK. But we shall want something to eat after we at out of the Senate. If we can agree to me the vote by 3 or 4 o’clock on Friday, I shall be entirely content.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I have a few remarks to make yet. I have repeated the expression so often that I do not care to do it again, that we ought to press the business that is before the Senate. I have expressed my desire that we shall not be kept here in the very hot months; but I have become almost indifferent about that. When I proposed this afternoon to ad.jouru, I thought it was a very reasonable prop position, especially in view of the fact that we had adjourned yesterday afternoon simply to accommodate a Senator who was addressing the Senate, and to allow him to occupy 2 days instead of one, and especially in view of the fact that that one Senator has occupied more of the time of the Senate than all the minority put together. I have also desired to agree upon sometime when the vote shall be taken. I have always been ready to agree upon an hour for taking the vote on any pro position before the Senate; but I am entireljy indiderent now, and would just as lief stay here for the remainder of the evening asnot., I wish to speak of one other proposition of ethics on the part of the Senfrom Ohio. In his usual p ansible and delightful style he said that he would go with his party friends for a proposition that did not command his judgment rather than go with the Opposition and a portion of his party friends for a prop position that did command his judment.
Mr. SHERMAN. I do not think the senator quite states my position.
Mr. HENDRICKS. That is about the idea. I was trying to give the very words the Senator used, and I thought I had them, but not quite. That was about the idea, that rather than be associated with Democrats in the right, he would be associated with Republicans in the wrong. Ican only account for that on the part of so elevated agentleman in morals and intellect by the fact that he has been associated with Republicans in so much that is wron he has to some extent become satisfied with that condition. The Senator laid down another proosition which struck me as singular. He sai that if the southern States refused the right to vote to the negroes, and thereby said the negroes were not fit to vote, the southern people ought not to have representation for a class of men that they themselves said were unfit to be citizens. I wantto know how the SenatOr is going to vote for this proposition if that doctrine be right; and it is not upon non-essentials, it is upon essentials. It is upon the most essential feat ure of this resolution the relative representation of the States in the HoRep. It is not a nonessential; it is of the very essence of the resolution. The people of Missouri have by a most unju'st, as It iink, provison of their constitution said that one ialf of the people of Missouri are unfit to vote. How is it that the Senator will now, in amending the Constitution, continue to that minorit a right to representation for the majority which the havebyconstitutionalamendmentdeclared unt to vote?
Mr. HENDRICKS. Appl the principle. I am just discussing it. The i Senator says that if the southern States elect to hold that the negroes are unfit to vote, they shall not be voted for upon principle; but upon principle if in Missouri a minority, by accit ental power, excluding a majority, upon the; ound that the majority is unfit to vote; the minority shall have a full representation for the whole. I want to know how that is. “It is not upon a non-essential, not upon a matter of organization or political policy with which he agrees with his party, but upon a question equality and justice in the representation of the totes; upon the very merit and heart of this measure, it it has got any merit at all. Mr. President, if it is the pleasure"df the Senate to adjourn I will not occupy the‘Senate any longer at this time; but whatever is the pleasure of the majority is my pleasure on that question.
Mr. STEWART. I move that the Senate adjourn.
Mr. STEWART. I withdraw the motion temporarily if the Senfrom Kentucky desires to speak.
Mr. DAVIS. I have 2 or 3 amendments that I want to present, and should like to have the amendment otfered by the Gentfrom Oregon voted on before I move them.
Mr. SHERMAN: You can speak on that just as well.
Mr. DAVIS. I will adopt the course suggested by the honorable Senfrom Ohio, and speak to the general proposition of my amendmerits.
Mr. STEWART. I move that the Senate adjourn. I‘he motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wsnussnar, June 6, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock in. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. BOYXTON. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. SAFE KEEPING OF PUBLIC MONEY.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The question recurred on ordering the bill as amended to be engrossed and read a 3rd time.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I wish to call the attention of the chairman of the committee to a provision of this bill. It provides that cer 2 acts shall be deemed felony. I have not examined the statute to know whether there is any general provision of law in regard to a ‘mode of punishment for a felony where the punishment itself is not prescribed in the act. My impression is there is no such general provision. If not, there should be some provision of that kind in this bill, otherwise there will be no punishment provided. I am not prepared at this moment to submit an amendment because I do not know the degree of punishment which the committee desire to attach to the felony. I ask to have the 2nd section rea. The Clerk reiid section two.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I will prepare an amendment for that purpose.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I ask my colleague [Mr. Hoorsa] whether it isthe intention of the committee to change the law or the practice in regard to deposits made by collectors. It seems to me that one of the great evils which we ought immediately to uard against is the deosit of public fundsin tfihey should he required to deposn'. their collections in the Treasury at once. We are aying interest on a large sum of money which is deposited in these national banks for no purpose whatever except to stimulate speculation and endanger private and public credit.
Mr. HOOPliiR, of Massachusetts. In reply to the question by my colleague, I would state that we have agreed in committee to proposean amendment to the section of the baning law which authorizes the national banks to be used as public depositories by requiring at all times an amount of U.S. securities deposited in the Treasury equal to the amount of npneys deposited in the banks, and it is made the duty of the Treasurer, whenever the public money in any national bank exceeds the amount of securities held by him, to withdraw the excess and place it in the public Treasury.
Mr. BOUTIHIZLL I am satisfied for the present, if the subject is to come before the house. But I wish to say now that it seems to me eutircl unwise to pursue any longer this policy of making national banks depositories of public money when there are designated depositories of the public Treasury where the collectors of the various districts can place their money. In one distric's, as‘I know, at collector has depo‘sited money u live national banks. And now the vro osrtion, as I understand, to be presented to tchouse, is, that these banks are to deposit the security on which they Will receive interest from the public Treasury, and then take the ‘deposits which are made by the General Government withopt interest, and e national banks by co lectors. transfer them into the branches of the public Treasury as a temporary loan and receive interest upon them. I think it is time that this whole business should be ended.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I quite agree with the substance of the remarks of the Gentfrom Massachusetts, [Min Bourivizi.L.] He will observe, however, that the bill under consideration applies only to disbursing officers. As he has been informed, the committee have under consideration the propriety of securing public deposits now in the hands of the public depos itaries, and the only safe step at present, it seems to me, is to provide for the dJeposit of the public securities of the Government to the full extent of the money of the Government deposited in their hands. For myself, I say that within 12 months, or more speedily, if the condition of the country will allow, and the arrangements of business men will permit, I am with the gentleman in favor of epositing the public money in the sub Treasuries of the U.S. Those are the only ilaces in which public moneys should be placed. Iagree thoroughly and entirel with the Gentfrom Massachusetts hat the present system leads to a derangement of trade, and to speculation. Let me cite an instance. The Government of the U.S. lends its money to shanking institution, and that bank goes outinto the market and with the Government’s own money buys up the Government notes and the duo bills of the Government, realizing a on them 6%. Now, what man would so conduct his private business? And yet the public money is absolutely at this day used for the purpose of buying up the public securities and ills due 12 months ahead, and upon those public securities the Government is still to pay 6%. So nefariousa system cannot last on.
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts, resumed the floor.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. Will the Gentfrom Massachusetts allow me to make a statement?
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. I will yield for that purpose.
Mr. FARNSW ORTH. I wish to state a fact that I learned at the pay dept not long since. A disbursin officer in the city of NewYork drew his chec: on the Treasury for 6 or 700,000 dollars I do not remember the precise amount and deposited it in a bank in the city of NewYork, which turned right round and loaned the money to the Government at a high rate of interest. The money was never actuallytaken out of the Treasury, but the check of this officer was depOsited in the bank and the money loaned to the Government. I agree, sir, with the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. RANDALL] that it is high time that we put a stop to this depositing of the Government funds in nationa banks, to be again loaned to the Government, either by disbursing officers or collectors of the revenue. As has been stated by the Gentfrom Massachusetts, [Mr. BocrwnnL] there are plenty of depositories, branches of the Tfiasury. Let the funds as c'ollected be deposited there, and transferred to the Treasury of the U.S. where they can be used by the Government as it needs them, instead of being used for speculative purposes by the banks. I hope some amendment will be made to the bill which will at a stop to the entire system.
Mr. HOOP R, of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the object of this bill, as gentlemen wiill see, is mere y to regulate the sa e keeping o the public money intrusted to the disbursin agents of the Government. In the bank bifito which this discussion would properly apply the gentlemen will have an opportunity to carry out the purpose which the propose. When that bill comes up I think it will be seen that there are some purposes for which it is expedient to use the national banks as deposit cries. I move the previous question on the bill.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Let me offer my amendment; I have now preured it.
Mr. HOOPER, of Massac usetts. I with draw the previous question for that purpose.
Mr. WI SON, of Iowa. My amendment is as follows: i. Add to sectiontwo the followin: “ And uponconviction thereofshall bepunishedby imprisonment for a term not lessthan one year nor morethan ten years or by a fine not more than the amount embezzled, nor lessthan $1000, or by both. suohtfine and Imprisonment.at the discretion of the cour.
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachuetts. the demand for the previous question. thoiprevious question was 2nded and the main'question ordered. he amendment proposed by Mr. WILSON, of‘ owa, was agree to. bill was orderengross and re ‘a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time.
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. If it was expedient, asI think it was, to add that amendment to the 2nd section of the bill, I think it should also be added to the 3rd section. I call the attention of the Gentfrom Iowa [Mr. wILSON to the matter, and Iask him whether the thir section does not require some amendment.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I do not know about that. My attention was called more particularly to the 2nd section.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. The change suggested by, the Gentfrom Massachusetts [Mr. Hoorsn] can be made by unanimous consent. No objection was ufiide, and the bill was amended accordingly.
Mr. PLANTS. I would sug est to the Gentfrom Massachusetts [ Mr. HOOPER] another amendment which I think should be made. This bill provides for the punishment of any bank officer who 'shall receive on deposit any public moneys in the charge of any disbursing officer of the Government. I would suggest that the word “knowingly” be inserted before the word “ receive.”
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. I have no objection to that amendment.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent. Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. I now call the previous question on the passage of the bill. The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was passed. Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts, mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. NAVAL STATIONS 0N NORTHWESTERN LAKES.
Mr. BRANDEGEE, by unanimous consent, reported from the ComNavAffrs it ill to provide for one or more naval stations on the northwestern lakes, accompanied by a report in writing. The bill was read a 1st and 2nd time, recominitted, and with the report ordered to be printed. COURTS OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, by unanimous consent, reported back from the ComJudiciary House bill No. 438, in relation to the courts of Washington Territory. The bill was read. The 1st section authorizes the supreme court of the Territory of Washington to fix the times for holding the supreme and district courts thereof at such places as may be designated by the laws of said Territor. " The 2nd section provides that the judges of the district court shall a point a clerk for I renew each courtjn the district, who shall reside and keep his office at the place of holding said court.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I am instructed by the ComJudiciary to offer an amendment to the 2nd section. I move to amend it by adding the followuig: And exercise the powersnow provided bylaw for the clerk of the supreme court of the Territory of Washington and be subject to allprovisions of law notirioonsistentwith this act, applicable to the clerk of said supremecourt.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill, as amended, was then orderengross and read a 3rd time and bein engrossed, it was accordingly read the thir time and passed. Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, mtRtv the bill was passed, upon the table. agreed to. AMERICAN STATE PAPERS.
Mr. HAYES, by unanimous consent, from the ComLibrary, reported a JtResolution to authorize the distribution of surplus copies of the American State Papers in the custody of the SecyInterior; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The JtResolution directs the SecyInterior to distribute b mail or otherwise 400 copies of teAmerican State Papers, 2nd series, in 17 volumes, in the following manner, namely: to each member of the Senate and/HoRep of the present Congress, one copy of each of said 17 volumes, and one copy to each public or college library which may be designated by the JtcomLibrary.
Skip Skip The JtResolution was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and bein engrossed, it was accordingly read the thir time and passed. Mr. HAYES mtRtv the Jtresolution was passed; on the table. agreed to. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and found truly enrolled a bill of the following title: “An act (8. No. 203) to enable the NewYork and Montana Iron Mining and Manufacturing Company to purchase a certain amount of the public lands not now in market;” when the peaker signed the same. INTEREST IN NATIONAL BANKS.
Mr. DELANO, by unanimous consent, submitted the followmg resolution; which was read, considered, an agreed to: Reaolved.That the committee onBanking&Car rencybe instructed toinquire as totho propriety and necessityof amendingthe law under whoh national banks morianised sothat theratsof interestpharg by such ban s shall be uniform so as to inflict upon any associationattempting to chargemore than the legal rate ofinterest such penalty asmaybe deemed proper for the purpose of enforcingii.compliancewith the [anal rate.
Mr. EGGLESTON and Mr. KELLEY demanded the regular order. NAVAL DEPOT AT LEAGUE ISLAND.
The Speaker. The regular order is the unfinished business of esterday, being the consideration of a bill (. It. No. 452) to authorize the SecyNavy to accept League Island, in the river Delaware, for naval purposes, on which the Gentfrom Pennsyl vania
Mr. VILSON,0 Iowa. I would suggest to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KEL LEY] to consentthat this bill be postponed until after the morning hour, so that the regular reports of committees may be received, and thus the regular'business of the morning hour will not be interfered with.
Mr. KELLEY. Does the gentleman mean that the bill shall be considered from day to day until disposed of?
Mr. KELLEY. I had hoped that the con' sideration of this matter might be closed I have no objec today, so as not further to interfere with the regular business of the House. This bill has been the general order since the 3d of March last, and I hope the gentleman Mil not object to our going on with the consideration of this bilf at once. “
The SPEAKER. Unless by unanimous consent, if this matter is postponed until after the morning hour of today, the reconstruction measures, being special orders of an anterior date, will have riority.
Mr. KELLE. I should hesitate very much about consenting to anything that might put this bill out of its regular position.
Mr. PIKE. I object to any postponement of the regular order.
Mr. HALE. Will the gentleman crmitme to ask him to name the gentlemen who constituted the commission of which he speaks?
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM Til]; SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Fonssv, its Secretary, announced that Senate had misseda bill and JtResolution of the following titles, in which the concurrence of the House was re nested: An act (S. o. 308) confirming the title of Alexis Gardapier to a certain tract of land in the county of Brown, and State of Wisconsin; and A JtResolution (S.R.No. 99) for the relief of Paul S. Forbes, under his contract with the Navy Dept for biiildiii and furnishing the steam screw sloop of warl aho. NAVAL DEPOT AT LEAGUE ISLAND AGAIN. Mr: BRANDEGEE. I offer the following substitute for the bill reported by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. KELLEY 5 Whereasvarious siteson or near the Atlantic scu board have been offered to the Governmentof the U.S. for naval purposos, withspecial reference to the repair. construction, and laying up in ofiron vessels, and whereas it is eminently desirablethat the bestsite should be selectedby the Government floIqr/tHhierr purpose named: Therefore. nateunrlHome(iflfrprcaenlaliocl of the U.S.A. in congress assembled, That the POTUShe and he is hereby authorized and directedto uppoint u commission of not lessthan 7 competent oliicersand engineers, whoseduty it shall be to make careful examination and survey of eachofsaid proposedsites, taangdetso report to Congress the comparative advan or disadvantagesofcach, and by the selection of which the public interestswill bestbe promoted.
Mr. HALE. Will the gentleman permit me now to suggest an amendment?
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I will hear the suggestion.
Mr. HALE. I suggest to him that he insert after the words “said proposed sites, " the words, “and such other sites as may be brought to their attention, and which they may deem proper for examination.” It
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I accept that suggestion. I think the amendment a proper one.
Mr. KELLEY. Isimply want to throw out this suggestion, that whi eIam not opposed to the appointment of such a commismon, I do not see that the substitute is at nllgermane to this bill, which relates to a specihc object. I regard his proposition as having no reference to the matter now before the House, and I reserve my opinion as to the propriety of it as an independent proposition, should it ednic up in that form.
Mr. KELLEY. I will ask the gentleman a single question, and it is whether the city of NewYork lies nearer to NewLondon than to Philadelphia? I propose to test the integrity or corrution of that engineer by that question.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I do not conceive that that is pertinent to the charge that an officer of the Government has been corrupt enough to find a report against the facts in the case. I willanswer the question, howsoever, although the gentleman will bear ine witness I did not interrupt him in the course of his speech; and he will have an hour in which to close this debate after he has locked up debate on the part of all others by the call for the previous question.
Mr. KELLEY. Nor did I denounce the terrors of any man’s vengeance on the gentleman. He has not yet answered the question which will settle, in the estimation of every member upon this floor, the honesty of the engineer who made that report.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. If the gentleman had restrained his impetiiosity I would have tinished my answer. I say that NewLondon, by water, is by many hours nearer to NewYork than Philadelphia. The question was one of transportation of the supplies and munitions ofwar for the defense of one or the other place. That commission found that for the defense of NewLondon, for the protection of the site and accumulation of skilled workmen; for military purposes;' for the transportation by water of munitions of war, NewLondon is nearer to NewYork than Philadelphia. If a man does not believe that statement let him go by the Sound from NewLondon to NewYork, and then from NewYork down the coast, up the Delaware river to Philadelphia, and if he has a watch or almanac he will know which is nearest.
Mr. KELLEY. One moment, and I will promise notto interrupt the gentlemanv again even if he denounces the vengeance of here afteru on me. Lau ter.
Mr. RAND GE. T ank you. [Laughter. her. KELLEY. The question submitted to the engineer was not that indicated by the gentleman, but was the available force nearest to each point for defense. 1 will further ask the gentleman whether in these days during war we transport troops by water and circui tous water routes when there are railroad connections between the oints; and if there are not within his knowle ge railroad connections between Philadelphia and NewYork, and NewYork and NewLondon, and whether Philadelphia is not but 2/3rds the distance from NewYork that NewLondon is.
Mr. DELANO. Will the gentleman allow me to iiiLcrru t him for an inquiry?
Mr. BRANI)EGEE. It will be no interruption from that uarter.
Mr. DELA O. I wish to inquire what will be the probable expense of n naval station at League Island.
Mr. KELLE. Does the gentleman speak of me?
Mr. KELLEY. Under a grave misrepresentation I was induced to accept it. As soon as I conferred with the gentleman whose opinions were said to have congiven to me, and found I had been deceived, I retracted my acceptance.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I do not know to what misrepresentations the gentleman alludes.
Mr. KELLEY. Those the gentleman made to me.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. This matter is gettin a little personal between the gentleman an myself, and is away from the subject under consideration. After he presented his bill, I drew up my substitute and submitted it to him urging it by the same considerations whichl have just presented.
Mr. K LLEY. and byconsiderationswhich the gentleman does not present.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Wait a moment. I told him, as I now tell him, the proposition to establish the naval station at League Island would be voted down if put upon its own mer its; that aside from any other consideration this House would not sustain it. I thought I was warranted in saying that my proosition would be acceptable to a majority o the committee as well as to a majority of the House.
Mr. KELLEY. All the gentleman says he represented to me he did, and more, and it was the more which controlled me.
Mr. PIKE. Mr. Fssssxnsx’s inference from the Secretary’s remark is not the statement of the Secretary. The idea of the Secretary was that he had no authority to order such an investigation.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Fortunately I have the record here, and I will read it and leave it without comment.
Mr. Fasssxnss said: NavIyetnodheaaweotrheidstositpereevxaaiml oinned the Secretary of the I and reportedupon. could get no encouragement from him that he would allow anybodyto examine it andmake a report. He brought up certain objections.all of.which.I thought, were entirely untenable. He was urged strongly to ‘nst not the facts, by a commission appointed by imself, who could say whether it was fit for this pu“rllur.seor not, and howmuchit would cost, die. Pleased J.OHNSON. He could have done that, if he “
Mr. Gnnmss He had not the authority. “Mr. Possum m. He could send downvany man to do it. it' he had chosento do so. He did not sayho had not the authority; hedid not make that a point. He could havesent. not a commission, but an engi neer ' thercare engineersin the employ of the Navy Dept ulodrabney noonedoitfhhcisulntyflaicbeorusttoi tl.ook at it. I could not revnil upon him to do it. Finaly a letter was ban ed to him by a gentleman, and 0 made the lbnlluubutantially. thatuntil the question of League Islvand was disposed of he would not have it me. exams He did not say that he had not authority. He did not make the oint which the gentleman says he did make. appeal from tie Reprosentative from Maine to the Senfrom Maine for the accurac of my statement. Further on in the debate Mr. Fssssxnss said: "As I statedbefore. I havemadeeveryefforttogct saotmitewinhfoorm was tiocnapoanbtlheoosnfybnjed cgti, ntgo, leatnsdomwehboowdaylsoaonk olllcer of the Government just to that extenh no more andmakeuro rt. have utter] failed.bo causethe SecyNov will not look at any place exceptLeague Island. but is the fact about it. He vnl not even permitthe Deptor him solf or anybodyelse to have any information on the subject." If that does not bear out my recollection of the statement of the Senator, the House will see it and make the necessary correction.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Will the Gentfrom Connecticut allow me to ask him a question?
Mr. ELDRIDGE. This difference between the Gentfrom Connecticut and the Gentfrom Pennsylvania is a surprise to a portion of the ComNavAffrs. I supposed, and I understand that m colleague on the committee from Ohio [Mr is BLOND] supposed, that the committee agreed to the proposition which I understand the gentleman now to be urging; that the final conclusion of the committee was to include other places in the investigation as well as League Island. I wish now to know why it is that that proposition was changed, and we find these 2 gentlemen at loggerheads today. [Here the hammer fell, Mr. BRANDEGEE’B hour havin exired.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I move that the gentleman’s time be extended 30 minutes.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Oh, no; I do not want more than 3 minutes.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I hope the gentleman will be allowed to explain this matter. No objection was made to the extension of time.
Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, am
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I hope the Gentfrom Connecticut [Mr. Biuxnsons] will be allowed to answer the interrogatories I ro pounded to him; for I desire to know w it is that there is such a controversy about what has been the action of the committee. I thought I knew what that action was, but there seems to be a controversy between the Gentfrom Connecticut [Mr. BRANDEGl IE] and the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] in relation to it.
Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts. I am very willing the gentleman should finish all he has to say on that subject.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. And also why it is that neither of the gentlemen are now advocating what the committee finally agreed to report to the House as thesresult of their action upon this subject.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. That I know nothing about; I have stated all my knowledge upon this subject.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I would ask the gentleman if the substitute which he now offers is the one to which he and the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] agreed, and to which the committee gave their assent.
Mr. BRANDEGEB. It is precisely the same, with this slight diderencc: the original substitute allowed the SecyNavy to accept the title to the site in favor of which the commission should report. To that it was objected by many whom laccounted my friends in this matter, that it would be better for the commission to report to Congress; thnt we should hold in our hands at a subsequent session of this or some future Congress the right to determine which site to select. And in that regard, I have modified my proposition' perhaps I have not acted wisely. And now state that I understand the Gentfrom Massachusetts, [Mu RIQE] the chairman of the Naval Committee, proposes to modify my sub.stitute by incorporating the original proposition, that the SecyNavy shall at once accept the title to that site in favor of which the commission shall report. To that I shall have no objection whatever, if it shall meet the a royal of amajority of this House.
Mr. ELBYHDGE. Thggentle man has failed to answer the precise question which I propounded to him, and that is this: why is it that neither the Gentfrom Pennsylvania nor the gentleman.from Connecticut are today presenting the precise proposition to which the committee, as a whole, gave their assent?
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Why, Mr. Speaker, I never thought that I had authority from the Naval Committee to offer this substitute as the bill of the committee. I never so understood the matter. The Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] was deputed by the ComNavAffrs to present his bill as the bill approved by the majority of the committee. do now present my substitute, and 1 have no right to present it, as the proposition agreed to by the committee. Ipresent ltas my own proposition; and I rely upon the support of on y those gentlemen of the committee who may agree with me in thinking that this is the best proosition, all things considered. hi)r. ELDRIDGE. Why does not the entleman present the precise proposition which was agreed to, instead of presenting a new one? It was certainly agreed by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania and the Gentfrom Connecticut to make the report of the commission filial. I‘know that I argued on the other side, and desired that the commission should report to conrose and that the approval of Congress should be necessary; but under the influence of both those gentlemen, I yielded myown opinion upon that point. Why is not that report advocated today by eithe of those gentlemen?
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Why, Mr. Speaker, what aposition we should be in here if the Gentfrom Pennsylvania should report one proposition with the authority of the committee, while I should report another proposition with the authority of the committee, both of us being mouth pieces of the committee, both having the right to the floor to move the previous question making “confusion worse confounded.” I never supposed, nor did any other gentleman of the committee, except, perhaps, my friendfrom Wisconsin [ML Enn, moon] that I was the spokesman of the committee upon this measure. All that I did was this: the substitute which I have now oii'ered, varying only in the point to which I have alluded, I carried around to different members I of the committee to ascertain whether they wouldagreee to sustain that substitute in the House. And I mustsay, if my friend will permit me, that I never understood that he agreed to it.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Did not the gentleman understand that the members of the committee individually agreed to that proposition, provided that it was satisfactory to the Gentfrom Connecticut and the gentleuuin from Pennsylvania, and that it was to be considered as the action of the committee?
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Most distinctly, sir, I say that I did not so understand. liven if I had so understood, that understanding would have fallen to the ground. I never relied upon it after the Gentfrom Pennsylvania no tified me, as he will do me the credit to bear witness, that the committee insisted that he should not abandon his bill but should press it, and that therefore he would not accept my substitute. I ask the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Min KELLEY] whether he did not so distinctly inform me.
Mr. LeBlOND. I wish to ask the Gentfrom Pennsylvania whether the bill which is now before the House is not the identical bill that the committee agreed to report.
Mr. LeBlOND. Has the committee at any time agreed upon any other proposition than the one now before the House?
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I believe I stated that l was in favor of the original proposition limiting it to League Island, and settling the question in committee. Afterward I was ap lied to by the Gentfrom Connecticut, fMr. Bassnaous] and asked ifI would consent to his substitute which had been presented by him in committee, and rejected by the comtnittec, if it was agreeable to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania. I told him I would. Afterward I saw the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, and he told me that he was satisfied with that. l informed him thatI had received that information from the Gentfrom Connecticut, and if it was agreeable to him I would consent to the substitute. I did speak to my colleague on the committee, [Mr. 3 131mm] and stated to him in substance what had been stated to me, and he said he had no objections to it if it was agreeable to both of the gentlemen. What surprised me was to find neither of the gentlemen advocating that proposition. I did think the Gentfrom Connecticut. [Mr. Baxsnaoas] was bound in good faith, if he presented any substitute here whatever, to present the precise one to which the commit tee, not as a committee Igrant, but as individual members, could give their assent. For that proosition I felt under obligations to vote in the Iouse, notwithstanding I had voted against it in the committee, because I supposed that it was a harmonious arran ement between those 2 gentlemen who ha been fihtin this matter before the committee, and Iiope it would preserve the union that had existed before between those gentlemen. I was desirous of seeing that harmony and friendship continued between them, and hence I am surprised at not see in it exist today.
Mr. LeBlOND. With the gentleman’s permission, I would like to make a single remark.
Mr. LeBlOND. It would come in appropriately just at this point.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from theSennte, by Mr. Fonmav, its Secretary, announced thatt e Senate had passed a bill (S.No.282) entitled “ An act to reorganize the clerical force of the Dept of the Interior, and for other purposes, ” in which the concurrence of the case was requested. ENROLLED rum s SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and found truly enrolled bills of the following titles; which were thereupon signed by the Speaker: Anv act (H. t. No. 37) making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy for the year ending 30th ofJunc, 1867; and An act (H.R.No. 450) granting a pension to Anna E. Ward. PRINTING OF TESTIMONY.
Mr. CONKLING, from the JtComReconstruction, reported certain testimony relative to Louisiana, Texas, and the Indian Territory, and moved that the same number of copies be printed that was ordered to be printed of the testimory heretofore reported from the same committee. The motion was referred to the ComPrintg, under the law. NAVAL DEPOT AT LEAGUE ISLAND AGAIN.
Mr. LeBlOND. With the permission of the gentleman, I will occupy the attention of the house for a few moments.
Mr. LeBlOND. [do not "‘0 ose to argue this proposition in detail. I tiin the debate has already taken a much wide; range thanthe bill warrants. I have no doubt that if I felt disposed to argue this proposition in detail, I could throw a great deal of light upon the subject. My peculiar location me especially for the duties of the committee I am upon. I live upon a canal near a large reservoir containing a body of water covering some acres in extent, and which is some 7 or 8 feet deep, I believe; and I have seen floating on it at one time as many as 20 little fish ' in smacks or boats. Of course gentlemen wi I see at once how peculiarly qualified I am to act upon this subject. [Lang ter.] And I have no doubt the Speaker of this House knew this fact, or I would not have been put upon this committee.
Mr. WRIGHT. I would ask the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. Ls BLOND] if the proposition of the committee does not involve the expense ofhaving 2 navy yards, the one special object of this bill being, as I understand it, to provide a sanctuary, a place of safety, for our iron clad aw.
Mr. LeBlOND. I answer the gentleman that it does not. It is simply proposed that the location of the navy yard now established shall he changed from Philadelphia. to League Island. The property now possessed by the Government in Philadelphia can be sold, and the proceeds of the sale can be applied to the expense of locating the yard at League Island. The proposition is whether the Government will accept as a ratuity 600 acres of land when it she I suit the convenience of the Government to make the transfer. And the proposition of the Gentfrom Connecticut FMr. Baasnsess] does not conflict with this in any way whatever, for the commission he prooses to have appointed may go on and exam me other sites, and if they deem it necessary to have another as yard, they may report in favor of NewLon on or any other place.
Mr. SPALDING. I desire to ask my colleague (EhMr. Ls Btosn] if he considers that the condition of this donation to the Government will be answered by simply transferring the navy yard now located at hiladelphia to League Island.
Mr. SPALDING. That is not my understanding of it.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. If the Gentfrom Pennsylvania will ive way to me for one moment desire to as aquestion. I wish to ask the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. Ln BLoxn] my collea no on the committee, whether the Asst SecyNavy, who appeared before the committee as a witness as well as an advocate in behalf of League Island, did not distinctl state that the one great advan tage which eague Island offered, by reason of which it had commended itself to the favor of the Dept, was its adaptation for the construction, repair, and docking of Iron vessels; and, furthermore, whether he' did not state, in answer to a question, that it was the intention of the Dept, if League Island should be accepted, to make it the iron clad station for construction and repair?
Mr. LeBlOND. Of course that was one of the reasons assigned why that was a desir able location. It was urged that the back channel rendered it a desirable place above any other that had been presente to the at tention of the committee. That is one of the reasons why the committee agreed to the prop position as it now comes before the House, but it was not the sole consideration on which the committee acted.
The SPEAKER. gentleman’s time. Several Marianas. Oh, we will extend your time.
Mr. LeBlOND. If the Gentfrom Pennsylvania will allow me one moment further, I wish to say that, as a matter of course, after the Government shall have changed the location of the navy yard from Philade phia to League Island, the yard at the latter place will, as the necessities of the Government may require, be enlarged. But there is no requirement of that sort in this grant. The Government may, as its judgment may dictate or the exigencies of the times require, make this a naval station for ironclads, or a simple navy yard, such as there is at Philadelphia at the present time.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I desire now to ask my colleague on the committee one other nestion. Inasmuch as he has argued that these 2 propositions are not necessarily conflicting that both may be adopted without interfering with each other I ask him this question: su)posing League Island to be accepted, does he believe that there will be any necessity for a new yard anywhere else, or does he believe that Congress or the Dept would be in favor of a new yard anywhere else 'I
Mr. LeBlOND. I cannot, of course. say what Congress would do or what the Navy Dept might do in reference to this matter. I do believe that League Island offers advantages of which it is of vast importance that the Government should avail itse f. I believe that, by the change of location, that nav yard can be made to answerthe purposes of the Government for a long time to come. I state this simply as my own opinion.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. That is what I su posed, and hence the adoption of the bill as voeated by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, proposin the acceptance of League Island, necessari conflicts with a proposition for the examination of any other site, because if League Island be once accepted no‘ other site will be deemed necessary by the Dept, either in the immediate present or in the in definite future.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Will the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Mrs as] give way for a motion to adjourn?
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I move, then, that the House adjourn.
Mr. RAYMOND. I ask the Gentfrom Wisconsin to withdraw that motion for a moment that I may make a report from the ComAppropriat.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I yield, with the understanding that it will take but little time. CONTINGENT EXPENSES; OF THE HOUSE.
Mr. RAYMOND, from the ComAppropriat, reported a bill making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the approriations for the contingent exeases of the HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865; which was read a 1st and 2nd time.
Skip Skip The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. RAYMOND mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. I hope that all this will not It will come out of the INDIAN TBBATIBS.
Mr. RAYMOND, from the same committee, reported back Senate JtResolution No. 69, making an appropriation to negotiate treaties with certain Indian tribes, with the recommendation that it do ass.
Mr. BURLEI ‘H. I insist that this bill, making an approriation, must have its 1st consideration in the ComWhole on the state of the Union.
The Speaker. The Chair is of the opinion that a Delegate is not entitled to make such an objection as will prevent the JtResolution 7 from being now considered. The JtResolution was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and bein engrossed, it was accordingly read the thir time.
Mr. HALE. I object to the JtResolution at the suggestion of the Delegate from Dakota, who wishes to be heard on it.
Mr. RAYMOND. I have reported thisJtResolution under instruction of the ComAppropriat. I have no desire to pre vent any member or Delegate from discussing it who may desire to do so. It is a subject which ought to be canvassed.
The Speaker. "The objection comes too late, as the JtResolution has been reada t'hird time.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Let me ask the Chair a question. I would like to know why I am sent here if I am not to be permitted to attend to the interests of my constituents.
The Speaker. The Chair will answer the question. The gentleman is sent here as a Delegate to discuss the merits of all questions in regard to the Territory of Dakota or else‘ where, but he is not entitled to a vote.
Mr. BUItLEIGH. This affects theinterests of my constituents morp than almost any bill during this session. It relates to the naturalization of these Indians.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I only yielded‘to the gentleman to bring in one bill, and on condition that it was not to take up much time. He has bI rought in 2 and claims the right to the lloor. insist the gentleman has violated his obligation to me.
Mr. RAYMOND. The gentleman may in sist on that; biitI insistthat I am now entitled to the floor upon this bill. I have not the slightest intention to call the previous question, to insist upon the passa c of the JtResolution at this time, or to o anything else which can be disagreeable to the Gentfrom Wisconsin. I will yield to a motion toadjourn. I
Mr. ELDRIDGE. That is all that I wish. desire simply to move to adjourn. Let the House decidi: whether it will agree to it. I make that motion. The motion was agreed to; and thereupon (at 20 minutes after 4 o‘clock p. m.) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip Petitions, ete t.he following petitions.820.w. ero presented under the rule and referredto the appropriatecommittees: By Mr. CULLOIVI; A petition‘signed by A. John son and others. citizens of Springfield, “mom. in favor of an increaseof duty on manufacturedmarble broughtinto the U.S. B6 of Mr. ELDRIDGE; A memorialof the Chamber authooiirijiznrenric: tcheotb' tuhiledi ncgityof Milwaukee for an act BISSIP'l I'l'CI'. of a bridge acrossthe misBy Mr. FARNSWOBTH: A petition and reman strance of certain railroad companies in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, relative to bridgesover theMis SISBSyIP| QIrrI.ive GARRFIELD: IThe pet, iti on of Hon. G. B. caotriothnoalvn.d of the Massachusetts.$tateBoard of Edn mal schools.as 'iIrIinHcZi 'roartsthofethe Massachusetts nortional bureauof education. Establishment of a na By Mr. “0h ES: The pet ition of A. M and others, Holmes. lor repeal or CILIZQHS of Madison county. NewYork. modification of law imposingtax of ten paenrkeseanftt.eurpJuolnybIa. n1k8s6p6a. ying outt 0notesof State c itAizlseon.sthe petition of A. M. Holmes and others, for estaobflisihmore rinstvoilfleb.u Mreaaduisoonf county.NewYork. national insurance. h ig'h Oebsjet perteinrgogtoatuivneanimousconsentis exercisingthe and power of a member. subject has been note on, By Mr. J. M. HUMPHREY: The petition of G. W. Elliott. for payment for losses sustained by him at the handsof the union Army durinir the latewar. By Mr. RITTER: The petition of heirs of will liam M. Wooten for pension.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Tnnnsnsr, June 7, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.
Mr. MORRILL, from the ComCommerce, to whom was referred the petition of H. Trowbridge’s Sons, praying that an American register may be granted to the bark Golden Fleece, and also a petition of Bennett tit Brown, praying that an American register may be granted to the Prussian built bark Margot, reported aJtResolution (S.R.No. 104) authorizing the SecyTreasury to issue American registers to the barks hIarget ahd Golden Fleece; which was read and passed to a 2nd reading. He also, from the same committee, towhom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 481) to amend an not entitled “An act to encourage immigration, " approved July 4, 1864, and an act entitled “An act to regulate the carriage of as sengers in steamships and other vesse s, " approved March 3, 1855, and for other purposes, reported it with an amendment. M VXN WINKLE, from the ComPensions. to whom was recommitted a bill (H.R.No. 464) for the relief of John Gordon, reported it without amendment.
Mr. EDMUNDS, from the ComPensions, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.171) for the relief of Reuben Clough, reported it. without amendment, and submitted a written re Jort; which was ordered to'be printed. IMr. CHANDLER, from the ComCommerce, to whom were referred sundry pe titions and memorials praying for the enactment of just and equal laws for the regulation of interstate insurances of all kinds, asked to be discharged from their further consideration, which was agreed to.
Mr. SHERMAN, from the select committee to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S.No.357) to aid in the construction of telegraph lines, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military and other purposes; which was read and passed to a 2nd reading. Goonmcu AND CORNISH.
The PRESIDENT protrmpore appointed Mr. Coxxsss, Mr. MOitiui.i., and Mr. UCKA u zwas the committee of conference on the part of the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendments of the Senate to the JtResolution (H.R.No. 77) for the relief of Ambrose L. Goodrich and Nathan Cornish, for carryinv7 the U.S. mail from Boise City to Idaho City, in the Territory of Idaho. GREATHOUSE AND KELLY.
Mr. VANWINKLE. I am instructed by the ComPostOffices, to whom was referred the bill (S.No.338) for the relief of Henry Greathouse and Samuel Kelly, to report it back without amendment; and as it simpl authorizes the PostMGenl to settle the accountof these persons equi tabl ', I ask for its present consideration. There being no objection, the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill, which proposestodireet the PostMGenl to adjust and settle the claim of Henry Greathouse and Samuel Kelly for car r in; the mails of the U.S. on route t 0. H3001, from Placcia'ille to Idaho City, and on route No. 10002, from Fayettevillc to Pla ccrt'illc, in the Territory of Idaho, from July I, 1864, to July 1, 1865, atid to award and pay to them for that service such sum as may be in accordance with the principles of equity and justice.
Mr. POMEROY. I do not know but that this bill is all right; but it is a kind of legislation I never like, to authorize and require the head of a Dept to settle a claim on principles of equity and justice, without specifying the amount, without having any limitation or any restriction whatever upon it. It is a kind of legislation that we have not generally approved, and I never like to vote for it. If the committee have examined this matter, and know what the amount of the claim is exactly, and it can be defined, then I am ver willing to vote for the bill; but if it is an unetined, undetermiuable thing, I would rather that it should be investigated.
Mr. VANWINKLE. The case is simply this: these parties carried the mail for a considerable distance in California and Idaho without authorit from the Dept, but at the request, believe, of the postmasters alon the line. They carried it in four horse coac ms, and carried it at certain times under very great disadvantages. They have come here and asked compensation for this service, and, as I understan, the PostMGenl is perfectly willing to give them compensation, but does not feel authorized to do it. without the action of Congress. This bill simply authorizes the PostMGenl to pay them such a sum as he shall deem equitable under the circumstances. I suppose he would my them what is authorized generally by the dept for similar services in that portion of the country. I think there is no amount fixed.
Mr. HOWE. What is the distance over I] support of schools, orwithini the boundaries of l w'hich this mail has been carried?
Mr. VANWINKLE. My impression is that it is about 200 miles on the 2 routes.
Mr. HOWE. I believe it is contrary to the I usage of Congress to allow the heads of depts to settle such unliquidated claims. t seems to me we ought to have some limit to the amount that shall be paid for this service. It seems to have been a‘voluntary service. I should like to know what sort of‘ a community was supplied by this mail somethinv about the value of it to the public. I shoal judge b the statement of the Senfrom West ir inia that it was an object to the proprietors of tie line to run a coach for the sake of pas sengers, and that they were carrying the mail as a matter of accommodation to somebody. Who was to be accommodated by it I do not know, for I do not know anything about the character of the countr.
Mr. VANWINKL. I do not wish to press the bill upon the Senate at this time if they do not feel prepared to act upon it. I am wiling to let it go over in order that Senators may have time to examine it.
'lhe PRESIDENT protempera. It is moved that the further consideration of the bill be postponed until tomorrow. The motion was agreed to. LAND TITLES IN StLouis.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPERSON, its Clerk, announced that the House had passed a bill (H.R.No. 654) making appropriations to supply deficien cies in the apiropriations for contingent or)cnses of the HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866 in which it requested the concurrence of the house. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED. The message further announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled)ills; which were thereupon signed by the President protempore: A bill (H.R.No. 37) making approintions for the support of the Military Aca may for the year ending the 30th of June, 1867; and A, bill (H.R.No. 459) granting a pension to Anna E. Ward. BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. RAMSEY asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.356) for the relief of the U.S. Express Ccmpany; which was read twice by its title and referred to the ComFinance. He also asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a JtResolution (S.R.No. 105) authorizing the promotion of Captain Robert Ritchie to the grade of coni modore on the retired list: which was read twice by its title and referred to the ComNavAffrs. HOUSE BILLS REFERRED. The following bills from the HoRep were severally read twice by their titles and referred as indicated below: A bill (H.R.No. 438) in relation to the courts of Washington Territory to the ComJudiciary. A bill (H.R.No. 621) to regulate and secure the safe keeing of public money intrusted to disbursing o 'cers o the U.S. to the ComFinance. A bill (H.R.No. 654) making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the a i iropriations for contingent expenses of the HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866 to the ComFinance. A JtResolution (H.R.No. 148) to authorize the distribution of surplus copies of the American State Papers in the custody of the SecyInterior to the ComLibrary. KANSAS AND NEOSHO VALLEY RAILROAD.
Mr. HENDERSON. I move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Senate bill No. 285.
Mr. HENDERSON. We have had it under consideration here before and there is but one amendment now to Consider. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the bill (S.R.N. 285) granting lands to the State of Kansas to aid in the construction of the Kansas and Ncosho Valley railroad, and its extension to Red river.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. President, I have some objections to this bill, and if it is the pleasure of the Senate to hear those objeczions now I will proceed to present them. This bill proposes a grant of land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Kansas City to the southern boundary of the State of Kansas, and contemplates the extension of the road through the Indian Territory down to the northern line of Texas. The question is, under all the circumstances ought Congress to make this grant of lands? I think not; but these bills pass so much as a matter of course in this body that I am reluctant to say anything against it. I do apt believe that if Senators understood the exact force and scope of this bill it would pass; but I have not much expectation of eliciting snflicient attention to secure the full understanding of the measure. To the State of Kansas there have been made the very largest grants of land, I believe, that have been made to any State in the Union; and the Senate will be struck by an examination of the map with the enormous amount of land that has already been granted to the State of Kansas. I have a map of the surveys of that State, upon which are extended the different roads to which grants of land have already been made. Senators have but to examine this map a moment to see how much of the State remains yet to be granted. It is not a question of how much is granted, not a question whether lands on ht to be granted, but whether there is any place left to at a road upon, and whether there are any ands remaining to be granted. Senators will observe that there is already a nt connected with the Pacific road. starnn om Kansas City, running westwardly throng the extent of the State. That is ten miles on each side of the road, I believe, and perhaps 20. I am not sure.
Mr. HENDRICKS. He says not 5,000. Shall Congress pass a bill making 0. grant of land where there are not to exceed “5,000 acres of land 'I What is the purpose of such agrant‘? It is really not to endow the State and the company with lands, because there are none to grant, comparatively; but it goes before the commercial world as a grant of land, and gives a credit to the company to which that company is not entitled; and while there is nothing to grant, it will enable the company to go into the market and sell its bonds upon the representation that it is a land grant road. That is all the effect it can have. It will enable the company, as I think, to impose on the moneyed men of the country. The admission made by the Senator that there are not more than 5,000 acres of land in that part of the State of Kansas, is an admission that we ought not to pass this bill. I had a table the other day showing the exact amount of land that has been granted to the State of Kansas, or as nearly as it. could be arrived at, but I have mislaid it.
Mr. HENDERSON. It will be found on page 168 of the report.
Mr. HENDRICKS. It is stated there at 2 and a half million acres. That is not the table that I referred to, which 'ves the grants in detail. That 2 and a hal million acres, as I understand, is independent of the Pacific railroad grant, as I thin another table shows that 2 and a half million acres have been granted to the roads in Kansas, besides the acific railroad grant, which runs the entire extent of the State of Kansas, from the cast to the West.
Mr. HENDERSON. That table includes the Pacific railroad grant.
Mr. H.ENDERSON., I will inquire of the Senator what company built the road from Leavenworth to Lawrence.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I stated to the Senate moment since that that portion of the road from Leavenworth to Lawrence had been built through the instrumentality of the Pacific railroad. It is called the Pacific railroad branch, I believe. The land grant is to complete that work from Lawrence to the southern line of Kansas, to make a connection with the Texas road so as to reach Galveston holy. 3 years have passed and only the line from Leavenworth to awrencehas been built. It is not important to inquire whether it has been built by this company or that company. The only important inquiry is, has it been built? So much of the road contemplated by the act of Congress has already been built, a distance, I believe, of about 30 miles, and surveys in a direction from Lawrence south have been already made. The question that I now present to the Senate is, is it the purpose of the Senate to provide for a competing road run ning not further than 30 miles from the road to which we have already made a grant? The northern terminus of the p10 osed road is Kansas City, and that is about irty 6 miles from Lawrence; and that is the greatest distance that these 2 roads can be apart at anyone oint; and then at the southern boundary of gansas this bill provides that there shall be a junction of the 2 roads. Then we shall have 2 roads progressing at the same time: the one from Lawrence to the south line of the State of Kansas, and the other from Kansas City, a distance of 36 miles, according to the public surveys, coming down until it joins the road to which we have already made a grant, their greatest distance apart being thirt "six miles, and forming a junction at the soul line. How far
Mr. HOWARD. I believe the morning hour has exired, and I must therefore take the liberty o calling up the unfinished business of yesterday.
Mr. POMEROY. I should like to have a vote taken on this bill, if possible. We have had it before us for 3 days, and I should like to dispose of it.
Mr. HENDRICKS. This bill will have to be discussed to some extent.
The PRESIDENT protempore. in hour has expired.
Mr. POhIEltOY. I should like to have the special order laid aside informally for a few minutes until we pass this bill.
Mr. HOWARD. I have no doubt the honorable Senator would like to have it laid aside, but Iam of a dili'erent opinion, and therefore I must insist on proceeding with the order of the day.
The PRESIDENT protempore. I house.tResolution No. 127 is now before the Senate, and upon that JtResolution the Senfrom Kentucky [Mr. DAVIS] is entitled to the floor.
RECONSTRUCTION. The Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the JtResolution H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment The morn to the Constitution of the U.S., the ending (Liliestion being on the amendment of ‘ered by
Mr. wlLlJAMS, to strike out the 2nd section and in lieu thereof to insert the following: Sac. 2. representatives shallbeapportionedamong the several Statesaccordingto their respectivonum bors, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But whenever the right to vote at any election held under the constitution and laws of the U.S or of any State is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State. being 21 years of ageand citi lens of the U.S.orin anywayabridged.exceptfor participation in rebellion or other crime.the basis of representationtherein shall be reducedin the proportion which the number of such inulc citi Iens shall bear to the whole number of malecitizens 21 yearsof agein such State.
Mr. HOWARD. If the Senfrom Kentucky will pardon me for avery brief interruption, I should be glad to lay before the Senate a very high authority upon that particular point.
Mr. DAVIS. You can do that at your leisure after I shall have concluded.
Mr. HOWARD. It is no less an authority than AndrewJohnson, who adopted the principle in a deliberate speech made in this body.
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. RAMSEY in the chair.) The Senfrom Kentucky, who is entitled to the floor, declines to yield.
Mr. JOHNson because in the then condition of the country I was opposed to his political position; but I am now one of his supporters. By the providence of God, and the Constitution, he use been called to the Presidency; and none of his predecessors were ever surrounded by so many and such stupendous difficulties. But he seems to be the man for the occasion; and his ability, resources, courage, and patriotism have developed to meet its eat demands. He is literally “ to the best of his ability" striving “ to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the U.S." against those who would destroy it, the radicals of Congress; and if this ark which holds the rights and liberties of the American people is to be rescued and saved, he will be one of the chief instru ments in the great work, and his glory and fame will be deathless.
Mr. HENDRICKS. If no gentleman desires to speak, I was re nested by the Senfrom Maryland [Mr. onxsox] to take the floor for him, as he Wishes to address the senate on the question; and unless some gentleman proposes to address the Senate now Iwill move an adjournment.
Mr. CLARK. I will inquire of the Senfrom Indiana if he will not withdraw that motion and let us come to a vote on the amendments. We perhaps can take a vote on the amendments without debate, And then go on with the debate on the resolution in the mornin, And thus save a little time.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I have no objection to at.
The PRESIDENT protampon. Does the Senfrom Indiana withdraw his motion?
The PRESIDENT protempore. The motion to adjourn is withdrawn, and the question is on the amendment olfered by the Senfrom Oregon [Mr. Winniims] to strike out the 2nd section of the resolution and insert a substitute.
Skip Skip The question being put, the amendment was declare to be agreed to. Mr. HENDERSON. I ask for a division. Ihope the amendment will not be adopted. th The PRESIDENTprotempera. The Chair declared it carried. Mr. HENDERSON. I ask for a division. The PRESIDENT protempera. Those in favor of the amendment will rise.
Mr. FESSENDEN. TheSenatorisin error in One particular, in saying that there was no difference between this amendment and the section as originally reported.
Mr. HENDERSON. Will it apply to the election of cit officers under the amendment as it now stun s'!
Mr. HENDERSON. Then why would it not apply to the election of a township officer, because that is still larger?
Mr. CLA RK. Is it a political office? I do not think a school director is.
Mr. HENDERSON. The mayor or recorder of a citv is not a political Office.
Mr. FESSENDEN. A municipal officer is a term very well understood. I think it would be a matter of diiliculty, not to say impossi bility, to carry it out with reference to finding out who were disfranchised in such elections as the Senator speaks of, and I do not think this proposition could be held to apply to such elections at all. I do not believe it will be attended with any difficulty. At any rate, to meet the object, we could not devise a better form of words than we have. I know Iworked on that 2nd proosition until my head got so thoroughly mu dled with it that I would not attempt to make another.
Mr. HENDERSON. I suppose it is in order to amend the proposition Ibefore it is acted a ton. lMr. FESSENDEN. I suggest that the senator had better let it be adopted, and then he can move his amendment when we come into the Senate, and he will have an opportunity to deliberate upon it in the mean time.
Mr. HENDERSON. I do not wish.0 take anytime about it; but my objection is a serious one, and 1 am in earnest about it. It is a thing that I really think ought to be attended to.
Mr. THUMBULL. We do not seem to be making any progress, and there is some misunderstanding as to what the precise meaning I think it would to of this language is. I suggest, therefore, whether we hadnot better adjourn and settle it in the morning. We all desire the same thing, I suppose.
Mr. FESSENDEN. We had better get through with these amendments and have the resolution reported to the Senate, and then we can amend this proposition afterward, if necessary.
Mr. TRUMBULL. But we are not likely to get through them, because there is a controversy arising, and if we have got to change them we had better have a little time to consider them.
Mr. CLARK. I suggest that we have the resolution reported to the Senate, and then we shall have time to change it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. othing will be gained by that.
Mr. CLARK. We shall get through one stage of it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I shall not make a motion to adjourn if it is objected to, butI think we might as well adjourn.
Mr. HENDERSON. Before the Senator makes his motion to adjourn, I desire, if this amendment must be adopted, to move an amendment to it. I move to strike out the words But whenoiier the right to vote at. any electiori held under the Constitution and laws of the U.S., or of any State.is denipdto any of the male nhabitants of such State, being 21 years of ageAnd to insert: But whenever the right to vote for Governor, judges, or membersof either branch of the Legislature is denied by any State to an of its male inhabitants being 21 yearso age,Ste. Thpt will certainly include all general officers of a State.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That does not include Representatives to Congress.
Mr. HENDERSON. The Senfrom Maine seems to be laboring under the impression that that does not include Representatives to Congress. The Senator is mistaken.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I suggest to the senator whether he had not better let the amendment of the Senfrom Oregon be adopted, and then move his proposed amendment when we et into the Senate, and it can be considere tomorrow morning.
Mr. HOWARD. Will the Senfrom Missouri allow me to make a single remark here by way of interrogatory?
Mr. HOWARD. The proposition of the Senfrom Missouri is this, if I understand 'it, that whenever any persons shall be by the legislation of a State excluded from voting for members of either hraudi of the Legislature the persons so exeluded shall not be embrace in the basis of representation. Now, suppose the State should fix (me sort of qualifications for the voters who are to vote for the most numerous branch of the Legislature and a different kind of qualifications for those who are to vote for thelcss numerous branch of the Legislature, there would be a portion of the citizens excluded in that case, would there not?
Mr. HENDERSON. The larger portion would be excluded, of course. because it applies to either brauch of the legislature. The larger number would be exclude Lillat is, if 1/2 of the people were excluded from voting for State senators, of course 1/2 would be excluded from the basis of representation; but if 1/2 were excluded in voting for a senator and only a 10th in voting for the other House, 1/2 would be excluded because the State excluded them in the election of senators. The larger number would always be excluded from the basis of representation.
Mr. HOWARD. Allow me to put it in more tangible form. Suppose, for illustration’s sake, that the whole number in a State of male citizens over the age of 21 is 100,000, and suppose that b the laws of the State every one of those citizens is allowed to vote for members of the most numerous branch of its Legislature, and that only 50,000 of them are allowed to vote for members of the upper or less numerous House of the Legislature. You will see, then, that there are 50,000 citizens of the State excluded from the right to vote.
Mr. HOWARD. Are those 50,000 to be included or excluded from the basis of representation in Congress?
Mr. HENDERSON. Under my amendment they are excluded, because according to that they must be qualified to vote for Govs eriior, judges, and members of both branches of the Legislature or else they cannot. go into the basis of representation. My object was to carry out the principle of the section proposed by the committee, to make it apply to general, political, and judicial officers, and not to make it apply to all mine r officers, because if so applied, technically, in my State it would exc ude. from the basis of representation 2/3rds of the white people of the State.
Mr. HOWARD. The Senator will see at once that his scheme does not establish any certain and fixed standard for the basis of representation; the elements entering into that basis of representation are quite uncertain and changeable.
Mr. GRIMES. In order to enable the senators from Michigan and Missouri to come to a satisfactory understanding on this subject, I move that the Senate adjourn. The motion was agreed to; there being, on a division 20 ayes and 7 noes; and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY, June 7, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock in. Prayer by the ChaplainhRev. C. B. Bors'roti. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. CANAL AND SEWERAGE COMPANY.
Mr. COBB. Mr. Speaker, owing to the illness of the Gentfrom Maryland, [Mr. FTHOMASuoMns] have agreed to more that the further consideration of the bill to incorporate the Washington Canal and Sewerage Company, which was to come u this morning, shall be postponed until Tues pay next, after the morning our, at which time. as I understand, the conlsideration of the bill will he proceeded Wit 1. The motion was agreed to. StLouis AND CEDAR RAPIDS RAILROAD.
Mr. WINDOM, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill granting to the State of Iowa lands in alternate sections to aid in the construction of the StLouis and Cedar Rapids railroad; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. ordered to be printed, and referred to the ComPublic Lands. INDIAN EXPENSES.
Mr. WINDO‘M, by unanimous consent, submitted the followin resolution; which was read, considered, an agreed to: Relvlfled, That the SecyWar be directed to informthe House what amountof moneyhasbeen expendedfor the suppression of ‘Iridian hostilities and for the variousmi itary expeditions nuainst the Indian tribes during the years1864and 1865, statin particularly the amoiiutspxpondedin eachyear, an eachexpenditurerespectively. ADJOURNMENT 01"CONGRESS.
Mr. ANCONA. lask unanimous consent to introduce the following JtResolution: Resolved by the Senate and HoRep. That the Presitlentof the Senate and theSpeaker of the HoRep by the present session authorizrd toclose b adjourning their respective llloluscks on Thursday. t s 28thday of June. at 12 0coc in.
Mr. ANCONA. Is not this a privileged question?
The SPEAKER. It is; but the House is engaged in the consideration of the unfinished business of last evening.
Mr. ANCONA. Can I not call it up at any time?
The SPEAKER. The gentleman can when ever the House is not engaged in the transaction of other business. This Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. Rsrnoxn] is entitled to the floor on the unfinished business of last evening.
Mr. ANCONA. Then I demand the regular order of business.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Iask the gentleman to allow me to introduce a bill for ref erence.
Mr. ANCONA. I yield for that purpose. FOREST cumuus.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to secure liouiesteads to actual settlers upon the public domain and encourage planting forest trees and the growth of timber upon the some; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComPubLands, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. ANCONA. I now renew the demand for the regular order. INDIAN TREATIES. The House resumed the consideration of the regular order, being Senate JtResolution No. 69, making an appropriation to negotiate treaties with certain udian tribes, upon which
Mr. RAYMOND. Mr. Speaker, do I understand that this JtResolution, reported by me from the committee, is the regular order of business?
Mr. RAYMOND. I wish, then, to inquire, if this is laid aside what then will be the regular order?
The SPEAKER. The bill in regard to League Island.
Mr. RAYMOND. Inasmuch as I had no intention in reporting this JtResolution to interrupt the business before the House, I pro: pose to postpone its consideration until such time as will suit the convenience of the House. Next Monday will answer the purpose of the committee. if that will suit the house. If some time on Monday can be fixed I will make a motion to that effect.
The Speaker. The Chair will state that in the pendeucy of business at this sta e of the session it Wlll be impossible to tell when it will be reached unless it is postponed to a time fixed or made a special order.
Mr. HUBBAR, of Iowa. This is rather an important resolution, and it should be passed as soon as it can be conveniently reached.
Mr. RAYMOND. I refer to postpone it until after the League Is and bill is disposed of, and upon the suggestion that the Gentfrom Dakota [Mr. BURLEIGH] desires to debate it, I will move that it be postponed until that time.
Mr. RAYMOND. To be taken up immediately after the mornin hour on Monday.
Mr. ANCONA. nauimous consent cannot be given.
Mr. RAYMOND. I ask unanimous consent, then, to have it taken up immediately after the League Island bill is disposed of.
The Speaker. The question is, Shall the JtResolution pass?
Mr. DAVIS. I would like to hear the JtResolution reported. The JtResolution' was accordingly read. It appropriates $121, 785 77 to enable the President to negotiate treaties with the Indian tribes of the upper Missouri and the upper Platte rivers.
Mr. RAYMOND. I move the previous question on the passage of the JtResolution.
Skip Sip Mr. DAVIS. Ifthat is not 2nded will it give an o ortunity for debate? TheS EhtliER. It will. The question being taken, no quorum voted. Tellers were ordered; and the Speaker appointed Messrs. RAYMOND and Dans. The House divided; and the tellers reported ayes 38, noes 66. So the previous question was not 2nded.
Mr. BURLEIGH. I move to postpone the further consideration of the JtResolution till Monday next after the morning hour.
Mr. RAYMOND. How will it stand then as regards other business?
The SPEAKER. It will come up unless a previous order crowds it out.
Mr. RAYMOND. It is important that it should have an early consi oration. The money which is appropriated has already in large part been expended, and the commission for which it is to provide is in progress now. The House should decide one way or the other ppou this appropriation at a very early day. any arrangement can be made by which the consideration of this bill will be fixed for Mon da, I willgladly consent to it.
The SPEAKER. The bill can be reached on Monday, immediately after the morning hour, by a suspension of the rules by a 2/3rds vote.
Mr. RAYMOND. Then I will consent to the postponement until Monday next.
Mr. BUltLElGH. The reasorfassigned b the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. Rnuosn for the consideration and passage of this bill at this time is the very reason why it should be postponed. I want time for the consideration of this measure, so as to show, as I believe I can show, that this money has been and is beingexpended, not in accordance with law, but in violation of law, for the purpose of making he s treaties with be us Indians. gii'. RAYMOND. thinkthe Delegate from Dakota [Mr. BuaLnIoii] could not have heard what I said. I consented to the postponement of this bill for the very purpose of giving an opportunity for the examination and consideration of this bill.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and the motion to postpone was a eed to.
Mr. RAYM ND subsequently entered a motion to reconsider the vote by which the bill was postponed until Monday next after the morning hour. cumin or assumes.
Mr. GARFIELD. I ask unanimous consent that there may be a morning hour today and each day hereafter, so that we may be enabled to get on with the regular business of the House an not have it crowded out by these special measures.
The Speaker. That can be done only by unanimous consent at this time.
Mr. MYERS. I would ask the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] if his proposition is that there be a morning hour after today.
Mr. GARFIELD. To commence this morn in. Ilia MYERS. I must object to that, as we are in the midst of the discussion of an important measure. I would have no objection to the proposition after today, but must demandpthe regular order of business at this time. NAVAL DEPOT AT LEAGUE ISLAND.
The Speaker. The regular order is the unfinished business of yesterday, being the consideration of a bill (H.R.No. 452) to authorize the SecyNavy to accept League Island, in the river Delaware, for naval purposes, on which the Gentfrom Pennsyl vania
Mr. MOULTON. I understand League Island to be almost 100miles fro the mouth of the river.
Mr. MOULTON. I would like to ask the gentleman if it would not be a very easy thin to obstruct the river and prevent the egress of these vessels.
Mr. KELLEY. I ask my colleague to yield for a moment so that a time may be fixed for taking the role.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I object to anything that will cut off fair and full discussion.
The Speaker. The gentleman has the right to give the notice.
Mr. KELLEY. I give notice that I shall call for the previous question at 3 o’clock today.
Mr. SPALDING. I hope I shall not be denied an opportunity to saya few words.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. I beg leave to ask the Gentfrom Philadelphia whether the bill now before the House contemplates the removal of the present navy yard at hiladel hin.
Mr. T AYER. The bill does contemplate it. I do not know that the bill says anything about the removal, but everybody at all conversant with this question knows that that has been made one of the features of the proposed plan. Nobody prouses that there shall be 2 navy yards at P iladcl ihia; I never heard anyone suggest anything 0 that kind;I never heard an one suggest anything of the sort. Nobody, believe, entertains such an idea. In fact the idea is strongly set forth by the SecyNavy, as one of the points in favor of this location, that it involves the abandonment of the existimr navy yard at Philadcl his, which can be sold at a great price an the proceeds of the sale appropriated to the improvement of this new site. Sir, if I had control of this bill I would not object to putting such pliraseology as would require the sale of the present site of the navy yard at Philadelphia, and the adoption of the new site.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. I have examined this bill very carefully, and there is not one single word in it with reference to the removal of the present navy yard at Philadel phia, and I thin the result 0 passing this’bill would be that we should have 2 navyyards to sustain in that vicinity instead of one.
Mr. KELLEY. Will my colleague [Mr. THAYER ield to me for a moment?
Mr. KELLEY. I desire to suggest that so far as Philadcl liia has any selfish motive in offering this islan and the back channel to the Government it is that she may be relieved from the commercial obstructions which are presented by the present navy yard. The object of Philadelphia is to have the navy yard transferred from a point where it impedes the owth and‘ commerce of the city; its object is to enable the Government to abandon the present yard.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Will my friendfrom Pennsylvania Tnsvnu] allow me to make an inqui of nm?
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I have never been in the habit of interrupting gentlemen, and I do not now interrupt for any other purpose than to inquire from what paper the gentleman is reading.
Mr. THAYER. I am reading from the remarks of the SecyNavy upon this subject, which were incorporated in a s eech made by the chairman of the Naval ommitteo of the Senate [ML Grunts] when he was advocating this measure.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. [understand the gentleman to affirm perhaps I was incorrect in that undorstandmg that he was reading from a report of the SecyNavy. It is from a speech made by Mr. Games in the Senate.
Mr. THAYER. The reasons which I am reading are those given by the SecyNavy, and which were incorporated in the remarks of the chairman of the Naval Coin inittee of the Senate.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Has the Gentfrom Pennsylvania verified these citations and ascertained that they were ever made by the SecyNavy in any authentic form?
Mr. TTIAYEH. I have this authority for their accuracy, that they are contained in a report of a public speech made by the chair man of the Naval Committee of the Senate, who stated in his speech that they were reasons given by the SecyNavy in favor of this site for the location of a naval station.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Reasons given by the SecyNavy where and when?
Mr. THAYEI t. I do not know at what o’clock it was nor in what room he was when he gave those reasons. But I do not think that the reasons are to be judged by the source from which they come, but by their inherent weight. If they have anything in them they speak for themselves.
Mr. THAYER. I do not suppose they will derive any special weight from the consideration whether they come from the SecyNavy, the chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, or some one else.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Precisely; but I did not suppose
The Clerk read as follows: “New Esomsn S'rons: Established primarily for my own advantage and partly to promote the interestsof my customers." [Great laugliter.]
Mr. THAYER. Now, Mr. Speaker, if you will strike out “ customers” an insert “ constituents, ” I think you will have a pretty good description of the gentleman’sspecch. [Laughter.] It was me e, of course, entirely in the interest of his constituents. I do not know entirely in the interests of his constituents, because it would seem that the gentleman, to some extent, has abandoned the original line of attack.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. Let me ask the entlemaii a question at this point, inasiiinci as this is the place where the laugh comes in. In whose interest were the 5 speeches made by Philadelpliians yesterday and today?
Mr. THAYER. Mainly and chiefly in the interest of the General Government, and it was with that spirit and in that interest chiefly that this proosition was originally suggested.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. The s eeches made have been made, it may be, main y in the interest of the General Government, but primarily, chiefly, and solely, they were made in favor of the interest of Philadelphia. I
Mr. THAYER. I do not propose to detain the House on that subject. I have expressed the motives and causes which induced the city of philadelphia to make this offer. if they do not understand it I should despair of making them understand by further comments on the subject. The real issue is, as Ipostponement of this t has been stated by the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mix LE Bi.osi)] whether you will remove the existing yard from its present site and get a million and a half or 2 inillon dollars for it with which to begin your large naval establishment at League Island, or whether you will continue to expend your money on an old site, inadequate for the purpose for which it is used; whether you will continue your large annual appropriations and forego the gift of the city of hiladelphia. Now, that is the real issue, notwithstanding the comments of the Gentfrom Connec ticut, [ML HUBBARD] who. I believe, put in a demurrer on that point, which I trust the House will overrule.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. obtained the floor, and yielded for ten minutes to Mr. SPALDING.
Mr. SPALDING. Mr. Speaker.I desire to state to the House that during the last conglress I was a member of the ComNavAffrs, and as a member of that committee had occasion to view this localif now so well known as League Island. I 0 not say anything in favor of the beautiful cit of Philadelphia or its surroundings, which are all pleasant in the highest degree. But, sir, after carefully examining that island, it occurred to me there was such a thing as having a gift, a present of too expensive a character to the douee. I am not now entirely satisfied that the U.S. would not be largely the loser by accepting the donation of Leanne Island for the purpose contemplated by lie donors. It will not now do to cover up the bait on the hook. We all understand it. We know very well that it is contemplated in this plan to make League Island a great national navy yard for the building and repairing of iron clad navics, the Navy which the U.S. now has and the miohtier navies we will have by and by as years roll onward. The outlays of public money upon this spot are to be enormous if the project is to be carried into execution; and when we undertake it in its incipient stage we ought to be well satisfied we have the correct ground to build upon. Too much caution cannot be used in this respect. As at present advised I fear that League Island is rather too secure from the ap i‘oaches of a foreign foe. I am rather of the belief, the testimony has disclosed the fact, that during 2 months of every year League Island is inaccessible from the Atlantic. If so, is that a refer place for a naval depot?
Mr. ED IDGE. I would inquire what testimon the gentleman refers to.
Mr. SPALDING. Testimony that came before the Naval Committee of the last Congress. I refer to that generally.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I did not know but he referred to testimony before the present committee. There was no such testimony before it.
Mr. SPALDING. I have not the honor now to be a member of the committee, and I do not pretend to speak of any of the testimony or at uments before the present committee.Mr. KELLEY. A single moment. I simply desire to say that the records show that in 40 years the city of Philadelphia has never been ice locked; that for 40 years there has not been a day when steamers could not make their wa to and from the ocean.
Mr. BltANDEGEE. The gentleman will allow me to tenderhim my thanks.
Mr. LeBlOND. I should like to ask the Gentfrom NewYork a question, with is permission.
Mr. LeBlOND. I infer from the gentleman’s speech that he is opposing the reportas it comes from the committee. I desire to know how he intends to vote when the question shall be taken.
Mr. RAYMOND. Well, sir, I do not know which to admire most, the extraordinary skill andingenuity with which the gentleman draws an inference, or his coolness in putting such a question as that to me. a
Mr. LeBlOND. I am simply governed by a recollection of the past history of the gentleman. That is all.
Mr. RAYMOND. Mr. Speaker, I said that I intended to vote for the substitute. The gentleman infers from this, with a degree of acumen that must be peculiar with him, that I am not going to vote for the proposition reported b the committee.
Mr. LEBLOND. That was the natural conclusion from the sat history of the gentleman.
Mr. RAYMO D. The natural conclusion from what ast history?
Mr. LEBLOND. Well, I will say for the information of the gentleman, that upon 2 occasions when the gentleman has spoken in hvor of propositions, we have found him vot mg against them. On the question of strikin out the 3rd section of the constitutiona amendment reported from the ComReconstruction, the gentleman’made a s eech of which he mightwell be proud if he ha only followed the spirit of his speech in his vote. I‘h'om that speech, we upon this side expected that he was going to vote with us, and that in the end we would defeat the measure. But when the question was taken, we found the ntleman voting with the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [iMr. Srsvaivs] for the proposition, alter he had spoken against it. And on one or 2 other occasions, I believe, the Gentfrom NewYork stands on the record as affirming by his votes precisely the contrary Of the positions he had taken in his speeches. This being the case, we upon this side naturally infer that whenever the gentleman makes a speech in favor of a proposition, he of course will vote against the proposition.
Mr. RAYMOND. Well, Mr. Speaker, the inference which the gentleman assures me that side of the House draw in such cases is cred itable to their candor as well as their intelli gence. Now, sir, he may learn from this in stance, as well as some others to which he has alluded, that the inferences which he and his associates on that side of the House have at various times taken the liberty to draw concerning my action, have no foundation whatever exccpt in their imaginations, or perhaps theirhopes. It seems to have entered the heads of the gentleman and some of his associates that I was here to follow their lead, to vote as they wished or hoped I would vote. Sir, I trust that by this time they have corrected that impression. I have never said or done anything to give any countenance to it. he gentleman taunts me with having voted for the 3rd section of the constitutional amendment recently passed by this House, after I had made a s eech against it. Sir, permit me to say that Idid no such thing. I spoke against that proposition, and I should have voted against it if the gentleman and his associates had not joined those on our side who were in favor of it to prevent me and others from having a chance to vote against it. I do not think the gentleman and his associates are entitled to claim any particular credit for their action on that occasion.
Mr. ANCONA. I wish to correct the gentleman on one oint.
Mr. RAYISI ND. I do not yield to the gentlemen. I wish to conclude my answer to e Gentfrom Ohio, [Ma Ls Hausa] 1 p I wish to say further, that whenever the gentleman and hlS associates combine with those of my own political friends who do not entirely concur with me to prevent me from voting so as to express my sentiments, I shall vote as I choose, without asking the gentleman’s consent or that of his associates. Ifin the record of his action and that of his associates on that particular occasion the gentleman can find anything of which he thinks he ought to be proud, I commend him to cherish it with the utmost care, for it will be one of the very few things of which he can be read. [Laughten] Now, sir, we will rop the subject of the 3rd section here unless the Gentfrom Ohio has some other question he would like to ask me.
Mr. LeBlOND. Oh, no. I hope I will be pardoned for saying that the history of the gentleman’s speeches and votes will speak for itself. I trust he will have capacity enough when he gets home to his constituents to bar monize the one with the other. I confess my inability to do so, and hence my inference.
Mr. RAYMOND. I do not know that the gentleman is called upon to reconcile my votes and my speeches. It will be quite enough for him to reconcile his own with sound political principles and common sense. [Laughter.]
Mr. LeBlOND. If the gentleman will permit, I will say that my own votes and the few remarks I have made, I think, will tally and harmonize. I do not thinkl have ever been in the unfortunate position of my friendfrom NewYork. He started outat this session of Congress with one foot on the shoulder of AndrewJohnson, and the other foot on the shoulder of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. Sir wuss]g These 2 gentlemen have been diverging, and he is still trying to keep his feet upon them both. God knows what will become of the body if the diverge much further. His legs I do not nd belongating much. I he e they possess elastic power which will enable im at east to preserve his life. [Laughten]
Mr. RAYMOND. Well, sir, I am not half so much concerned with reference to my position as the Gentfrom Ohio. I consider that my votes are within my control, and as yet I have found no difficulty in standing upon my own platform. It may not suit the Gentfrom Ohio; it may not suit some gentlemen in my own party; but it suits me perfectly. I have found some reason to regret that gentlemen did not agree with me. I am in the condition of the obstinate juror who wondered how it. was that those 11 obstinate fellows would hold out against him. f[Lnughten] I will not say that my friendfrom Ohio has always voted against me. He has several times vote with ‘me. I have regarded it as a sign of remaining grace that he and his friends have a few times voted with me on what I regarded as sound political principles. Whenever they depart from them and attempt to compel me to vote as they do I shall take the liberty of voting as I lease. I do not now that I had anything more to say on the pending question except this, that I shall vote for the substitute of the Gentfrom Connecticut. I believe what little 1 have said has been in favor of that substitute, and therefore I hope that the Gentfrom Ohio will understand I am going to vote as I have spoken.
Mr. MOORHEA I). lwould ask the Gentfrom Massachusetts whether the report of my colleague from Pennsylvania in favor of League Island is not the repor' of the ComNavAffrs.
Mr. KELLEY. I now call the previous question.
Mr. PIKE. I appeal to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania not to call the previous question. I desire to say a few words.
Mr. KELLEY. After the previous question shall have been sustained, I will yield a portion of the hour to which I will be entitled to the Gentfrom Maine, [Min Pisa]
The Speaker. The Gentfrom Pennsylvania PMr. KELLEY] having reported the bill is entit ed, under the rule, to one hour in which to close the debate.
Mr. KELLEY. I yield ten minutes to the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. PIKE] who is a member of the ComNavAtfairs.
Mr. WRIGHT. I would like to ask the gentleman a single question: whether this bill says a single word about an iron clad navy yard ‘?
Mr. PIKE. Not a single word; if there was I would not vote for it. The bill is simply in its effect a transfer of the navy yard from Phil adelphia 3 miles down the river to League Island, not costing the Government a copper.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I ask the gentleman to yield to allow me to offer a proviso which is entirelyacceptable to the committee.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Will not the gentleman allow it at least to be read 'I
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I will not object to its being read for information.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I desire to offer the following proviso as an amendment to the bill: Provided, That if League Island be selected the navy yard at Philadelphia shall be dispensed with and disposedof by the U.S. assoon as the public conveniencewill admit.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I object to its being offered.
The Speaker. The previous question having been 2nded, it requires unanimous consent to offer the amendment.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. will not insist on his objection. interfere with his proposition.
Mr. PIKE. I will say in relation to that amendment that there is no need of it. As a matter of course when we have possession of League Island, and the movable articles of the Navy at Philadelphia are transferred there, as they may be very readily, there being little that is permanent there, no stone dock, nothing but a sectional dock which is very easily moved; as soon as they are transferred there of course the navy yard at Philadelphia will be disposed of. It stands then, in brief, in this way: whether or not, without disturbing the general navy yard arrangements of which I have spoken, we will sell the Philadelphia navy yard and receive for it, it is said, a million or a million and a half of dollars, and accept in lieu of it from the city of Philadelphia, as a free gift, some 600 acres of land, which has cost that city $300,000, and with the money received from the sale of the old yard at Phil adelphia build as large or as small a yard on League Island as may be necessary. I have no doubt 40 acres of land high above tide, capable of as good use for a navy yard as any fort' acres in this country, can be produced on caguc Island for a sum notexceeding 150,000 dollars. I have sat isfied my mind that a very considerable less sum would do it. We should then have 40 acres in place of 20, and the remainder of the island would be open for improvement. Can there be any doubt of the wisdom of the bargain? There is no one single advantage that the present yard has over one established at League Island; while at League Island, aside from the immense space, great enough for all the possibilities of the future, are the numerous advantages which have already been ointed out. In my judgment the House would be exceedingly unwise to refuse this muuificent gift and I cannot believe they will do it.
Mr. KELLEY resumed the floor. I I hope the gentleman Thisdoes not ll
Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts. I desire to ask the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. PIKE] a question.
Skip Skip Mr. ELDRIDGE. I move to reconsider the vote by which The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. Mr. GARFIELD. I move to lay that motion on the table.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I hope the question will not be opened to general debate again by reconsidering the vote by which the main question was ordered.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. It is not theintention to open the general debate, but merely to afford an opportunity to move an amendment.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Is it not in order for me to have my amendment reported?
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Then ask the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] to read it as a art'of his remarks.
The SPEAKER. The Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] is entitled to the floor.
Mr. BltANDEGEE. I rise to a question of order. A motion has been made to reconc sider the vote by which the iiiniii question was ordered, and I have moved to lay that motion to reconsider upon the table. llow, than, can the Chair recognize any genilcunin ns entitled to the floor?
The SPEAKER. The Chair sustains the point of order. The iitleinnn ti om Pennsylvania [MP Ksimurfiiclded the floor to the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. ELDRIDGE] to move to reconsider the vote by which the main question was ordered, and a.motion was made to lay that motion on the table. No further debate is therefore in order.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Then I withdraw my motion and resign the floor to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [Mr. KEI.LEY.]
Mr. KELLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is known to every member of the case that it is not desired by anybod to maintain the present navy yard at Phila elpliia alter League Island shall be accepted. The original proposition which I submitted to this House contained a clause for the sale of that yard; but the bill reported by the Naval Committee does not appear to have embodied that clause. I regret it exceedingly, and I would gladly have the bill amended by the proposition ol the Gentfrom Wisconsm so as to add his proviso; which is as follows: Provided, That. if League Island be selected, the navy yard at Philudcl but shall be dispensedwith and disposedof by public conveniencetWheill andimteidt.Statesas soon as the I would be glad if Congress could give such on expression of its opiniou, and thus sanction what the SecyNavy has so constantly pressed upon us and upon the people of Philadelphia, and that which the so ar ently desire, the removal of the small, yard which obstructs several of their main streets and impedes the commercial rowth of the city.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. fiVill the gentleman let me offer that amendment?
Mr. KELLEY. I cannot yield further at this time, as the gentleman‘s proposition would require unanimous consent, and the Gentfrom Connecticut stands there ready to object to it. Let me say aword further. This bill does not ask the Government to accept League Island without a full investigation. But it does ask the appointment of a commission to pass upon it before it accepts the title.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Will the Gentfrom Pennsylvania now yield me the floor to make the motion to reconsider?
Mr. KELLEY. I will yield the residue of in time to the Gentfrom Wisconsin for whatever purpose he pleases.
Skip Skip Mr. ELDRIDGE. I move to reconsider the vote by which the main question was ordered. Mr. BRANDEGEE. mtRtv on the table. The question was put; and there were ayes 23, noes 71. So the House refused to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table. The motion by which the main question was ordered was then reconsidered. The question recurred upon 2nding the demand for the previous question. Mr. KELLE. I with mm the demand for the previous question.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I move to amend the bill by offering thereto the following proviso: Provided, That if Leanne Island be selected.the navy yard at Philadelphia shall be dispensedwith and disposedof by the U.S. as soon as the public conveniencewill admit. Upon that amendment and upon the bill I demand the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. The question was taken on Mr. Emminci i’s amendment, and it was agreed to.
Mr. Bamnnuss’s substitute was then read, as follows: Whereasvarious siteson or near the Atlantic sea board have been altered to the Government of the U.S. for naval purposes.with special ref erence to the repair, construction and laying up in ordinary of iron vesselsp and whereas it is eminently desirable that the bestsite should beselectedby the Governmentfor the purposenamed: Therefore. be it resolved bu the Senate and [Imueof Representa hceaof the U.S.A. in Congressmnem bled, That the POTUS he and he is hereby, authorized and directed to appoint a commission of not lessthan 7 competent officers and engineers, whoseduty it shall beto make careful examination and survey of each of said proposed lites and to report to Congress the comparativead vantagesor disadvantagesof each.a nd y the selec 20;! which the public interestswill best be pro0. The question recurred on the amendment offered by Mr. Rica, of Massachusetts, to the substitute offered by Mr. Bamnncns, to strike out the wordstaAgneds to report to Congressthe comparativeadvan or disadvantages of each and by the selection of which the public interestswill be bestpromotedAnd to insert in lieu thereof the following: And the SecyNavy is hereby authorized to receive and accept, in be nlf of the Government of the U.S. for naval purposes the title to the site which shall be recommendedby a majoriiy of isaid. That daapsebrfeesettaadnapitneddetfoerns saihidlopti tuler shall be guarantied to we U.S and such an amonnt of land, without costto the U.S., and including the use and control of such riparian rights and privileges and of such ohanncls and wa ters adjacent.as in the judgment of the said board may be necessary and snflicient for the use of the Governmentfor the purposescontemplated.
Skip Skip The question was taken on the amendment of the substitute; and it was agreed to ayes 85, noes not counted. The question recurred on the substitute as amended; and being put, there were ayes 61, noes 61.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I think this is a question of sufficient importance for us to have the yeas&nays upon it, and I demand the yeas and uays.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the negative yous 55, nays 64, not voting 64; So the substitute was disagreed to. During the roll call, Mr. BILANDEGEI'. said: My colleague, Mr. Dannie, is detained at home by sickness in his family. Mr. LAFLIN said: I desire to state thatI am paired on this question with my colleague, Mr. DAi'is. Mr. PERHAM said: On this question I am paired with Mr. hIll.LElt. Were e iresent he would vote in the negative andI should vote in the affirmative. Mr. RAYMOND said: Iain aired with Mr. Srnvsxs, who, if present, wou d vote in the negative on this question, while I would vote in the aflirmative. Mr. TROWBRIDGE said: My colleague, Mr. Fnaiiv, who has been suffering from in di position for several days, has been obliged tosIiaave the House today on account of sickness. Mr. WINDOM said: Iam paired with Mr. ltioi i. of Maine. Mr. ANCONA said: Oneof in colleagues Mr. Jounsos, is paired with Mr. Dixon; and another of my colleagues, Mr. S'raousi i, is paired with Mr. WASHBURN, of Massachusetts. Both my colleagues. if present, would vote against this substitute and for the bill. Mr. BItANDEGEE said: My colleague, Mr. wARNER, is detained from his seat on account ofindisposition. If he were present he would vote in favor of the substitute. The result of the vote was announced as above rec ed. Mr. KE LEY mtRtv the substitute was disagreed to; on the table. agreed to. The bill, as amended, was then ordered to be engrossed and read a 3rd time. he question was upon reading the bill the 3rd time. Mr. TAYLOR called for the reading of the engrossed bill. The Speaker. The engrossed bill is not upon the Clerk’s desk at present.
Mr. RANDALL, of Penns lrania. I move that the House adjourn, an upon that question I call the yeas&nays. By the time they are taken the engrossed bill will be here.
Mr. BRANDEGEE. I appeal to my friendfrom NewYork [Mr. TAYLOR] to withdraw his call for the reading of the engrossed bill. Let us take the vote upon the passage of the bill b yeas&nays, and if he ma'ority of the house are in flavor of passing lthe ill, then let them pass it.
Mr. TAYLOR. Very well; I will withdraw my call for the readin of the engrossed bill.
Mr. RANDALL, of ’eni'isylvania. And I will withdraw my motion to adjourn. The bill, asameuded, was then read the 3rd time. The question was upon thopassage of the bill.
Mr. RANDEGE t‘. I ml for the yeas and as s on the passage of the bill. I‘he yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the agilirmative yeas 71, nays 46, not voting 66; So the bill was passed. During the roll call, Mr. LATHAM said: On this question I am paired with the Gentfrom i Maryland, Mr. Jens L. THOMAS. if he had been present In would have voted against the bill, and I would have voted for it. Mr. RAYMOND said: I am paired on this question with Mr. STEVENS. He is in favor of the bill and I am op used to it. Mr. LAFLIN sai: I am paired with my colleague, Mr. Davis, if he had been present he would have voted lor the bill, and I. would have voted against it. Mr. ANCONA said: My colleagues, Mr. Jouuson and Mr. Sriiorsiz, who are both in favor of the bill, are aired with the gentlemen from RhdIsland, Mr. DIXON, and Mr. WAsHBURN, of Massachusetts.
Mr. KELLEY. I move to amend the title o“f the bill just passed by adding to it the words and to dispense with and dispose of the site of the existing yard at Philadelphia.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, mtRtv the bill was passed and the title of the bill was amended; on the table. agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. FORNEY, its Secretary, informed the House that the senate had concurred in the passage of House bill No. 15, authorizing documentary evidence of titles to be furnished to owners of lands in the city of 'StLouis.
Skip Skip LEAVE or ABSENCE. The Speaker asked leave of absence for Mr. Dixox for one week from tomorrow. Leave was granted. Mr. NICHOLSON asked leave of absence till next Tuesday. Leave was granted. Mr. LeBlOND asked leave of absence till next Tuesday. Leave was granted. Mr. PERHAM asked leave of absence for Mr. Lvncn for one week. Leave was granted. ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS AGAIN.
Mr. ANCONA introduced the following concurrent resolution, upon which he called the previous question: Resolved by the Senate and HoRep. That the President protempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the HoRep be authorized to closethe present session by adjourning their respective Houses on Thursday, the 28thof June instant, at 12 o'clock m.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question was ordered, which was upon the passage of the resolution. l
Mr. MORRILL. Upon that question I call for the yeas&nays. There is most important business still before Congress which must be acted on at this session, and which cannot be disposed of by the time named in this resolution.
Mr. LeBlOND. Work the harder, then, and you will get through the quicker.
Skip Skip The question was taken upon ordering the yeas&nays; and upon a division there were aycs 21, noes 85. So (one 5th not voting in the affirmative) the yeas&nays were not ordered. The question recurred upon the paesage of the concurrent resolution, and being taken, there were, upon a division ayes 69, noes 39. So the concurrent resolution was passed. Mr. ANCONA mtRtv the concurrent resolution was passed; on the table. Mr. MORRILL. Upon that question I call for the yeas and Days. Mr. ANCONA. Then I withdraw my motion to reconsider and lay on the table. NATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION.
Mr. GARFIELD. I call for the regular order of business.
The SPEAKER. The next business in order is the consideration of House bill No. 276, to establish a national Bureau of Education, upon which the Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. Mow. ros is entIQed to the floor. It
Mr. GRI. NELL. Will the Gentfrom Illinois yield to me that I may make a mtRtv the JtResolution relative to the final adjournment of Cop‘gress was passed?.
Mr. MOUL ON. I yield for that purpose, With the understanding that I do not lose my right to the floor. ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS AGAIN.‘
Mr. GRINNELL. I move to reconsiderthe vote by which the JtResolution fixing the time for the adjournment of Congress was passed.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I move that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table.
Mr. conKLING. On that motion I call for the eas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the ne ntive yeas 34, nays 61, not voting 88;. So the motion to reconsider was not laid on the table. The question recurred on the mtRtv the JtResolution was passed. On agreeing to the motion there were ayes 49, noes 39; no quorum voting.
Mr. BANKS. I move that the House adjourn. The motion was a reed to; and thereii on (at 5 o’clock p. mg the House adjourne.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions. $20.werepresentednndor the rule and referredto the appropriate committees: Mr. DAVIS: The petition of W. Randall. R. I. Duell, and 500others bankers. businessmen and citizens of Cortland county.NewYork. praing for an act postponingtheimposition of the tax 0 10%. on State bunk circulation to takeoffecton the lat day of July Iioxt till someperiod after that time. Mr. GARFIELD: The petition of 116citizens of ‘hompson. Genusa county. Ohio, asking for increasedprotection to American wool. B RILLAFLING The iaorialofFolgerBrothers. of effersoncounty. Now ork. in favor of the transfer of 3 CanadianvesselstoAmerican bo toms. Also. the petition of J. L. Leonard and 0t ers, of Lewis countgy.NewYork. in favor of a changeIn the lawBytaxing rtote bunk circulation 10%. Mr. RAYMOND: The petition of W. W. Rich rnond, for niyment for sorvu'esas secretary of le ution in russels and commercial agent in Stoutmo.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. FRIDAY, June 8, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain. Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Secretary proceeded to read the Journal of yesterday.
Mr. CLARK. I move that the reading of the Journal be dispensed with unless some Senator desires to have it read.
The PRESIDENT protempore. It can be dispensed with by unanimous consent only. No objection being made, the reading of the Journal is dispensed with.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana, from the ComPensions, to whom was referred the petition of Mrs. Nancy A. Stooks, vidow of Reu ben Stocks, praying fora pension. submitted st that it lie upon a report accompanied by a bill (S.No.358) ranting a pension to Mrs. Nancy A. Stocks. ‘hc bill was read and passed to a 2nd read in, and the report was ordered to be printed. TIe also, from the same committee, to whom was referred the etition of Hopestill Bigelow, of New Market, NewJersey, praying that he may be granted 11 years’ back pay due him as a pensioner of the war of 1812, submit ted a report, accompanied by a bill (S.No.359) for the relief of Hopestill Bige ow, of New Market, NewJersey. The bill was read and passed to a 2nd reading, and the report was ordered to be printed.
Mr. POMEROY., from the ComPubLands, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.336) grantin lands to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from Salt Lake City to the Columbia river, reported it with amendments. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.343) to quiet land titles in California, reported it wi i amendments.
Mr. WILLEY, from the ComDistCol, to whom was referred a a bill (H.R.No. 601) to grade East Capitol street and establish Lincoln square, reported it without amendment. BILLS INTRODUCED., Mr. ANTHONY asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.860) in amendment of an act to provide for the better organization of the pay dept of the Navy; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComNavAffrs.
Mr. WI LLEY asked, and by unanimous consent obtained. leave to introduce a bill (S.No.361) to authorize W. J. Sibley and others, trust ees, to sell lot No. 9, in square No. 76, in the city of Washington; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComDistCol. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Mr. GRIMES. I move thatall prior orders be suspended, and that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the special order.
Mr. POMEROY. I hope the Senator will riot press that motion for the present. I should be glad to proceed with the consideration of Senate bill No. 285, which the Senate had under consideration yesterday during the moming hour, and which we can conclude, I suppose, in a very few minutes.
The PRESIDENT protempura. The Chair will state the motion and then it will be subject to discussion. It is moved that the Senate postpone all prior orders and proceed to the conSideration of the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the constitution of the U.S.
Mr. POMEROY. I do not like to antago nize the bill which I havementioned against the special order, but I desire to have some portion of the morning hour devoted to its consideration.
Mr. CONNESS. I hope the Senator will not antagonize anything With the special order today, but that we shall take it up so as to be able to get a vote with certainty today.
Mr. I OMEROY. Is it understood that we are to vote upon it today?
Mr. POMEROY. It we can get that out of the way I will not object.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on the motion of the Senfrom Iowa. T he motion was agreed to. DEF‘IOIENCIES IN HOUSE CONTINGENT FUND.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I ask that the consid ei‘ation'of the special order may be delayed for a single moment until I can re art a bill from the ComFinance, which the HoRep think is very important to them should be passed immediately: I report back, without amendment, from the Commit; toe on Finance, the hill (H.R.No. 654) making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the a ‘propriations for contingent expenses of the HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. The HoRep are anxious to have this bill passed at once. Their appropriations have been very much reduced by sundry special committees that have been raised there. It will take but a moment to consider the bill, and‘I ask the Senate to proceed to its consideration.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The Chair can receive the report only by unanimous consent.
Mr. CLARK. There is unanimous consent. There being no objection, the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill. It appropriates for miscellaneonsitems, $10,000; fer folding documents, $17, 500; for furniture and repairs, and packingboxes for members, $10,000; and for stationery, $16,000, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. The bill was reported to the Senate without amendment, ordered to a 3rd reading, read the 3rd time, and passed. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Mr. RIDDLE. Some days ago I reported from the ComDistrict of olum bia a bill (S.No.227) to incorporate the Wash ington Glass Company. The bill has been shown to the Senfrom Maryland, Mr. Jonsson] and he has assented to it. this merely an act of incorporation; and, with an amendment, the committee unanimously recommend its passage. 1 ask the Senate to take it u now and pass it.
The PRESIENT protempore. The Senfrom Delaware moves to postpone the present and all prior orders, and that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the bill he has indicated.
Mr. RIDDLE. This bill will not take a minute.
Mr. CLARK. I hope, as the special order is now before the Senate, that we shall go on with it and consider it without any interruption. The bill reported from the ComFinance was of great importance, and on that account we gave way to it.
Mr. RIDDLE. I hope the Senfrom NewHampshire will waive his objection. This bill will not take a minute.
Mr. CLARK. That minute can be had after we get through with the special order just as well as now.
Mr. POMEROY. ofany bill. If the bill which I asked to have considered cannot be considered this morning, I do not want any others considered.
The PRESIDENT protern ore. The Chair understood the Senfrom Delaware to make a motion, and not merely to ask the consent of the Senate.
Mr. RIDDLE. Ipresume there is no necessity for insisting upon it this morning, and I withdraw the motion.
Mr. CLARK. I hope the Senfrom Del aware will not ress his bill just at this time.
Mr. RIDDLE. I will not. I withdraw the motion.
Mr. COWAN. I should like to ask how those persons excluded are to be ascertained; how the number of them is to be ascertained. How is it to be determined how many are ex: cluded because they have not paid a tax Within: 2 years in my State, and how many are ex! cluded because they have not resided in a particular district a certain length of time before, voting? I suggest that these things seem to be of some difficulty in the proper determination of this question.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Allow me to ask the Senator a question, by way of illustration.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Suppose there are 200,000 male citizens in a State above 21 years of age, and they are all allowed to vote; then the whole 200,000 would be included under this proosition as the basis. by Mr. JOHNSON. Certainly.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Now, suppose the State denies the right to vote to 20 or 50,000 of that number, the basis is reduced precisely in that proportion. The language is explicit that the basis shall be reduced in that proortion. li
Mr. JOHNSON. We shall see about that in a moment. It is in the proportion that the numb excluded bears to the entire number included and excluded.
Mr. FESSENDEN. No; in the proportion that it bears to the whole number 0? male citizens 21 'ears of age and upward.
Mr. CLARK. Do you mean the committee of 15?
Mr. JOHNson. There was but one committee of 15; but I believe, or at least it is shrewdly suspected, that there has been another committee.
Mr. CONNESS. What does the Senator know about that?
Mr. I ILLIAMS. I understood the senator to say that he had proposed to make some remarks upon the amendment that I offered.
Mr. WILLIAMS. With the permission of the Senator I will state here that the amendment which I offered I' find is subject to some verbal criticism which is lausible, but I do not th ink well founded. I find it so easy to remove the difficulty that, upon consultation with the committee and the other friends of the measure, I propose to strike out certain words and substitute others which will, perhaps, obviate some of the objections of the Senator.
Mr. JOHNson. I had said all I propose to say ii on it.
r. WILLIAMS. I prepose to modify it by striking out the wordsBut whenever the right to Toto at any election held under the Constitution and Lawsof the U.S or of any StateAnd to insert the words: But when the right to vote at any election for the choiceof electorsfor President and VEEP, Representatives in Congress, the executiveandjudicial officersof a State, or membersof the Legislature thoreof. Specifying particularly the officers for which these people must be allowed to vote in order to be counted.
Mr. JOHNson. That removes some of the objections to which I supposed the original proposition was subject; and that shows how exceedingly cautious we should be in these constitutional amendments; how very difficult it is to change the Constitution of the U.S. for any good purpose; and I mean by purpose, for the accomplishment of any good end. Now, what is the history of this attempt? At the beginning of the session aJtCommee of 15 was appointed to take into consideration the proper measures to be adopted, and they reported, 1st, the proposed amendment of the Constitution, of the 31st of January. That was rejected. They reported next, as a 2nd plan, on the 10th of May, 1866, one article consisting of 5 sections; and here it lay for several days, when it went through an examination elsewhere and the result was the report made by the honorable member from Michigan on the 29th of May last. Almost the entire thing lias been changed since; and here is my friendfrom Oregon, who, yesterday or the day before, after bringing all the aeutoness which belongs to him to the examination of the 2nd section as proposed by the committee, and after calling, no doubt, other friends of the measure to aid him, introduced his substitute for the 2nd section; and only 2 days have gone by when he has become satisfied that he was wrong.
Mr. JOHNson. Or, if he has not, he has not been able to satisfy his friends that he is right; which is pretty much the same thing: and he says very frankly that he proposes to amend it. Sir, without meanin to dismragn the members of the Senate o the U.S., or the men of the present e found in the public councils, either of the ‘tates or of the IU.S., I have a very shrewd suspicion thaws are not this superiors of the men who formed the Convention that adopted the Constitution.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I beg to ask the honorable Senator whether the members of the convention which originally formed the Constitution of the U.S., with all their wisdom, did not have about as much difficulty in making the Constitution as we have in agreeing upon amendments?
Mr. CONNESS. Because you are disfranchised.
Mr. JOHNson. Because you are disfranchised. So are women disfranchised; so are rebels disfranchised: so are children disfranchised; so are the Chinese in California disfranchised. Why do you want to represent them? You have them all represents under this amendment. I have had occasion before to statewhat I supposed to be the clear misappreheason of this doctrine. The honorable memberscems to suppose that representationand the franchise are identical. 'They are as different as light from darkness. The Constitution says so; your own amendment proclaims it. You say that representation is to depend upon numbers. So did your fathers say so. They said it and You have followed their teaching, because they said it was a right to be represented, but nota right to vote. In the language of Hamilton, in the Federalist to which I have referred, that was a personal right, which, upon the theo of our institutions, ought to be secured, an just in proportion as it is denied just in that proportion are you trampling upon the theory or Violating the theory. Now you want, I suppose, whatever you do to be adopted. Do you suppose that the States who are to lose representation by this measure, unless they agree to bring about the contingency which it is to avert, will adopt this amendment?
Mr. JOHNson. Then you misapprehend the southern people just as much as you did before the war commenced. I do not mean you gentlemen individually. There was an impression at the North that the South was not in earnest. There was a corresponding impression at the South that the North was not both fatal errors; the 1st just as fatal as the last. I say the South will not adopt it, because your people, if you were in a condition in which your rights would be so affected by this amendment as will beits operation upon the rights of the South, would not adopt it. Massac usetts never would agree to an amendment which was to deprive her of a part of her representation unless she would consent to abandon a policy which she had adopted from the beginning of her existence. And yet you ask us to do it. The whole effect and the whole object I have a right to say that, because that is the whole operation of the amendment the whole effect of the proposed amendment is to strike a blow at the southern States who are now, according to my theory, in the Union, and who are in the Union upon the theory of this amendment, unless they will agree to a policy at war with the policy illustrated throughout their entire history., / What more do you do? By the 3rd section you exclude from the right of holding any office, State or Federal, a class which will be fimnd to embrace the best men within the lim is of these States. Do you suppose that the iouth will agree to that? There may be a few men imported there from some of the eastern or northern States, who have gone there lately, who will consent to it; but the original southern men will never consent to a constitutional amendment which strikes at a large class, in deed, of the entire claSs within which is to be found the best men and the wisest men within their limits.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. Do Iunderstand the Senator to say that they include all the best men and the wisest men of the South?
Mr. JOHNson. Some of the best and wisest; I did not mean all.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I understood you to say all.
Mr. JOHNSON. It includes nearly all, because nearly all of them have been in the Legislature or Congress or held some official station; and all who have held any office of any description, civil or military, under the U.S., or under any State, who have been members of Congress or officers of the U.S or members of any State legislature or of any executive or judicial office ofany State, and have taken the oath to support the constitution, as they must all have one, are to be excluded from the right to hold office.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. lapologize; Idid not understand the Senator.
Mr. YATES. Mr. President, I had not expected to say anything upon this question. I referred to proceed to a vote immediately. e have had much debate upon it. I know the anxiety which gentlemen feel to come to a.vote on this question, and I shall say but a very few words. I have thought that in consequence of the position which oasumodin the epnniag of less. the session, and from the fact that my heart has not been entirely in favor of the measures which have been proposed, and still not opposed to them, I may say, it became me to explain my views. It seems to be fashionable in this day for gentlemen who presume to think their views should be known to avail themselves of the opportunity to explain their position. I propose to do so now; and that may speak more directly to the purpose, that I maypresent the views which I wish 1 to present and which I promise to detain the Senate but a very few minutes in stating, I will send to the desk of the Clerk an amendment which I propose to be added as a last section to the sections already under consideration. not so much that I care whether a vote is taken on it or not, but simply as the basis of the very few remarks which I shall submit on the present occasion,
The Secretary read as follows: Nothing in the foregoing sections shall abridgeor in nuywisesheet the rights. franchises, or privileges of any inhabitant of the U.S., or of any State or Territory of the U.S. guarantled by the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery within the U.S., in force on the 18thday of December, 1865.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I ask leave to make a report. I have here an extended report from the committee of 15, socalled, the ComReconstruction, giving their views and reasons with reference to the JtResolution which they submitted to the Senate and the conclusions to which they arrived. It was my hope that some time in the course of this debate, before the vote was taken, I might have the opportunity to lay the whole report before the Senate andhave itread, but it is now so late an hour, and as gentlemen are desirous of taking the vote, an it has been agreed to take it today, that I do not feel that it would be right to attempt to have it read in detail. I therefore move that it be laid upon the table and printed. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. JOHNson. It was understood in committee that if there should be any member who did not agree with the majority of the committee he would be at liberty to make a counter or minority report, and I merely rise for the purpose ofsaying that as such is the condition in whichI stand, and in which 2 or 3 other members of the committee stand, I shall avail myself of that privilege at as early a day as possible.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. Mr. President, there is no one who more admires the rhetoric or the eloention of the Senfrom Illinois than I, for I have known him from ancient days; but the people of Illinois a long time ago said by a formaI act of legislative power that no person of African blood should go into the State of Illinois; and that is now, I believe, still on 'our statute book.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I remember very well, for I inhabited in and about that part of the world a long time ago, then it was thought iinprovident in the State of Illinois to allow colored people to come within their lines, and it was incorporated into their fundamental law and that has not been, if I am correct, (banged up to this time. I ask the Senfrom Illinois if it has been.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The constitution has not been altered; the law has been.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. l only mention this as the text for my own opinion, ml was conversant with that State at that time, and the people., then held that a negro or a man of African descent was not a vahiable property in the State of Illinois. That is the opinion there now, and when it comes to be questioned by my friends from Illinois, they will find that there is the same opinion in Illinois yet. They think yet that Government belongs to the white race. That is the simple, clear proposition. It is refuted. The converse is affirmed in Massachusetts and some other places, and I saw there was a meetin in Boston a short time since where they sai thatif the right of suffrage was not granted to the African there would be a bloodier war than the last war through which we have gone. I will give you a response to that, coming from a dilfei'ent part of the country. It is from a secessionist. I will state it exactly. He came back home, and had reintegrated himself. A friend of mine met him at Louisville, Kentuck, and said to him, “ How are you, Benham? how about this being down on Beauregard’s staff?” He replied, “I was there.” “ How about it now?” He answered, I tell you that I am the best Union man in the U.S., and if on will give me a chance I will rove it, and I will prove it in this wise: let Massachusetts and company undertake to secede, and then I will prove my Unionism.”
Mr. HOWARD. I do not wish to call the Senfrom California to order; but he must be aware that his observations are not very pertinent to the question now before the senate, and I am very anxious to bring this measureto a final vote before we adjourn.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I will not occupy the floor longer. I mean to say this by way of aflirmation of my opinions upon one of the gravest questions that has arisen in these times. I believe firmly, and I believe sternly, that this is a Government where there should be no mongrel races. I would not permit it if I had the power to resist it, and I will give my voice a aiiist it, and I give it now.
The PRESIDIb GOFFICER, (Mr. POMEBOY in the chair.) The question before the senate is on the amendment of the Senfrom Oregon [Mr. WILLIAMS as a substitute for the 2nd section of the resolution. The amendment has been modified by the mover, and it will be read as modified.
The Secretary read the amendment as mod ified, which was to strike out the 2nd section of the resolution and to insert the following in lieu thereof: Representatives shall be ap portioned amen! the several States according to t bers, counting eir respective num the whole number of persons in each State. excluding Indians not taxed. But when the riirhtto vote at any electionfor the choiceof elect ors for President and VEEP reeiiiplresentatives in Congress.the executive. officersofa State, or the membersof the Lexislatiire thereof is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being 21 years of llfifilllld citizensof the U.S.:or in any way a ridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basisof representationtherein shall be reduced in the proortion which the number of such male citizenssha lbear to the whole number of male citizens 21 yearsof agein such State.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom Michigan proposes 2 amendments to the amendment submitted by the Senfrom Oregon. The 1st amendment will be read.
The Secretary read the amendment, which was to strike out in the 4th line of the amendment, after the word “ taxed " the wordsBut when the right to vote at any election for the choiceof electors for President and VEEP. Representativesin Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a State, or the membersof the Legislaturethereof And to insert in lieu thereof: But whenovor the right to vote at an electionheld under lhcconstitution andlawsof any tatsfor incmbers of the mostnumerousbranch of its Legislature. So that the amendment, if amended, will read: Representatives shall be apportioned among the severalStatesaccordingto their respective nuui crs, ceoxuclnutdininggthe whole number of personsin eachState. Indians not taxed. utwhcneverthe right to vote at any election held under the constitution and laws of an State for members of‘the most numerous brunt: of its Legislature is denied to any of the male inhabitants ofsuch State.620.
Mr. HENDRICKS. It is not m purpose to delay the vote but a moment. have desired to accommodate the Senator who wishes to leave, and shall not be in the way of that result, but it is my duty to call the attention of the Senfrom Michigan to the language of the 1st section. He says that the word “abridged” as found in the 2nd section in its connection with the right of suffrage, is of such uncertain meaning that it ought not to be used in the Constitution; that it would carry cases into the courts; and therefore the word ought not to be used. Now, I find the same word used in the 1st section of this article, and in a very important connection, if possi lble in a more important connection than that in which it is found in the 2nd section: No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridgethe privileges or iinniunities of citizens of the U.S. If the chairman I was going to say the chairman of the caucus, but I will not say that if the distinguished Senator who has this measure now in charge says to the Senate that the word “abridged, ” in its connection with the rightof suffrage, is of such uncertain meaning that it should not be used in the Constitution in that connection, is it proper that that word shall be used in the 1st section in relation to the rights and privileges and immunities of citizens?
Mr. HOWARD. I think so, undoubtedly; because it is easy too ply the term “abridged” to the privileges an immunities of citizens, which necessarily include within themselves a great number of particulars. They are not a unit, an indivisible unit, like the right to vote.
Mr. COWAN. I should like to make the inquiry a in, how the abridgment or the extent of tesbridgment is to be determined in the several States where it is abridged for non-payment of taxes, or abridged for non-resi once and all that kind of thing.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the amendment of the Senfrom Miehi an to the amendment of the Senfrom regon. b
Mr. EDMUNDS. I ask that the question may be divided, so that the vote on striking out the words “or in any way abridged” may be taken so arately.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is a separate amendment. The question now is on the 1st amendment offered by the Senfrom Michigan to the amendment of the Senfrom Oregon. The amendment to the amendment was rejected.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question now is on the 2nd amendment oflered by the Senfrom Michigan to the amendment made by the Senfrom Oregon, which is in line 8 of the amendment to strike out the words or in any we abridge.” The amendment to the amendment was rejected.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question now is on the amendment of the Senfrom Oregon.
Mr. CLARK. I now move the amendment which I have heretofore offered striking out the 4th and 5th sections of the resolution and inserting a substitute; and I desire to modify the substitute by striking out the word “forever, ” in the last line, which does not add an thing to its force.
The Secretary read the proposed substitute for the 4th and 5th sections, as follows: SEC. The validity of the public debt of the U.S. authorised by law. including debts in eviiicrrccsdinfosruppapyrmesesnintogf pensionsand bounticsfor ser insurrection or rebellion shall not bequestioned. But neither the U.S. ngoarti oannyStateshall assumeor pay any debt or obli againstincurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion the U.S or any claim for the loss or emancipation of obligations. an slnve but all such debts and cliiimss all beheldillegal and void.
Mr. JOHNson. I do not understand that this changes at all the effect of the 4th and 5th sections. The result is the same.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I desire to insert in the 1st section, by general consent, after the word “born, ” the words “or naturalized, " so that the clause will read: All personsbornornaturalized in the U.S and subject to the Jurisdiction thereof.are citizens of tlliie U.S and of the State wherein they resi e. h
Mr. HOWARD. There is no objection to t at.
Mr. JOHNson. And the language was the same, “ or either of them.”
Mr. DOOLITTI.E. l have not the acts before me, but that is so. The reason is obvious. In all legislation a single member has the right to demand a vote on every single proposition; and as these distinct propositions are to be submitted to the Legislatures of the several States, they ought to be submitted in such a way that they may ratify or reject either of the propositions. Now, they are.entirely distinct from each other; the 1st defining citizenship; the 2nd on the subject of representation, the 3rd in relation to disfrancbisement; and, as amended, the 4th and 5th sections are combined in one, having reference to the public debt and the rebel debt. They are all distinct, independent propositions. They ought not to be submitted in such a way that they must all be accepted or all rejected by the States, but the States should be permitted to act upon each of them separately. I will not take up the time of the Senate in discussion, because I know the desire is to vote.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The amendment submitted a year ago was in 2 sections; so that this is not without precedent.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. The last section was simply to enforce the 1st.
Mr. JOHNSON. They were not disconnected at all.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I merel mention this to correct the statement of the enutor.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. It was substantially the same, and gave no other power but to enforce the 1st that is all.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nesttion is on the amendment of the Senfrom Wisconsin.
Mr. JOHNson. On that question I ask for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered; and being taken, resulted yeas 11, nays 33;.5. So the amendment was rejected.
Mr. DAVIS. I desire to move an amendment to the 3rd section.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair understands that the 3rd section being an amendment agreed to in committee, it is not in order to amend it now, but it will be in order when the JtResolution shall be reported to the Senate. The JtResolution was reported to the Senate as amended.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The resolution is now open to further amendment.
Mr. DAVIS. I now move to amend the 3rd section, in line 33, by striking out the words “or under any State, ” and in lines 35 and 36 by striking out the words “or as a member of an State legislature or as an executive or judicial officer of any State;” so that it will read: Sec.3. That no person shall be a Senator or representative in Congress or elector of President n nd VEEP or hold any officc civil or military under the U.S. who having previously takenan oath. us a member of congressor asan officer of the U.S.to support the Constitution of the U.S shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given aid or comfortto the enemiesthereof. But Congress may dbiysaabviolittye.of 2/3rds of each Ilouso remove sue [have barel a word to'say in explanation of this amendment. This section operates upon all officers, both of the U.S and of the States, who took an oath to support the Constitution of the U.S., and it excludes them from officein the future, as well in the States as in the U.S. The object of my amendment is simply to limit the effect of the violation of the Constitution to cases where the officer who took the oath was a U.S. officer. to exclude the ineligibility from State officers, and to restrict it entirely to Federal officers. The amendment was rejected.
Mr. DAVIS. I have another amendment to offer. It is to insert at the end of section 4: prBivuatt.e the proobpliegratytiotnak of the U.S. ntoalplacyafsoers shall remain inViolate. I will explain this amendment in a word. Section 4 reads as follows: The obligations of the U.S. incurred in suppressing insurrection or in defense of the Union or for payment of bounties or pensions incident thereto shall remain inviolate.
Mr. HENDERSON. That has been stricken out.
Mr. CLARK. But it has been inserted again in another form.
Mr. DAVIS. The effect of my amendment is simply to insert a provision that the obligation of the U.S. for the payment of private property taken for public use shall also remain inviolate. the amendment was rejected.
Mr. DAVlS. I have one more amendment and then I have done. I send it to the desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair understands that the amendment that the senator proposes is to a part that has been stricken out, and does not apply and cannot be made to apply to the text as it now stands, and therefore is not in order.
Mr. DAVIS. I wll inquire if there is not inserted in lieu of that which is stricken out something to the same effect.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Something to the same effect has been inserted, and the amendment can be made to apply to that.
The Secretary read the amendment, which was in section four, line 3, after the word bountics, ” to insert the following words: Ipeluding bounties promised to the owners of slaves enlisted into themilitary serviceof the U.S. by the act of Congressof February 29.1864.
Mr. DAVIS. I have but a word to say on the amendment. The Congress of the U.S. passed an act which I have before me. but which Iwill not read, in which they pledged the payment of certain bounties to the loyal owners of slaves that might he enlisted into the armies of the U.S. either from volunteering or by being drafted. I merely propose a guarantee in this clause for the payment of those bountics. The amendment was rejected.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on concurring in the amendments made as in ComWhole. The question will be taken on all the amendments collect ively unless some Senator desires a separate vote.
Mr. O“AWltAop(eDt.heIrwfliqsh to reserve the amendment to the 2nd section for a separate vote.
Mr. JOHNson. There are 2 or 3 of these sections that I should be willing to vote for, but I cannot vote for the whole. I think, therefore, we had better take the vote separately.
Mr. SHERMAN. I think we had better take the vote on the sections separately.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the Senator ask for a separate vote on all the amendments?
Mr. SHERMAN. I ask that each section be read, and that the vote be taken on them so arately.
Mr. GRIMES. That cannot be done, as I understand. They are all embodied in one res olution. The idea sug ested by the Senfrom Ohio is substantially the reposition of the Senfrom Wisconsin, which was voted down. I know that his proposition was to submit these sections as articles to the States separately; but all these propositions are before us in oneJtResolution.
Mr. SHERMAN. Each section has been amended, and as a matter of course we can act on them separately.
Mr. GRIMES. You can act on the amends merits separately.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on concurring in the amendments made as in ComWhole, and the question must be taken on each amendment separately if called for by any Senator. The 1st amendment will he read.
The Secretary read the 1st amendment, which was to insert at the beginning of the 1st “8 “men men now 8'51 ‘5 mow saves section the following words: All personsbornornatpralized in the U.S and subjectto the jurisdiotion thereof.are citizens of the U.s. andof the State wherein they reside.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I move that the resolution under consideration be postponed until Tuesday next at one o’clock.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It was agreed yester da that we should take the vote today. In HOWARD. I hope it will not. be post poned. It was understood that we should come to a final vote today.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. In making the motion, I wish to give the reason why I make it. This business of amending the Constitution should be carefuil done; and about many of these provisions I am myself still in great doubt. though I have looked at them as carefully as I could.I do not think we should hasten constitutional amendments. It takes a great deal of hard work to get out foundation stones, and now we are undertaking to lay foundation stones. I say the measure had better be manipulated a little more than it has been, so that we may know that we do exactly right whether we affirm or disaffirm the proposition.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I am not disposed to vote upon it at all. Of course I can be subjected to the power of a majority as organized in caucus; but I must say it is the 1st time in the history of this Republic that legislative matters and great constitutional questions were settled in party caucus. That as transpired for the 1st time in our history during the recent war and during the past and present Administrations. It deprives men of the right of counsel. Those who have the violence and trength of the majority can exert it; but I have a right to be heard upon all these questions. '1‘ new is no party organization that has the right, under our system of government, to so organize themselves that they shall super sede the system under which our Government was established, and when they do it it is an act of tyrannous power. It is glorious to have u giant’s power. but tyrannous to use it like a giant. amt, ire. The motioli 1‘ i = notvagreed to. ‘1, BiqiThe question 'i dm‘dtl made as i. " “erf.ff mgjeIoHtQiZo.n.e I? is on concurrin in Committee of the proposed The amendments
Mr. JOHNson. I am decidedly in favor of the 1st part of the section which defines what citizenship shall be, and in favor of that part of the section which denies to a State the:right to deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due recess of law, but I think it is “ nite objectionable to provide that no State 5 all make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S., ” simply because Ihdo not understand what will be the effect of that.
Mr. CLARK. We have concurred in the amendments made as in ComWhole to the 1st section.
Mr. JOHNson. That is all. You have not agreed to the words to which I now object. I more, therefore, to amend the section as it now stands by strikin out the words “ make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S.; nor shall any State;" so as to make it read: No State shall deprive any person of life liberty or property without due process of law. nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Mr. CONNESS. Have all the amendments made as in ComWhole been voted upon?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. They have not been.
Mr. CLARK. Oh, we may as well vote on time., The amendment was rejected.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The next amendment made as in ComWhole was to strike out the 2nd section and insert a substitute for it, which will be read.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The will of the Senate in regard to these amendments has been so emphatically expressed that I think we may as w ll take the vote on all of them without reading them. We all know what they are.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Senfrom Michigan called for a separate vote.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Then upon the others let us have one vote and be done with them.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The question now is on striking out the 2nd section and inserting alpother. Let us have the yeas and nnys on t at. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Mr. GRIMES. Is the question an concur ring in the amendment or striking it out? 'lhe PRESIDING OFFICER. On concur riu in the amendment. It
Mr. TRUMBULL. The question is on striking out the 2nd section and inserting that amendment instead of it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. We made the amendment in committee. Now the question is on concurrin in it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Very well. but concur ring in that strikes out the 2nd section and puts in another section in place of it. Those who are in favor of striking out the 2nd section asit was printed and inserting what was offered by the Senfrom Oregon [Mr. WILLIAMS] will say “ ay, ” and those who are in favor of adhering to the section as it is printed will say “no.” The question being taken by yczui&nays, results yeas 31, nays 11; 7. So the amendment to the 2nd section was concurred in. m M
Several Senators. Now let us vote on all the other amendments to ether.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. If such be the pleasure of the Senate, the question will be taken collectively on all the other amend mellts.
Mr. JOHNson. I hope not. I want a separate vote on the 3rd section.
the PRESIDING OFFICER. That is the next section.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not understand this. Can this resolution be adopted by voting on sections so separately?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is now concurring in amendments made as in ComWhole.
Mr. SHERMAN. No amendment was made to the 3rd section.
Mr. HENDRICKS. That is what I want to understand. I understand that there is no amendment from the ComWhole to the 3rd section.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Yes, we struck out the 3rd section as reported and inserted a substitute for it.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the amendment made as in ComWhole to the 3rd section.
Mr. JOHNson. I ask for the yeas&nays on that. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Mr. SHERMAN. The 3rd section was the original section that came from the House disfranchising the southern people from voting. That has been stricken out.
Mr. HOWARD. The question is on concifrring in the amendment we made to the 3rd section.
Mr. SHERMAN. That was to strike out the 3rd section which came from the House and insert another.
Skip Skip The question was taken by yeas&nays, with the following result: YEAS 42. NAY 1. ABSENT 6.
Mr. HENDRICKS, (before the result was announced.) I think the vote just taken is not correctly understood.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. No discussion is in order; the vote has not been an nounced.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I am not going into any discussion, but I have a right to ask of the Chair the precise question in time to let any gentleman change his vote if he desires to do so. The motion was not originally to strike out the tllird section as it came from the House and to insert another. They were separate motions. Then ought there not to be 2 votes upon this section now?
Mr. SHERMAN. I suppose any Senator can call for a division.
Mr. HENDRICKS. There is no need to call for a division because there were 2 distinct motions. There was 1st a motion to strike out and afterward a motion to insert something else. New, the precise question before the Senate is whether the 3rd section as it came from the House shall be stricken out, and the li there will be another question not yet voted upon by the Senate, whether we shall insert the tllird section which was agreed to as in ComWhole. That ls the way it stands.
Mr. CONNESS. I object to discussion at this time.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The discussion is not in order; the vote has not been announced.
Mr. JOHNson. I rim/not about to discuss the question. The Senfrom California? need not uppose that I propose to occupy the I time of the Senate unnecessarily. I proposed to strike out the original 3rd section as it P came from the House.
Mr. CONNESS. I rise to a question of order. It is not in order to discuss a ques ‘.tion after the call of the roll has been commenced.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The result of the vote has not been announced, but the roll has been called.
Mr. JOHNson. If I am not in order I, will take my seat; but it is barely pOSsible that i the Senfrom California may not be in order. il
Mr. CONNESS. I am quite aware of that; but I believe I have a right to raise the ques 1tion of order.
Mr. CONNESS. Very well; then let the Chair decide.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. No discussion is in order until after the vote is an l vnouuced; but, by common consent, Senators may be allowed to explain their own votes, l but no extended remarks can be allowed.
Mr. CONNESS. There is no right to explain a vote.
Mr. JOHNson. I moved to strike out the l 3rd section as it came from the other House. I That motion was carried, and afterward what 1 now appears upon the face of the resolution as the 3rd section was proposed and adopted l as a separate amendment. I voted just this 1 moment to strike out what was adopted. The l effect of that would have been to restore the original 3rd section, perhaps, but I meant when that was done to move to strike out the 3rd section so as to leave no such section.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question was on concurrin in the amendment made as in ComWhole, which was to strike out the 3rd section and insert other words in lieu of it. The result of that vote is 42 in the affirmative audl in the negative. So the amendment is concurred ill. The Secretary will read the next amendment.
The Secretary read the next amendment, which was to strike out the 4th and 5th sections, and to insert the following section in lieu of them: Sac. The validity of the public debt of the U.S. authorized by lnw. including, debts neurrod for payment of pensions and bouutles for lilervices in suppressim:insurrection or rebellion shall (glcstioned. But neither the U.S. tier any‘ toteshall assumqor pay any debt or obli atlon incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion higainst the U.S or anyjclaim for the loss 'or emancipation of any slave; at all such dom;1 oblilgations and claims shall be held illegal vol. The amendment was concurred in. The amendments were orderengross and the JtResolution to be read a 3rd time. The JtResolution was read the 3rd time. l
The PRESIDING OFFICER. This joint 'resolution having been read 3 times, the question is on its passage.
Mr. JOHNSON. I ask for the yeas and ‘nays.
Several SENATORS. The yeas&nays must be taken, of course. The ycas&nays were ordered; and beia'g taken, resulted yeas 33, nays 11; 6. l
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The joint] resolution is passed, having received the Votes of 2/3rds of the Senate. | which were thereupon signed ADJOURNment TO MONDAY.
Mr. HARRIS. I move that when the Senate adjourn today, it be to meet on Monday next. The motion was agreed to. FORTIFICATION BILL.
Mr. MORGAN. I submit the following report from the committee of conference on the I, fortification bill, and I move that the Senate concur in the report: The committee of conferenceon the disagreeing votesof the 2 Honseson the amendmentto the bill (H. R, No. 255)making ap‘propriationsfor the construction. reservation.an repairs of certain fortificationsan other works of defensefor the year ending June 30. 1867.haVlug met. after full and free conferencehave agreed to recommend and do recommend.to thclr respectiveHousesas follows: That the HoRepreoede from their dlsli reementto the amendmentof the Sonata to said bil and agreeto the same. E. D. MORGAN. L. M. MORRILL. W. SAULSBURY. Manager: on the part of the Senate. H. J. RAYMOND. W. E. NIBllACK. S. PERHAM. Managerson the part of the Houu. The report was concurred in. ENROLIJ did BILLS SIGNED.
Skip Skip A message from the HoRep, by Mr. MePilERsox, its Clerk, announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the followin enrolled bills; Tiy the President protem ore of the Senate: A bil (H.R.No. 15) authorizing document ary evidence of title to be furnished to the owners of certain lands ill the city of StLouis; and A bill (H.R.No. 281) to amend the postal laws. REPORT FROM A COMMITTEE.
Mr. HOWE, from the ComClaims, to whom was relbrred the petition of George W. Tarlton, prayin for the restoration of his property confiscate under proceedings instituted in the U.S. district court for the northern district of NewYork submitted a written report and asked to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. The committee was discharged and the report was ordered to be printed.
Mr. HENDERSON. I move that the Senate adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY, June 8, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock m. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Borxrox. l The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. l MUTILATED NOTES OF NATIONAL BANKS.
Mr. HUBBARD, of WestVirginia, by unan imous consent submitted the foll0Wlll" resolution; which was read, consnleret, audl agreed to: reRnecyvoloetlT.hat the comBanking&Cur l be instructed to inquire into the expediency of iroviding b law. either by the establishmentof. a human of Redemption in connection With 1!! Treasury Dept or such other mode as may be deemed most advisable.for the redemption o the worn out. mutilated. altered, or (IlSllKllfedbank notesissuedunder the national currencyact, so as obviate the necessityof sendingsu chnotesto one particular bank ofissue for redemption; and that th committeehave leaveto report by bill or otherwls
Mr. HUBBARD, of WestVirginia, mtRtv the resollitio was agreed to. on the table. agreed to. MONUMENT to LIEUTENANT GENERAL SCOTT.
Mr. HALE, by unanimous consent, submits ted the following resolution; which was readfl considered, and agreed to: Resolved.That the ComMilAlfai be instructed to inquire into the expediencyof providing by law for the erection of a monument WestPoint to the memory of Lieutenant Gqner Winfield Scott and to report by bill or otherwise. RICHARD L. LAW. On motion of Mr. L'IBLACK, Senate Jtresolution No. 100, for the restoration of ion teuant Commander Richard L. Law, of the U.S. Navy, to the active list from the reserved list, was taken from the Speaker’s table, read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComNavAffrs. DIVORCE IN THE DISTCOL.
Mr. WELKER, b unanimous consent, introduced a bill regu ating divorce in the DistCol; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComDistCol. Mus. ANNA o. GASTON.
Mr. TAYLOR, by unanimous consent, from the ComInvalidPens, reported back Senate bill No. 261, for the relief of Mrs. Anna G. Gaston, with the recommendation that it do pass. The bill, which was read, directs the SecyInterior to place upon the pension roll the name of Mrs. Anna G. Gaston, of the city of Washington, widow of Albert G. Gas ton, deceased, late a lieutenant in the 16th regiment of Virginia volunteers, from the date of the discharge of her said husband from the military service of the U.S., on account of disability arising from disease contracted in the said service, until the date of his death, namely, from the 5th day of May, 1863, to the 7th day of February, 1865, and to cause to be paid to the said Mrs. Anna G. Gas ton a pension at the rate of 17 dollars permonth for the said term, without pre'udice to the pension heretofore allowed her y the ComrPensions.
Skip Skip The bill was ordered to a 3rd reading; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. TAYLOR mtRtv the bill was passed“,upon the table. agreed to. HUMBOLDT CANAL COMPANY.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. Iywant to call the attention of the Gentfrom Indiana to the fact that this bill secures exclusive right to this company of 50 feet on either side of this canal, so that parties who may hereafter ur chase public lands of the U.S. wi 1be Eselfiided from this strip on each side of this ite.
Mr. JULIAN. It was deemed necessary for the right of way. It has been carefully considered by the committees of the Senate and of this House, and they are both satisfied with it.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. But this concerns the people who may settle there. A man who locates a quarter section through which this canal passes will be excluded from 50 feet on each side of this ditch. I think there should be a provision to correct this.
Mr. BIDWELL. Mr. Speaker, Ican obviate the objections raised by the Gentfrom Ohio, by stating that the land through which this canal will pass is generally of a very barren and worthless character. I have some knowl edge of that region from personal observation, having been there, and I can say that very little of the land will ever be settled upon, and especially if this canal and enterprises of this kind should fail to be carried out, in order to develop the mines and thereby create a market for agricultural products. The ace of 100 feet in width for a canal is a small consideration in comparison with the enhanced value of the land by reason of the canal; and settlers on the public lands in such a distant and desolate region can well afford to have their quarter sections diminished by the breadth of a canal which will double the value of the remainder.
Mr. JULIAN. This right of way is deemed important, and this grant is necessary to make it enjoyable. I can see no objection to the bill and demand the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was ordered to be read a 3rd time; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. JULIAN mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. POSTAL LAWS.
Mr. ALLEY, by unanimous consent from the comPostOffice, reported back the amendments of the Senate, merely verbal, to House bill No. 281, to amend the postal laws, with the recommendation that they be concurred in. The amendments were concurred in.
Mr. ALLEY mtRtv the amendments were concurred in; upon the table. agreed to.
Mr. THAYER. I call for the regular order.
The Speaker stated as the 1st business in order the unfinished business of last evening, being the motion to reconsider the concurrent resolution for the final adjournment of Congress, the pending question being the mtRtv it was adopted. The resolution was read, as follows: Received by the Senate and HoRep. That the President protemper:of the Senate and the Speaker of the HoRepbe author isedto closethe present session by adjourninrr their respectiveHouses on Thursday, the 28th of June instant. at 12 o’clock in.
Skip Skip The question being taken on the motion to reconsi er, there were ayes 52, noes 42. Mr. ROGERS and Mr. ELDltIDGE demanded the yeas&nays. The yeas and no s were not ordered. Mr. ANCONA emauded tellers on calling the yeas&nays. T cllers were refused. So the vote by which the resolution was passed was reconsidered, and the question recurred on a i eeing to the resolution.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. I move to refer the resolution to the Committee ofWays&Means. That committee are better qualified to judge when this House should pass a resolution to adjourn than any single member of this House, much less a member of the Opposition. It will be time enough when this House gets through with its legitimate business to have n resolution of this kindintroduced. Therefore I move its reference to that committee, and on that I demand the previous question.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I move to lay the resolution on the table. The motion to lay the resolution on the table was not agreed to. The question recurred on 2nding the demand for the previous question on the motion to refer the resolution to the ComWays&Means, and it was 2nded.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Is it in order to move to refer the resolution to the ComReconstruction 7
The SPEAKER. It would be if the previous question were not 2nded. The main question was then ordered; and under the operation thereof the motion to refer was agreed to ayes 65, noes not counted.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio, moved to recon sider the vote just taken; on the table. agreed to. BOUNTY LAW.
Mr. BLAINE, by unanimous consent, reported from the ComMilAffrs 0 JtResolution declaratory of the law of bounty. The JtResolution was read, as follows: Resolved by the SenateIt]!!!Home Representatives, &c., That where any enlistedman has been or may be detailed for dut as a clerk or for anyother duty, in any executive urcau, at headquarters or elsewhere, he shall not by such detail be deprived of any rights to bounty now due or hereafterto become due, but shall be as fully entitled thereto as though no such detail had beenmade.
Mr. BLAINE. The objcct of this resolution is to get over a difficu ty in the auditing of certain claims for bounty where men have been detailed by superior officers, or by their own volition, as clerks, and are still held as enlisted men liable to court martial. They have been derived of bounty, and this resolution is more y declaratory of the law, them where they stand according to lpalwac.ing hope the resolution may be put upon its passage now. he JtResolution was read a 1st and 2nd time, and orderengross; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. 0.
Mr. BLAINE moved to reconsider the v1 by which the JtResolution was agreed to: and also moved that the motion to recon sider be laid on the table. agreed to. HEIRS OF wiLLIAM enswronn. On motion of Mr. SCHENCK, by unanimous consent, the ComMilAffr was discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the heirs of William Crawford for a pension; and the same was referred to the ommitteo on Revolutionary Pensions. MORGAN RAID. On motion of Mr. SCHENCK, by unanimous consent, the ComMilAf fairs was discharged from the further consideration of a resolution relative to the claim of Ohio and Indiana for property seized by the rebel Morgan; and the same was referred to v the committee on war debts of loyal States. I l l l EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT OF GENERAL SCOTT.
Mr. DAVIS, by unanimous consent, submitted the followin resolution; which was read, considered, an agreed to: Resolved.(the Senate concurring.)That the JtCom on the Library be instructed to inquire into the expediency of purchasingfrom the owner there of the e uestriiin portrait of the late Lieutenant General Win eld Scott. which new adorns the walls of the CapitolI and to take such action as they shall deem proper. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled a bill of the following title; which was thereupon signed by the Speaker: An act (H.R.No. 654) making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the appropriations for contingent expenses of the HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year endingJune 30, 1866. COURTS OF THE DISTRICT
Mr. PHELPS, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to enlarge the a pellate jurisdiction of the supreme court of9 the DistCol in chancery; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComJudiciary. HORSES AND HORSE BQUIPMENTS.
Mr. GRINNELL, b unanimous consent, introduceda bill amen story to the law relating to the loss of horses and horse equipments in the service of the U.S.; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComMilAffrs. PRINTING OF A REPORT.
Mr. LAFLIN submitted, from the ComPrintg. the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Ruched, That 5,000 extra oopies of the last Reportot theSmithsonianInstitution beprinted, 2 then: ad for the useof the Institution and 3,000 or the useof the membersof this House.
Mr. LAFLIN mtRtv the resolution was adopted; upon the table. agreed to. AMENDMENT OF THE PENSION LAW.
Mr. CULLOM, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, an agreed to: Rmlved, That the ComPensions be in It'ructedto inquire into the expediency of goamend inf al owsetchteioinssfiuvaencoefotfhepeanestiotnosgtoradnattepfernosmions as to the discharge of the soldier or sailor when the application h mndo Within 2 years of the date of such discharge.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. W. J. MEDONALD, its Chief Clerk, informed the House that the Senate had passed, without amendment, bill of the House '0. 654, making appropriations for the contingent expenses of tge HoRep for the fiscal year Eding June 30, 1866. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Mr. MORRILL. I move that the session of tomorrow be devoted exclusively to debate upon the President’s annual message as in ComWhole on the state of the Union. The motion was agreed to. NATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION.
Mr. BEAMAN. I new demand the regular order of business. The House resumed the regular order of business, being the bill (H.R.No. 276) reported from the select committee on education, to establish a national Bureau of 'Education; upon which the Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. DUI TON] was entitled to the floor.
Mr. GARI‘IELD. 'Mr. Speaker, I rise to close the debate; but I propose to yield for a short time to the Gentfrom Maine, [Mr. Prize]
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I rise to ask a question of the Gentfrom Ohio PMr. GARFIELD] who has charge of this bill. am a member of the committee that reported the bill, althopgh I was not present at the meeting at which it was agreed to. I desire to have an opportunity to discuss the bill and the amendment which I have offered; and I wish to know whether that opportunity will be afforded me.
Mr. GARF LD. I will give the gentleman a part of my time. I cannot feel it right that much more of the time of the House should be occupied in the discussion of this bill.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Surely a member of the committee should receive from the chairman of the committee the courtesy of being allowed an opportunity to discuss this measure.
Mr. GRRFIELD. the gentfrom Pennsylvania shall have as much time as I have. He will be under no greater restriction than myself. I now yield to the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. PIKE] for 5 minutes.
Mr. PIKE. Am I to be hedged in by the lim itation of 5 minutes? I may possibly wish to occupy 6 minutes. [Lang ter.]
Mr. ] OHNSON. I would like to be alltyed lht or ten minutes for a few remarks (“atthis I.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I will yield to my colleague atpart 0 my time.
The Speaker. The Gentfrom Maine is entitled to the floor for 5 minutes.
Mr. PIKE. By what authority am I limited to 5 minutes?
The SPEAKER. By the authority of the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] whohas char c of the bill, and who is now entitled to the oor.
Mr. PIKE. 3 or 4 speeches of an hour each have been made in favor of this bill; no opposition, I believe, has been made to it. In the consideration of a bill like this, involving the Government in an expense of $50,000, or $100,000, or $200,000, it is stran e that a member cannot be allowed more than 5 minutes to express his views in opposition to the measure.
Mr. GARFIELD. Will the gentleman in form me how much time he will want?
Mr. PIKE. I may not want more than 5 minutes., Mr. GARFIELD. Well, then, the gentleman can have 5 minutes.
Mr. PIKE. IfI should want to occupy ten minutes, I should like to have that too. Mr. Speaker, I wish to call the attention of the House to the provisions of this bill; in the 1st place to its machinery. The bill provides for a new dept of this Government, following the anguage of the act establishing a Dept of Agriculture, and I suppose is follffmg e eminent examples we have had
The SPEAKER. The gentleman’stime has minutes to my colleague on the committee, inthatKiel)“ment. We are to have a new expired. [Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania.] 501mm“ l e Government; andI am very Mr. GARFIELD. I will yield 5 minutes
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Before so"! W!“ l 3‘ the ComrAg more to the Gentfrom Maine. commencing my remarks, Mr. Speaker, I deciilturcis 0 be stfar, thrown into the shade
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. Will the gentleman ield for a question?
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. I ask the gentleman how many people there are in Maine who can neither read nor write.
Mr. PIKE. About halfas many, I believe, as there are in Connecticut. [Laughter.]
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. There are none in the State of Connecticut who cannot read or write except those who come from Maine and other foreign countries. [Laughter.]
Mr. PIKE. We educate our foreign population. I Lau hter.]
Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. I would like to ask one question further. Congress has been accustomed from time to time to do nate large amounts of public land to Maine and other new States or purposes of education, and I would like very we 1 to know what use has been made of those benevolent grants, especially b the State of Maine.
Mr. P I suppose the gentleman ought to be aware that the State of Maine has got nothing out of the Government for her public schools, either in the wa of public lands or otherwise. So that we wilIne t talk about that, but will talk seriously for a few moments about this.bill. College professors in this country do not get on an average more than 81,500 a year salary. I doubt if they get that. I am told that one of the wealthiest institutionsin this country (Har vard) gives its resident but $2, 500 a year. These men are iligent. They attend to their business day by day. They are educating the youth of their localities. The State Legislatures are also engaged in this work. They have their common schools everywhere. [Here the hammer fell.]
The Clerk read the amendment, as follows: Strike out all after the enacting clauseand insert in lieu there of the t'ollowmg: That thereshall he established.by the SecyInterior, a.Bureau of Education for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts as shall show the condition and progressof educationin the severalStatesand Territories, and of diffusingsuch information respecting the organization and management ofschools an. school systemsandmethods of teaching as shall aid the peeple of the U.S.in the establishmentand maintenanceof efficient school systems, and otherwisepromote the cuuso of education throughout the country; and for this purpose be is hereby authorized to appoint 2 clcrks, at a.salary of $1, 800eachper annum. SEC.2. Abife: That it shall be the duty of the SecyInterior to present annually to Congress a report embodying the results of his investigationsandlabors, together With a stutement of such facts and recommendationsasWlll in his judgment subservo the ur use for which this dept is established. n the 1st report made by the SecyInterior under this act.there shrill be presented a statement of the severalgrants of land madeby Congressto promoteeducation and the mannerin which these several trusts have conmanaged, the amount of funds arising therefrom, and the annual proceedsof the same, as far as the same can bedetermined.
Mr. GRINNELL. I would inquire if he knows of any country in the world that has a good system of education that is without a system of gathering statistics of a national character.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Well, sir, they may all have their systems, but they are under a monarchy, and are entirely different from ours. There is no similarity between the school system of Germany and that of this country.
Mr. GRINNELL. I would inquire if the gentleman is perfectly willing to an stitute our system for the system of German. Mr.R.ANl)A L of pennsylvauia. WonldI?
Mr. RANDALL, of pennsylvanin. I would not give the system of Connecticut for all the systems of the rest of the world. I consider that, in that particular, Connecticut has reached the highest point ofall, and therefore I do not want to interfere in any manner with her sys tem, nor with that of any State that is approaching to that degree of perfection in education which she has attained, by any act of Federal authority or an ervision.
Mr. GRINN LL. I ask the gentlemau if it is not the purpose of this bil to give the knowledge of what Connecticut is doin to all the States through this great channel ofinfor motion.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Then why not leave it to the States? Why do you want to establish this bureau?
Mr. GRINNELL. For the same reason that we want statistics in reference to agriculture and all other important interests.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I do not know how it is in all cities, but I know how it is in mine. We have a school an crintendent who furnishes every information which is necessary in connection with our Pennsylvania school system, at each session of the Legislature; and all that this bill could possibly do would be just to copy the State superintendent's report and put it on file in the Interior Dept., Mr. THAYER. They do that now.
The Speaker. The 15 minutes of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania have expired.
Mr. GARFIELD. new yield the floor to the Gentfrom Massachusetts [Mr. Boer WELL] for ten minutes.
Mr. GARFIELD. I now yield to the Gentfrom Iowa [Mr. GRINNELL] to offer an amendment to this bill.
Mr. GRINN ELL. With the consent of the chairman of the select committee, [Mr. GARFisi.n] I rise to offer an amendment to this bill, for I desire that it shall pass. And in connection with my amendment I desire to say that it is to reduce the salar of the Commissioner and the number of clerks. And I would call the attention of the House to the fact that with the amendment 1 prOpose this great bugbear of expense will then be about one '50th of a cent to each person in the U.S.; a wonderful ro portion of expense for a measure which 00 s to the diffusion of education throughout the country. I offer the following amendment: In line 5. Section two, strike out “5" and in scrt “4:" 0 it salary will read: "who shall receive a “$4.060 perannum;" in line clevenstrike out after the word “annum” these words: “one clerk who shall receive salary of $1.40oper annum: and one clerk who shall receive a solar of $1.200 per annum:” and in line 9, before the word “t e" insert the word “ and." PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
Mr. ROGERS. I ask the Gentfrom Ohio to yield to me 5 minutes, to make a personal explanation.
Mr. ROGERS. When this subset comes to a final vote, I will now state that I have agreed to pair with the honorable gentleman. from Pennsylvania, Mr. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation in regard to a slight altercation which took place the other day between me and the honorable Gentfrom Kentucky, [Mix Rousseau] 'lhe other day I am reported to have said and I am not here to say I'did not say so that “all I had to say was, the charge he made was false.” I wish to retract that assertion, and to say that I had no intention to make any personal reflection n on the gentleman. Iknow he is an honorable entleman, and that he would not do me injustice; and I certainly did not intend toldo him injus tice, although I believe in the heat and excitement of debate I may have said what I did not intend to say. A man who has been so brave and gallant has no reason to fear that any honorable man will detract anything from him to which he is justly entitled. I know that a brave man, as the gentleman has shown himself to be, is an honorable man, and Iliope the explanation I make will be satisfactory to himself and to the House. I have tried to make it a part of my business during my service in Congress to insultno man. It may be that in the heat and excitement of debate I may use expressions I did not design. I presume l have tried as hard as anyone to drown the spirit of jealousy. I know it is a violent passion of the human heart and will some times show itself. I hope that in regard to others as well as in regard to the Gentfrom Kentucky, if I should make such remarks in the heat of debate, Iwill be forgiven as I certainly forgive those who have applied such remarks to me.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I desire to say a word. I did not hear the remark to which the gentleman has referred, or I would most certainly have answered it at the time. I of course accept his explanation; but at the same time I must I insist that what I said on that occasion, although said with reluctance, was perfectly proper. I should not have said it at all but in the discharge of a bi h duty which I owe to the volunteers of the U.S. Army.
Mr. ROGERS. Isup ose gentlemen of the House know well enoug, whenI was talking about officers of the regular Army, I had no insinuations to make against the volunteers. I consider myself, although I did not agree with all the lans of the war, to have been one of the best 'riends of the volunteers. In fact I expended more money and raised more troops in my county, with one exception, than any other man. My people know it. No one can show where my vote or influence has been given in any way a aiust the volunteers. I give them as much cre it as any gentleman upon this floor for having performed noble and gallantservice. BUREAU OF EDUCATION AGAIN.
Mr. GARFIELD. I demand the previous question, which I trust the House will sustain, and I will say after that what I have to say on this subject. I will detain the House but a short time.
Mr. GARFIELD. He has lived long enough to see this law, which he helped to found in 1834 and more than any other man was instrumental in saving from repeal in 1835, expanded and consolidated into a noble system of public instruction. 12,000 schools have been built by the voluntary taxation of the people, to the amount for school houses alone of nearly ten million dollars. Man millions of children have been educated in these schools. More than 700,000 are returned as in the public schools of Pennsylvania in 1864 65, and the annual cost of these schools, provided by voluntary taxation, in the year 1864, was nearly 3 million dollars, giving employment to 16,000 teachers. It is lory enough for one man to have connected is name so hdiorably with the original establishment and early and effective support of such a system.
The Speaker. The hour of the Gentfrom Ohio has exired.
Mr. GARFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I believe I have not spoken an hour. Am I not entitled to an hour after the calling of the previous question?.
The Speaker. The hour of the Gentfrom Ohio began at 27 minutes after one o’clock, one hour ago. At that time the gentleman rose as he stated to close the debate. He then yielded portions of his time to various gentlemen. At 5 minutes before 2 o’clock he demanded the previous question. The effect of that, however, is not to give the gentleman an hour after the call of the previous question when he had already obtained the floor and consumed a portion of his hour by yielding to other gentlemen. The Digest, on page 143, states that"The right of thememberreporting the pending measure to close the debate is never deiiied him. evenafter the previous questionis ordered." The Gentfrom Ohio. having reported this bill, was entitled to an hour to open the debate and an hour to close it. Having opened the debate, he could not, according to parliamentary usa c, be recognized while other gentlemen who iad not spoken were claiming the floor, unless he rose to close the debate; and as he stated that such was his purpose, the Chair recognized him as entitled to the floor.
Mr. ALISON. I move that, by unanimous consent, the time of the Gentfrom Ohio be extended.
Mr. GARFIELD. I am obliged to the Gentfrom Maine. Igave him twice as much time as he 1st asked.
The Speaker. The previous question having been 2nded and the main question ordered, debate is exhausted upon the proposition. The 1st question is upon the amendment of the Gentfrom Iowa, [Mr. GRIN NELL.]
Mr. SCHENCK. I desire to make a sin gle inquiry of the Chair. Did not the time occu ied by the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. Piss? come out of the time of my colleague, [Mr. GARFIELD?
The SPEAK R. The Chair made a statement a moment ago, which erhaps the gentleman did not hear. The hair will repeat. The Gentfrom Ohio. [Mr. GAiiristn] who reported this bill, had the right to open and to close the debate. He he a right to make 2 speeches, while other gentlemen had the right to make but one. the gentleman, the other day, opened the debate. At 27 minutes after one o’clock today he rose to close the debate. He then yielded portions of his time to various gentlemen. At 5 minutes before 2 o’cloc he demanded the previous question, after the 2nding of which and the ordering of the main question he proceeded with his remarks, the previous question not interfering with his right to do so, as will be seen by the extract from the Digest which was read a few moments ago.
Mr. SCHENCK. The purpose of my inquiry was simply to call the attention of the Gentfrom Maine [Mr. PIKE] to the fact that the time which he occupied came out of my colleague’s time.
The Speaker. That is true. Mr.“ PIKE. Yes, sir; but when I rose to speak no member had been heard in opposition to the bill
The SPEAKER. No debate is in order without unanimous consent.
Mr. PIKE. I will be more generous than the Gentfrom Ohio, and will withdraw my objection.
Mr. HARDING, of Kentucky. I renew the objection.
Skip Skip The question being taken on the amendment of Mr. nixxsLL, it was agreed to. The question then recurred on the adoption of the substitute proposed by Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, called for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the negative yeas 53, nays 67, not voting 63; So the substitute proposed by Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, was not agreed to. The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingl read the 3rd time. Mr. P1 E and Mr. ELDRIDGE demanded the eas&nays on the passage of the bill. the yeus&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and itwas decided in the neative yeas 59, nays 61, not voting 63; So the bill was rejected. During the vote, Mr. RICE, of Maine, stated that he was aired with Mr. PATTERSON, who would vote tor the bill, while he would vote a inst it. The vote was then announce as above recorded. RECONSTRUCTION.
Mr. STEVENS, from the JtComReconstruction submitted a written report; which was ordered to be printed and laid upon the table.
Mr. STEVENS submitted a motion to print 50,000 extra copies; which, under the law, was referred to the ComPrint in. Tvir. ROGERS. I will state that by consent of the committee a minority report will be submitted in a short time. FORTIFICATION Ill LL.
Mr. RAYMOND. I rise to make a report from the committee of conference on the disagreein votes of the 2 Houses on the fortification ill. The Senate made an amendment to that bill as originally reported, inserting an appropriation of $50,000 for Fort Poplham, on the Kenncbec river. in the State of 9, to which the House disagreed. The committee of conference recommend that the House recede from its disagreement and agree to the amendment. The report was adopted.
Mr. RAYMOND mtRtv the report was adopted; upon the table. agreed to. MARIA SYPHAX.
The Speaker stated the business in order was the call of committees for reports of a private nature.
Mr. THAYER, from the Committee on Private Lan‘d Claims, reported back Senate bill No. 321, for the relief of Maria Syphax with a recommendation that it do ass. It proposes to release an confirm to Maria Syphax, her heirs and assi us, the title to a piece of land, being part of the Arlin ton estate, in the county 0t Alexandria, in the State of Virginia, upon which she has resided since about the year 1826, bounded and described as follows, to wit: beginnin at the intersection of the south line of sai Arlington estate with the center line of a small run, said point of intersection being about one 4th of a mile from the southwest corner of said Arlington estate, rnnning thence westerly alone said south line 7 chains and 40 links; t once in a northeasterly direction, on a line making an angle of 35 degrees with the sai south inc, 22 chains and 28 links;' thence at right angles, in a southeasterly direction 15 chains and 67 links to the said south line of the Arlington estate; thence westerly along the said south line of the said Arlington estate 19 chains and 92 links, to the place of beginning, containing 17 acres and 53 100ths of an acre of land, be the some more or less.
Mr. FINK. I wish to ask the gentleman whether posSession for 40 years by this lady and her family was not an adverse possession which would give title to it, and if so, whether there is any necessity for legislation?
Mr. THAYER. I‘heir possession I do not understand to have been adverse in the legal sense of that phrase. On the contrary, it was a possession founded on a pawl grant from
Mr. Custis a grant which was always acquiesced in by those who succeeded him in the e 'oyment of his estate.
Mr. FINCK. Would not the possession of 40 years have rightly entitled the party to the referty?
Mr. HAYER. Well, sir, I do not care to split hairs with the Gentfrom Ohio, or to try this case in the HoRep the points of her career so far tives as if it were an ejectment in a court of law. The case as it stands is simply this: these partieh have no written title to their estate. Of course it was not customa for masters to 've written titles to those who had been t ieir slaves. But Maria Syphax has a possession extending through a period of 40 years, founded upon a parol gift from the master who manumitted her, and all that the Government of the U.S. is asked to do is to release its title acquired by a tax sale, and to confirm her in her just possession.
Mr. HA E. I did not understand from the gentleiinan’s speech where the legal title is now vested.
Mr. THAYER. In the U.S. under the tax sale to which I have referred, the government of the U.S. having purchased the Arlin on estate at that sale.
Mr. JOHNSON. A single question. I ask my colleague whether there is not a day of redemption under the tax law, and whether that dav as gone by.
Mr. THAYER. There was a period fixed by the statute during which the parties might redeem, but the day of redemption has passed. The dayof redemtion for the land has passed, but the day of redemption for the countrymen of Syphax, Kin of umidia, has come, never to pass awa int eU.S. Mr. Speaker, I emand the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was ordered to be read a 3rd time; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. THAYER mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. MARY ROBERTSON.
Mr. THAYER, from the ComPrivLandClms, reported adversely on the petition of Mary Robertson, and others, askin for indemnity for land taken by the U.S. at Rouse’s Point; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. MOSES SHOUP.
Mr. THAYER, from the same committee made an adverse report on the etition of Moses Shou, of Green county,0 io; which was laid out etable and ordered tobe printed. Josii nonine usz.
Mr. THAYER, from the same committee, reported back Senate bill No. 189, to confirm a grant of certain land to Jose Dominguez, in California, with a recommendation that it do ass. p The bill was read. It confirms the title of the petitioner to a grant of land. in Santa Bar bara county, California, made in 1845.
Mr. THAYER. This is one of those claims which the U.S. by the terms of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, are bound to confirm if the evidiance of the claim is clear and properly substantiated. The committee have examined it and believe it should be confirmed. I will ask the Clerk to read the following letter, not so much for its bearing upon the case as for its reference to a very singular natural curiosity which exists upon this estate.
The Clerk read as follows: WAsniim'ros. D. 0., March 9, 1866. DEAR Sm: I bgg to call your especialattention to Senatebill No.1, and the accompanyingdocument. I wasin the county of Santa Barbara last Septem chuerri, oasnitdyvisited the rancho in questionasmatter of to see a large grapevine growin upon it saidto be the2nd arbostin the world; measure it myself and found it covered asupertlpiaharea of over 8,000feet. This single vine is about the sole roduot of the entire rancho, the lands being very hil y and semi mountaine us in their character. I found the mother of the petitioner and the entire family of children, rand; ildren, and great grand childrenI most of t cm living under this ccle rated vine; the sale of grapes from it being about their oply support; lat year the product of this single vinc being about 6 tons of grapes.as they told me. The old lady died last fall upon the property at the age of 109 years, ssand her husband having hved undisturbed upon this prop crty for nsward of 60 ears. The vine wasplanted by the ol lady some 50 ycars ago. I found the family very poor, and cpjpying the respectof all parties in the county. I yisited the Vine and fumil in company With Mr. Sparks. an American. who ud live in the county since1832. He Verified the correctnessof all the statements of the family, and.from what I sawmyself. andfrom what was told me by very respectable citizens of the county, I have no doubto the truthfulnesspf all the statements of Jese Dominguezin his petition. In myjudgment there cannot be presented a case calling more for the equitable interposition of the Governmentto protect the grant of the former government to the family than this; and earnestlyask that you Wlll examinethe papersand make an effort in their behalf. Very respectfully, LEVI PARSONS. Hon. InA HAaais. U.S. Senator.
Mr. THAYER. I demand the previous question on the passage of the bill.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was ordered to be read a 3rd time; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed t Mr. THAYER mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. 1031;SERAFIN RAMIREZ. V
Mr. THAYER, from the same committee, reported back Senate bill No. 173, to confirm the title of Jose Serafin Ramirez to certain lands in NewMexico, witha recommendation that it do pass. The bill was read.
Mr. THAYER. This isacase which resem bles the one upon which the House has just passed. The title seems to be perfectly piain from the Mexican Government. The owner of the estate complied with all the requisitions of the Mexican law, and the committee believe it is proper that the title should be confirmed by the U.S. I demand the previous question on the passage of the bill.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was ordered to be read a 3rd time; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. THAYE mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. LAND TiTLss IN SANTA BARBARA.
Mr. KERR, from the ComPrivLandClms, made an adverse repowon House bill No. 579, to quiet the title to lands in the town of Santa Barbara; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. JOHN B. CHAPMAN.
Mr. KERR, from the same committee, reported adversely on the petition of John B. Chapman, asking for relief for a section of land he has improved, located on Puget sound, Washington Territory; which was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. E. WOODWARD AND G. CllOlIPENXING.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, from the ComIndAffrs, reported back House Jtresolution No. 123, for the relief of Eliza eth Woodward and George Chorpenning, of Pennsylvania. The JtResolution was read. It appro, priates $32, 325 to each of the petitioners in payment for the destruction of property by the iidians.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. I move the previous question on the passage of the JtResolution.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the o eraation t iereof the JtResolution was or ered to a 3rd reading; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, moved to recon sider the vote by which the JtResolution was passed; on the table. agreed to. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and found truly enrolled bills of the followingtitles; when the Speaker signed the same: An act (H.R.No. 15) authorizing documentary evidence of titles to be furnished to the owners of certain lands in the city of StLouis; and An not (H.R. No.) to amend the postal i laws. CAPTAIN JAMES STAKKEY.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, from the ComIndAffrs, also reported a bill for the relief of Captain James Starkey; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The bill appropriates the sum of $100 to reimburse James Starkey, late captain of the StPaul light infantry, the amount aid b him to Richer (I Postel for the loss of a orse illed in a fight with the Indians. The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time.
Mr. UBBARD, of Iowa. I demand the previous question on the passage of the bill.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was passed. Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, moved to recon sider the vote by which the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. SETTLIZRSONSIOUX RESERVATION, MINNESOTA.
Mr. WINDOM, from the ComIndAffrs, reported back, with a recommendation that it pass, House JtResolution No. 126, for the relief of certain settlers on the Sioux reservation, in the State of Minnesota. The JtResolution was read. It provides that persons who settled and made improvements upon lands now included in the Sioux reservation, and filed copies of their claims in the proper local land office before the bounda ries of the reservation were definitely surveyed and located, shall be authorized to enter the lands thus settled upon as in other cases of pree‘mption, upon the payment of $1 25 peracre therefor, under such rules and regulations as may be provided by the SecyInterior.
Mr. WINDOM called the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. The JtResolution was then orderengross and read a 3rd time; and engrossed, it was accordingly read the btheiirng time and sad. Mr. W DOM mtRtv the Jtresolution was passed; on the table. agreed to. MICHIGAN INDIANS.
Mr. WINDOM, from the ComIndAffrs, also asked leave to report a JtResolution for the relief of certain Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawatomie Indians, in the State of Michigan. The JtResolution was read. It directs the SecyInterior to pay to the Chippewa, Ottawa, and POttawatomie Indians of Michigan, in pursuance of an agreement and compromise made with the Potta wntomie nation of Indians, so named and designated in the treaty of 1846, the sum of $30,000 in full of all claims, ast, resent, and future, in favor of said Michigan ndiaus either against the U.S or the sai nation of Indians, arising out of any treaty made with them, or any band or confederation thereof; and the annuity now paid to them shall be restored and paid to said Indians for the future; this sum of $30,000 to be up ro priated out of the funds of said Indians eld in trust for them by the U.S., ‘and to be paid by the refer agent of the Government direct to. ea s of families, adults, and guardians of mine rs as now required by law in reference to annuities.
Mr. SPALDING. I raise the point of order that this is not a private bill.
The Speaker. It is a public bill, and therefore not in order on this day, except by unanimous consent.
Mr. SPALDING. I object. COLONEL H. 0. DE AHNA.
Mr. BLAINE, from the Committee on militury Affairs, reported aJtResolution for the payment of the claim of Colonel H. C. De Ahna, for military services; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The JtResolution directs the proper disbursing and accounting officers of the 'I Treasury to pay Henry Charles De Ahna a sum equal to the pay, allowances, and emoluments of a colonel of infantry for one year from March 31, 1862 and that he be considered honorably mustered out of service. The question was upon ordering the JtResolution to be engrossed and read a 3rd time.
Mr. TAYLOR. Is there any report accomanying this JtResolution? If so I would like to hear it read.
Mr. BLAINE. The matter was favorably reported upon in the last Congress. The committee can submit that same report; but it is a pretty long one. This JtResolution passed the House during the last Congress, but failed in the Senate.
Mr. TAYLOR. I do not care to have the report read if it is a long one; all I desire is to know the facts of the case.
Mr. BLAINE. I will call on the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. GARFIELD] who was a member of the ComMilAffrs at the last session, and who drew u the report, and who is entirely familiar with all the facts of the case. He can state the facts of the case in much less time than I can.
Mr. BLAINE. The facts in this case were examined by the Military Committee of the House at the last session; and that committee has at this session gone over the facts again; and the committee now recommend the same measure of relief which was recommended by the committee during the last session. I think the bill eminently just. I do not wish to detain the House by any further remarks, and therefore I call the previous question.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. The Gentfrom Maine will permit me to inquire whether the amount proposed to be payed by the bill now before us is the same as that which the committee during the last Congress reported should be paid.
Mr. BLAINE. The amount is precisely the same as that recommended to be paid by the ComMilAffrs in the last congress; and the bill then reported was passed in this House by a very large majorit.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Does this cover the time during which this officer actually performed service?
Mr. BLAINE. It does not cover all the time during which he was actually in commission; but it covers all the time during which he was actually on duty. The bill is a kind of compromise. It does not give the officer the full amount which he claims.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Has he been mustered out?
Mr. BLAINE. There is a question with ref erence to that; but the bill proposes that he shall now be honorably mustered out, receiving the pay of a colonel for one year. I call the previous question.
Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker as no report has been read in this case, I believe I must raise the point of order that this bill, involving an appropriation of money, must go to the ComWhole ou the state of the Union.
Mr. BLAINE. There is no appropriation in the bill.
The Speaker. The Chair does not think that this is an appropriation bill; but if it were, it is too late now to raise the point after the bill has been debated. NATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION AGAIN.
Mr. UPSON. The Gentfrom Maine i[Mr. BLAINE] consents to yield me the floor or a moment; and I move to reconsider the vote by which the bill (H.R.No. 276) to establish a national Bureau of Education was negatived.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. I move that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table.
The Speaker. That motion cannot be made now during the pending of another bill on which the previous question has been called. COLONEL H. 0. mt AHNA AOAIN.
Mr. BLAINE. I insist on my demand for the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the mm'u question ordered; and under the o eration thereof the JtResolution was or ered to be engrossed for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. Mr. BLAINE mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; on the table. agreed to. DUGAN’S INFANTRY TACTICS.
Mr. ROUSSEAU, from the ComMilAffrs, reported a JtResolution authorizing the pure ase of Dugan’s work on infantry tactics; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The JtResolution provides that, with the view to a more enera dissemination of the knowledge of infantry tactics among the officers and soldiers in the service of the U.S., the SecyWar be authorized and empowered to purchase for the use of the Army 10,000 copies of the work on infantry instruction prepared by Colonel James Dngan, and as many additional copies from time to time as in the opinion of the SecyWar may be necessary; provided that the price shall not exceed $1 25 percopy.
Mr. LeBlOND. I make the point of order that this is a public and not a private matter.
The SI’EAKER. It is a private matter, it is to publish copies of a work.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I hope the Gentfrom Kentucky will let us have some exlanation of it.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. The tactics which are proosed to be published are an improvement on asey’s tactics. It makes no change. It is recommended by GenlGrant, and perha 3 half a dozen other officers of the Army. I emand the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the JtResolution was orderengross for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. Mr. BLAINE mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; upon the table. agreed to. LOUIS V. BAURSCH.
Mr. SCHENCK, from the Committee "on Militar Affairs, reported back the petition of Louis. Baursch, late 2nd lieutenant of company B, 19th Pennsylvania cavalry, and moved that it be laid upon the table, as it was provided for in the general law; and he further moved that the etitioner have leave to withdraw his papers fiom the files of the House. It was ordered accordingly. NATIONAL BUREAU OF EDUCATION AGAIN.
Mr. HALE. I wish to inquire whether it is in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the substitute offered by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [MT RANDALL] was rejected.
The SPEAKER. Not until after the House has reconsidered the vote by which the bill was rejected.
Mr. HALE. I give notice that I will make that motion. CAPTURED REBEL GUNS.
Mr. KETCHAM, from the ComMilAffrs, reported a JtResolution relative to certain guns captured in the late war; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The Jtresolution provides that the SecyWar be authorized, when in his judgment he shall deem it expedient, to deposit at Washin ton’s former headquarters near Newburg, NewYork, 3 pieces of cannon cap tured at Din le’s Mills, SCarolina.
Mr. LEBLOND. I cannot see how that can be broughtin as a private bill.
The SPEAKER. it is a private matter, and the Chair will have read an extract from the decision which he made at this session in reference to a bill relating to the DistCol.
The Clerk read as follows: The same volume of May's Parliamentary Practice statesthat private bills ‘are for the interest.of an individual, a public company or corporation. in Plush, a city. a county or other locality.
The SPEAKER. The Chair thinks this would be for the interest of a city.
Mr. KETCHAM. I will state that the 3 guns to which reference is made were captured by the 56th regiment of NewYork volunteers, raised in the district in which Washington‘s head narters are located. They are now deposited there by permission of the SecyWar. As he is required to place all cap tured guns at arsenals, he cannot permit these to remain except by the action of Congress. These are the uni captured guns not returned to the arsenals. hese headquarters now belong to the State of NewYork. There are there many captured guns and other memen toes of the revolutionary war, the war of 1812, and the Mexican war, and it seems to me to be the proper place at which to deposit these tro hies.
Skip Skip The JtResolution was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and bein engrossed, it was accordingly read the thir time and uissed. Mr. KETEHAM mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; upon the table. agreed to. H. A. DINGHAM.
Mr. SCHENCK, from the ComMilAffrs, reported back the ctition of H. A. Bingham, paymaster U.S. Army, and moved that it be laid upon the puble, as the case was provided for by general aw. The motion was agreed to. PAY OF ARMY OFFICERS.
Mr. SCHENCK. I report back from the ComMilAtiirirs sundry petitions of officers of the U.S. Army, praying for an increase of pay adequate to meet their personal necessities. As a general law has been reported on the subject, I move that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of these petitions, and that they be laid upon the table. The motion was agreed to. EMIL COHEN.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, from the ComJndiciary, reported a bill changing the name of Emil Cohen; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The bill was then orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. D.nno0Ks.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, by unanimous consent, from the ComJudiciary made an adverse report on the memorial of D. Brooks; which was laid on the table. OFFICERS of STEAMER SUMTER.
Mr. LeBlOND, by unanimous consent, from the ComNavAffrs, reported a JtResolution in behalfof Peter Hayes, and others; which was read a 1st and 2nd time. The JtResolution authorizes and directs the proper accountin officers of the Treasury, in the settlement of the accounts of Peter Hayes, et al, officers of the U.S. steamer Sumter to ascertain the value of all the clothing and effects by them respectively lost at the time of her destruction, and to allow them for the same, to an amount not exceeding $5,000 in the aggro ate.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I desire to ask the Gentfrom Ohio whether this JtResolution changes the rule in relation to payments for clothing lost by seamen. There is a rule, I believe, now established by law in relation to such losses.
Mr. LeBlO“T not appl to t M Wyl general law does ses. Then I would like on from the gentleman. The report wrll disclose all the facts in.c case. I demand the previous question on the JtResolution.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main rnestion ordered.
Mr. E BLOND. I now ask for the reading‘of the report. he report was read. It sets forth that about one o’clock a.m. of June 24, 1868, the U.S. steamer Sumter whilc about 8 miles 05' Cape Henry, Virginin, was run into by the propeller General ‘Ieigs, and so (Lam aged by the collision that she very soon sank in over 8 fathoms of water. It also sets forth that the officers and crew of the Sumter are entirely blameless as to her loss, and were watchful and vigilant both before and subsequent to the collision. The committee report urther that shortly after the collision a board of naval oliicers was instituted to inquire into the circumstances attending the loss of the said steamer, and to report their judgment in the premises. The committee express their coincidence in the opinion of this board as expressed in the fo“llowing words, to wit: It is the opinion of the court that noneof the otii cersor crew of the Sumter are to blame for the loss of that vessel. “The officersand crewseemto have beenvigilant, orderly, and obedient: the “lookouts'wereproperly stationed and the proper lights wereburning." The committee report further, that in their opinion the officers of the Sumter exercised due care and caution, both before and after the collision; that they lost nearly all their personal sheets on board the Sumter, without ault or negh once on their part; that they are required byt e Navy Dept to provide themselves, at their own expense, with a full dress uniform, an undress uniform, and a service dress, at an expense of several 100 dollars. The committee say further that officers of the Army are paid for horses lost in battle; that soldiers are paid a clothing allowance, and sailors receive compensation in case of the loss of their clothing, without fault on their part. In view of the analogy between the 2 branches of the service, the committee report in favor of this allowance to the officers of the Sumter.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I wish to ask the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. Ls BLOND] if this is not a departure from the rule which the government has adopted in similar cases hereto fore. I understand that thero is a limitation in all the acts which have heretofore been passed providing that not more than a certain sum shall be paid. It seems to me that by the terms of this JtResolution the payment to the officers and seamen on board the Sumter is not limited as such payments have been heretofore.
Mr. LeBlOND. The gentleman will remember that this is a payment for clothing. There is a law upon the subject authorizing such payment to the sailors, but it does not reach the officers of the vessel. This is a pe culiar case. There is no law authorizing payment to these officers for the loss of their clothing. This JtResolution simply proposes to pay them for that loss, and they have to make proof to the proper Dept before they can get that pay.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. It occurs to me that a very diTTerent rule has been established in other cases. In regard to the officers of the about Cincinnati, which was sunk at Vicks urg during the seige of that place, my recol lection is that the amount allowed to each officer was limited to 50 dollars.
Mr. LeBlOND. Let me say that there have been several bills and resolutions passed making pay for such losses, but none reaching the officers that I know of. Now, officers are required to have, by the regulations of the service, a certain amount of clothin. This JtResolution goes upon the prinnciple of a bill which has already passed the House this afternoon. We have passed a bill, since the morning hour commenced, paying an Army oliicer for the loss of his horse without any neglect on his part. If that hill is correct, and in in judgment it iIs, ask if it is not emi nently.proper that an officer of the Navy, who is compelled by the naval regulations to have certain clothing with' them, and loses it without any neglect on his part, should be compensated as well as the man in the Army who oses his horse, which the regulations require him to have in the field. The principle in the 2 cases is precisely the same; an I am in favor of applying the same principle to the officers of both branches of the service. I now ask for the question. The question being upon ordering the JtResolution to be engrossed and read a 3rd time, it was put; and there were ayes 34, noes 44' no quorum voting. And then, on motion of in. THAYER, (at ten minutes. after 4 o’clock p. m.,) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The followin petitions.ke" werepresentedunder the rule and referredto the ppproprintecommittees By Mr. DODGE: The petition of Henry Claws]: 00. for the imueof a new bond in place of a regis tered bond lost. By Mr. HUBBARD. of WestVirginia: The eti tVioirngin9ifa C. olaosnkeinlDgavcoidmTp.ennesravteiosn, offorlatrhkesbuusreg. Vest property and damagesto the same by the Uonfitchdis States troe s. By Mr. HUMPHREY: The petition of the Bank of Attica, NewYork for modification of the act tnxin the bills ofState banks. By Mr. $0: The memorial of citizens of His soBuyri. in favor of Mrs. Mary el p s. Mr. MODE HEAD: A petition of citizens of Alleghany county. Pennsylvania, praying for an. increase of dutfiupon forci wools. Mr. RIC of Massachusetts: The petition of O. Perry and others, against extending the pat ent of S.R.arkhurst. Also. the petition of William Amory and others. in aid of the same.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SATURDAY, June 9, 1866. The House met at 12 0’clock in. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Born res. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. LEAVE or ABSENCE. Mr. ELIOT. I wish to say that my colleague, Mr. wASI IBURN, has been necessarily absent from the House during the past week, and has been paired with Mr. Sruorss, of Pennsylvania, since Tuesday last. I ask leave of absence for him until Tuesday next. No objection being made, the leave ofabsence was granted. Mr. VANAERNAM. I ask leave of absence for my colleague, Mr. VANHOP N, for one week. No objection being made, the leave ofabsence was granted. The Speaker. The Chair asks leave of absence for Mr. ROLLINS, of NewHampshire, for 2 weeks. N o objection being made, theleave ofabsence was granted.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE. It happens, and probably will happen during the whole of the residue of the session. that frequently during sessions of the House it is necessary for some member of the ComEnrollBill to be absent, either in examining and comparing enrolled bills or else in presenting them to the President for his signature. Itherofore ask permission to be absent during the sessions of the House.
The Speaker. That is prohibited on Sat urdays. It is business which i would require a vote of the House. The gentleman had better postpone his motion till Monday.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE. Very well, sir; I will do so. CONGRESSIONAL PAY AND MILEAGE.
The Speaker, by unanimous consent, laid before the House a communication from the SecyTreasury, transmitting a state ment of the amounts paid for salary and mile age to the members at the 38th congress; which was referred to the ComAppropriat and ordered to be printed. ARSENAL EXPLOSION.
The Speaker also, by unanimous consent, laid before the House a communication from I ', the commandant of the Washington arsenal, transmitting a statement of the distribution of money to the sufferers by the late explosion in the said arsenal; which was laid upop the table and ordered to be printed.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM Tim SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. McDonald, its Chief Clerk, announced that the Senate had a reed to the r ort of the committee of conerence on the isagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the bill (H.R.No. 255) making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repairs of certain fortifications and other works of defense for the year ending June 30, 1867. The message further announced that the senate had passed, 2/3rds of the Senate agreeing thereto, aJtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S., with sundry amendments, in which the concurrence of the House was requested. RECONSTRUCTION.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I desire to give notice that it is the purpose of the ComReconstruction to call up on next Wednesday, immediatel after the morning hour, the amendments of the Senate to the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proosing an amendment to the Constitution of teU.S. RICHARD L. LAW.
Mr. NIBLACK. I desire to enter a mtRtv Senate Jtresolution No. 100, for the restoration of ieu tenant Commander Richard L. Law, of the U.S. Navy, to the active list from the reserved list, was yesterday referred to the ComNavAffrs. LEVEBS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
Mr. GARFIELD, by unanimous consent, presented a memorial of the board of commissioners in Louisiana in reference to the levees of the Mississippi river; which was referred to the ComWays&Means. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL MESSAGE. The House then resumed, as in ComWhole on the state of the Union, the consideration of the President’s annual message.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. I would like to ask the Gentfrom DakotaSMr. BURLEIUH] one question. He has referre to the treaties which he says were made by the commissioners last fall; and he has also adverted to the government agents who have been sent there for the purpose of disbursin the funds which are to be exended under these treaties. I will now ask the gentleman whether a friend of his, appointed upon his own recommendation, has not been appointed an agent to disburse the funds under these treaties, and is not now there acting as the agent of those Indians With whom these treaties were made?
Mr. BURLEIGH. I will ask the Gentfrom Iowa [ML Hunnmn] to whom he alludes.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. I refer to Mr. H ansom.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Mr. Hausom was appointed by President Lincoln to take the place of Major Lotta, who was appointed some 4 years ago, but his commission was withheld for some unaccountable cause, by some influence here which I knew nothing about. I solicited the President to issue at commission and let him go out there, as it had beenintended by the President he should 0 when be appointed him. And he is there, I believe, but not to disburse any funds, there being no money paid to the Indians under his charge.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Is he not there as the agent of the 2 Kettle band, the Black Feet band, the Yanktonai band, and the Brule band of the Sioux Indians, with whom the commissioners made treaties, and which treaties the gentleman has denounced here on this occasion?
Mr. BURLEIGH. He was not appointed by Mr. Lincoln to go up there on account of these treaties, or anything of the kind. His commission was made out before these treaties were ever made.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. But he is still there as the agent of these Indians.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. He is a man appointed on the recommendation of the Gentfrom Dakota.
Mr. BURLEIGH. The recommendation was made by me and the commission was issued more than a year ago, but it was with held, as I said before, for some reason that never was made known to me.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. That makes no difference. The gentleman has referred to the a cut of the Government who has been sent diers for the purpose of taking care of these Indians, and has indirectly denounced that gentleman. I have shown here, ii'om the gentleman’s own admissions, that that agent is a man of his own selection and recommendation.
Mr. BURLEIGH. In reply to that I will say I have made no such allusion at all. I have not alluded to Mr. Hansom, or to the agent who has been sent up there to take charge of these Indians, but to the men who were sent up there to make these bogus treaties.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Then I would like to ask the gentleman another question. He says he referred to the commissioners on the part of the Government to make those treaties. I would ask the gentleman who composed that commission. Was not General bibley, of Minnesota, one of those coiumissioners?
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. And MBJOI' GenlCurtis, of Iowa, was another.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. And Governor Edmunds, of his own Territory, was another
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. And Rev. Mr. Reed was another; Mr. Guernse, of Wisconsin, another and Mr. Taylor, the Indian agent of Nebraska, was another. I would ask the gentleman if all of these men are not men of the highest respectability, men who have occupied high and prominent positions?
Mr. BURLEIGH. I am not going to raise any question in regard to the respectability of the gentlemen who went there to negotiate those treaties. It is not for me to cal their character in question here. ButI will sa, for the information of the gentleman an the House, that when I came down through that Territory last full, one of the members of the commission toldme that at least 7 of those treaties were not sufficiently signed to justify their ratification. I so stated to the ComrIndAff; I so stated to the SecyInterior. I told them precisely the condition of things, as I understood it; but for some reason the treaties were sent to the Senate, and I suppose they are now to be regarded as valid treaties.
Mr.HUBBARD, of Iowa. I will ask the gentleman whether that matter was not fully Migrated by the Senate ComIndAffrs; whether that committee did not hear an argument from the gentleman himself a written argument upon this subject; and whether the Whole case was not canvassed by that committee and by the Senate before those treaties were confirmed.
Mr. KELLEY. With the permission of the gentleman, I wish to ask him if he knows whether the dept is now purchasing for ei n or American blankets for the Indians.
Mr. BURLEIGH. If my information is correct, and I think it is, our Government has never supplied the Indians with any American blankets, unless when there was a short stock of foreign blankets in the market. I believe that it is the invariable custom of the Indian dept to im ort from England the blunkets for the use of the Indians.
Mr. KELLEY. Does the gentleman know whether the blankets supplie to the Indians this year are of American or English make?
Mr. BU RLEIGH. I was told by a whole sale merchant in NewYork that he had the contract to furnish these blankets, and that be imported them from Europe. I was also told l by another wholesale merchant that when he was in Europe he saw the mauufactory where they were made. I have no other knowledge on the subject.
Mr. KELLEY. Well, I beg leave to say that when proposals for furnishing these blan kets were advertised for,
Mr. JOHN Dobsou, of, Philadelphia, whose blankets enjoy a just preeminence in our markets, put in a bid or bids; that the contract was given to another; that Mr. Dobsou exhibited to me co ics ofhis bids and official statements of the bi s on which the awards had been made, and demonstrated to me, as well as I could get at the result of the figures, thathis had been the cheaper, and added that, as his object was to secure the Indian market for American manufacturers by producing a better than the foreign article, his blankets would all have been up to the stand ard. I know, too, the fact that Mr. Dobsou makes blankets which were driving the best foreign blankets from our market by their supe rior excellence when our heavy war taxes gave English manufacturers advantages over him at his very doors. What I assert is that he, with such motives to furnish standard blankets. did not get the contract, and that the middleman who did get it applied to him to make the goods. I know further that at the time he made that exhibit to me the party to whom the contract had been awardedpwas treating with him to make the blankets; and he said to me, “Of course I will have to make them at. a little lower rates than I would have done had I got the contract direct, for he must have a profit, and the Indians will get the blankets y so much inferior to those I offered to make for the Government.” The blankets being deliv cred now, if that contract was concluded, and I believe it was, are made in my district by Mr. JOHN Dobsou at the falls of Schuylkill, and made inferior to what he would have delivered to the Government, because he is not bound to a Government standard and gets an inferior price from the contractor who ot the contract over him. . but in one qualification to these assertions, which is, provided that contract was executed, for I have made no inquiry on the subject since then.
Mr. UllllElGH. I will say, in reply to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, that some months ao I received a letter from a whole sale merchant in NewYork, who aid he saw the blankets being manufactured in England for our Indians.
Mr. KELLEY. In what part of Europe are the falls of Schuylkill in the 21st ward of Philadelphia and 4th district of Pennsyl vania? [Laughter]
Mr. BURL.5h1tGerig. I cannot say anything about that; it is not worth while. I will say further, it was stated in that letter that a sample of those blankets had been sent to this country, and there was comlaint that a large proportion of cotton entere into their manufacture. I am under the impression that the contractors have had these Indian blankets manufactured and imported from England. I think if the Gentfrom Pennsylvania will introduce a resolution ofinquiry into this House he'will obtain that information from the Indian Bureau. I do not wish to do injustice to anyone, but I still entertain the opinion eXpressed in the 1st place.
Mr. KELLEY. I will not say a resolution of inquiry will result in provin that some Indian lankets are made abroa, but I will say that such an inquiry will establish the facts I have asserted, that the contract was given for an inferior article at equal or higher rates to a man who went to a rejected bidder, John Dobson, of Philadelphia, and proposed to contrac 1 with him to manufacture the blankets of at inferior character and at an inferior rate so the contractor might make a pront out of his contract with the Government. Mr. Dobsou’s blanket factories are at the falls of the Schuylkill, 21st ward of Philadelphia. I do not think at is in Europe.
Mr. ALLISON. Mr. Speaker, I merely desire to know whether it is a crime in an officer of the Government to purchase foreign manufactured goods?
Mr. KELLEY. I do not say it is a crime to purchase foreign goods. I heard the Gentfrom Dakota state that the blankets for the Indians were made in Europe. I thought it a pity that announcement should go to the country without qualification. I will ask my friend whether he does not think it is a crime, though it may not be a statutory one a crime against morals: a crime against the Indians; a crime against the Government to give a contract to a political favorite at higher rates than another offered, and then to accept under that contract an inferior article made at an inferior price by one of the rejected bidders ‘2
Mr. ALLISON. I will answer the inquiry of the gentleman when he answers mine. I desire to know whether or not he insists a Government officer shall purchase articles of American manufacture exclusively.
Mr. KELLEY. I have not made such an intimation. That question was not in point. I was only correcting the gentleman‘s statement in reference to these blankets being made abroad.
Mr. ALLISON. I understand we walked daily upon a carpet purchased abroad by one of our officers.
Mr. KELLEY. That is true, and if we do not soon diminish ourinternal taxes and revise our tariff bill we will soon be walking in nothing but foreign made clothes, under foreign um brellas, and in foreign made shoes.
Mr. ALLISON. I will say that if a public officer gives a political favorite a contract at a higher rate than that of another bidder he does commit a crime, and ought to be punished. I do not understand the gentleman to say these blankets were taken at a higher rate than was bid by his friend.
Mr. KELLEY. I have not made the positive assertion that the blankets for this year were made by Mr. Dobson. What I say is that Mr. Dobson laid before me his bids and the report of lettings presented to him from the Indian Office, and that his calculations and mine showed that his bid was lower than that upon which the contract had been awarded.
Mr. BURLEIGI I. I would ask the gentleman if he knows that these blankets were manufactured in Philadel hia.
Mr. KELLEY. repeat again, the last time I was in Mr. Dobson’s establishment he w“as about concluding a.contract, and he said, Of course I do not contract with the Govern‘ment, and cannot make blankets of the qualit I was ready to furnish to the Government. was anxious to prove that I could excel in Mackinaw blankets, as I do in others, and would have done it, but I am about contracting with an individual for blankets of an infe rior character at a less price, and the contractor with the Government will pocket the difference. The Government will not know me in the transaction, or even know that I make the blankets.”,
Mr. BURLEIGH. But still, sir, this system goes on, and willgo on until there is a revolution in this whole concern. Untold millions have been exended under our present miserably manage Indian system, and all without any important change in the condition of the Indian or benefit to the Government, but on the contrary, wrong, violence, and bloodshed have been the legitimate fruits of such a policy. Not one newi on has been developed nor a single prac tical result accomlished. “How to do it, and how not to do it, seems to be the standing order of the Indian institution. The country which I have described as a suit able and permanent location for the Indians is sufficiently large to support all the tribes north of the Arkansas and east of the Rocky mount ains. It is well adapted to the wants of a large Indian population with an abundance of land suited to cultivation, and it is the great game region of the U.S. The removal and final settlement of our northwestern Indians in this proposed reservation would enable us to open the entire body of mineral lands east of the Rocky mountains, relieve our overland emigration from Indian dangers and annoyances, and place the red men where they could live and die unmolested by the enterprise of the white man, and under the protecting arm of the Government. But I am satisfied that no such grand results will be realized so long as Congress contents itself with reading the reports of interested Secretaries and Commissioners officers who would starve upon their salaries living as they do, but who thrive immeasurably upon the more questionable perquisites of their offices.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I desire to ask the gentleman to explain what he means by speaking of interested Secretaries and other officers.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Well, sir, I do not desire to take the time now to discuss this matter, but I have information in my possession which, if the gentleman desires it, I will lay before conress, so that he can weigh and examine it imself.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. It is simply for the purpose of understanding the matter. Isuppose that the gentleman intended to convey the idea that the Secretary and the head of the depts havin control of Indian affairs were interested in the contract.
Mr. BUItLEIGH. Perhaps not in this contract particularly; but it is generally understood that there are certain perquisites attached to the office of Secretary as well as that of Commissioner.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I do not intend to defend an wrongful act committed by any member 0 this Government; but whatI desire is, when the gentleman is dealing in charges of this kind, that he shall make them plain and specific. That is what I insist upon.
Mr. BURLEIGH. IfI can get a resolution adopted by the House I will endeavor to grat ify the gentleman’s curiosity before the close of the session.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. It is not curiosity; I merely ask the gentleman to so deal with this question when he connects these insinuations with public officers, as to allow us to understand just what he means to say.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Well, he has not said very much; it is mere intimation. more by the way of innuendo than anything else, and I would like to have the gentleman make a charge specific.
Mr. IfURLEIGH. I would rather not be interrupted.
Mr. HELLEY. I desire to say that in all the intercourse I had with the party to whom I have referred about blankets there was nothing that led me to suppose for one moment that the SecyInterior had any cognizance of the transactions that were going on. The allegations were made against the officer of the Indian Bureau, who had the duty of contracting for Army blankets. And if, from any remarks I have made, the inference is drawn that I know any reason why I should sympathize with the reflections upon the SecyInterior just indulged in b the Gentfrom Dakota, I beg leave to ispel it. There was nothing that came to my knowl edge that in any way reflected upon him. Here the hammer fell.]
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I move that the gentleman have additional time enough to finish his speech. No objection being made, the motion was greed to.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Why, sir, MW can the country expect pure waters to flow from a corrupt fountain? How can you expect an honest administration of your public affairs by an officer of the Government who will come upon the floor of this House and sacrifice every principle of truth and honor for the purpose of carrying a measure which, under other circumstances, a would be considered a fraud and a cheat upon the Government?
Mr. HUBIRD, of Iowa. I want to know distinctly whether the gentleman charges upon the SecyInterior fraud and corruption in this matter.
Mr. BURLEIGH. If the gentleman will make a.note of such things as he desires to inquire about, and put his questions after I get through, I will answer them.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. The gentleman seems to be an adept in dealing in innuendoes that you canno. but your finger upon, that you cannot touch. want some distinct assertion from him if he has any to make.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Well, I will tell the gentleman, at the commencement of this session there was an appropriation of $500,000 asked for the support of certain Indian tribes. Iliad been told by a gentleman here that the moneys had alread been expended, and that it was really a decicncy they were askin for, and I so told the honorable chairman o the ComAppropriat, [Mr. S'rsvsxsj In the course of a day or 2 I was called upon in this very Hall by the ComIndAff. He came in here and took a seat by me, and spoke of the necessity of having that appropriation to sustain those Indians. I told him what I had been told by parties who claimed to know, that a large amount of the money had already been expended. He told me that not a dollar of it had been expended; that he had no authority to expend any money before it was apprOpriated. And he asked me to use my influence; of course I had not much influence, but what little I had, I used, to get.the appropriation through. I again saw the chair man of the ComAppropriat, Mr. S'rsvsxs] and told him that I thought there must be some misapprehension in regard to the matter. I went to work and did what I could, and the approriation was passed. I subsequentl learne that this money had been expeude before it was appropriated. I stated to the Senate ComIndAffrs what I knew when the nomination of the ComrIndAff was pending before them. And he denied it in a most fiat footed manner, and said that he had never asked me to take any part in the matter, and said that it was simply absurd.
Mr. UBBARD, of Iowa. One other question. Are these the facts upon which the gentleman bases his charge of fraud and corruption against the SecyInterior? Mr: BURLEIGH. I am not speaking of the SecyInterior. If the gentleman had paid attention to m remarks tor the last few sentences, he would have discovered that.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Perhaps he did not refer to the SecyInterior in the lust sentences, for he was then replying to my question.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. To what does the gentleman now allude; to the removal of the ndians from Minnesota to Dakota?
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Was that done under the administration of James Harlan, as Secyinterior?
Mr. BURLEIGH. I stated distinctly that it was done in 1863.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Then, in his present remarks, the gentleman does not refer to the present SecyInterior.
Mr. URLEIGH. say that in 1863 the Government made this removal. But a few weeks since an order was issued, from one of the Depts, for the release from I rison of all these savages, whose hands have Iieen dyed in the blood of so many 100s of innocent and unoifendin pioneersthe very bone and sinew of our in out Statesand whose flinty, fiery hearts wreak for blood and ven eance such only as fiends can feel and savages now. i That was in the reign of James Harlan, SecyInterior.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. I will ask the gentleman if he has notintroduced a resolution in this House calling for information on that subject, and also directed a letter to the President upon the subject; and if his inquiries have not been fully and conclusively answered by the SecyInterior.
Mr. BURLEIGH. I will give all the facts to the House before I get through; so the gentleman need not anticipate me.
Mr. HUBBARD,0 Iowa. I will ask the gentleman if he did not himself advocate, in the presence of the SecyInterior, the removal of these identical Indians he now refers to, down to the Missouri river, and their consolidation with the Yanktonai Sioux.
Mr. ALLISON. I desire to ask the Gentfrom Dakota whetheror not these liidians have been removed; and if so, whether the order for their removal has not been issued by the POTUS.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Oh, yes, sir; they have all been turned out, and sent down to my uei hborhood.
Mr. ALLISON. I deSire to inquire of the Gentfrom Dakota whetheror not this order has been issued by the POTUS. I understand that he is the only officer who can issue such an order. Does the gentleman mean to attack the President?
Mr. BURLEIGH. I Wlli answer the gentleman. Ieallod upon the POTUS in regard to the matter, and he seemed to know ver little about it. He said he supposed he ha signed an order of that kind; that his Cabinet officers were in the habit of bringing to him orders connected With their respective Depts; tbat they told him what was necessary, and he signed the era. “Well, Mr. President, ” said i, “ I could not believe for one moment that you were aware of the cruelties which have been practiced upon our people; and I therefore rely upon you to correct this evil.”
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa, I desire to ask the gentleman whether he thinks that the President is in the habit of signing orders which he does not understand, and whether the SecyInterior and the ComrIndAff could move one step, could make any progress whatever, toward the removal of these Indians without an order from the President. I
Mr. BURLEIGH. In a matter of this kind, presume, sir, that the President answers the purpose of one of these metallic franking stamps used by members of Congress, laughter;] that whenever a document is ta[lon to him by a Cabinet officer, or by the Commissioner, connected with his particular Dept, the officer tells him that he has investigated the matter, and the President writes upon it “A. Johnson, ” taking it for granted that the matter is all honest and right.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Does the gentleman mean to insinuate that the President is simply a machine in the hands of the heads of t ie depts?
Mr. BURLEIGH. Nothing of the kind, sir; but I suppose that when the President is satisfied, by the representations of his Cabinet officers, that a paper presented to him is right, especially if it is a long and volumine us COc ument, he atlixes his name, relying on their good faith and assurances.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. Why, then, does not the gentleman level the thunderbolts of his wrath against the President, and not against the head of the Interior Dept?
Mr. CLARKE. of Ohio, obtained the floor.
Mr. HUBBARD, of Iowa. With the consent of the Gentfrom Ohio, I desire to say that I may not have fully understood the urport of the various statements which have Eceu made by the Gentfrom Dakota IIf. BURLEIGH] in the speech which he has just concluded. If, on examining that speech, i shall find it to contain anything which in my judgment may call for a reply, I shall on some future occasion reply to it.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I ask the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. CLARKE] to yield to me for a short time.
Mr. CLARKE, of Ohio. I will yield to the Mr. Speaker, I gentleman for ten minutes.
Mr. BURLEIGH. I ask the gentleman to read the testimony of Gal in, Frambois, and others, which ought to be t icrc. I do not propose to get up here and defend myself against these Indians.
Mr. WILSON. of Iowa. The Indian agent Burleigh referred to is, then, the Delegate from Dakota.
The Speaker. The gentleman’s ten minutes have expired.
Mr. CLARKE, of Ohio. utes more to the gentleman.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I wish to say in conclusion I do not propose to take up any testimony in this book from white men. Iain letting the Indian make out his own case.
Mr. BURLEIGH. I would ask if these parties were under oath.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. No, sir; and the Gentfrom Dakota was not under oath in his speech to dey. The case was presented before a sub committee of this House. Whether the Mr. Burleigh here spoken of was the Gentfrom Dakota or some other Burleigh, I was not there to know. My sole purpose in occupying the attention of the House at this time was to give these 2 Indians an opportunity to present their case to Congress. New, they complain of these agents. They say their conduct has been the cause of the Indian difficulty, and I fear there is a great deal of truth in the charges and specifications they resent. They do not, like the Gentfrom Dakota today, deal in mere generalities, but they charge a person, by name, with specific offenses, with the taking of the ir goods, and with the taking of their food and keeping a mess House and then making r the Indians pay for the food that is intended or them. they  charge that $1, 700 worth of their goods werctaken and paid for, and that the agent Burleigh received the money and would not pay itto them. These charges were made by the Indians. I do not make them. I have merely, as I have already stated, desired that these 2 I ndians should have onopportunity to speak to this House and make their charge against who ever it may concern.
Mr. AL ISON. I trust that the Gentfrom Ohio [Min Camus] will be kind enough to ich] to me for 5 minutes.Mr. CLARKE, of Ohio. I will do so.
Mr. ALLISON. Mr. Speaker, I have been listening with regret and astonishment at the charges made by the Gentfrom Dakota against the POTUS, the SecyInterior, and the ComrIndAff. I supposed that there had been under former administrations some incon sistencies in the conduct of the Indian dept, but I believe that the distinguished gentleman at the head of the Dept of the Interior, a citizen of the State of Iowa, often honored by the people of that State, in calling to his aid another citizen of Iowa and of my own district to net as ComrIndAff intended to choose an officer who would, reform the affairs of that bureau, and I have bad faith in the integrity and honor of that i gentleman. Therefore I was astounded at the gentleman’s charging upon the SecyInterior and ComrIndAff I yield 5 minutes corruption and fraud in the discharge of their several duties, as well as the POTUS. Now, sir, I desire that the gentleman shall make these charges specific against these various officers, and if they have been guilty of any act of derelietion in the discharge of their several duties let Congress institute a proper investigation to ascertain where the fault lies in their administration and I believe I can assure the gentlemen that when the investigation is made these several officers will be able to sustain themselves before Congress so far as the matters alluded to by him are concerned. I only rose for the purpose of vindicating these gentlemen from the covert attack of the Gentfrom Dakota, and to ask him to make his charges specific against these gentlemen, in order that they may know what to defend. But I will say further, that I am in formed whether truthfully or not I cannot say that the Gentfrom Dakota has had personal difficulty with the SecyInterior and ComrIndAff, because his accounts as Indian agent have not been passed upon by that dept favorably. I hope this fact has not in any way influenced his action here.
Mr. BURLEIGH. With the consent of the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. CLABKE] I desire to say one word in rely to the Gentfrom Iowa [Mr. ALLISON. He says he has under stood that I have had personal difficulty with the ComrIndAff and the SecyInterior. I will state that it is not true that I have had any personal difficult with them in consequence of my accounts not icing settled. The charge has been thrown out and heralded all over the country b the ComrIndAff, and Iy denounce it as a falsehood. THE REBELLION, ITS CAUSES, ITS CURE.
Mr. JULIAN obtained the floor; but yielded to Mr. GRINNELL, who moved that the House adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and thereupon (at 3 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions, were presented under the rule and referredto the appropriatecommittees: By Mr. CULLOM: A petition 0 a luruc nuinber of citizensof De Witt county. Illinois, asking Congress to enact such laws regulating interstate insurance of all kinds as will establish the greatest security to the interestsof the insured. By Mr. TAYLOR: The petition of Brevet Briga dier General Ward B. Burnett, asking for an adjustment of his pension.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Moxnsr, June 11, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Secretary proceeded to read the Journal of Friday but but before concluding it. Mr. CONNIllSS. I move to dispense with the furtherreading of the Journal, that we may proceed in the morning hour with some business of consequence. By unanimous consent the reading of the Journal was dispensed with.
Skip Skip PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS. Mr. HARRIS. I present the petition of a large number of persons, residents of the county of Chenango, State of NewYork, stating that avery large portion of the entire bank note currency in circulation used by them in their business consists of the State bank notes of the State of NewYork. They state that there were on the 28th of May over $19,000,000 of circulation of the NewYork State banks, and they ask that provision may be made to extend the time within which the tax provided for upon circulation of that character shall be imposed. I move the reference of the petition to the ComFinance. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. HARRIS presented the etition ofHenry Tuthill, of Schuyler county, i NewYork, praying for compensation for carrying the U.S. mail; which was referred to the ComPostOffices. He also presented resolutions of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of NewYork, in favor of the passage of the bill to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the U.S.; which was referred to the ComJudiciary.
Mr. WILLEY presented the petition of Mrs. Drusey A. Layman, widow of the late Eugcuius E. Layman, who was a private in company 0, 17 thregiment WestVirginia volunteers, praying to be granted a pension; which was referred to the ComPensions.
Mr. SPRAGUE presented a petition of trustees of the Presbyterian church at Lewins ville, Virginia, praying to be reimbursed for damages to their church during the late war; which was referred to the ComMilAffrs .
Mr. MORGAN presented a memorial of manufacturers of India rubber springs used on railroad cars, praying that the internalrevenue tax of 6%. upon the manufacture of those articles may be removed; which was referred to the ComFinance.
Mr. JOHNson presented 3 memorials of citizens of the town and county of Alexan dria, Virginia, remonstrating against the repeal of the acts of Congress under which the town and county of Alexandria were by the government of the U.S. “coded and forever relin uished to the State of Virginia, in full and absolute right and jurisdiction, as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon;” which were referred to the ComDistCol. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. WILSON, from the ComMilAffrs , to whom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 618) to continue in force and to amend an act to establish a Bureau for the Relief of Freedmen and Refugees, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred aJtResolution (H. It. No. 149) declaratory of the law of bounty, reported it without amendment. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a JtResolution (S.R.No. 86) to provide for the publication of the official history of the rebellion, reported it with an amendment.
Mr. SPRAGUE, from the ComMilAffrs , to whom was referred a memorial of the Legislature of Massachusetts, praying to be reimbursed for moneys expended or the common defense, submitted a report, accompanied by a JtResolution (S. It. No. 106) to reimburse the State of Massachusetts for money expended in the purchase of guns and ammunition, for procuring plans for coast defense and harbor obstruction, and for the erection of works of coast defense. The JtResolution was read and passed to a 2nd reading, and the report was ordered to be printed. h
Mr. HOWARD, from the ComPacificRR, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.317 to amend an act entitled “An act to amen an not entitled ‘An act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes, approved July 1, 1862, 1 approved July 2, 1864, ” reported it with amendments. SAFE KEEPING or PUBLIC MONEY.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I shonld like to callthe attention of the Senator who reported the bilf to what seems to me to be a very unusual spe cies of crime provided for in it, that is, that if any person counsels, aids, or abets an officer illegally to deposit public money in an unauthorized depositary that is the purport of ithe shall be guilty of an offense. According to my recollection, it is anew thing to provide for an accessory to an offense of this kind. Take the crime of larceny, for instance. Larceny is the felonious stealing, taking, and carrying away of the goods of another; but we have no such thing as advising or counseling a person to feloniously steal, take, and carry away the goods of another. I do notknow that any man can be guilty in such a way. If he has an thing to do with the crime he is guilty of theft; but here there seems to be a provision for a sort of accessary to a crime, which is a mine r offensc. It is a very similar provision.
Mr. FESSfINDEN. t might be dilficultto convict, practically. That is the only trouble. Ifa person knows that a public officeris about to misappropriate public money, or embezzlo it, and counsels and aids him in doing so, the bill makes it an offense. The difficulty will be, erhaps, to convict him.
Mr. TRUMBULL. It strikes me as rather a novel offense.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The bill is drawn on the state of facts developed in the last strikinv case here. There were alfadozen concerned in it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. There may be necessaries in treason and murder. A person aiding and abetting the enemy is guilty of treason; but we do not speak of persons aiding and abetting other offenses. Iii robbery all are principals.
Mr. TRUMBULL. That is what think ought to be done. I am not goin to object to the bill, but I call the attention of the Senfrom Maine to this revision as a singular one.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I saw and the committee saw that it was very stringent, but we came to the conclusion that we could not make it too much so. We did not submit any amendment to the bill; and if Senators wish to look at it further I shall not detain the Senate now with it, but will consent to let it go by for the moment, and I shall call it up again when they have looked further into it.
The PRESIDENT protempore. Senator make that motion '1
Mr. FESSENDEN. Let the bill be laid aside informally.
The PRESIDENT protempore. No objection being made, that course will be pursued.
Mr. FESSENDEN subsequently asked that the consideration of the billqbe resumed; and it was again taken up. rI’he bill was reported to the Senate without amendment, ordered to a 3rd reading, and read the 3rd time.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I shall be obliged to the Senator'from Maine if he will just state what the bill amounts to I have not heard it.
Mr. FESSENDEN: in“ bill which came from the other House, directing public oliicers to deposit the public mone which comes into their possession either in the Treasury or the sub '1reasury, at the place where they may be, and nowhere else, uness in places special y as signed by the SecyTreasury, where there is no Treasury or sub Treasu, and making it a penal offense to deosit it Ill other institutions, and also punising all aiding and abetting in the offense.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Where there are no officers of the Treasury, may the national banks be used?
Mr. FESSENDEN. The SecyTreasury is to have power in such cases to direct where the public money shall be depos ited. The bill was passed. LEAVES OF.tnsna‘cs.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana. Ihaveatelegrnphic tflsputch from Senator LANE of Kansas, which shows that it is absolutely necessary for him to leave for Kansas immediately on important, urgent business. I am therefore requested to ask for him leave of absence for ten days.
The PRESIDENT protempore. it is moved that the Senfrom Kansas have leave of absence from the Senate for ten days. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. WILSON. My colleague [ML Senses] has been called home by a dispatch on account of the dangerous sickness of his mother. He wishes to obtain leave ofabsence for 2 weeks from today, and I make the motion that that“ leave be granted. The motion was agreed to. LEGISLATIVE, ETE., APPROPRIATION BILL.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish togive notice to the Senate that tomorrow at one o’clock I shall ask them to proceed to the consideration of the legislative, executive, and Judicial appropriation bil].
Mr. TRUMBULL. I move that 5 thou. sand additional copies of the report of the Does the ComReconstruction be printed for the use of the Senate.
The PRESIDENT protempore. That motion will go to the ComPrintg under the rules. BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. WADE asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a JtResolution (S.R.No. 107) in relation to the purchase of certain lands at Point Lookout, Maryland, or a military and naval hospital; which was referred to the ComMilAffrs , and ordered to be printed. He also presented documents in support of the JtResolution; which were referred to the same committee.
Mr. TRUMBULL asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.302) to change the times for holding the courts of the U.S. for the eastern district of Texas; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComJudiciary.
Mr. CRESWELL asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.363) declaratory of the act approved March 8, 1863, being an act to amend an act to establish a court for the investigation of claims against the U.S., approved February 24, 1865; which was read twice b its title, referred to the ComJudiciary, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. HENDERSON asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.364) to authorize the establishment of a repertory in Germany, to illustrate the physica, political, and social condition, the natural products, and the resources of the several States of the Union; which was read twice byits title, referred to the ComAg, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. HENDRICKS asked, an by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.366) amendatory of the act of July 4, 1864, entitled “An act to restrict the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims, ” &e.; which was read twice b its title.
Mr. HENDRICKS. As this subject has been before the ComJudiciary, I move the reference of this bill to that committee. The motion was agreed to. HOUSE RESOLUTION REFERRED. The concurrent resolution from the HoRep, in relation to the expediency of purchasing from the owners thereof the equestrian portrait of the late Lieutenant general Winfield Scott, which now adorns the walls of the Capitol, was referred to the JtcomLibrary. STEAMBOAT INSPECTION LAW.
Mr. EDMUNDS. I move to take up for cont sideration the bill (H.R.No. 477) reported from the ComCommerce, further to provide for the safety of the lives of asseugers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in art by steam, to relate the salaries of steam oat inspectors, an for other purposes. The motion was agreed to; an the bill was considered as in ComWhole. The Secretary proceeded to read the bill.
Mr. EDMUND 5‘. I suggest that the Clerk may omit reading until the beginning of the 10th section, as a bill has already passed on this subject, and undoubtedly there will be no objection to the sections he is now reading. I ask that, by unanimous consent the readin of that part of the bill be dispensed with, and t ins save some little time.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to., The next amendment was to strike out at the end of the 1st section the words “his license shall be immediately revoked” and to insert the following words: 110 shall forfeit and pay to the party aggrieved there by the sum 01'8300to e recoveredin an action of dobt founded on this statute. And thereuponon such recovery, aswell ason such rofnsalto give such statementin writing or to admit such persons into the pilot house as aforesaid. his license shall immediately revoked. upon the sumsproceedingsas are provided bylaw in other casesof the revocation of such licenses. The amendmentwas agreed to. The next amendment was in section two, line 11, to strike out the word “ 50 ” before the word “pounds, ” and to insert the word “ 20;" and also to strike out at the end of the section the following words, "and the temperature of the water used in applying the hydrostatic test shall in no case exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit;” so that the section will read: 530. 2. Abife: That when boilers are so arrangedon astoamer that there is omployod a water connecting pipe through which water may passfrom one boiler to another. theroshall also be provideda similar steamconnection.having an am of opening into each hoiler of at least ones qnare mch for every twosquare feetof effectiveheating surface contained in on one of the boilers so connected half the duo on all other surfacesborn computed as effcotive.And no boilersball hereafter eullowed. under the rule now established by law, a greater working pressure than 120 poundsto the square inch.
The clerk read The next amendment was in section 3, line 9, to strike out the words “instead of;" and in line ten to strike out the words “high pressure boilers, there shall be employed plugs or rivets of pure tin, inserted in such places and in such manner as shall be prescribed by the board of supervising inspectors, ” and to insert “ boilers shall be fusible, as now required by law, and at a temperature not exceeding lour45 degrees of the pay 1rell heit thermometerf’ so that the section wrll read: Sac. 3. Abife:, That one or more additional safety valves, of such dimensions and arrangement as shall be prescribedby the board of supervising inspectors shall be placed on the boilers of ovorysteamor.and shall beloadedtoa pressure not exceeding 5 pounds above the working steampress ure allowed and shall be securedby the inspector minlttho Mine. of all persons sound in the iscc. munnfemcut. of the vesselor her machinery. And the hi oyed metals now required by law to be placed intonupon the flucs of boilers shall be fusible. as renuiredby law and at a temperaturenot exceend ine wg 445 degreesof the Fahrenhcit thermometer; and agood and reliable water gauge and a full set of gauge cocks shall be provuled for eachbeilcr, whcther connectedor otherwise.
The clerk read The next amendment was in section four. line 5, after the word “ and" to insert the words “every steamboat boiler hereafter built;” so that the section will read: B‘BC.V4.I Abife: that nosteambpat boiler herealter built. to which the heat is applied on the loutside of the shell shall be constructed of plates t on 3 10th sof an inch in thick ness.the ends or headsof the hmler only exec ted. And every steamboat boiler hereafter built. 1 cm ployed on rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico or eir t es shall have not less than 3 inches of clear spacefor water betweenand around its internal llnes. And steamershereafter built. which shall employ lcur or more boilers set in abatte shall have the some divided in such a.manner t atone ehmalfp.loay seidiemnii lly as maybe. of the number of beilers act Independentlyof the other half. so far as relates to the water connection: but thesteiim from all the boilers may be connected as provided by this act.
The Clerk read The next amendment was in section 5, line one. after the word “that” to strike out the words “ baled hay or straw” and to insert “cotton, hemp, hay, straw, or other easily ignitible commodity; ” in line 4, after the word “passengers” to insert “ excepton ferry boats crossing rivers, and then on y on the stems of such boats; ” and in line 7, after the word “canvas ” to insert “or other i'oper material; ” so that the section will rea: Sac. 5. Abife: Thut eotton. hemp. liny straw or other Oflilli ignitihlc commodity shall not ho carried on the dec 5or guards of any steumer carrying passengers except on ferry boats crossing rivers and then only on the stems of such boats. unless the some shall beprotectedby a completeand suitable covering ofcunvas or other proper material. to prevent ignition from sparks. up or n. eiialty of 8pleotroofloerumno offense. Nor shall coal oi or crude be hereafter carried on such steamers. except on the deeks or guards thereof or in open holds. where a free circulation of air is secured and ntsuch distance lroin the furnaces or tires as may be prescribed byany supervisors.inspector or any local board of inspectors.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 13, line 3, after the words “ U.S.” to insert the words “except vessels subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign Pon'ennnd engaged in foreign trade and not owned in whole or in part by a citizen of the U.S.;” so that the section Will read: That all vessels navigating the bays. inlets. rivers. cheaprbt.ors and other waters of the U.S.exvessels subject to the jurisdietion of a foreign Power and engagedin foreign trade and uotowned in whole or in part by a, citizen of the U.S. s shallbes subject to the navigation lows of the U.S. 'c.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 14, line two, to strike out the word "steamers" and insert the word “vessels;” in line 3 to strike out the words “ the chain of“ and to insert the Words “any of the northern and ” and after the word “to, ” in line 5. to sTTi e out the words “be operative by one person, by which they may be disengaged at p ensure from the tackles by which they are lowered into the water” and to insert the words “al low such boats to be safely launched with their complements of passengers, while such vessels are under speed or otherwise, and so as to allow such disengaging apparatus to be Operated by one person disengaging both ends of the boat simu taneously from the tackles by which it may by lowered to the water, " so that the section will read: SEC.l4.Abife : That all sen going vessels carrying passengers and those navigatin any of the northern and northwestern lukes shal have the life bouts reqnired by law. provided with suitable boat disengaging iipparaiiis.sonrrunzeduslo allow such boats to be safely launched with their complements of passengers whilc such ‘vesscls are under speed or otherwise and so as to allow such disaiigaging apparatus to be operated by one person disen‘raging both ends of the bout simultaneously 1 from the tackles by which it may be lowered to the water.
Mr. ANTHONY. 'Does that require the use of a particular apEarntus designated?
The clerk read The next amendment was in section 15, after the word “sail, ” in line 7, to strike out the following words: River steamers navigating waters flowing into the Gulf of Mexico shall carry the followipg lights. namely: Ouc red light on the outboard side of the ort smoke ipe and one green light on the put oard side of the starboard smoke pipe; theso lights to show both forward and aft and also show on their respective sides.
The clerk read The next amendment was in section 15, line 14, to strike out the words “ and those above provided for.” The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert as an additional section the followmg: SEC. 18. Abife:.Tlintsupervising. nndlocal and asst inspectors of steamboat s shall execute proper bonds. in such form and upon such conditions as the SecyTreasury iiisiy prescribe and subject to his approval. conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of their respective offices and the payment. in the manner provided by law. ot'ull moneysthat may he received y em.
The PRESIDENT protempore. That coni pletes the amendments reported by the committee.
Mr. EDMUNDS. I move to amend the bill in the 5th lineof the 3rd section, by striking outthe word “ 5” before the word “ pounds.” and inserting the Word “two, ” so that it will rea And shall be loaded to a pressure not exceed iili twg pounds above the Working steamg prossure‘ ii owe. " This amendment was intended to have been reported from the committee, but appears to have been accidentally omitted in the printing of the bill.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I move to strike out, in that part of the proposed amendment which applies to the district of Portland, in Oregon, $700, ” and to insert the amount provided in the original bill, “ $1, 200.” I find that in the proposed amendment sala ries of $1,500 and 81, 600 are paid to local in spectors in the Atlantic States, where. I am satisfied. the business is not as large as it is at Portland, in Oregon. In addition to that the expenses at Portland, in Oregon, are much larger than they are in places on this side of the continent. I have received communications from the local inspectors of that district representing to me that an increase in their salaries is absolutely necessar ', and I do not see any reason why ins ectors at ortland, Oregon, should be reduce to $700, and the local inspectors upon the Mississippi river, at some points 2 or 3,000 miles from its mouth, should be paid $1,000, $1.200, or $1,500, when there is no point upon the mississippi river where the business is half as large as it is at Portland, in Oregon. I therefore move this amendment to the amendment.
Mr. WILLIXllIS I should li e to inquire of the Senator if he knows what the present salary of the local inspectors at Portland, Orevon, 18. iI’r. ‘DMUNDS. The)resent salary of the local inspector at Portland, Oregon, is $700, precisely where the committee propose to leave it. Some of the places we have notincreased at all; others we lave increased somewhat.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question now is on the amendment propose by the Senfrom Vermont.
Mr. VANWINKLE. I should like to have an explanation of the reason why the compensation of the inspectors at Wheelin is reduced. While you are imposing additional duties upon these inspectors, you are cutting down their salaries one half. It strikes me that that cannot be reasonable, at all events. The inspectors at Wheeling have charge of some 250 or 300 miles of the Ohio river, along which at very numerous points steamboats are constantly built and brought toWheeling to be inspected and licensed. Again, a good deal of the great trade down the Ohio river settles at Wheelin and Parkersbur, which are both railroad termini, and all go to Wheeling for their inspection. I should likethe Senatorin charge of the bill to explain the reasons why the salary of the inspectors at Wheeling is cut down to 00.
Mr. EDMUNDS. My only explanation is edge of the subject. that my friendfrom WestVirginia is mistaken in the assumption that it is cut. down. The present law gives the inspectors at Wheeling $500, precisely where we wropose to leave it. The number of steam oats inspected at Wheeling in 1855 was 34; in 1860, thirt nine; and in 1865, 47. That has conthe total rate and amount of the increase; and, considering the great number of other inspection districts up and down the river, at Pittsburg, Nashville, Louisville, and all those places, we thought there was no jus tification for increasing, at this time, the compensation of the ins ectors at Wheeling.
Mr. VANWIN LE. I understand that this bill provides for giving them a compensation 0t $1,000, and that the amendment of the Senate committee cuts it down to $500.
Mr. EDMUNDS. The original bill provided for giving them $1,000, and we have left it where the present law leaves it.
Mr. VANWINKLE. I cannot say that I know enough about the Subject to make any particular opposition, but I think there is a discrimination made here that is not a just one. I can only judge from my general knowl I know that a good deal of this business is done at Wheeling. What it relates to, whether to hulls, or the whole in‘ spection, or the inspections that must take pace from time to time afterward, I do not now.
Mr. EDMUNDS. These tables that I read from contain the statement of every steamboat, large and small, that has been inspected at that place and reported by the inspectors. The Senate are of course aware that by the present law it is the duty of the steamboat inspectors to keep a record of every otiicial act that they do in respect to the inspection of steamboats, lmlls, and boilers, and the licensing of pilots and engineers. It is their business to make quarterly returns of them, and certain fees are assessable by law upon each steamboat owner upon inspection, dependin generally upon the tonnage of the vessel. Those fees it is the duty of the inspector to account for and pay over into the Treasury. The scale of compensation which the amendment that I have proposed, for the committee, adopts, is, I repeat, adapted precisely and mathematically to the amount of labor done in each district and the amount of fees received and reported to the Treasury; so that for the same amountof time employed in Wheeling, the inspector there is paid the same compensation as is paid for the same amount of time in NewYork, so as to make it just, as to the time and labor and responsibility, all over the country. Thercis no law which prohibits a steamboat inspector from engaging in other occupations, and it is of course expected, as the fact is, that every where where the salary is not large enough to comensate for all the man’s time, he engages in ct ier pursuits; and undoubtedly3/4ths of the steamboat inspectors of the country to day are engaged in honorable and profitable occupations otherwise. For the labor which the do for the Government they ought to be. an( are liberall aid. The PRESlDliltion is on the amendment of the Senfrom Vermont, striking out the 16th and 17th sections of the bill, and inserting a substitute. The amendment was a eed to. The bill was reporte to the Senate as nmended.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on concurring in the amendments made as in ComWhole, and the Chair will take the question on the amendments collectively unless a division is asked.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I desire to renew, in a different form, my amendment to the amendment proposed b the Senfrom Vermont. I propose to stri e “ out “ $700” and to insert $1,000, ” in relation to Portland, Oregon.
The PRESIDENT protempore. At the Senator’s request that amendment will be excepted, and the Chair will put the question on The protempore. The question concurring in the residue of the amendments made in ComWhole. The amendments were concurred in.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The question now is on concurring in the amendment proposed by the Senfrom Vermont strikimr out the 16th and 17th sections of the bill and inserting a substitute, and as an amendment to that amendment the Senfrom Oregon proposes to strike out “$700” and to insert “$1,000” as the salary of the local inspector at Portland, Oregon.
Mr. EDMUNDS. There would be some force in what my friendfrom Oregon says as to the aripatetic duties of the inspector at Portland were it not for the fact that all the official expenses of these inspecting gentlemen are paid by the Governmet office rent, printing, stationerycverythin of that multitudi nous number of matters which always get into not only steamboat ins cctor’s bills, but every other public officer’s ills and traveling expenses, whatever they may be. They make up their accounts and take those items out of the fees which are paid to them by the steam boat owners and remit the balance, if fortu nately there lia pens to be a balance, to the Government. I ow, it may take 2 or 3 days more time, possibly, to make this journey than if they were all to be inspected at one place, but the increase is so small, and the salary at present is so large in proortion to the whole amount of time required, hat with all respect to my friend’s observations I think we should be doing injustice to the other inspectors and to the Treasury to agree to his amendment. The amendment to the amendment was rejected.
The PRESIDENT proWe. The question now is on concurring in the amendment made as in ComWhole. The amendment was concurred in.
Mr. HENDERSON. I have been written to from StLouis by some persons there in regard to this bill. Various objections have been made to it, and I really have not.had time to examine the bill as I should wish to do, and I do not desire that it shall pass without presenting, at least, some objections to it that have been urged in several letters that I have received, because they come from men who are perfectly conversant with matters of this character, and understand perfectly what they talk about. I desire a little while to examine the hill. I have permitted it to come to this point, and I now move to take it Senate bill No. 285.
Mr. SHERH AN. I trust the Senator will allow me to call up a bill which I do not think will occupy any time.
Mr. EDMUNDS. It beingsu ested by my friend the Senfrom Missourigtdiatthere are oints of objections which have been stated to iiiin, I will move that the further consideration of the bill before the Senate be postponed until tomorrow at one o’clock, and be made the special order at that hour. I make this motion because some parts of the bill, respecting the transportation of etroleum, it is extremely important should be passed, inasmuch as by the present law and the regulations under the law lately put in force, the owners of petroleum and the steamers engaged in that trade cannot carry it at all, and therefore it is important that the bill should be acted upon speedily. I move, therefore, that it‘be made the special order for tomorrow at one o’clock.
The PRESIDENT ro tempera. Does the Senfrom Missouri withdraw his motion 7
Mr. HENDERSON. I have no objection to that course.
The PRESIDENT protempera. The motion of the Senfrom Missouri is withdrawn, and the question is on the motion of the Senfrom Vermont.
Mr. WILLIAMS. The chairman of the ComFinance gave notice this morning that he intended to call up the legislative appropriation bill tomorrow. However, as he is present, I do not’wish to interfere in the matter.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on the motion of the Senfrom Vermont. The motion was agreed to. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION.
The PRESIDENT protempore laid before the Senate acommunication from the POTUS transmitting, in answer to a resolution of the Senate o‘the 6th instant, a copy of the report of the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Naval Academy for the year 1866.
Mr. GRIMES. I move that that communication be referred to the ComNavAffrs and be printed, and that 5,000 extra copies be printed.
The PRESIDENTprotempera. The communication will be printed, and referred to the ComNavAffrs. The motion to print extra copies will be referred to the ComPrintg. MISSISSIPPI RIVER LEVIN ZS.
The PRESIDENT protem are appointed Mr. CLARK, Mr. CHANDLER, It
Mr. COWAN, M1. Hnxnsnsox, and Mr. Jonnsox a select committee on the subset of extending aid for the reconstruction o levees on the Mississippi river, in pursuance of the order of the Senate of Friday last.
Mr. CRESWELL submitted the following I resolution; which was considered by uiiaui l mous consent and agreed to: remlrecl, That the SecyWar he, and he is licreby, directed to furnish the Senate a co y of a recentreport madeto the War dept by GenlHumphre s, of leveesof the ississthwep i'1ri‘voepro, irrapicalcorps. on the mation, and all other infor it‘ relation toaannyd in possession of his Dept In loves. APPROVAL OF A BILL.
Skip Skip A message from the POTUS, by Mr. Cooren, his Secretary. an nounced that the President had approved and signed, on the 8th instant, an act (S.No.237) granting a pension to Mrs. Martha Stevens.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOL'SE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPlli Insoa', its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed the following bills andjoiut. resolutions, in which it re nested the concurrence of the Senate: A bill (H.R.No. 660) for the relief of Captain James Starke '; A bill (H.R.No. 661) changing the name of Emil Cohen;. A Jtresolution (H.R.No. 123) for the relief] of Elizabeth Woodward and George Cliorpenning, of Pennsylvania; A JtResolution (H.R.No. 126) for the relief of certain settlers on the Sioux reservation, in the State of Minnesota; A JtResolution (H.R.No. 1'50) to provide for payment of the claim of Colonel H. C. De Alina for military services; A JtResolution (H.R.No. 151) authorizing the purchase of Dugau’s work on Infantry Tactics; and A JtResolution (H.R.No. 152) relative to certain guns captured in the late war. The message further announced that the HoRep had passed, without amendment, a JtResolution (S. It. No. 69) making an appropriation to enable the President to negotiate treaties with certain Indian tribes. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED. The message further announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled bills; which were theren on signed by the Presidentprotem or:: A hi I (S.No.140) to grant the righto way to the Humboldt Canal Company through the public lands of the U.S.; A bill (S.No.172) to confirm the title of Jose Seratin Ramirez to claimsin NewMexico; A bill (S.No.ISDbto confirm the grant of certain landsto Jose omingucz, in California; A bill S.No. 261) for the relief of Mrs. Anna G. ‘aston; A bill (S.No.821) for the relief of Maria Sy box; and Xbill (H.R.No. 255) making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repairs of certain fortifications and other works of defense for the year ending June 30, 1867. NATIONAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
Mr. POMEROY. I should like to call the Senator‘s attention to that point in the 1st i It seems to me this is a section to which he has just referred. I think it would be better to insert “lands subject to preemption." It would hardly do to let this company preempt. land across the continent which is not subject. to preemption. “Public domain" does not necessarily mean “public land subjc t to recmption."
Mr. SHER AN. I have no objection to an amendment. of that kind. The purpose is simply to give them the same privileges which were given to the other companies.
Mr. POMEROY. Let them take the right. to preempt land which is subject to preemption, but not military reservations or Indian reservations.
Mr. SHERMAN. This is the language copied from the old law; but the Senator may modify it. so as to obviate the difficulty he seems to apprehend. We simply desired to give them the right to 0 upon public land 1which is not yet. sold on there establish their me. The 2nd section provides that the PostMGenl shall x the price for transmitting messages sent by or to any officer of the Government. This we regarded as a very important (principle to be adopted. It was proposed, in eed, to extend the principle to all messages sent over the wires; but. as the existing companies are not restrained in this way, it was deemed unwise to put this company under such heavy restraints, but simply to ace the messages of the U.S., sent eitier to or by an officer of the Government, under the direction of the PostMGenl. The 3rd section provides for an apprehended difficulty. It was alleged that these rights might be transferred to the existing companies and thus might create even a greater monopoly; but it is to he observed tint. no right is conferred by this bill that does not. already exist in the present companies. But to avoid any difficulty on that point, on the motion of my friendfrom NewHampshire [Mr. Gunny] whois not now present, the 3rd section was inserted providing that this comauy should not transfer the franchises conerred by the bill without the consent of congress. It is also provided that at the expiration of 5 years congress may, if they choose, purchase upon equitable terms the lines of the company.
Mr. FESSENDEN. What is the exact provision on that point?
Mr. SHERMAN. It is: " Provided, however, That the U.S.may, any at time after the expiration of 5 years from the date of the passageof this act for postal.military, or other pur oes, purchaseall the telegraph lines. Pfllwerty an effects of and company at an appraised value. And the mode of appraisement is pointed out.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish to ask the senator whether the committee considered the (piestion of the right of Congress to grant privileges of this kind. The Constitution ives to Congress power to establish post roa s; and they may therefore provide for designating roads for postal purposes; but can they give to a company the right to establish posts, wires, over land which they do not own and over which they simply have the right themselves to establish ost roads?
Mr. MORRI L. I hope this bill will receive the consideration of the Senate before it is passed. It. cannot be doubted that it is a bil very important in its provisions, and that it has a very broad scope and meaning. In the 1st place, it seems to me, before such powers are granted, we should know something of the corporation to which they are to be granted. It. will be seen that this National Telegraph Company is described as “a corporation or nized under the laws of the State of NewYork, April 16, 1866”only a little over a month ago. By the general laws of that State a certain number of themselves together an exercise the general powers of a body politic and corporate. Now, hardly think that the Government of the U.S. would like to grant powers so exten sive as these without knowing something of the corporation, who the corporators are, what theilr responsibility is, and what they purpoae to ( o. h
Mr. SHERMAN. I have that information ere.
Mr. SHERMAI. Allow me to remind the Senator that the present monopoly that now controls all the telegraph wires of this great country is in the ban 5 of a single corporation chartered by the State of NewYork, just like this company; and the only question is, whether we shall leave them in the ascendant, sole posseasors of the field, or whether we shall, if we can, create competition.
Mr. MORRILL. That company, I suppose, haaits rights by virtue of the legislation of the several State Legislatures. There is no objection, of course, to a private corporation of the State of NewYork undertaking to build tele graphic lines of communication throu bout the several States, provided that they 0 it with, the consent of these States; but the question here is, whether the Congress of the U.S.! can authorize a private corporation to construct and maintain tele raph wires independent of the authority which they may receive from the States. That is the question, for it will be seen that the bill proposes to invest this private corporation of NewYork with the right “to construct, maintain, and operate lines of telegraph through and over any portion of the public domain of the U.S., over on along any of the military or post roads of the U.S. which have been or may hereafter be declared such by act of Congress, and over, under, or across the bill proposes to in navigable streams or waters of the U.S.”
Mr. CONNESS. I desire to inquire of the Senfrom Ohio, with the consent of the Senfrom. Maine, whether he desires to proceed with the consideration of this bill today.
Mr. SHERMAN. If any other Senator desires time to look into it, I am willing that it shall go over; butlshould like to hear the conclusion of the remarks of the Senfrom Maine.
Mr. MORRHJH' I prefer that the bill should go over.
Mr. SHERMAN. Very well. to postpone the matter. The motion to postpone the bill was agreed to. HOUSE BILLS REFERRED. The followin bills and JtResolutions from the House of the presentatives were severally read twice by their titles, and referred as indicated below: A bill (H.R.No. 660) for the relief of Captain James Starkey to the ComClaims. A bill (H.R.No. 661) changing the name of Emil Cohen to the ComJudiciary. A Jtresolution (H.R.No. 123) for the relic of Elizabeth Woodward and George Chor I will agree penning, of Pennsylvania to the ComClaims. A Jtresolution (H.R.No. 126) for the relief, of certain settlers on the Sioux reservation, in the State of Minnesota to the ComIndAffrs. A JtResolution (H.R.No. 160) to provide for payment of the claim of Colone H. C. De Ahna for militar services to the ComMilAffrs . A JtResolution (H.R.No. 151) authorizing the purchase of Dugan’s work on Infantry Tactics to the ComMilAffrs . A JtResolution (H.R.No. 152) relative to certain guns captured in the late war to the ComMilAffrs . LAND TITLES IN CALIFORNIA.
The PRESIDENTprotem ore. This verbal amendment will be made without a vote, there being no objection. The next amendment was in section 5, line 8, after the word “determination” to strike out: And if such final disosition shall not be made within oncycar froman afterthe receiptat the GLO of anysuch list or ma, then the title of the State of California to the Ian s any embraced in of such lists or maps shall be completeand final. And in lieu thereof to insert: Which final disaosition shall be madeby the ComrGLO without delay.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 6, line 9, after the words “covered by” to strike out “swamp lands or.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 7, line 4, after the word “rc'ected” to insert “or where the lands so pure used have been excluded from the final survey of any California grant.".
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section 8, line 12, after the word “ California’ to strike out the words “ to cause such survey and plat to be made as soon as practicable, and to return the same to the ComrGLO at Washington; and for the expenses of each survey and plat made, and of the publication required by said not of July 1, 1864, the said surveyor general shall be paid from the appropriations for the surveys of the public lands in California, ” and in lieu thereo insert: As soonas practicable after the passage of this act, or such final confirmation. to causethe lines of the public surveys to be extendedover such land, and he sahcacollrsdeintgoff. in full satisfaction of such grant and toths lines of the public surveys, the quantity of land confirmed in such final decree, and as nearly as can be done in accordance with such decree; and all the land not included in such grant as so setoff hall be subJect to the general laws of the U.S.
Mr. CONNESS. I propose an amendment in the 6th section, to insert after the word “selection, ” in the 18th line, the words “such selections to be made from surveyed lands and within the same land district as the section for which the selection is made.”
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not think it is possible to understand the meanin and force of that amendment unless it is explaiued.
Mr. CONNESS. It concerns the selections to be made in lieu of the 16th and 36th sections, or “indemnity land, ” as it is ternied technically, and requires that the selection shall be made from surveyed lands within the district in which the section cannot be already taken. It simply confines the selection to the land district in which the particular section cannot be had. I will say that it is an amendment suggested by the surveyor general of the State.
Mr. CONNESS. I offer vthe following amendment to the 7th section, to come in after the word “same” in line 7: As contermine us proprietors accordingto the lines of their original purchase. That is a mere provision regarding the administration or carrying out the act. I
Mr. POMEROY. I should like to hear that amendment read. I do not understand it.
Mr. CONNESS. The Senate will see that it is simply to carry out an amendment already made, that contermine us proprietors may be located together, that they may divide subsequently between themselves.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Without a further explanation I am not sure that that amendment is right. I will state to the Senate that the purpose of this section is to provide for this class of cases: many parties supposed that they had good claims under the Mexican nts in california, and that those claims ha no pai ticular location; relying upon that, they sold to different parties portions of those grants, and afterward the claims in some instances were rejected by the courts, and in some in stances the lands which they had sold fell out side of their particular claims; and it was thought equitagle and just that the Government should allow those parties where their titles thus failed to become the purchasers from the Government, without any restriction such as is found in the preemption laws, as to quan tity, to allow the parties to purchase from the Government whatever amount they had purchased from the supposed grantees, and thus get a good title. But it was thought proper to limit the right to purchase to the amount act equally occupied and imprOved by the parties. Now, if the amendment of the Senfrom California goes to the extent of allowing parties to purchase whatever they have occupied and improved, and also adjoining lands, it was not the purpose of the committee to extend the relief that far.
Mr. CONNESS. I wish to say to the Sam ator simply that it is not intended and cannot give them the right to purchase any additional land. If the Senator desires to hear it, I will have read a petition which has come to me, which involves just this class of cases, from a number of settlers on one of these grants. I think it is well for the Senate to hear it; and I proposeoffering a further amendment, as called tor this petition. I send it to the desk, and ask the attention of Senatorsto its reading. It is signed by a number of settlers on one of these pieces of land.
The Secretary read the following petition: DEAR Sin: we, the undersigned.c itizensof Snuer county, California, have learned with pleasure the newsthat you have introduced a bill in the U.S.Senate having for its object the quietin of land titles in California. If that bill becomesa law it will undoubted] beof great benefit to the psople of this State, but eforoyour petitioners can derive abenefit from it perhaps there are others in our stiiotunation section our [which corresponds with sec 7 of this bill] would have to be so modified that it re adsa, fter having such lands surveyed under the existing laws. thus: "or in caseswherethe general systemof the U.S.surveysis not applicable, it shall be the duty of the surveyor general, upon presentation of a petition setting fort stiflicient reason for deviating fromthatsystemandsi ned by all parties interested. to have a survey in e in accordance with said potition. " As a reason for such modification. permit us to State that we have purchnsed in on faith lands always considered to be within the NewHelvetia arant but which in the final location of it were not included. We bought at an early day. before any necessarily Government lines were establishedhere; we were compelledto adopt the subdivisionlanes of the grant, it being rectangular with Fcathyr river: our improvementswere made in conformity with thoselines and the changing of themtoGovernment lvineerys would not only cut our farmsand orchardsinto bad shapes, but would createa causeof contention. We have always beenin actual possession of the land. and wish to abide by the lines as held for the last 16years. We therefoic ask and pray that you willingruft such a clause in the‘law as Will meet our case and therebyconferringa great favor on us andall others inYlikeSillltlilgOIl. In“ L our pe oners s over ray, '0. if. DASVAIDLEON’MTIAEHNO.NEY, P. O'NEIL. ETERS. Hon. ] ous Conness, U.S. Senator.
Mr. CONNESS. Iwill state that this section is recommended by the committee for the purpose of meeting just such cases, of which this is one. There are many in the State. The language is inserted, “where the lands so purchased have been excluded from the final survey of any California grant.” These are situated exactly in that way; but that would not, unless by the addition of an amendment which I am going to suggest, enable them to buy, as contermiuons proirietors, the amount of land already in possession. They want the privilege by law of petitioning the ComrGLO, and that he shall have the power to recognize their existing lines, according to which their houses are erected, their orchards planted, and all their improvements made for 16 years.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I believe Ine w understand the amendment proposed by the Senfrom California, and I hardly think the Senate will be willing to go so far as he now suggests.
Mr. CONNESS. Well, I do not insist stren uouslyon the amendment. Iain willing to with draw it, but I will say to Senators that it simply proposes to allow 2 or 3 or more persons to buy one piece of ground, so that they may then divide according to their own lines. The Senfrom Indiana is entirely in error in regard to his impressions of it.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I ask the Senator if it would not produce irregular surveys and require the surveys of the public lands according to the description in the deed from the original grantee.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Then I cannot understand the language used.
Mr. CONNESS. I will say to the Senator that by many bills of this kind passed, there have been several, in which the improvements made were of such a character that it was necessary, we have a ain and again provided that the sale should e made to the parties according to their existing lines, because to divide and subdivide according to new lines would be to destroy their improvements. Those settlers whose petitions have been received desired me to present this class of amendments, and I intend to offer one to come in at the end of the section, namely: Provided. That whenever it shall be madeto appear b petition from the occupantsof such lands that injury to permanent improvementswould result from running the lines of the public surveysthrough such permanent improvements, in those particular cases may re theeog ComrGLO lines of subdivision. It is simpl an absolutely necessary provision to save them. However, if there is any objection to the amendment, as I have no feeling about the matter except the more fully to carry out the purpose, I shall not insist upon it.
The PRESIDENT ro tempore. The question is on the amendment, unless it is with drawn.
Mr. CONNESS. It is best that the amendment be inserted.
Mr. CONNESS. I now offer this amendment in accordance with the prayer of the petition which has been read, to come in at the end of section 7: Provided. That whenever it shall be madeto appearby petition from the occupantsof such lands that iniury to permanent improvements would result from running the lines of the public surveysthrough such permanent improvcments. the ComrGLO may recognize existing lines of subdivision. It will be observed that the amendment does not propose an arbitrary rule, but upon petition of all the proprietors to the ComrGLO he may recognize their existing lines.
Mr. CONNESS. In the 7th line of the 7th section the word “California” is inserted before “grant” by mistake for “ Mexican.” There is no ch thing as a California grant, but the words should be changed to “Mexican ant.”
Mr. POhFEROY. That suggestion is a good one. The language came to us from the ComrGLO, and that l word escaped us. i
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The correction will be made. i
Mr. CONNESS. I move further to amend the 7th section by inserting afterth e word “grantees” in the 3rd line the words “or assigns, ” which were left out by an omission.
Mr. CONNESS. I will say, ifI be permit ted for an instant, in reference to the 8th section, that an amendment has been ado ted in committee striking out all after “California” in the 12th line to “ California” in the 19th line, and inserting what is printed in italics. This is an amendment that was prepared by the ComrGLO. My own opinion is that it is not an improvement of the bill. I think it ought not to be there; yet, at the same time, I have no desire to oppose his amendments. This bill has been under consideration, or bills like it, i for which this is a general compromise, for 4 months past, and we are so anxious to get a settlement of these questions that I do not feel disposed to quibble or find unnecessary fault With any of the amendments proposed; but this is an amendment that, in my opinion, is objectionable and injurious and ought not to be made. I call the attention of the senators who have considered it to it; yet I am not strenuous about it, as I before stated.
Mr. POMEROY. That amendment, as the Senator says, was inserted at the re nest of the ComrGLO, and prepared by him. The committee considered it at considerable length, and it was thought by a majority of the committee that the ComrGLO ‘; was right, that weought to insert the provision. It is on that acccouut that it was inserted.
Mr. POMEROY. I will say that this subject of quieting land titles in California, has been before the committee for years, and this is the 1st time we have ever been able to agree with the ComrGLO and the friends of this measure and the enemies of the measure. This is a sort of compromise bill. After 3 or 4 sessions of the committee this year, and as many every year since I have been in the Senate, and the whole matter being referred twice or 3 times to the ComrGLO, he finally sent us this bill with the amendments as meeting the approval of that dept.
Mr. CONNESS. He has also sent a letter has he iiot? with it.
Mr. POMEROY. Yes, a letter asking for the passage of this bill. ltis in that spiritthat we have presented it, and it is in that spirit that we 110 e it will pass.
Mr. KI KWOOC. When the particular amendment now referred to was before the committee I was not in favor of it. It was understood in committee that the practical effect of it would be this: where a Mexican grant has been confirmed by the courts in a particular shape, an' irregular shape, this amendment would require that rectangular lines should be run over it, and the grantee compelled to take, in lieu of the particular piece of land confirmed to him by the court, an equal quantity of land under our rectangular surveys. The understanding I had, I think from the Senfrom Indiana, was that these grants were confirmed by inetes and bounds in irregular shapes, and that this amendment was an attempt on the part of Congress to change the form and sha e and give to a particular grantee other lands in lieu of those confirmed to him by the courts. I did not an pose we had authority to do that. I learn mm the Senfrom California, however, that the information given on that point was mistaken information, and that the grants confirmed to these men were not of specific lands of a particular shape.
Mr. HARRIS. I can see no appropriateness or fitness in the proviso at the end of the 6th section; it might be proper enough in a separate bill in relation to that subject. I move, therefore, to strike it out.
The Secretary read the words proposed to be stricken out, as follows: Provided. Thatthe state of California shall be and is hereby authorized to provide by law for the in vestmentof all moneys derived from the sale of school lands in a permanent productive fund: the proceeds of which shall be forever up lied, under the direction of the Legislature of suit State. to the use and supportof public schools in the several school districts in said State and to no other use or purpose whatsoever; and the previous application in such manner by the State of California of funds derived from the sale of such lands is hereby ratified and confirmed, so far as the assent of the U.S.to the some maybe necessary to the confirmation thereof.
Mr. CONNESS. I:1 rec with the honorable Senfrom NewYork that this is a surplus provision, entirely unnecessary and uncalled for. It is not of my production; it did not occur in my bill. It is, however, a provision to which we have no objection, as it is what the State has done and proposes to do and therefore I was willing to let it pass. I have no cure as to whether it be stricken out or retained.
Mr. CONNESS. Will the Senator permit me?
Mr. CONNESS. I agree entireb' with the Senator that his amendment is better than the section. The section finds its way here simply from a desire on the part of California to show that they want no gain that is not theirs. That is all. I think the amendment of the Senator is a very much better provision confining the amount.
Mr. HENDRICKS. If it meets the judgmentof the Senfrom California, I presnme there will be no objection. So I move to strike out the 10th section as being inconsistent in my judgment with the relations that ought to exist between a State and the General Government, and to insert in lieu thereof the following proviso to the 1st section: And provided further, That the state of California shall not receive under this act a greater quantity of land for school or other purposes than sheis entitled to under existing laws.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I am not certain that the proviso will answer the purpose; nor do I think there is any practical difficulty in the 10th section. It occurred in the State of own, in making the selections there, that more lands were selected for school purposes by the State and confirmed to the State than the amount to which the State was entitled. I do not know how the fact occurred but it did occur that more land was selected under the 500,000 acre grant than 500,000 acres, and there was more confirmed to the State than 500,000 acres. After the confirmation to the shall Congress place upon the State the State went on and sold the land to l individuals and received the money, and when, long afterwards, it was ascertained that the; State had received more than her due proportion of land, there was no difficulty between the U.S and the State of Iowa in linv, ing the money refunded by the State of Iowa to the U.S. It was done. It was an obligation resting upon the State of Iowa to refund. There being a grant of 500,000 acres to her, 550,000 acres say were confirmed to her, and she had sold it; she had in trust in her hands the money for the excess, and that money she of course aid ever, as in good faith she was bound to o, to the U.S. The 10th section but affirms in this bill that where land is thus by mistake given to the State of California, and used by her, she shall in good faith upon her part repay to the U.S. the value of it. I do not think there can be any, harm in it or any difficulty arise under it.
Mr. CONNESS. I suggest to the Senfrom Indiana that he except the word “ existing” from his amendment so as to read without the word “existing.”
Mr. HENDRICKS. How will it then read? The Secrets read the amendment.
Mr. CONN ‘S. Say “ by law” instead of "under existing laws, ” because this act itself is a confirmation to the extent of these grants.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I will modify it so as to say “bylaw.”
Mr. CONNESS. I will say in addition that I was quite aware of what the honorable Senfrom Iowa has said, that this matter of settlement as to the surplus or excess is a matter of mutuality frequently between the General Government and the States. Some of the western States now are found to be entitled to an additional amount of lands in lieu of swamp lands, lands that are found subsequently to be swamp lands, and thus lands properly belonging to the States under former grants which the General Government has sold and received the money for; and the Land office now is handing over to those States lands in lieu of them. This system of settlement and mutuality is carried out regularly; but as we are providing here for confirming the titles of the State of California or the locations under State authority, and as it is within my knowledge that the State has not sold to its own citizens in any case under any of the grants up to the amount allowed to them by law, I think the provision as to that State is complete in its character, and I prefer it to the section in the bill, because that section is really unnecessary, and we only suggested it as a provision showing that we wanted no more land than we were entitled to.
Mr. HARRIS. What has been said by the Senfrom Iowa has satisfied me of the proriety of retaining the 10th section. I prefer it very much to the amendment suggested by the Senfrom Indiana.
Mr. CONNESS. So far as we are concerned, I do not care which is adopted.
The PRESIDENT protempera. The question is on the amendment of the Senfrom Indiana.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I feel it my duty to read to the Senate a dispatch from California which has been received by the Presiding Officer of the body, and handed to me for that purpose. It is dated the 29th of May, and addressed to Hon. LAFAYETTE S. FOSTER, President of the Senate: “ The passage of Senate bill 206 which was upon this subject “will involve preemptors in endlesslitigation. Do not passit." This is signed by Isaac Hobbs, chairman of the Soscol i'ettlers’ Association. I have given, it is proper to say, all the consideration to this dispatch that I thought it was entitled to, and the committee have labored to free the bill from the objections which this party seems to have anticipated. I certainly should not vote to confirm a title irregularly obtained through the State of California, as against a rightful settler; but I think the proviso to the 1st section sufficiently protects that class of persons; and that was the opinion of the committee. I do not know of any more important question to the people of California than the settlement of these titles. It was unfortunate that the State of California established a surveying sys tem of her own. It was unfortunate that she did not select her lands in place; very unfortu nate that she sold certificates to be located by the purchaser at his election in any portion of the State; but it has become a part of the history of the lands of that State, and we must relieve the embarrassment in regard to their titles. I reported from the committee another bill which was agreed upon by the surveyor general of California and the ComrGLO; but I cannot see that that is a.better bill than this; perhaps not, in some of its provisions, so safe a bill. I shall support this measure.
Mr. CONNESS. Mr. PresidentSeveral SENATORS Let us vote.
Mr. CONNESS. 'I shall not detain the senate. I am quite aware that my friendfrom Missouri desires the attention of the Senate upon another question, and he will excuse me for occupyinva single instant upon this sub'cct. The teIegram just read is ully answered y the proviso to which the Senfrom Indiann has referred; and I simply desire to say, that it may go upon the record, that I would not vote to confirm to the State of California or to any of its people, an acre of land which was settled upon by a man who had undertaken to make his home there. My whole effort has been to give that class of persons, and the object of this bill is to give that class of persons, a title. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and the amendments made as in ComWhole were concurred in.
Mr. HENDRICKS. On consultation with the chairman of the committee, I proposein the 7th section, after the word “ a verse” and before “ title, ” in the 8th line, the words “ right or.”
Mr. CONNESS. I have no objection to that. It does not add any force to the present lun guage.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I desire to relieve the matter of all doubt.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, and was read the 3rd time and passed. KANSAS AND NEOSHO VALLEY RAILROAD.
Mr. HENDERSON. I move to postpone all prior orders and proceed to the consideration of Senate bill ho. 285, granting lands to the State of Kansas to aid in the construction of the Kansas and Ncosho Valley railroad, and its extension to Red river.
Mr. HENDRICKS. When this bill was before the Senate the other day I felt it to be my duty to make some remarks with a view to showing that the bill ought not to be adopted by the Senate. I had not completed what I desired to say at the time of the adjournment on that occasion, and I will now ask the attention of the Senate for a few minutes while I add a few remarks to what I said the other day.
The PRESIDENT ro temporc. The bill is not yet taken up. 0 question is on taking it u.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The Chair will suggest that the question now before the Senate is on the last amendment reported from the ComPubLands.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Very well; I shall offer my amendment at the proper time.
Mr. HENDRICKS. How is it in the Cher okee nation?
Mr. TRUMBULL. I have not looked into the Indian treaties, nor have I examined the line of this road, to see what Indian country it will pass through; but I know, generally, that it must pass through the Indian country, or through country set apart for the Indians which lies west of Arkansas. I should like to inquire of the ComPubLands if it is not true that the Cherokees hold their lands by patent from the U.S. If that is so, I should like to inquire by what authority the congress of the U.S. proposes to give tie right of way through that country, and take the lands belonging to those parties.
Mr. POMEROY. As I understand the question of the Senator, it is whether the Chero ees have got titles to their land.
Mr. TRUMBULL. A patent title from the fGovernment; whether they do not own it in ca.
Mr. POMEROY. They claim to have; I do “mt know the fact. My. TRUMBULL. Now, I should like to know‘if it is proposed to pass a bill grantin the right of way 200 feet wide throng their country. You might as well grant it through the State of Maine or the State of Illinois over the private farms of individuals.
Mr. POMEROY. The Senator has not noticed that we have said “with the consent gfehe Indian tribes." Their consent is to be a
Mr. POMEROY. If they have a patent, they can.
Mr. TRUMBULL. They may, if it is not held in severalty, and they may, perhaps, by treaty dispose of their lands. Again, I notice that in this 11th section it is provided. 'Ehatthe right of way.when not otherwisegranted In this bill shall be obtained by said Kansas and Ncosho Valley Railroad Company or either of the companiesnamedin this act, in accordancewith the provisions of section 3 of an act to amend an not entitled "An act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraphline from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean, and to scourotothe Government the use of the same for postal. military, and other purposes, "approvedJuly 1, 1862 Now, is it proposed to authorize, by an act of the Congress of the U.S., a company chartered by Kansas to condemn lands in Kansas, and to condemn lands in Texas, or in any other State? The bill for the construction of the Pacific railroad, a great national work in favor of which an exception was made by the Congress of the U.S. in order to connect the 2 oceans, and which runs through the Territories of the U.S., cohtains some provision of this kind. I do not know that the Congress of the U.S. has ever before undertaken to authorize a chartered company to condemn lands in a State. It seems to me that should be done by State legislation.
Mr. POMEROY. This does not go through an State where there is not already a law
Mr. TRUMBULL. Certainly itgoes through the State of Kansas.
Mr. POMEROY. I say, where there is not already a law providing for condemnation.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Then rely on that law; do not provide that the lands shall be condemned by an act of the Congress of the U.S. You need no such provision ifyou are going to condemn the land under the act of Kansas.
Mr. POMEROY. The Senator will observe that that apglies only where the condemnation is not rovided for by law.
Mr. PrUMBULL. “That the right of way, when not otherwise ranted in this bill, shall be obtained by said ansas and Neosho Val ley Railroad company, or either of the coni panies named in his act, in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of an act, ” &c. h
Mr. POMEROY. To clear it of any doubt, I will insert the words “when not otherwise provided by law.”
Mr. POMEROY. What has that got to do with this question?
Mr. TRUMBULL. It has this much to do with it: but for these very grants insisted upon in Kansas those Indians would be making a living in Kansas, but you drove them away and would not allow them to stay there.
Mr. CONNESS. They were taken away from the settlements.
Mr. TRUMBULL. They were taken away from the settlements by stationing them around Fort Gibson under canvas tents, and they have been there for 18 months.
Mr. CONNESS. I said they were taken own from the settlements.
Mr. TRUMBULL. It is true they were driven away veryfrequently by the war. That is an exigency t iat I ope will not arise again. I onlymention it as one of the difficulties that are to be met with in making these rants of way through the Indian Territory. he truth is, I do not apprehend this road is going to be speedil built through that country. I think it will e time enough to make the grant at some future time. If this bill is to pass I hope it will be guarded in theserespects, and that no grant of lands will be made to take effect, and I want it in the grant itself, in the Indian country until the consent of the Indian tribes shall have been obtained.
Mr. HENDERSON. I regret very much that opposition should be made to this measure. It seems to be very strenuous. I cannot see, after the number less railroad bills that have been passed, and the companies chartered by the federal Government, to pass through the Indian lands, and we have sat here silently and permitted them to pass, that an objection should specially be presented in this case. The Senfrom Illinois says and that is really the only objection to the bill thatso far as the her okee lands are concerned we cannot nt the right of way without the consent of the Indians. If that is true, this bill does not rant it. If it is necessary to go any further, am perfectly willing to protect the rights of the ndians. There is a right given here to condemn lands. Suppose that b the treaty we have no right to pass over those lands, of course no net that we can pass will override that treaty. We cannot take any rights away from the Cherokees. But the Senate will remember that this bill will pass over the km s of several tribes, and as I' understand, the treaties with all the tribes guaranty the right to the U.S. to build a railroad whenever they see fit, with the exception of the treaty with the Cherokees; and I believe it is true, as the Senator says, that the lands have been granted by patentto the Cherokee Indians. I should like to ask the Senator, as a lawyer, whether that will prevent the U.S. from incorporating a company to build a road over the Cherokee country; and I should like to have an answer now, before I proceed further.
Mr. DOOLIT' ‘LE. In all the Indian territory the title granted by the Government was different from the ordinary Indian title in this: to I the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Semine les, Creeks, and Cherokees the Government by treaty bound itself to grant the lands by patent in fee simple forever. That was the way in which the title was given to the Indians within the Indian territory. And further, we, by treaty, bound ourselves never to establish either a State orter ritorial government over them, but they were to be independent communities. It is proper i to state, however, that since the war treaties l have been negotiated, but not yet completed and confirmed, with the Choctaws, Chicka saws, Semine les, and Creeks; and a treaty is now pending with the Cherokees which may i hear, it is not improper for me to say, on the ! question of granting the right of way for railroad purposes.,
Mr. HENDERSON. Those treaties have all been confirmed, except the one with the Cherokees.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Not in the Indian territory. They have not yet been acted upon by the Senate.
Mr. HENDERSON. I do not know what position the Senate will take in reference to this matter. If the Senate say that the Indian country is in the position of a State, that it is an independent sovereign State under the con‘ stitution of the U.S., and that it is in l the situation of Illinois or Kansas, then, of i course, we cannot build a railroad there with l out an act of incorporation from them, but I surely it would not be objectionable to pass i this bill, because, if that be true, this bill cannot affectit.
Mr. TRUMBULL. If the Senfrom Missouri will allow me, that may be so; it may be that, although Congress granted the right of way across my land in Illinois or his in missouri, nothing would pass by the grant, congress having no power to make it; but, surely, he would not advocate the passage of a law of that kind. If we have no right to pass iIt, agree that in the courts the grant would amount to nothing; itwould never pass title; butwhen that fact is stated to the lawmaking power, and it is shown, surely Congress would not knowingly or intentionally pass a law gruntin that which it had no authority to grant; an I am sure the Senfrom Missouri would not advocate it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Senator throws a slight imputation on some of us, and I want to say to him
Mr. HENDERSON. I am satisfied the senator has no constituents out there. I believe but few come from Maine.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I want to say to the senator, with regard to that, that my experience has been that the western gentlemen have claimed the exclusive control of the ComPubLands, and they have had it and managed it in their own way. Idid attempt for some years to ask questions about these v things, but I met with the rely that it was mean business for eastern peop e to undertake to interfere with the development. of the West, until at last, finding that it was of no sort of use, and that it only brought imputations and attacks upon us whenever we even ventured to ask a questibn or suggest that we might possi bly have souie interest in these lands, I gave it up and concluded that it was not worth while to contend against a current so strong. Therefore I think the western gentlemen should settle this matter among themselves, and not now turn around, after "they have got all the land, and blame us for not preventing them from doing so.
Mr. HENDERSON. I think the Senfrom Maine who sits in front of me [ML Manama] quari eled very considerably against the railroad grants until we consented to givethe fishing bounties; and as a fair offset to the lands, we a reed to give them the fishing bounties; and believe made a fair exchange. [Laughter.] We have kept up the fishing bounties and they have given us the lands. Whether they have been benefited or not, I am very certain the West has not been greatly benefited by the lands.
Mr. POMEROY. The Senfrom missouri is mistaken in regard to our legislation on this subject. The former legislation of congress did allow the companies to take 120 sections of the land before they built the road, but during the last 4 years the legislation of congress has been changed, and not one acre 0 land has been given until the road has been built contermine us with the acres given. We have tied itup during the last 4 years. While the Senfrom Iowa, Mr. Harlan, was chairman of the ComPubLands, he insisted that not an acre of land should be given to any company until the road was built contermine us to the acres ranted, and we have lived up to it religiously. Vhat the Senator alludes to was old legislation that was had some ears 9.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I the Senfrom Missouri will give way, I will ask leave to move an executive session.
Mr. HENDERSON. I desire to leave the city tomorrow, and therefore I should like to have this bill acted upon today. If the senate are going to pass it, let them pass it to da; if not, let it go.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Some questions have been raised here in the discusSion, in relation to those treaties, and perhaps we had better have an executive session, as the treaties are pending, and there may be in them something earin upon this question of land grants.
Mr. HENDERSON. I cannot, for the life of me, see how, under this bill, the lndiansare to be affected. It is utterly impossible.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I understand that this is a railroad grant to Kansas, running south ward throngh the eastern art of the Osage country, down to the Chero ree, Choctaw, and Chickasaw country. The Senfrom Kansas will inform me whether I am correct or not. I understand it goes down the Neoslio valley and runs through the Osage country.
Mr. POMEROY. It is in that neighborhood.
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. ANTHONY in the chair.) The Senfrom missouri is entitled to the floor, and the motion for an executive session cannot be made without his consent.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If the Senator will allow me, I should like to take up those treaties in executive session.
Mr. POMEROY. As the Senfrom missouri is going to leave the city tomorrow, I be e we shall finish the bill today.Mr. HENDERSON. This bill is in the language of the numerous land grant bills that have been passed. They have been passed again and again, and no objections have ever been made to them here; and Iwill simpl say that there would be no objection now if fliers were not another road incorporated through lIiilr‘msan from Lawrence down to the southern e.
Mr. TRUMBULL. If the Senator will allow me, that was the very road that produced the dilficulties in the Indian Committee that led me to speak of this objection in regard togoing through the Indian lands. It was in consequence of that very road. That was the 1st ever knew ofit.
Mr. HENDERSON. I am sorry it enabled the Senator to get light and information which has been used against me simply. All this light: and information have certain y never been used until I got hold of this bill, and it is the 1st one that I have ever urged. I have doubted the whole policy during my exerience here. I have urged the Senfrom 9 who sits before me [Mr. MORRILL] to bring up his proosed bill, when I thought they were taking the ast acre of land; but, pesitively, this billdoes not take over 5,000 acres of land, I do not suppose, in the State of Kansas. The Senfrom Indiana [Mr. HENDRICKS] made his 1st objection the other day, that Kansas had land enough and that this was giving her a real; quantity more. He had not gone very hr before he said the truth of the matter was that it did not grant this company any land, but merel enabled them to go into the NewYork mar et, and swindle NewYork and Bos ton men Yankees pretending to have a railroad grant, when they did not have any.
Mr. HENDRICKS. As the Senator repeats what the Senfrom Kansas said on that point, I will correct them both at the same time. I did not say that.
Mr. HENDRICKS. You have not got me right. I said the Senfrom Kansas, in the vocacy of this measure, said that but from 5 to 10,000 acres would go to the grant, and I said that if that was true the proposed grant by Congress was a simple fraud upon the moneyed men of the country.
Mr. HENDERSON. Your case was hypotheticul.
Mr. HENDERSON. The truth of the matter is, there will be but very few acres of land granted to the State of Kansas. The other company from Lawrence, if they build to the southern line of Kansas 1st, will be entitled to the railroad grant through the Indian country; if this road gets through 1st it will be entitled to the grant of lands through the territories of the U.S.; that is all. We only desire that the road shall be speedily built, if it can be done; and the road that gets to the southern boundary of Kansas 1st will be entitled to the land. That is in understanding of the provisions of this bill. It cannot grant any more lands in Kansas, because the road will go through the extreme eastern counties, where all the lands are taken up. There are no lauds left in Missouri, and none in Kansas, and therefore there will be but few lands to be taken under the grant. Therefore I be e the bill may be passed.Mr. HENDRICKS. I wish to say one word in reply to the Senfrom Kansas.
Mr. DOOLI'I"‘LE. If the honorable Senfrom Indiana will give way, I will move an executive session. I really believe that the treaties with the Indians ought to be considered by the Senate before we come to a definite action upon the bill. As it is for a road right throng the Indian Territory, I think that the sense of the Senate, at least on some one or more of these treaties, ought to be taken before this legislation is perfected.
Mr. POMEROY. There is nothing in the treaty, as I understand, conflicting with this bill.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I do not feel at liberty to state what is in the treaty until it has been acted upon by the Senate.
Mr. POMEROY. I understood there was nothing in conflict with the provisions of this bill.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I have no objection to yieldin to the motion, but I do not want to delay the consideration of this bill. I feel bound to favor its consideration at as early an by the entire rebel army under hour as possible; but I am willing that the sense of the Senate may be expressed on the motion.
Mr. POMEROY. I hope the Senate will vote on this bill and dispose of it. We have had it up for 3 successive days.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is moved that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business. The motion was agreed to; and after seine time spent in executive session, the doors were reopened and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MONDAY, June 11, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock m. by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Reviews. The Journal of Saturday last was read and approved.
The SPEAKER stated that the regular order of business was the call of committees for reports to go upon the Calendar, not to he brought back into the House bya motion to reconsider. The call was completed, but no reports were made.
The Speaker proceeded as the next business in order to cal the States and Territories for resolutions. PAY OF READING AND TALLY CLERKS. Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, offered the following resolution, on which he demanded the previous question: Ifemlned, That until further ordered the pay of the readingclerk. the asstrender and the tally clerk be madeequal to that of the Journal clerk. to commence with the present fiscal year. The previous question was 2nded.
Mr. NIBLACK. I would ask the gentleman why he cannot fix the amount of salary. I have always objected to this indefinite mode of fixing salaries.
Mr. RANDALL of Pennsylvania. The resolntion 'onl puts these officers on an equalit with the ournal clerk. I want the pay madh equal. That is all.
Skip Skip The main question was ordered, and under the 'o oration thereof the resolution was unanimous y eed to. Mr. WRIGHT mtRtv the resolution wasadopted; upon the table. agreed to. REBEL INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Mr. COFFROTH offered the following preamble and resolution, upon which he demanded the previous question: Whereas during the late civilWar the 16th congressionaldistrict of Pennsylvania was invaded General Lee and which remained in said district about 3 weeks and to repelnnil drive out the rebel forcesthe Army of the U.S. under the V lCl.OX‘l0GXeSneral Meadewasmarchedinto said district. oncnmpedand remained thereduring the grcutbattle of Gettgshnrg‘ and the pursuit of the rebel army from the ntate in Pennsylvania: and whereas the said district was oncebefore thus invaded by General Stuart's rebel army, and onceafterwardby General McCausland’s rebel army; that during thcse invimons the personalpropertyof the citizensof said district was taken and carried nway, and their housesburned and other property destrovetl: Therefore, Be 1'! rewlvcrl, Thnt the ComClaims be, and is hereby, instructedto report a.bill to authorinathe appointment of commissionersw. ith such restrictions as the committee deem proper, t o ascertain what damagesthe citizens of said district have suffered, witha view to enforce legislation for the payment of the damages sustained.
Mr. WARD. I ask the gentleman to make that a resolution of inquiry.
Mr. COFFROTH. meant it as a resolution of reference.
Mr. DEIJANO. I move to lay the resolution upon the table. This whole subject is before the ComClaims, and I think the understand it.
Skip Skip The question was put; and there were ayes 37, noes 12; no quorum voting. Mr. DELANO. I call for tellers. Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. DELANO and COFFROTHwere appointed. Mr. DELANO. I withdraw the motion to lay on the table.
Mr. COFFROTH. I modify the resolution so as to read: Resolved.That the ComClaims be and is hereby. instructed to inquire into the expediency of appointing commissioners.die. I demand the previous question on the resolution as modified.
Skip Skip The House divided; and the tellers reported ayes22. noes 70. So the Hohse refused to 2nd the demand for the n evious question.
Mr. GRINNELL. I rise to debate the res olutiou. Debate arising, the resolution went over under the rule. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and ound truly enrolled bills of the following titles; which were thereupon signed by the Speaker: An act (S.No.140) to grant theright of way to the Humboldt Canal Company through the public lands of the U.S.; An act (S.No.173) to confirm the title of Jose Serafin Ramirez to certain lands in NewMexico; 4 An act (S.No.180 to confirm the at of certain lands to Jose ominguez in California; An act (S.No.261) for the relief of Mrs. Anna' G. Gaston; and An act (S.No.321) for the relief of Maria Syphax. EXPLOSION AT WASHINGTON ARSENAL.
The Speaker laid before the House a communication from the commandant of the Washington arsenal, transmitting, in lieu of the report heretofore made, a detailed report of the distribution of the money up reprinted by Congress to the sufferers of the late explosion in the said arsenal, with the vouchers therefor; which was laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. NEUTIKALITY THE FFINIANS.
Mr. ANCONA submitted the following preamble and resolution, upon which he called the previous question: Whereas the Irish people and their brothers and friends in this country are movedby a patriotic purpose to assertthe independenceand reestablishthe nationality of Ireland: and whereasthe active sympathiesof the people of the U.S.are nut urnlly with all men who str gle to achieve such ends. more especially when those engaged therein are the acknowledgedfriends of our Government as are the Irish race. they having shed their blood in defense of our ii in every battle of every war in which the Republic he has been engaged; and whereasthe British Government, against whomthey are struggling.is entitled to no other or greater consideration from us as a nation than thatdeniimdedby the strict letter of international law for the reason that during our late civilWars ho did in effect.by her conduct, repealher neutrality laws; and whereas when reparation is demanded for damagesto our commerce, resulting from her willful neglect to on tori v the same.she arrogantl denies all responsi bility and claims to be the in go in her own case: and whereasthe existenceof our neutrolit law of 1813 compels the executive conirtment of this government to discriminate most arshly against those who have ever been and are now our friends and in favor of thosewho have been faithlcss.not only to the general principles of comity which should exist betweenfriendly A.(ates.but also to the written law of their own nation upon this subject: Therefore. liq u resolved That the ComForAffrs be and they are hereby instructed to reporta bill repealing an not approvedApril 20.18l8.on titled “An act in addition to an act for.the punishmentof certain crimes against the U.S." and to repeal the not thereinmentioned, it being the neutrality law. under the terms of which the Presidents proclamation against the Fenians was issu. The question was upon 2nding the call for the previous question.
Mr. AVIS. move to lay the preamble and resolution on the table.
Mr. HALE. On that motion I call for the yeas&nays.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I be e the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. DM'is will withdraw his motion to lay on the table.
Mr. DAVIS. I will withdraw the motion for thtlen.prHeAseLnEt. I renew the motion.
Mr. ROGERS. I call for the yeas&nays upon the motion to lay on the table.
Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker Mr. ANCONA. Istion in order at this time?
The SPEAKER. It is not, except by unan imous consent; for there are 2 undebatabletion and the motion to lay on the table. debate.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I desire to ask the Chair if it will be in orderto move to refer this resolution and preamble to the Committee on Forei Affairs should the motion to lay on the table be voted down and the call for the previous question be refused. The SPIEAKER. The motion to refer would then be in order.
Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker, have I not the floor?
The SPEAKER. No gentleman can obtain the floor now but upon a point of order or to submit a motion in order.
Mr. BANKS. I desire to submit a question to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, 111'. Ascos.i.]
Mr. ANCONA. I cannot receive any suggestion during the pendency of a motion from the other side to lay this motion on the table. After that motion shall have been voted down I will receive any suggestion and be willing to consent to any reasonable modification of the resolution; but for the present I object to any debate. The question recurred upon the motion to lay the preamble and resolution on the table. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the negative yous 5, nays 112, not voting 66; So the motion to lay on the table was not agreed to. During the call of the roll, Mr. BItOOMALL said: I desire tostate that I am paired generally with the Gentfrom Kentucky, Mr. SHANKLIN, and therefore I do not vote on this question.
Mr. GRINNELL said: Mr. Speaker, considering this resolution a reproof of the Administration, I vote “ay” on this motion to lay on the table. The result of the vote was announced as above stated.
Mr. ANCONA. As there appears to be some objection to the form of this resolution, I withdraw the call for the previous question, and modify the resolution by striking out after ebate on this resolu motions pending. the call for the previous ques I
Mr. ANCONA. Then I object to any' the words “instructed to” the word “report.” and inserting in lieu thereof the words “inquire into the expediency of reporting, " so that the resolution will read: That the ComForAffrs he and they are hereby.instructed to ine niro into the expediencyof reporting a bill ropeaing, &c. I renew the demand for the previous question.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, will not the House still have to vote upon the preamble of the resolution ‘I
The SPEAKER. The vote on that must be taken separately.
r. WILSON, of Iowa. I wish to state, then, that I desire, if the previous question he not 2nded, to make a motion to refer the resolution to the Committee on Forei u Affairs.
Mr. COBB. I desire to inquire whether the Gentfrom Pennsylvania has the right to modify his resolution at this stage without unanimous consent.
The Speaker. He has. having for that purpose withdrawn the cull for the previous question.
Mr. COBB. Well, I object, whether the objection amounts to anything or not.Mr. SCHENCK. I wish to appeal to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania to permit me to have read, at least, a substitute which I propose to offer for the resolution. Let it be read for information.
Mr. ANCONA. I prefer not to have an amendment offered at this stage. [insist on the demand for the previous question. On 2nding the demand for the previous question there were ayes 27, noes 75.
Mr. Ai. CONA. I call for tellers. Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. Axeoxa and BANKS were a pointed.
Skip Skip The House divi ed; and the tellers reported aycs 30, noes 69. So the previous question was not 2nded.
Mr. SCHENCK. I offer the following as a substitute for the resolution of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, and I demand the mucus question upon the resolution and the substitute: Resolved.That the POTUS. in the opinion of this House, should reconsider the iolicy which has been adoptedbyhim as between the ritish Government and that portion of the Irish peoplewho.pnder the name 0 Fcninns, are strug ling for their independent nationality; and that he he requested to adopt as narl as practicable that exact eourse of procedurewhic was pu:uedby the Government of GreatBritain on the occasion of the late civilWar in thlS country between the U.S and rebelsin revolt. recognizmgboth parties is lawful belligerents and observing between them a strict neutrality.
Mr. ANCONA. Mr. Speaker, is it in order to amend the resolution at this stage?
The SPEAKER. It is. The resolution is now before the House for action. The previous question not having been 2nded, the floor passes to some gentleman who opposed the 2nding of the previous question. The Gentfrom Ohio, [him SI‘HENCK] havin given notice of his intention to moveto amen the resolution, has been recognized as entitled to the floor.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. I ask the Gentfrom Ohio to let a substituteI desire to offer be read for the information of the House.
The Clerk read as follows: Resoleed bu the HoRep That the ComForAffs. if they deemit expodient.report that this House does heartily sympathize with all true Irishman in their holy struggles for freedom and to relieve their count from the crushing thralldom of GreatBritain. hat ‘we remember with gratitude that many bravo Irishmon periled their lives and mingled their blood with the patriots of the Union Army on many hard fought fields against rebels rccognized us belliscrents and aided by England with ships and money and mate rials of war. in the wicked purpose to destroythis Government. That in the lightol: the liite precedent established by GreatBritain. this nation muymnd should, at the earliest practicable proper moment. recognize as a belligcrent the Irish nation.andextend to them all the aid and privileges which the ln‘v. of nations (modified by the conductof GreatBritain in our late civilWar)will permit. And that while this Governmentrefusesto aid freedom, upon this copu nont. in Chili and Mexico, from foreign intervention. to which it stands pledged hysolemn instructionsof our policy and people.itis ignominious and disgraceful to put forth its powerWith zeanl nd nlacritytoaid an oppressorto an extent not imperatively requirod by the observedlaws of nations. And that sai committee.if the' deem it expedient.make reportatany time to this I house by leave.
Mr. SCHENCK. I withdraw the demand for the previous question for the purpose of explaining to the Gentfrom Illinms why I cannot yield to allow his amendment to be offered. I am not for expressing an opinion on either side. but for standing off and looking on as at a fair fight. “Hands off, ” is the motto I would prefer. I therefore adhere to my own resolution.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I object to debate unless it is accorded to both sides.
Mr. BANKS. I only wish to make a suggestion.
Mr. SCHENCK. I yield to the chairman of the ComForAffrs.
Mr. ANCONA. Is it in order to debate this resolution?
The SPEAKER. It is not. If the resolution gives rise to debate it must go over.
Mr. BANKS. I do not wish to debate the resolution. I only wish to sayif the resolution be referred to the ComForAffrs we will report on it. I move that the resolution and amendment be referred to the ComForAffrs, and on thatmotion Idemand the previous question.
Skip Skip The House divided; and there were ayes 86, noes not counted. So
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded. The main question was then ordered.
Mr. ANCOI'A. I demand the yeas&nays on the motion to refer to the ComForAffrs.
Mr. HALE. I move that the resolution and substitute be laid upon the table.
Mr. ANCONA. demand the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the neative yeas 8, uays 113, not voting 62;. So the House refused to lay the amendment and substitute upon the table. During the‘roll eall, Mr. AI'CONA stated that his colleague, Mr. DENISON. was absent, being paired with Mr. WASHBURN, of Massachusetts. The result having been announced as above recorded, the question recurred on ordering the main question on the motion to refer.
Mr. HA E. Will the Gentfrom Penn I ask the gentleman to yield i sylvania [Mr. Ascoru] allow me to offer a substitute“!
Mr. EDDRIDGE. I object. 'I he main question was ordered.
Mr. ANCONA. I demand the yeas&nays on the question of reference, and tellers on the yeas&nays. Tellers were ordered; and the Speaker appomted Messrs. BANKS and Ancoss.
Skip Skip The House divided; and the tellers reported ayes 28, noes not counted. So the yeas&nays were ordered. The question being taken on referring the resolution and substitute to the ComForAffrs, it was decided in the affirmative yeas 87, nays 35, not voting 61; So the resolution and substitute were referred to the ComForAffrs. Mr. SCHENCK mtRtv the resolution and substitute were so referred; on the table. agreed to. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled an act (H. It. No. 255) making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repairs of certain fortifications and other works of defense for the year ending June 30, 1867; when the Speaker signed the same. AUSTRIAN SOLDIERS IN MEXICO. Mr. BANKS, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved.That the POTUS be requested to communicateto this House. if in his opinion this may be donecompatiblywith the public interest, anyinformation which hemayhavercccived with referenceto the dispatch of military forces from Austria for servicein Mexico. PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
Mr. HALE. I ask unanimous consent of the House for a moment for a personal explanation. While the resolution was pending this morning in regard to the neutrality laws, I made an effort to offer a substitute which it struck me would be received by the House in the nature of a compromise. I ask leave to hay; iiiy proposed substitute and compromise rea.
Mr. ALLISON. Mr. Speaker, is this a personal explanation 7
The SPEAKER. The Chair supposes it is; the gentleman so regards it. himself.
The Clerk read the proposed substitute, as follows: Resolved.That the honor and good faith of the U.S. imperativel ydomand njust and rigor ous enforcementof the neutrality laws and that thil House will entertain no propositionlooking to their repeal, evasion or violation.
Mr. ANCONA. I move to lay it on the table.
The Speaker. It is not before the House. The gentleman is making a personal explanation. HABEASCORPUS.
Mr. BROOMALL, by unanimous consent introduced a bill aniendatory ofan act to amend an act entitled “An act relating to habeas cor. pus and regulating judicial proceedings in certain cases, " approved May 11, 1800; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComJudiciary. llOSPlTAI. FOR sotninns.
Mr. BINGHAM, b unanimous consent, introduced a joint r'esoIhtion in relation to the urcliase of a plan for a hospital for soldiers, 'c.; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComMilAffrs, and ordered to be printed. CHANGE OF NAME OF A SCHOONER.
Mr. SCOFIELD, b unanimous consent introduced a bill to aut iorize the SecyTreasury to grant an American register to the schooner Marco Paulo; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComCommerce. INDIAN TREATIES.
Mr. RAYMOND. I call up the mtRtv JtResolution of the Senate No. 69, making an appropriation to negotiate treaties with certain ndian tribes was postponed until today. I withdraw the motion to reconsider.
The Speaker. The JtResolution was read a 3rd time on Wednesday lust, and the question now is on its assagc.
Mr. I ALE. I desire to ask my colleage [Mr. RAYMOND] if we are to understand t at the ComAppropriat sanction and desire to see carried into effect the provisions of these treaties with these Indians.
Mr. RAYMOND. I do not suppose the ComAppropriat have anything to do with that subject. That is a subject for the consideration of the Senate when the treaties come before that body for ratification. These treaties have now been ratified, and are now binding upon these Indians. The only question now is as to the propriety of making an appropriation for the purpose of carrying forward negotiations to perfect treaties where they need perfecting, and at any rate concluding negotiations on that subject.
Mr. BURLEI H. Will the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. RAYMOND] yield to me for a few minutes?
Mr. RAYMOND. Mr. Speaker, the Dele gate from Dakota has made 2 points in ref erence to this matter. Oneis that the treaties concluded are not good treaties. The other is that a portion of the tribes said to have been represented in the negotiation of these treaties were only partially represented. Now, sir, as to the 1st point, I submit that we have nothing to do with it. That question was considered by the Senate when these treaties Wore before that body for ratification. The Senate has ratified those treaties, after a full exami nation of the case, and after having heard, I believe, from the Gentfrom Dakota the objections which he had to make to those treatics. That closes that matter. It may be, sir, that the character of the treaties concluded with the Indians b our Government is not what it should be. have myself rent doubts as to the whole policy of our dealing with the Indian tribes. I think that it might be very much reformed, that it mi rht be improved in many respects. But this is not the time to consider that question; nor is it worth our while to postpone an appropriation of this sort in the ope that we may at some time or other get a better general system of dealing with the Indians. Ifthese treaties are not concluded now the war must go on, involving an expenditure of 5 or 6 million dollars annually. Now, sir, in regard to the representation of these tribes in the conference held at Fort Sully, I stated in my previous remarks that of these 9 tribes a portion were fully represented and a portion artially represented.
Mr. BURLEIGH. The gentleman says that the Indians were fully represented and the treaties were completed. I ask whether the treaties sent into the Senate, and which have been confirmed, were not those made when the Indians were not fully represented and which of course are not complete.
Mr. RAYMOND. Trefer the gentleman to the Senate on that oiiit. They are not before the House in any s ape.
Mr. BURLEIGH. Will the gentleman yield to me for a moment or two?
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered, and under the operation thereof the JtResolution was passed. Mr. RAYMOND mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; on the table. agreed to. DISCHARGE!) orricsns AND sonnmus.
Mr. KERR, by unanimoust consent, introduced a JtResolution to prevent the further enforcement of JtResolution No. 77, approved July 4, 1864, against officersand soldiers of the U.S. who have been honorably discharged; which were read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComMilAffr. INSANE SOLDIERS.
Mr. KERR, by unanimous consent, submitted the following preamble and resolution; which were read, considered, and agreed to, namely: Whereas under existing laws and the ofieinl consatbrluyedlioisnchoafrgtheeds.aanmdeh.aassotlhdeiereruwlhteorhbaescboemenpliiioisnuopre.i from the ca Army s.arciasninngootugtaoinf and produced by his service admission to any hospital for the insano and whereas manifest hardship and injustice are thus sometimes inflicted upon such persons: Therefore. Resolved.That the ComMilAffrs be instructedto report a bill or JtResolution so i amendingthe existing law as to remedy the wrong aforesaid. 1Mr. KERR mtRtv the resolution was adopted; upon the table. agreed to. APPOINTMENT TO AND REMOVAL most OFFICE.
Mr. WILLIAMS, by unanimous consent, reported from the ComJudiciary a bill for the regulation of appointments to and removals from office; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, recommitted, and ordered to be printed. TRIAL or JEFFERSONDAVIS.
Mr. BOUTWELL asked unanimous consent to submit the following preamble and resolution: Whereas it is notorious that JeffersonDavis was the leader of the late rebellion and is guilty of trea son under the laws of the U.S.; and whereas by the reclamation of the President of May. 1865. the sai Davis was charged with comlicity in the assassination of President Lincoln. an said proclamation has not been revoked nor annulled: Thereore. Bet'l resolved As the opinion of the HoRep that said Davis should be held it) custody as a prisoner. andsulneetedto a trial MEDICHDK to the laws of the land.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I move to suspend the rules for the purpose of enabling me to submit the preamble and resolution which have just been read.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and upon a divis long there were ayes 68, noes 10; no quorum voting.
Mr. SPALDING. I call for the yeas&nays on the motion to suspend the ru eS.R.ROGERS. I want to ask if there is any pretense that
Mr. Davis had any connec don with the assassination Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. debate.
Mr. ROGERS. The contrary is the fact. I assert
The SPEAKER. The Gentfrom NewJersey [Mr. Roenas] is not in order.
Mr. ROGERS. The proof is that he had nothing[Cricsof“Orderl” “Order!”]
The SPEAKER. The Gentfrom NewJersey [Mr. ROGERS] must refrain from making remarks out of order.
Mr. O’NEILL. I desire to ask the Chair if remarks made upon this floor.which are out of order, and so decided to be, are to be printed in the Globe?
The SPEAKER. The will be, if reported. The last Congress adopted a resolution forbid ding the Globe reporters from reporting what was said out of order; but this Congress has adopted no such resolution. 'Ihe (question recurred upon ordering the ycas an nays upon the motion to suspend the I object to the introduction I object to any rules. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the affirmative years 97, nays 20, not voting 66; So the rules were suspended, 2/3rds voting in the affirmative. The preamble and resolution were received and read.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I call for the previous question on the preamble and resolution.
Mr. HARRIS. Will the gentleman yield to me for a moment?
Skip Skip The question was taken; and upon a division there were ayes 78, noes 20. So
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. which was upon agreeing to the preamble and resolution.
Mr. ANCONA. I call for a division, and ask that the vote be taken separately upon the preamble and resolution.
Mr. JOHNson. Oh. yes; we have plenty of time.
The Speaker. The question will be 1st taken upon the resolution.
Skip Skip Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. Upon that question I call for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered. The question was taken; and it was decided in the aflirmutive yeas 105, nays 19, not voting 69; So the resolution was agreed to. During the call of the roll, Mr. LAFLIN said: I desire to state that my colleague. Mr. VANHons, is paired on allpolit ieal questions with my colleague, Mr. GoodYEAR. Mr. ELIOT. My colleague, Mr. Wasnnuns, ispaired with the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, Idr. S'rnouss. The result of the vote was announced as above stated. Mr. BOUTWELL mtRtv taken; on ihe table. agreed to. The question then recurring on ngreein to the preamble of the resolution, itwnsugrec to. Mr. BOUTWELL mtRtv the preamble was agreed to; on the table. agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE PRESlDENT. Several messages in writing were received from the POTUS, by Mr. Coon 3n. his Secretary, who also an nounced that the President had approved and signed bills of the following titles: An act (H.R.No. 37) making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy for the year ending 30th June, 1867; An act (H.R.No. 459) granting a pension to Anna E. Ward; and An not (H.R.No. 654) making appropriations to supply deficiencies in the appropriotions for the contingent expenses oft c HoRep of the U.S. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1866. OFFICERS OF STEAMER SUMTER.
Mr. WINDONI. I call for the regular order.
The Speaker. The regular order is a JtResolution (H.R.No. 153) providing pay to officers of the U.S. steamer Sumter for loss of clothing. The resolution was reported from the ComNavAlfairs, by the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. LeBloND] and was pending at the adjournment on last Friday. It now comes up as the unfinished business.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I ask that the resolution be again read. The JtResolution was read. It authorizes and directs the proper accounting officers of the Treasury, in the settlement of the accounts of Peter Hayes, and others, officers of the U.S. steamer Suinter, to ascertain the value of all the clothing and effects by them respectively lost at the time of her destruction, an to allow them for the same. to an amount not exceeding $5.000 in the aggreflate.
The SPEAKER. In the absence of the Gentfrom Ohio LMI‘. Iii; Baoxn] the Gentfrom Wisconsin, [Mix Einitincn] being a member of the committee, is recognized as entitled to the floor. The Chair presumes he has char 0 of the bill.
r. ELDRIDGE. I was not left specially in charge of this bill; but I ask that the report accompanying the bill may be again read. The report was read.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I now yield to the Gentfrom Iowa, Mr. Wii.sox.]
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Although I have nothad this matter specially in charge I think the entleman is mistakenasto the intention of the ill. The committee were unanimously in favor of reporting this bill. The regulations of the government require these officers to have the amount of c othingmentioned in the report. The intention is to pay for those things they were required to have, and not to pay for old watches, or money, or anything of that nd.
Mr. BROMWELL. With the gentleman’s permission, I ask whether the men on board this ship lost anything, and whether the bill prooses to provide an thing for them. h f. ELDRIDGE. I‘he men are provided for by general law, while the officers are not provided for at all. If there is any justice in paying the men as we have provide for paying them by general law, certainly there is jus tice in paying officers for the loss of property they were required by the regulations to isve.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. The language of the proposition does not confine the payment to those things they were required to have. It provides for the payment of all the clothing and other effects belonging to those persons lost on that occasion.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. If that be in the bill I will agree to add that they shall only be paid for the clothing and other effects they were required under the regulations to have. There is no intention to go beyond that.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I wish to enter a motion to recommit the bill to the ComNavAffrs, so that we may have a uniform rule established in cases of this kind. As I have already said, this goes beyond any, thing Congress has done heretofore.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I' | have no objection to; the bill bein recommitted to the ComNavAffrs.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. I make that motion. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa, mtRtv the bill was recommitted; upon the table. agreed to. DEPT OF THE INTERIOR. On motion of Mr. SPALDING, by unanimous consent, Senate bill No. 282, to reor ganize the clerical force of the Dept of the Interior, and for other purposes, was taken from the Speaker’s table, read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComAppropriat. WAR OF 1812.
Mr. COFFROTH, by unanimous consent, from the ComInvalidPens, reported a bill granting a pension to the soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812 and those eu c gaged in the Indian wars during that period; l which was read a 1st and 2nd time, ordered to be printed, and i ecommitted.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. MCDoxann, its Chief Clerk, notifying the 1 House that that body had passed House bill No. 62, to regulate and secure the safe keep ling of public money intrusted to disbursing officers of the U.S. DRAFT.
Mr. ANCONA, from the ComMilAffrs, submitted the following res olution; which was read, considered, and i agreed to: Renolved.That the SecyWar hedirectedto inform the House what number of persons.together with their names, were drawn in the draft commenced February, 1865, in the 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania. undercall of December19, 1864a.nd held to service, who had previously been drafted and paid commutation or furnished substitutes.undersection 17 of act of Fobi unaaibl, 1864.within the year and under prior calls of 1. RECONSTRUCTION.
Mr. SLOAN. I ask unanimous consent to introduce from the ComClaims a bill authorizing the SecyWar to purchase certain property for military purposes, and to have it considered and acted upon now. The bill was read. It proposes to pay the sum of $15,000 as compensation for the destruction of the dwellin, house of Ambrose Morrison, and the use of the lot and part of the materials of the house for a fort by order of General J. D. Morgan, on the 4th day of May, 1863.
Mr. McKEE. I object to the consideration of the bill. I am willing to haveit recomiiiitted.
Mr. SLOAN. Then I move to recoinniit it. to the ComClaims.
Skip Skip The motion was agreed to. Mr. WRIGHT mtRtv the bill was recommitted: and also moved to lay that motion on the table. agreed to. LAWS OF INSURGENT STATES.
Mr. RAYMOND, by unanimous consent, introduced the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved.That the POTUS he requestedto communicateto this House a statement of the provisionsof the laws andordinancesof the late insura'ontStateson the subjectof the rebel debt, socalled. PAY OF CLERK TO THE SERGEANT AT ARMS.
Mr. KERR, by unanimous consent, introduced the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee of Accounts: Resolved, That the compensation of Mosesrgillo clerk to the Sergeant at Arms of the House. an the same is hereby.increasedand madethe same as that of the Journal clerk of this House, beginning with the 1stofJune. 1866. COURT OF CLAIMS.
Mr. COOK, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to limit the time for bringing suits before the Court of Claims; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComJudiciary. POSTOFFICES AND INTERNALREVENUE OFFICES.
Mr. JOHNson, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, an agreed to: Revoloed, That the Committee of We and Means be instructed toinquiro into the expo iency of providing for the erection of a fire proof buildin in the principal city or town of eachcongressional istriet. to be used for the purpose ofa postofficeand officel for the assessorsand collectorsof the proper district. where the recordswhich may involve tit as to land. &c., may be kept alwayssecure. PROMOTIONS IN THE NAVY.
Mr. SCHENCK, by unanimous consent. introduced a bill to prevent officers of the Navy from being deprived of the ir regular promotion on account of wounds received in battle; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComNavAffrs, and ordered to be printed. AMENDMENT OF THE RULES.
Mr. BLAINE asked unanimous consent to introduce the following resolution: Resolved, That the ComRules he directed to inquire into the expediency ct providing a rule for speechesof 15 minutes in ii iliiion totherule for speechesof onehour: and that in all casesamember proposingto speak 15 minutes shall be entitled to the floor to the circlusion of one proposingto speak an hour;and that hereafter no proposition shall beentertained for extending the time of any member under either rule.
Mr. CHANLER. I object. LIEUTENANT GENERAL SCOTT.
Mr. SITGREAVES. by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved.That a committee of one member from each State representedin this house be appointed on the part of this llouse. to join such a cominittee as may be a pointed on the part of the Senate.to consideran report on the propricty of an sddres beforethe Congressof the U.S. commem orative of the life. character and servicesof thalatu Brevpt Lieutenant General Winfield Scott. RECONSTRUCTION. The House resumed the consideration of the special order, being House bill No. 543, to provido for restoring to the States lutely in insurrection their full political rights, upon which Mr. Rousseau was entitled to the floor.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. Will the Gentfrom Kentucky yield to me for a moment?
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I wish to say, Mr. Speaker, that I do not desire to have my train of, thought interrupted during this discussion, and I hope no gentleman will
Mr. FARNSWORTH. 'I merely desired to call the attention of the Gentfrom Kentucky to the fact that my colleague [Ma Ix ennsou] is not now in the House.
Mr. PRICE. I ask the gentleman to yield to me.
Mr. PRICE. I understood the gentleman to say that he would give time to answer a question.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Yes, ifyou will answer the question what is the difference between Mr. Maynard of 1861 and Mr. Maynard of today.
Mr. ROUSSEAU? Iask you in reference to Mr. Maynard, and if you have the answer let us have it.
Mr. PRICE. You referred to ColonelStokes. I have Colonel Stokes‘s answer now here.
Mr. FARQUHAR. Will the Gentfrom Kentucky allow me to say a word?
Mr. ROUSSEAU. I disliketo be interrupted.
Mr. FARQUHAR. I desire simply to correct the gentleman, and to say that my understanding has been that Speaker from the commencement of the session has been in favor of the admission of the loyal members from Tennessee.
Mr. ROGERS. I hope the time of the Gentfrom Kentucky will be extended.
Mr. PRICE. I must object to any extension of time.
Mr. BANKS. I trust the gentleman’s time will be extended. It is a courtesy which has always been granted to gentlemen heretofore this session.
The Speaker. It can only be done by unanimous consent.
Mr. DUMONT. I appeal to the Gentfrom Iowa to allow the time of the Gentfrom Kentucky to be extended.
Mr. PRICE. I would do so cheerfully, but there are other parties whose rights are involved.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I trust the Gentfrom Iowa will not persist in his objection. There has not been a sinrrle occasion when this privilege has been asked by gentlemen upon the other side of the House that it has not been unanimously granted.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. There has never been an occasion on which it has not been unanimously accorded by us.
The Speaker. Is there objection to an extension of the time of the Gentfrom Kentucky 7
Mr. PKICE. I was only acting as the agent for other parties. I am perfectly willing that the gentleman should 0 on.
The SPEAKER. 'Ihe Chair hears no objection, and the Gentfrom Kentucky will proceed.
Mr. PRICE. Will the gentleman yield to me for ten or 15 minutes?
Mr. WINDOM. I do not desire to go on today, and ifI can yield for 15 minutes to the Gentfrom Iowa [Mr. PRICE] without losing my right to the floor or having it come out of my time I will do so.
The Speaker. That arrangement can be made only by unanimous consent. No objection was made.
Mr. GRINNELL. I desire to give notice that when my colleague gMr. Pawn? shall have concluded his remarks shall claim the floor for a personal explanation in reply to some remarks of the Gentfrom Kentucky, [Mia ROUSSEAU] who, I hope, will remain here and listen to what I may have to say.
Mr. ROUSSEAH. I shall remain, and endeavor to hear patiently what may be said. CLAIMS AGAINST VENEZUELA.
The Speaker laid before the House the following message 'from the POTUS: To the HoRep: In answer to the resolution of the HoRep of the 10th ultimo, calling for information relative to the claims of citizens of the U.S. against the republic of Venezuela, I transmit a report from e SecyState. ANDREWJOHNSON. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 11, 1866. On motion of Mr. BANKS, the message, with the accompanying documents, was referred to the ComForAffrs, and ordered to be printed. REMOVAL OF SIOUX INDIANS.
The Speaker also laid before the House the following message from the POTUS: To the HoRep: I transmit herewith a report from the acting SecyInterior, communicatin information requested by the resolution of the HoRep of the 2151:ultimo in relation to the removal of the Sioux Indians, of Minnesota, and the revision made for their accommodation in the Territory of Nebraska. ANDREWJOHNSON. IVASHIXGTON, D. 0., June 9, 1866. The message, with the accomanying document; was referred to the ComIndAffrs, and ordered to be printed. RECONSTRUCTION AGAIN
Mr. GRINNELL. I ask the gentleman to icld a few moments.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. debate in order?
The SPEAKER. The Gentfrom Iowa had permission to make a personal explanation. If the gentleman raises the question as to personalities, the Chair will decide it.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Shall I be held responsible for newspa or reports?
The SPEAKER. the Chair cannot answer that question.
Mr. BANKS. I do not understand that in giving consent to the Gentfrom Iowa the House gave consent to him to make personal allusions which are notjustified by the rules of the House.
The Speaker. They do not; but it is the rule, as the gentleman well knows, having occupied the chair himself, that when leave is granted to a member to make a personal explanation the Chair does not check personali ties, but waits for some member to make the point of order.
Mr. BANKS. I understand the gentleman’s privilege to be to state what he regards necessary to explain his own position.
The SPEAKER. If the Gentfrom Massachusetts makes the point of order on the Gentfrom Iowa the Chair will decide it.
Mr. BANKS. I do make the point of order.
The Speaker. The Chair sustains the point of order, and decides that the remarks of the Gentfrom Iowa are personal and out of order.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. If the Speaker does not protect me from such remarks I must protect myself.
Mr. GRINNELL. I was alluding to remarks made by the member from Kentucky. If he says he did not make those remarks. of course I have nothing further to say. I refer to this in reply to the premeditated asstiult that has been made upon me.
Mr. IEOUSSEAU. I did not say that THAI) DECS S'rsvsxs was a miscreaut, and there is no evidence of it.
Mr. GRINNELL. The evidence I find in the reports of 3 NewYork newspapers, one of which is before me.
Mr. RO USSEAU. What I said was that the man who placed himself between the recently contending sections to kee them apart was a miscreant. I did not say that
The Speaker. The Chair sustains the point. The gentlemah from Iowa is out of order in this course of remark; and as the entleman has been twice called to order, the C air will check him. if he again violate the rules.
The Speaker. The Chair thinks that the remarks of the gentleman are out of order.
Mr. GRINNELL. I have nothing further to sa. Mr).yROUSSEAU. Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to say a word or two.
The Speaker. Is there any objection to the Gentfrom Kentucky making a persona explanation? There was no objection.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Well, if the Globe does not bear me out in my statement of the member’s language I will acknowledge that I have been mistaken. What the member said was that he did not know whetherI had fought 4 years on the Federal or 4 years on the rebel side, but that I had uttered a sentiment which degraded my State. That is my recollection of the matter, and IamsurethatIam not mistaken.
Mr. GRINNELL. What I said was thatI did not care whether the gentleman had fought on the one side or the other.
Mr. ROUSSEAU. Sir, the member’s language, as I have quoted it according to my best recollection, seemed to me at the time to be highly improper and exceedingly unjust. The 1st declaration was that I degrade my State by having uttered that sentiment. Now, sir, I believe there is not a member in my hearin, unless it be the member from Iowa, who wonfd not utter the same sentiment, and who would not do what I declared I would do who Would not stand by his wife and children in defending their rights when illegally and oppressively invaded. lie man who would not do this is unworthy of the name of man, and I believe that even the member from Iowa himselfwould not prove so recreunt to all the principles of man good. That member has been pleased today to make some personal allusions to me. I will not present anything he can say, because, as I understand. he declares that ’he’cannot be in sulted. With such a man I can have no quar rel, and because I look with utter contempt upon anything he could say.
Mr. GRINNELL. No. sir, I never said that.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions, ke., werepresented‘under thBeyrule and relcrred to the appropriate committees: claimMinrg. cBoAmNpKeSnsaTtihoen memorialot'Horatio Natur. for serviccs rendered to the CensusOlllcc. Dept of the Interior. By Mr. llbIlIl AItD. of WestVirginia: The petition of I. H. Atkinson. of Hancock county, WestVirgini. asking compensationfor property taken and used y the troopsof the U.S. By Mr. lIALL: Thp petition of Jolin If. Atcher, of Washington, DistCol, PIDYHIB that n share of the rewards oTTcredfor the detection and arrestof the assassinsof President Lincoln may be awardedto the petitioner. By Mr. HOLMES: The petition of D. H. Rasbnck and others, citizens of Madison county. NewYork, for rept a] or modificationloflaw impasingtax of ten or coat. upon banks paying out the notes of State lianltiiafter July 1. 1866., By Mr. PERI AM: the mcmorial of Maria Accardi Jcnnigfs. guardian of Edward J. Accardi and Lu vinia. E. Aeoimli. for pension. By Mr. TAYLOR: The petition of DaVid Dines, bnncy Dill and 42others. pensioners. Iprayin that suitable provisions be madeto prevent nited States pension agents from deductingfccs from payments madeto pensioners and protesting againstany bill allowing the U.S. pension agents fees for propaym: papersand administering oaths.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Tossnsr, June 12, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. On motion of Mr. LANE, of Indiana, and by unanimous consent, the reading of the Jour nal ofycsterday was dispensed with.
Skip Skip PETITIONS as!) MEMORIALS. Mr. EDMUNDS presented the etition of Darius Ferris, of l estport, NewYork, praying for a pension on account of naval services rendered in the war of 1812; which was referred to the ComPensions. Mr. TltUMBULL presented a petition of citizens of Mnrengo, a petition of citizens of Galena, a petition of citizens of Geneva, and a petition of citizens of Freeport, all in the State of Illinois, praying for the passage of a bankrupt law; which were referred to the ComJudiciary. Mr. GRIMES presented a petition of John Menally, and otters, employees around the President’s House and grounds under the administration of Mr. Lincoln, prayin for compensation for extra services readers by them; which was referred to the ComPubBldg and Grounds.)Mr. JOHNSON presented apetition of iner chants of the city of Baltimore, engaged in the importation of coffee, sugar, &c., praying that the benefit of the provision in the bill now ending relating to sales made by or authorized throu 11 another wholesale dealer on commission, stall be so extended in the case of commercial brokers as to exempt them from the payment of a tax on sales of any goods, wares, or merchandise in cases where a tax on the sales is paid by wholesale dealers as such; which was referred to the ComFinance. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana, from the ComPensions, to whom was referred the petition of Abraham Lansing, who was in the naval service in the war of 1812, praying fora pension, submitted a report, accompanied by a bill (S.No.366) granting a pension to Abra ham Lansing. The bill was read, and passed to a 2nd reading, and the report was ordered to be printed.
Mr. HOWE, from the ComCommerce, to whom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 344) to incorporate the Niagara Ship Canal Company, reported it with amendments.
Mr. CONbESS. The ComCommerce, to whom was referred aJtResolution (8. It. No. 98) to amend an not entitled “An act to authorize the establishment of ocean mail steamship service between the U.S and China, " approved February 17, 1865. have instructed me to make a report in writing. This is a JtResolution concerning the application of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for a release from that portion of their contract which required them to stop at the SandwichIslands on their route to Japan and China. The committee recommend the passage of the resolution. Iwill state that the report embraces some very valuable statistical and other information furnished from many sources; a very valuable report from the PostMGenl upon this subject. I therefore ine ve that, in addition to the usual number of copies of the report, 1,000 additional copies be printed; which motion, I suppose, will go to t ie ComPrintg.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. That motion will go to the ComPrintg, and the printing of the usual number of the report will lie ordered.
Mr. HOWE, from the ComClaims, to whom was referred a JtResolution (H.R.No. 123) for the relief of Elizabeth Woodward and George Chorpenning, of Pennsylvania, asked to be discharged from its further consideration, and that it be referred to the ComIndAffrs; which was agreed to. RECONSTRUCTION REPORT.
Mr. ANTHONY. The ComPrintg, to whom was referred a resolution for printing extra copies of the report of the reconstruction committee, have instructed me to report it back without amendment and to recommend its passage. I ask for its present consideration. There being no objection, the resolution was considered by unanimous consent and agreed to, as follows: Renoleed.That 50 thousapd additional copics of the report of the JtComReconstruction be printed for the useof the Senate.
Skip Skip LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Mr. VANWINKLE. I ask that a week’s leave of absence be granted to my colleague, [Ma Winn m] Leave was granted.
Mr. ANTHONY submitted the following resolution, which was referred to the ComPrintg: Received, Th at the Report of the ComrPatents for 18436, when prepnrerl. be printed and that 4,000extra copies be printed for the useof the Senate. ARMY OFFICERS, ACCOUNTS.
Mr. CHANDLER. I move to postpone the present and all pr'or orders for the purpose of taking up House ill No. 492 the river and harbor hill. The motion was agreed to; and the bill (H.R.No. 492) making appropriations for the repair, preservation, and completion of certain public works heretofore commenced under authority of law, and for other purpose s, was considered as in ComWhole. The ComCommerce reported the bill with several amendments. The 1st amendment was in section one, line 150, after the word “river” to insert the word “Michigan;" so as to make the clause read: MiFcohriigmapnr, ovement at themouth of Saginaw river. 867.500.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section one, line 174, to strike out the word “ 20 ” before the word “1,000” and to insert “ 30, ” and after the word “1,000” to insert “500;” so that the clause will read: For improvement.of the harbor of Green Bay. at thement of Fox river, Wisconsin. $30, 500.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next. amendment was in section one, line 183, after the word “harbor” to insert the words “and the use by such vessels of the erections or works to which this appropriation may be applied;" so that the clause Wlll read: i’nFtoor constricting works and improvinq the entrance the harbor of Michigan City. Indiana. $75,000: PrOUll/t tl.That it shall be 1st shown to the satisfaction of the SecyWar that a sum equal to double the amount.a oresaid has been oxpended by the Michigan City Harbor Companyin the construction of a safeand convenient harbor at that place: And provided.That the passageof vesselstoan from said iarbor and the useby such vessels of the erections or works to which this appropriation may be applied shall befreeand not on root to toll oreharge.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was at the end of the 1st section, to insert the following: For improvement of the Konncbec river, in the state of line. Between Sheppardpoint and the city of Augusta. SZWOO.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert at the end of the 1st section the following: for removal of obstructions to navigation in the illanictto river, between Portland and its mouth. in the State of Oregon, 815.000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section four, line 13, to strike out the word “at” and insert the word “ of;” in line 14, to strike out the words “Fort Snelling and, ” and in line 15, after the words “falls of StAnthony” to insert the following words: And the upper or Rock river rapids of the Missis sippi river, with avicw to ascertainthe mostfeasible means.by economizing the water of the stream, of insuring the passage.at all navigable seasons, of rbioveatrs, drawing 4 feet of water: of the Minnesota from its mouth to the Yellow Medicine river. in order to ascertainthe practicability and expense, by slack water navigation or otherwise.of scouring the continuednavigability of said streiiin during the usual season of navigation: and for examining and rberpidogretisng upon the suliicct ot‘ponstructin: railroad acrossthe Mississippiriver, betweenSt. Paul, in Minnesota, andStLouis, in the state of missouri. upon such plansof constructionaswill offerthe least impedimentto the navigation of the river. The amendment. was agreed to. The next amendment was in section four, line 28, to strike out the words “at Beef Slough bar, on the Mississippi river.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert at. the end of section 4 the following: And the SecyWar shall cause a surveyto be madeat the harbor of Burlington. Vermont, and the harbor of Dunkirk. NewYork; at the harbor of Oak Orchard creek. NewYork, and at Mnskegon, White river. Munistee, and bow. Bufialo. in the state of Michigan; the Fox and Wisconsin rivers.in the State of Wisconsin; and the Rock river, in the Statesof Illinois and Wisconsin, ivith its connections with Lake Winnebago; and the upper Columbia river, Oregon.
Mr. MORRILL. I am instructed by the ComCommerce to other this amendment, to come in at the close of the 1st section of the bill: For continuin there air of the piers in Saooriver. in the State of aine.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was reported to the Senate, as amended, and the amendments made as in ComWhole were concurred in.
Mr. CHANDLER. The ComCommerce, in considering this bill, have consulted with the engineers and with the committee of the other house, and after mature consideration have recommended the clause which the Senfrom Ohio moves to strike out. It is well known that many of these surveys were made a long time ago, and recommendations were made a long time ago, which now it may be deemed expedient to change. Hhis provision simply leaves with the SecyWar the discretion of making such changes as he thinks best. I hope the bill will pass as it came from the committee. I trust this provision will not be stricken out. I believe it has been heretofore customary to put in just such a revision.
Mr. RIMES. I think that the amendment proposed by the Senfrom Ohio is emi nently proper. If you are going to put such a proposnion as this into this bill, you will put it in the bill that will be passed next year, and then
Mr. CHANDLER. I will state to the senator that we have already ordered new surveys for the coming year, as the Senator will find if he reads the 4th section, so that in the future it will not be necessary. At this time it is necessary.
Mr. GRIMES. If this 2nd Section confined its operation to new works, it would be very well, but it does not apply to new works; it applies to all.
Mr. GRIMES. In that respect I think it is wrong. General Totten, when at the head of the engineer dept, sent out his subengiueers and they made surveys at various places. Itlouey has been expended on the strengthof the recommendations which general"otten made to Congress, and improvements have been partially completed. Now we have a change in the administration of the engineer dept; another gentleman is there, equally competent, I suppose; but he entertains different opinions from those entertained by his predecessor. He will have new surveys, at a considerable expense, and change the method of construction. Next year he dies, or is superseded by an order of the President or SecyWar, and another entleman comes in as chief engineer, and then you have another change, and so you go on; instead of following out one particular system you have as many systems as you have chief engineers of the dept. If the Senfrom Michigan will make his proposition so as to say that no mone shall be expended upon any new works untiI the engineer dept shall have decided that they ought to e made, and shall have specific plans
Mr. CHANDLER. This is no new work. There is not a single new work here.
Mr. GRIMES. do not know whether there is any new work or not, but I confess that on reading this bill I have discovered that I am exceedingly defective in my knowledge of geography. There are a great many places that I never heard of before. I would inquire where is the place which is named in the 3rd clause, on page 7, in line 100 andl 40 of section one; and I should like to know how the Senator pronounces it. l We intended that it
Mr. CHANDLER. Aux Becs Scies, [O bis 5a.]
Mr. GRIMES. It is said to bein Michigan, but where is it? Is not that a new work?
Mr. CHANDLER. Hardly a new work. It has been surveyed? there is not much of a harbor there now. It is a harbor of refuge. The same amendment was put on the miscel laneous appropriation bill last year, which was allowed to die.
Mr. GRIMES. ‘It is a new work, though, I take it.
Mr. CHANDLER. The provision for it has been 2 or 3 times put on the miscella neous appropriation bill. This is the exact amount that was estimated by the engineer.
Mr. GRIMES. I have not a word to say against it.
Mr. CHANDLER. I have argued the Aux Bes Scies case before the Senate 2 or 3 times, and the Senate has every time agreed to the appropriation.
Mr. GRIMES. I do not know anything about it. I only alluded to it to get the senator‘s pronunciation of the name, and to get myself posted up in regard to the geograp iy of his State.
Mr. CHANDLER. If you want the exact location, it is near Thunder bay, between that and Grand Traverse. I want the Senator to be osted in the geography of the lakes.
Mr. GRIMES. I think the amendment of the Senfrom Ohio is manifestly proper and ought to be adopted. If not, there is going to be no end to the expenditure of money, ifyou are going to vary these surveys every year as there may happen to be a change in your engineer dept.
Mr. CHANDLER. Iwill give an illustration. On the Thames river a system was adopted of keeping that river clear which was found to be defective. Now, would the senator 0 on with a defective system because it had been adopted years ago, or would he adopt the improvements of the age? In my judgment he would adopt the more recent improvement rather than go on with the old plan. I hope the amendment will not be adopted. The bill is as perfect now as the 2 Committees on Commerce could make it. I am willing that any other committee should take charge of it if they can make a better bill. If they can, all right; but I hope the Senate will stand by this.
Mr. SHERMAN. There is one reason that with me is conclusive why this amendment of my colleague oughtto be adopted; and it is this: there are p ans for all the existing works, or all the old works of improvement on the lake harbors and on the river harbors with which I am most familiar. Now, if an appropriation is made for an improvement at a particular harbor, and it is left to the engineers because it is to be decided by the engineers rather than by the SecyWar to change the plan, they may fritter away this appropriation in the adoption of some new Ian conteni lating further expenditures; an as this bil is framed upon the idea that the money expended under it shall complete the improvement of these works, I think it would be very unwise to leave the engineer officers the power to change their plan and to expend this money probably in some new plan which has not yet been submitted to the judgment of Congress. I would much prefer that Congress should take upon itself to determine the amount to be exended at particular places, and adopt the ol plans which have been submitted to Congress, rather than authorize the engineers to adopt new plans. We know by experience that the engineer dept, under whose superVision this money will be expended, are generally pretty extravagant in their notions. I hope, therefore, that the amendment of my colleague will be adopted.
Mr. CHANDLER. I will ask the Secretary to report the amendment again. I
The Secretary read the amendment, which was in section two, line one, after the word “that” to strike out the following words: The SecyWar. beforeexpendingany part of themoneyherein appropriated, shall, wherethe public interests requiro it. cause a reexamination and resurvey of the public Works hereby appropriated for: and he is ereby nu thorizetdo change or modify the present plan, “ in his opinion the [Aulalic interestwill be materially benefited thereby. D 0 So that the section will read: That the moneyappropriated by this act shall be so applied as to complete, or makethe nearest approximation to comp eting.the work for which each specificappropriation is made, ke.
Mr. CHANDLER. I have no objection to It is not material. I did not understand it fully before.
Mr. MORRILL. I desire to more a slight amendment in the 54th line of the 1st section. The clause new roads: “tor improvement of Thames river, Connecticut, $8,000.” I move to increase the appropriation $2,000, making it $10,000. That is in harmony with the evidence before the committee.
Mr. WADE. I desire to move an amendment in line 119 of the 1st section, on page 6, in the clause making an appropriution for the improvement of Ash tabu a harbor. Since the surveys were made, that harbor has become much more important than it was before. There is a railroad extending from the harbor down into the coal and oil region some 40 or 45 miles, and it is nearly ready now to commence business. That railroad will make this one of the most im iortant harbors on the lakes. Ashta bnlahar oris at the month of Ashtabula creek; the railroad comes in there; and on account of the immense quantities of coal, oil, and ever 'ihing else that will be likely to meet there, this harbor is more important than it ever was before. The appropriation here is a very small one considering the importance of the work. I will therefore move that there be $10,000 added to it, so as to make it $34, 708 82 in stead of $24, 708 82.
Mr. CHANDLER. The 2 committees adopted this rule in joint meeting, that they would include no appropriation in this bill which was not recommended by the dept. If we step outside that rule an increase the appropriation in one case, we shall be comelleld to increase it in 100 others. the bill is as near perfect as we could get it, and I hope no additional appropriation will be placed upon the bill. It wiil endanger the whole. I hope the Senator will withdraw i his amendment.
Mr. WADE. I know it is important that a larger sum should be expended at this point, but it has not the sanction of the engineers; and as it would be an invasion upon the character of the bill, the committee having foll lowed the recommendations of the engineers all around, notwithstandim7 my wish that this increase should be madej will withdraw the amendment, as it might embarrass the bill and lead to other amendments.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The amendment is withdrawn. The amendments were ordered to be engrossed and the bill to be read a 3rd time. t was read the 3rd time and passed.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPERSON, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed a resolution for the appointment of a committee to conperate with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, if one should be appointed, to conider and report on the propriety of an address beforeihe congress of the U.S. commemorative of the life, character, and services of the late Brevet Lieutenant General Winfield Scott. ENHOLLED BILLS SIGNED. The messagealso announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled bill and JtResolution; which were thereupon signed by the President protem ore: A bil (H.R.No. 621) to regulate and secure the safe keeping of public money iu trusted to disbursing officers of the U.S.; and A JtResolution (S.R.No. 69) making an appropriation to enable the President to negotiate treaties with certain Indian tribes. ORDER.OF BUSINESS.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Imove that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the legislative, executive, niidjudieial appropriation bill.
Mr. POMEROY. I SlOlll like to iroceed with the unfinished business of yester ay.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I desire to take up the appropriation bill today. I gave notice yesterday that I should do so. The motion of Mr. Fussssnus was agreed to. STEAMBOAT INSPECTION LAW.
Mr. EDMUNDS. With the leave of the Senfrom Maine, I ask the Senate to take up House bill No. 477. It was the special order for today at one o'clock. I believe it will occupy no time whatever, and it ought to be passe.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I yield to thatbill with the understanding that itwill not occupy time.
Mr. EDMUNDS. I move to take it up. The motion was agreedb; and the senate resumed the consideration of the bill (H.R.No. 477) further to provide for the safety of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, to reg ulate the salaries ofsteamboat inspectors, and for other purposes.
Mr. EDM NDS. I will only say that the objection made by the Senfrom Missouri (Mr. HENDERSON] yesterday, and which has been stated in a pamphlet laid upon Senators7 tables, is met by the amendments to the bill, so that the parties who complained are entirely satisfied with it. The amendments were ordered to be engrossed and the bill to be read a 3rd time. the bill was read the 3rd time and passed. LEGISLATIVE, ETE., APPROPRIATION BILL. The Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill (H.R.No. 213) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, an JUdlCifllQX cases of the Government for the ear endin te80th of June, 1867.
The PESIDE T protempore. The bill will be read, and the amendments reported by the ComFinance will be taken up in their order, as the reading of the bill is proceeded with, unless objected to, as that course will save time. The Secretary proceeded to read the bill. The 1st amendment of the ComFinance was in line 51, under the head of “centingent expenses of the Senate, " to strike out the word “ 3 ” and insert “5, ” so as to make the appropriation for newspa pers $5.000 instead ot $3.000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill down to the following clause among the “contingent expenses of the Senate" in the 76th line: For Capitol police, 810, 170.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish to propose an amendment to that clause, and I may as well offer it as we go along. it is rendered necessary by having more Capitol police than we had at the time the bill was drawn. I move to strike out “$10, 170” and to insert “ $21, 480, ” and then to add the following proviso: Provided. That 6330of the appropriation for the Capitol policemay be usedduring the present fiscal year. The amendment was agreed to. The reading of the bill was continued to line 109.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish to make an amendment on the 5th page, corresponding to the one made for the Senate. In iine 109 I move to strike out “$19, 170” and insert “ $21, 480: provided that $330 of the appropriation for the Capitol police may be used during the present iscal year.” This comes in underthe iead of “ contingent expenses of the HoRep.”
Mr. FESSEUDEN. That makes it necessary to change the amount of the gross appropriation for the House salaries on age ti, line 128, from “$110, 838” to “ $113, 140.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill down to the appropriations for compensation of the Superintendent of Public Printing and the clerks and messengers in his office, lines 161, 106t two, and 163.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I desire to make an amendment there. By another bill there has been a clerk added to that office, and it is necessary to hierease the amount. I move on page 8, line 162, after the word “office, ” to strike out. “nine” and 1 insert “ 11, ” and in line 163 to strike out “ 7 ” and insert. “5;” so that the clause will read: For compensation of the Superintendent of Public Printinir and the clerks and messengersin his othee.$ll.514. The amendmentwas agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill down to the appropriations for the Library of Congress. The ComFinance proposed, in line 184, to strike out “ 3 ” and insert “5, ” in line 185 to strike out “ ten" and insert “ 12:” and in line 186 to strike out “eight” and insert “six, ” so as to make the clause read: For compensation of Librarianjve asst llbfly rians, messenger and laborers.812, 600.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment of the ComFinance was in line 213, after “judgments, ” to strike out “which may be:” and in line 216 to s“trike out “ 3 " and insert “ 5 " before 100,003” so as to make the clause rea: For payment of jud'gments rendered by the court in favor ot'elaimants, in addition to the uuexpended balanceof the appropriation for the fiscalyear ending Juno 30.1860.000,000.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I desire to offer an amendment to come in by way of proviso at the end of line 217: Provided, thatjudgmentg already rendered may be paid out of this appropriation at any time after the passageof this act.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to the items for the Dept of State.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to strike out the increase of 20%. to laborers, which is provided for by the 7th section of the bili: and it will have to be struck out in different places of the bill. There is a section that covers the whole, reported by the com mittee as an amendment.
The PRESlDENT protampo. it is moved in lines 235 and 236 to strike out: Ftprincreaseof 20%. for 7 laborers.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment reported by the ComFinance was to insert after line 241 these words: For publishing the lawsof the 37th and 38th Congressesin 2 newspapersin each of the lately insurgent States.850.000.
The Secretary continued the reading down to the appropriations for the Northeast Executive Building.
Mr.FESSldNDEN. Thatshouldbeamended for the same reason as I just now stated. In line 258, “4” should be stricken out and “ 3 ” inserted; “ 3 ” at the end of the line should be “six, ” and the words “and 20, ” in line 259, sh0uld be stricken out; so that the clause will read: For compensation of 4 watchmen and 2 laborersof the Northeast Executive Building, $3.6®.
The PRESIDENT ro tempore. Those changes will be made in order to make the bill correspond with previous amendments of the Senate. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill down to the approriations for the salaries of the SecyTreasury, assts, clerks, &c.
Mr. FESSENDEN. An amendment should be made there. in line 260 8, to strike out “nine” and insert “two, ” and strike out “and 20, ” so as to make the amount $118, 200.
The Secretary read the next item, which was the appropriation for the compensation of the 1st. Comptroller and the clerks, messengers, and laborers in his office.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That should be amended by striking out “ eight" and inserting “ 7, ” and striking out “ 3 ‘7 and inserting “ 9, ” so as to make the amount appropriated “$47,040” instead of “ $48, 340.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next. amendment reported by the committee was in line 274, after the word “ office" to strike out: Including 3 clerks of class four. 3 clerks of class 3. 3 clerks of classtwo. 3 clerks of class one. 12 clerks at an annual salary of $713eoach and one laborer at an annual salary of $75).which are herebyauthorizedto beappointed. So that the clause will read: For compensation of the2nd Comptroller.chief clerk and the clerks.messengera.ssistant messenger and laborer in his office.$151, 930.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to strike out. in line 280, “ 9, ” and insert “ 3, ” and to strike out “ 20 ” and insert " 80, " so as to make the sum “$134, 380” instead of “$184,020.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the succeeding par agraph, line 283, I move to strike out “ 7 ” and insert " two, ” and to strike out “ 60 ” and insert “ 40.” so as to make the amount appropriated for the F“irst Auditor’s office “ $50, 240” instead of $59, 700."
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment of the committee was in line 287, after the word “ office, ” to strike out: Including 3 clerks of classfour. 20 clerks of class 3. 40 clerksot'classtwo. 70 clerks of class onc.0ne asstmessengerat $84oper an nwuhrinchaanrde hthe rebylabuothreorrsizaetdt$o7b2olap)pepr oarnnnteudm."each. So that the clause will read: For compensation of the 2nd Auditor. chief clerk and the clcrlrs. Messengers .SlShlllll messengers and laborersin his office, $521, 840
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to reduce the sum there from $521, 840 to $521, 100.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment reported by the committee was in line 296, after the word “office, ” to strike out “ including live clerks of class four, 15 clerks of class 3, 30 clerks of class two, and 50 clcigrs of class one, " so that the clause will too: For compensation of the 3rd Auditor. chief cgleerrsk and the clerks messenger.asstmessen and laborersi n his office. 8384.280.
Mr. FESSENDEN'. I move to amend by striking out “$384, 280” and inserting instead “$382,080.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. In lines 302 and 303, in the appropriation for the 4th Auditor’s office, I’move to strike out “nine” and insert “5, ” and to strike out “ 60 ” and insert “ 40, ” so as to make the amount $110, 540.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the appropriation for the 5th Auditor’s office, in lines 305 and 306, the “eight” should be “ 7, ” so as to make the amount $47, 840.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In line 308 I move to insert “chief clerk” after “Dept.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 320.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In line 319 I move to strike out “one” at the end of the line; in line 320 to strike out “5” and insert "eight, " and to strike out “ 20 ” and insert “ 40, ” present shifting condition of affairs, to trust so as to make the amount appropriated for ‘=any man in any of these Depts with the olIice of the Register of the Treasury ll such discretionary powers. $00, 840 instead of $91,520.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the appropriation for the office of the Solicitor of the Treasury, in line 323, I move to strike out “5 ” and to insert “ 3, ” and, If it is necessary to increase the salaries of the odicers in the Treasury Deptand it may be I think we should fix the salaries by law. The I SecyTreasury should not have this power, to be exercised according to his discretion. It cannot but tend to favoritism. It to insert “ 40 ” after “100, ” so as to cannot o crate justly. It tends to make the make the sum $18, 340 instead of $18, 500.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the approriation l for the office of the ComrCustoms I move to strike out, in line 326, “nine” and insert “six, ” and to strike out “20” and insert “40,” so as to make the amount $40, 640 instead of $40, 920.
Mr. FESSENDEN. for the compensation of the clerks, messengers, &c., of the Lighthouse Board I move, in 1 line 328. to strike out “5” and insert “two ” and to strike 1 out “ 20 ” and insert “40,” so as to make the amount $9, 240.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 340.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to insert after the word “expenses, ” in line 300, and 39, page 15, the words “ including the cost of subscription to such number of cepies of the Internalrevenue Record and 1 Customs Journal as the SecyTreasury may deem necessary to supply the revenue officers.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. After line 340, I move to insert: For office furniture, maps. labor. miscellaneous items and other contirigent expensesfor the cities of the Commissionemotnternal Revenue, 800.000.
Mr. WILSON. I am opposed to this amendment for 2 reasons. I think it unsound in principle. No Dept of the Government ought to be trustet with money in this way. I am opposed to it because I do not choose to trust the present officer at the head of the Treas i In the appropriation r t men employed anything but independent men. It encourages a spirit ot'flunkeyism on the one l hand, and a feelin on the other that there is g. power to reward men or pun.sh them accord ling to the discretion of the individual. I think the principle unsound, and it ought never to be admitted in the Government at all, and especially not in this Dept at this time. I believe that what. has already been done in this direction has worked most disastrously, and has created a feeling of dissatisfaction general in the Dept. It may be that we ought to have an increase of the compensation of the higher officers. I am willing to vote for that increase if it be necessary. But I cannot vote for this amendment, and I be e the Senate will not sanction this policy. I ope the Senate will not sanction what I deem to be an unsound principle, and will not at this time. in the present condition of the country, trust the SecyTreasury with this discretionary power, this power to reward at his pleasure; to take $160000 and distribute it among his employea ury with such powers. This is no time. in the accordin to his will and pleasure.
Mr. FPSSENDEN. can only say with regard to this matter, that if the principle be an unsound one, it may be imputed in the 1st place to the 1st SecyTreasury under Mr. Lincoln’s Administration and to his successor. Mr. McCulloch, the present SecyTreasury, is not responsible for it in any way whatever except for the continuation of it. I hope that in settling this question the senate will not be governed by the opinions which the honorable Senfrom Massachusetts may happen to entertain of the present SecyTreasury. I know that politically he is not acceptable to the Senator and perhaps to others; but in the administration of the nliiiirs of his Dept I have every reason to believe that he has conducted the interior ar rangements of the Dept and everything connected with it very honorably. properly, and honestly, and very ably. There is no objection on that account. So long as be is SecyTreasury he must be trusted with the powers necessary to carry on the Treasury. There is no question about that. This is not. a new revision. The Senator probably has not loo 'ed at these bills. llis attention has been called to this matter by some dissatisfied clerk or clerks in the Dept who have made some disturbance about it, and, without understanding the case, he makes the remarks that we have just heard. In the 1st place, such is the business of the Dept that it is absolutely necessary to employ a good many temporary clerks, and a fund has been set aside regularly for several years, 1st on the recommendation of Mr. Chase, the 1st, Secretary under Mr. Lincoln, of $200,000 for that purpose; and it has been very well a plied.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I should like to ask the Senator a question right there. It is whether, in the present condition of admire, it is neces‘ sarykto have this power to employ temporary cler 's.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I have understood that recently quite a number of clerks have been discharged from the Dept.
Mr. hESSENDEN. It is quite as necessary to have this power as it ever was, and, indeed, more so.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Can we not fix the number of clerks by law, so as to avoid the necessity of a pointing temporary clerks?
Mr. FESSENDEN. Perhaps we might fix the number by law, but we should have to fix it at so large a figure that probably it would cpstlus more than the employment of temporary order is.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I see it stated in the newspapers that they are discharging clerks constantly, and that they have more force than they need. That has been stated within a few a s.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Sometimes when business does not press so much they discharge to save money, and at other times they employ again. If anybody wants the Dept to keep a number of men there for months when they are not needed, fix the number by law; but then we should have to pay them all the time. The idea has been to employ temporary clerks as they might be needed. Sometimes business presses more than at others. Again, the principal reason for those discharges is that experience shows some clerks to be use less; they do not answer the purpose; they do not do their duty and then they are discharged, and afterward, when business presses, their places are filled up again. Let me tell the senator that from my experience in the Dept I am prepared to say to him that he need not base any action of his he cannot with any safety on what he sees in the newspapers. The newspapers do not know anything about it; they say anything that comes in their heads.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I supposed they might state a fact as to clerks being discharged.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. And the Senate committee have changed to some extent the distribution of the unexended sum.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. According to the bill as it came from the HoRep, of that unexpended sum $100 is proposed to be given to each appointee whose salary is less than $1, 200, and the remainder is to be divided perca ita among the clerks of the 1st and secon classes. s amended by our commit tee, from that unexpended balance there is a 'sum of $100 given to each clerk or counter whose salary is less than $1,000, which operates in substance the same as the House section thus far, I think; but nothingis done with any remainder that there may be of that unexpended balance. Now I have been spoken to, as other Senators have been, by disappointed clerks, who insist that it is but reason able and fair, that after giving the $100 to those who receive less than $1,000, or less than 81, 200, it would be but fair to allow whatever balance there may be to be distributed among the clerks of the 1st and 2nd classes.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Senator can judge for himself. Because we give $100 to those who receive only $720, it is therefore fair to give it to those who receive $1, 200 and 31, 400. that is the argument.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. There are a good many of those receiving $1, 200 and $1, 400 who are heads of families, who have a wife and children dependent upon them. Those who are receiving less than $1,000, I apprehend, are very few of the m in that position.
Mr. KlR KWOOD. As the bill came from the HoRep it gives to those persons receivin less than $1,000 just what the amendment gives them, but the amendment then cuts off the unexpeuded balance.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It leaves that in the hands of the Secretary to be appropriated to the general purposes of the revision.
Mr. KIR WOOD. Ithin itwould be better to adopt the House plan, and let this small sum it is but a ittance anyhow go among those who have aard time to get along.
Mr. FESSENDEN'. This “small sum” is about $60,000. If the Senator thinks it is better to give away $60,000 to these clerks, when you can get1,000 of them at any momentjust as good as these are, be it so.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I suppose on can; and yet I have heard a great dealsai, and there is a great deal of truth in what is said, about giving more compensation to the higher class of clerks; but I know men today in these depts receiving $1, 800 who can do and have the ability to do the work of men who receive $3,000.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think he is. I think I know a great deal more about it than he does; I have been in the Depts.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. That is very possible; and yet I may know more about individual clerks upon l0w salaries than the Senator does. It does not follow that the man who receives the highest compensation is the best officer. I think I know men from my own State receiving a salary of $1, 800 well qualified to discharge the duties of men who receive a salary of $3,000. I hope this amendment will not be adopted, in so far, at least, as it prevents the distribution of the excess of this appropriated sum of money among these inferior clerks. Congress has already appropriated a sum of money, $250,000. A portion of it has been 3 entin)aying, properly enough I have no fan t to fin with t tit additional compensation to the superior clerks; but a portion is uiiexpended, and it is now propose to 've $100 efich to those who receive the least. Then I hope that whatever unexpended balance there may be will be divided among those who stand next those receivin $1, 200 and $1, 400.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That is a mere proposition to give away $60,000 out of the public Treasury to men not in the slightest dbgree entitled to it, and who do not earn it.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. Howdoes it differ from the proposition to give $100 apiece to those who do not receive $1,000? Can you notget enough to fill their places?
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is for the general reason that they do earn more, and ought to have it, and their pay is much less.
Mr. KIRKWOSD. I understood the senator, however, to say that you can get 100s of people to take the places of clerks receiving $1, 200, and therefore you ought not to give them more than $1, 200. Is it not true that you can get 100s to take the places of those who are receiving less than $1,000 now?
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I have been applied to almost every day since I have been here for aid to get people into these positions; and if the argument holds good in the one case, it does in the other. If there is no occasion for giving $100 more to a man receiving $1, 200 because you can get another person to take his place, there is no use giving $100 more to a person receiving $900 because you may get another to take his or her place.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The logic of that is that because on bring one up to $820 you should brim the other up to $1, 300.
Mr. KIRHWOOD. The reason the Senator will not give $100 additional to those who receive $1, 200 is that so many more can be got to fill their places. Does not the argument hold good in the other case?
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is a mere waste of money, and the whole thing arises from a misap rehension of the objectof the appropriation.Mr. KIRKWOOD. I hope the amendment will not be adopted, or, if it is, that the provision making additional compensation to these inferior clerks will be stricken out altogether.
Mr. CRESWELL. My objection to this amendment of the committee is different, some‘ what, from those already presented. 'It seems to me that the amendment of the ComFinance transcends, in one respect, the entire scope of the original proposition as it came from the HoRep. The House provision applied solely to clerks of various grades, but the provision of the senate amendment not only applies to clerks, but it upplies to officers and clerks, in the Treasury dept; so that under this provision we are vesting a discretion in the SecyTreasury to raise the salary of every officer of that Dept, no matter what his grade, from asst Secretary down. That is a discretion which I am unwilling to vest in him; and I think certainly, as regards the officers of the Treasury Dept, there is sufficient knowledge of the services they render and of the capacity and labor required of the various persons who fill those stations to enable the Congress of the U.S. to fix their salaries properly. I think it is put ting this whole matter at sea, and investing entirely too large a discretion in the SecyTreasury.
Mr. FESSENDEN. We did precisely the same thing last year.
Mr. CRESWELL. The phraseology seems to be different.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It was in another section and another provision in last year‘s bill.
Mr. CRESWELL. The factthat it was done last year, if it was done, does not get rid of the objection.
Mr. GRIMES. We had not the same Secretary then.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Mr. President, I re gretted to hear the Senfrom Massachusetts express a want of confidence, in regard to so small a matter as this, in the SecyTreasury. When this same power was given to the SecyTreasury a year ago, I do not recollect to have heard that Senator express any want of confidence in its exercise by the Secretary. Of course we all know he would not have been authorized or justified in the expression of any want of confidence; and in regard to the present Secretary, I think he is not authorized in it by anything that has occurred in his management of the Treasury Dept. He is a citizen of the State from which I come, and I am proud of his reputation and ability as a manager of the finances of the country. He came to that Dept with a high reputation, and I think he hasadded very largely to that reputation. If the Senator is influenced in his judgment by any apparent diffei'ences of political opinion between him and the SecyTreasury, then I say, for that reason alone, in these times, when we desire to cultivate the public credit and to establilsh confidence in all the affairs of the Treasury Dept, the Senator is not authorized, in my judgment, merely because of a little ditIerence of political opinion, to express a want of confidence. If he bases his opinion upon the management of that Dept by that distinguished citizen, then I think the facts do not justify the expression which he has made to the Senate this mornin. Now, sir, if we intrust to the SecyTreasury the mana ement of 100s of niillions of dollars, which we do every year, shall we hesitate to give him the power to distribute among the worthy men of his Dept a small sum of money, according to merit, and in such a way as to secure efficient support in his Dept“? That branch of the subject has been so satisfactorily treated by the chairman of the ComFinance that 1 shall add nothing to what he has said.
Mr. FLSSENDEN. The Senfrom Wisconsin says that he has no doubt all this amount will be disbursed, even if it were 3 times as great as it is. The answer to that is simply that the appropriation last year was $250,000, and all that was exended was $130,000.
Mr. HOWE. That does rather upset my theory, but it is not so flat a contradiction of it as it would be if they were not here asking for an additional appropriation on the same account.
Mr. FESSENDEN. We have ot another year to provide for now. One 100 dollars is to o to each of those receiving less than 1,000 dollars perannum; and that will take about 60,000 dollars, leaving about 60 or 70,000 dollars.
Mr. HOWE. They still retain the unexpended appropriation of last year and ask for an additional appropriation to that. I do not understand why they ought not to be content with that already made.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I will make the senator understand, if I can, if he will allow me to explain.Mr. HOWE. Yes, sir.
Mr. I IOWAItD. It is very possible that there may be a necessity for an appropriation for additional clerks and other officers in the Treasury Dept: to what exact extent I do not know. The objection that I have to the amendment now before us is, that it gives the SecyTreasury a very broad discretionary uthority to make distinctions and discriminations among the additional clerks who may be by him employed, and who are to be paid out of this appropriation. Does it not open the door to a system of favoritism and electioneering among the clerks which is very obnoxious? That is my idea.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I will answer the Sea ator.
Mr. HOWARD. I should really like to have a word of explanation upon that subject from the honorable Senfrom Maine. It seems to me that this feature is objectionable.
Mr. FESSENDEN. There has heretofore been a proviso inserted that in employing additional clerks they should all be of the 1st class and receive $1, 200. That has been found to work very badly. It does not make any electionecring in the Dept, but outside of the Dept, to bringthem in. Now, you need different classes of men. Sometimes a man whom ou want very much and whose services wouldV be valuable, you cannot ct for $1, 200, and the business that you want rim to do is such that he ought to receive more than $1, 200 for it. For that reason the limitation that these temporary clerks shall be $1, 200 clerks has been stricken out in this atnendment, because it would com)01 the appointment of men who cannot render the service required. My idea is that it is not Worth while, with regard to a public officer, to take it for granted that he will do everything badly. If you have a public officer of high station you may just as well conclude, because I believe that is the most anxious desire of every head of a Dept, that he will make his Dept as efficient as he can and do the business as well as he can and with as little expense as possible, and that he can be safely trusted. My opinion is that instead of wasting this money and expending it too liberally, he will rather expend it too niggardly under all the circumstances, for fear that he might be blamed with regard to it. That has been the result, and always will be, because the objections that might possibly be made will always make the head of the Dept very careful on that point.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I have no desire to repeat what I have said already on this subject. I only rise for the purpose of replying to one observation made by the Senfrom Maine. I have never ha any conversation with people whom I represent with reference to this matter. I know some gentlemen who receive but small salaries as clerks, who, in my judgment, are competent to perform the duties of those who receive higher salaries; but] have had no conversation with anyone in' reference to this matter.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It has grown up from the necessity of the case.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Then I am right. It has rown it within the last 3 or 4 years. We are tirongh the war now.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I will tell the Senator, however. that long before the war took place there was a standing appropriation of $25,000 for this very purpose of making additional compensation to clerks who rendered addi,tional service.
Mr. TRUMBULL. It does seem to me it involves a very bad principle. I do not propose to take up time furtherthan to state what seems to me to be an objection to this species of legislation, and I hope the Senate will not concur in the proposition. There is also another objection that may be stated. Itleadsto a rent dealofdissatisfaction among the clerks tiemselves. They are all claiming it, and one set of clerks think, as I am told, that they have been overlooked, while others, they charge, are favorites of the particular Secretary in case they receive any portion of this money; and they become dissatis fied; though, I will say to the Senate from Maine, that no one in any of the Deparment! has ever said a word to me on the subject. What I say is irrespective of an complaints from anybody. I have understood, and under stood it here today, that there are complaints. I think, perhaps, I have heard of that n before; but I am not aware that any clerk in any Dept every s oke to me in reference to the distribution of his fund.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I mean only to statethe Senate, of course. will do what it pleases about it that if you strike out this appropriation as the Senator proposes, the Dept cannot get along. It wlll be undoubtedly cm barrassed, and they cannot possibly do the work of the Dept.
Mr. Gltlll ES. It was written out and committed to memory.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That is the Senator's opinion, not mine.
Mr. GRIMES. It is my opinion founded on the fact that I was present at the time', and heard him recall sentencesjust as a man always does when he is attempting to recite a speech that he has written out beforehand.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Why, sir, I recall sentences when I am speaking, although I never write speeches; and so does the Senfrom Iowa, and every other Senator present.
Mr. GRIMES. That was altogether a different matter.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is only proving the kind of jaundiced eethrough which, or b the help of which, the honorable Senator looks at everything the SecyTreasury does. That is the amount of it. Now, treat every man fairly. I do not agree with the Secretary about that speech; I think it was in very bad taste, but I do not hold him responsible for any design to insult Congress. why, sir, if he in sulted anybody he insulted me. If we were all “ tinkers” I have been placed in a position where I was considerable of a tinker.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The chieftinker, ifyou please. I did not think of taking any personal offense. I do not believe that the SecyTreasury meant to insult me or offend me, or anybody else, and I am not oing to abuse him for that reason, because it I did I should be guilty of very bad taste myself. Now, sir, with regard to the other charge that the honorable Senator made, that the Secretary appointed men to office who could not take the oath, I know how that was brought about. He believed, and honestly believed, and others believed with him, and to this da I am very much of the same opinion myself, (although I should not have taken the course he did, because I think that a man is responsible to the law, and he must obey the law,) that in order to collect the revenue, he must take the course he did; and it was not done by himself of his own motion and alone. I do not believe he is any more responsible for it than many others, good and patriotic men, who advised him to that course. It was a state of things that came up owing to the settlement of‘our controversies. It was necessary to collect the revenue. We must have officers. The Secretary believed that under the circumstances the best thing that he could do was to appoint these men, With the perfect understanding that unless his act in doing so was confirmed, they were not to be paid, according to the law; to let them collect the revenue and let Congress settle the question; and be believed Congress would sett c it in a particular way, and that is, authorize, and they will authorize, the payment of these men, although they will not repeal the law. It is not proved which is right on that subject of the revenue, whether Congress is right, or the Secretary. That remains to be proved. But still. that being the law of the and men act differently I should have let the revenue go, and say, “There is the law, and I cannot liel it.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think I should; I might, and I might not. But I do not think a man is to be visited with much indignation for an error of judgment of that description. Man others would have acted as he did; and althoug I might not have done the same thing, I never felt like im uting fault to the Secretary about it. Now that Congress has considered the subject, and settled it, the matter is at an end. Now it will eventuate with regard to the collection of the revenue in that country remains to be seen; I do not know. That the Secretary supports the President in his policy is true. Therein he and I dim r; and therein I differ withthe President himself; but we cannot remove the Secretary, and why should we be continually bringing up that fact in a matter of business“! We are here to provide for the administration of the Dept. The question is, how it can be best administered; and gentlemen, in discussing the question how it can be best administered, talk it out the Secretary. Why, sir, that has nothing to do with the question, if the Secretary is a man who tries honestly to manage the affairs of his dept successfully and well and fairly; and7that I really believe the present Secretary does. That he may make mistakes would be true of any other man. I knowI made some when I was there; but nobody foundit outand talked about it, except the Democrats, and they said I was mistaken from beginning to end. did not care a 6pence what they said, and do not to this day; but I knew I made some mistakes, and those they did not find out.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Idid not tell them. I got along with them just as well as I could. Any man would do so necessarily. But with regard to the honest intentions of the present SecyTreasury to administer his Dept fairly, faithfully, and for the good of the country, so far as he is able to do so, I have no manner of doubt whatever; and Istand here to so so in spite of the fact that he supports the resident’s policy and I do not; and do not mean, having those opinions with regard to him, to have what I consider an injustice one to him in that particular. Now, sir, leaving that subject, and heping that polities will not again come into the appropriation bills, (for my personal relations with the Secretary are such as compel me to bear testimony to his worth when I hear him assailed thus publicly, let us come to the question that is before the Senate: The present SecyTreasury is in no degree responsible for it. If it IS a bad prinncipleI, am, personally, more responsible than any other man; for although my predecessor did ask and receive, without a word of objection from anybody, because it was proper and necessary, a sum of money to employ extra clerks and to increase the compensation of others I do not know whether that was in it or not; the 1st was, at any rate and it was continued from year to year, this precise provision that now exists, not in the same words however, but the substance of the provision I drew with my own hand at the Treasury Dept, and sent to the ComWays&Means.
Mr. CONNESS. It was determined, if the Senator will permit me, in the ComFinance, before the honorable Senator was SecyTreasury. The committee sustaine that course nftera full consideration. The knew that the salaries of the clerks in all the depts could not be raised, and they also knew, upon investigation, that the salaries of some of them must be raised, and they ado ted that lan.
Mr. FESSENDEN'. That is the whole of the matter from beginning to end.
Mr. HOWE. I wish to remind the Senator that he is not entirely correct in saying that there was no objection to the proposition. There was an objection made in committee.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I may have forgot ten it.
Mr. CONNESS. The objection did not obtain.
Mr. HOWE. I remember that very well, but the objection was made.
Mr. HOWE. Will the Senator permit me to say a word?
Mr. GRIMES. I have only a word to say and shall occupy but a.moment. I certainly have been very much instructed, andIhave no doubt the Senate have been, by the lessons which the Senfrom Maine has given us on the dignity and propriety of public debate. I believe the Senator started out with the prop position that it was exceedingly improper for any member of this body to criticise or say anything against an absent person who was not here to defend himself. Is it possible that the Senfrom Maine would eny to us a just criticism ofapublic officer? Is it possible that it is not fair and legitimate discussion for us to speak of the public acts of the SecyTreasury when it is sought to invest him with a new power, or a power that has never been exercised but once or twice before by an officer under similar circumstances? DoestheSenator always confine himself to this rule? It seems to me it is notavery long time ago since I heard some remarks made about the head of another Dept who refused, in opposition to the wishes of adistinguished Representative, without any law authorizing him to do it, to send a commission to make a certain investigation. The head of that Dept was iiite as much absent as the SecyTreasury is today. The members of this body were not present upon a celebrated occasion when they were denounced as tinkers of the Constitution, and the most opprobrious language used, in the most offensive and opprobrious manner that it possibly could be used.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Senator said he was there.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I suppose I ought to say a word or 2 in reply, especially to my friendfrom Iowa, [Mr. GRIMES. All I have to say to him is, that if he had represented me correctly, or if he had understood what I said, he would not have found it necessary to make the remarks that he did. What I said was, or what I intended to say and I think I did say, for I generally say what I mean thatl thought it ha taste to be assailing public officers on occasions that did not require it, and when we had business matters an or discussion; and I expressly put in, I remember, that when any particular subject was under discussion which called for comment, it was all very well, but I thought it had better be omitted except at such times. When I commented upon his model of all that is admirable and elegant, the SecyNavy, [laugliter] the other day, it was on a very peculiarly appropriate occasion. I took occasion to say that the SecyNavy had refused to do a particular thing as the reason for my action in that case. That was all I said; that he had refused to do it; that I had been unable to persuade him to come to that conclusion. The honorable Senator said the Secretary had no power to do it. That may be; but the Secretary admitted that he ha the power, or at least did not deny it, and did not give that as a reason for refusing to comply with my re nest.
Mr. GRIMES. on attributed it to something altogether different.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I attributed it to the fact that he did not mean to do it until wc'had disposed of another question, because he said so; and ifhe told the truth, I had the right to repeat it, I take it. When the conduct of any particular officer is properly before the Senate in a given case that cal s for remark upon iIt, think it eminently proper to speak of it just as Senators please; and they Will be their own judges as to the style and taste of their oratory. each one for himself. We cannot, of course, have any rule to regulate that matter. Now, as to my friendfrom Wisconsin, [Mr. Hows] he and I have been friends too long for us to separate upon a careless remark that I made, rather sportive than otherwise, with reference to him. I am sorry that it offended] him; and if it did really offend him I will take it back in whole and in part. Idid not. suppose that he would take it in any other than in a sportive sense; but. uni'o'rtnnaq, I am one of those unhappy individuals that can never even make ajoke without its being taken seriously. I do not know what it is owing to; but somehow or other I give offensewhen I do not mean to do so. But my friend will allow me to say in all sincerity, since he has appealed to me, that he is of a very questioning nature, and is very apt to scrutinize things in a very sharp and careful manner; and I think he does differ Willi other icople, quietly and in a very gentleinaiily and proper way, a little ottener than I do; but I may be mistaken about that. We never judge correctly about ourselves in relation to such matters. So far as our relations on the ComFinance were concerned, I will say thatof all things I would not ive the slightest intimation that he was not otherwise than just as he should be there, and I was exceedingly sorry to part with him when he went off. Now, sir, I believe I have made an ample apology, as far as my friendfrom Wisconsin is concerned.
Mr. HOWE. Certainly if the Senfrom Maine was framing a joke when he made the remark he did, I did misunderstand him, and he was misunderstood by others.
Mr. HOWE. But it is enough for me to be told by him that that was what he was up to. If he did not mean to give offense I am the last man to take any offense, and he is the last man that I choose to be offended by.
Mr. HOWE. But as to the other remark he made, that I am after all more inclined to question and object to measures than he is himself, I have only to say that if that is so, I on my part ask pardon of the Senate and of mankind. I did not know it. [Laughter.]
Mr. GRIMES. I would inquire of the senator by whom that pressure was made and upon whom.
Mr. SHERMAN. It was made by the sud den urrival of news from Europe that banks had failed there and that a financial revulsion was"likely to occur.
Mr. GltlMES. I willinquire of the Senator whether or not gold was sold after banking hours had ceased, and after the transactions of the open board were over.
Mr. SHERMAN. I know nothing about it except whatis stated by Mr. Van Dye, and he says they received the news at2: 45. That was probably after the ordinary business of banking in NewYork is disposed of. I have no doubt that if I had been there intrusted with the authority I would not have sold the gold.
Mr. GRIMES. I have the same purpose in view that the Senfrom Ohio has. Fdesire that the public should be able to repose the utmost confidence in the SecyTreasury. It is certainly important to the country that the people should lie able to place confidence in him; and as the Senator holds confidential relations with the SecyTreasury
Mr. SHERMAN. Not at all; I do not see him quite so often as you do.
Mr. GRIMES. I have not seen him for a long time.
Mr. GRIMES. At any rate I venture to suggest to the Senator that iflhe public could be informed of the particular time at which this gold was SOld, and to whom it was sold, and when it was paid for, probably the confidence of the public might be measurably restored.
Mr. JOHNson. The Senator had better propose the raising of a.committee to inquire into that,
Mr. McCulloch was not there to direct and advise him.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Is the amendment divisible?
The PRESIDENT protempore. It is a motion to strike out and insert. In the opinion of the Chair it is not divisible.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Then I hope the Senate will vote against the amendment, and then I shall propose to strike out the House proposition also.
Mr. FESSENDEN. nays. The yeas&nays were ordered; and being taken, resulted yeas 18, nays 17; 14. So
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill. The next amendment of the ComFinance was to strike out from the approrintions for the Treasury Dept lines 388t, 389, 390, and 391, as follows: For comensution of additional clerks who may be employed y the Secretaryaccordingto the exigen I ask for the yeas and ciesof the public service, and additional compensation for extra labor of clerks in his office, $5.000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 441. The ComFinance proposed, in line 441, to increase the appropriation"‘for stationery for the Treasury dept and its several bureaus” from $100,000 to $125,000.
The Secretary read the next clause of the bill as follows: For comensntion of 12 watchmenand 11 1512380"!!! of the Southeast Executive Buildinl. 816.
Mr. FESSENDEN. An amendmentis needed there. The amount of the apprOpriution should be $13, 800.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to the followmg clause, lines 455 to 458, namely: AsFsoisrteaonmtSpeecnresatatiroyn.ochf itchfcelcSreke.rcatma tohfetchleerInkste. riniocra. senger. Asst messengers.watchmen and labor ersin his othee.548.700.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That needs alteration. The amount appropriated should be $46, 880 instead of $48, 700. I move that amendment.
The clerk. The next clause was read as follows: For compensation of the ComrGLO chicf clerk. recorder.draughtsman. asst draughtsman.clerks. messengers.asst messcmrcrs. packers. watchmen and laborers in his oihcc. 8178.200.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That needs amendment also. The appropriation should be $175, 440.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 477.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to reduce the appropriation for the compensation of the ComrIndAff, clerks, mes senger, &c., in his office, in lines 476 and 477, from $32,000 to $31, 940.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next clause I move to reduce the appropriation, in lines 400 "and 80 and 481, for the ComrPensions and the clerks, &c., in his office, from $216,020 to $215, 240.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading1 of the bill to line 588. The committee proposedin line 585 to strike out “ [Laws, page 452. "
Mr. FESSENDEN. That is merely a ver bal amendment; the words are unnecessary.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to insert after the word “ concerned, " in line 577, these words: Including legal assistanceto the AttyGen and other special and extraordinary expenditures5n casesin the SCOTUS in which the U.S.are concerned. So as to make the clause read: For defraying the expensesof the supreme Court anddistrictscourtsof the U.S. including the DistCol and also for jurors and witnesses.in aid of funds arising from tings.penalties, and forfeitures. in the fiscal year ending Junc 30. 1867 and previous years and likewise for defrnying the expenses of suits in which the U.S. are concerned including legal assistance to the AttyGen and otherspecial and extraordina i x cud itures in casesin tie Supreme Court oft cU.S.in which the U.S.a reconcernid and of prosecutions for offensescommitted against the U.S and for the safe keepingof prisoners. in addition to the unexpendedIbalnnct sof ap ro printinns to the credit of tho judiciary fund on uns.1866.required to meet the ex, of the courts being reestablishedin the southernStates.so much of the act of March 2, 18. carryin‘fisa d unexpended alances of appropriations into 0 reasui'ybowl and the same is hereby repealed.6300.011).
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. ] The next amendment of the ComFinance was to strike out of the approriations for the War Dept, lines 594, 595, and 596, as follows: For additional compensationto ployes.according subordinate em to act ofJunc 2".1864,
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out of the appropriations for the Adjutant Generafs office, lines 600, 601, and 602, as follows: For additional compensationto subordinate cm ployes, accordingto act of Juno, 1864$, 480.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike from the appropriations for the QuarterMGen’s office, lines 607, 608, and 609, as fol ows: For additional compensation to subordinate employes.accordingto act of June 26, 1864$, 5,680
Mr. TRUMBULL. I observe that many provisions of this kind are stricken out through out the bill. I desire to inquire the meaning of it. I know that some of these subordinate employees are very poorly paid. I wish to inquire of the chairman o the ComFinance what persons this affects, who they are, and what additional compensation the act referred to allows them.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The HoRep, as they went along. made an appr of priation in the 1st place for the ordinary salaries, and then for the 20%. additional allowed by another law. he ComFinance thought it best to leave out all these specific appropriations, and to provide in one section for all these cases.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Is the same thing provided for in another section?
Mr. FESSENDEN. That is what we have done. Perhaps it may be as well to retain the specific a re riation in each case.
Mr. Tid] MBULL. There is no object in retninin the clause if the matter is elsewhere provide for.
Mr. FESSENDEN. So the committee thought. It is for the Senate to decide.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike from the appropriations for the PayMGen’s office, lines 613, 614, and 615, as follows: For additional compensationto subordinate employes, accordingto act of ] une25, 1864$.1, 280.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out lines 619, 620, and 621 from the appropriations for the Commissary generafs office, namely: For additional compensationto subordinate employes, accordingto act ofJ'uuc 25, 18648. 5:1).
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike from the appropriations for the office of the Surgeon General the following: For additional compensationto subordinate cm ployes.accordingto act of ] nos 25, 1861.8 0.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out of the approriations for the office of the chief Engineer, ines 631, 632, and 633, as follows: For additional compensation to subordinate employes, accordingto act of June 25.1861$, 420.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out of the appropriations for the office of the Colonel of Ordnance, lines 637, 638, and 639, as follows: For additional compensationto subordinate cui ployes, accordingto actof ] une25, 1864.$760.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to the close of the appropriations for the general purposes of" the Northwest Executive Building, ” ending on line 681.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move to strike out lines 679, 680, and 681, in these words: For additional compensation to subordigoat cm ployes.accordingto act ot'Juae, 1864. |
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment of the Committee on “Finance was to strike from the appropriations for the general purposes of the building corner of F and 17th streets, ” lines 690, 691, and 692, in these words: For additional compensationto subordinatecm ployes, accordingto act of June 25, 186l, $7.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The readin of the bill was continued to line 702
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move in lines 701 and 702 to reduce the appropriation for compensation of the SecyNavy, his asst, clerks. &c., from $58, 800 to $58, 140.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next clause, the appropriation for the Bureau of Yards and Docks should be $19, 240 instead of $19, 640. I move that amendment in lines 705 and 706.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next item, in lines 709 and 710, the appropriation for the Bureau of Equipment and ecruiting should be $10, 140 instead of $16, 420.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next item, in lines 712 and 713, the appropriation for the Bureau of Navigation should be $0, 840 instead of $9, 620.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next clause, the appropriation in lines 706teen and 717 for the Bureau of Ordnance should be $18, 820instead of $19, 196.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next clause, I move in lines 720 and 720 'one to make the appropriation for the Bureau of Construction and Repair $16, 340 instead of $16, 620.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The next appropriation for the Bureau of Steam Engineering, in lines 724 and 725, should be $10, 740 instead of $11,020.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next item, for the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing, the appropriation in lines 728 and 729 should be “24, 340 instead of $24, 620.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In the next clause, the appropriation for the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, in lines 732 and 733, should be $10, 540 instead of $10, 820.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill down to the following item in the appropriations for the postoffice Dept, lines 777 to 780: For compensation of authorisedadditional, andfor temporary clerks. $37,000: provided. That the sala ries allowedto the femaleclerks in said Dept shall be $72oper annum.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. I move to strike out The next amendment of the ComFinance was to strike out from the appropriations for the postoffice Dept, lines 781, 782, and 783, in the following words: For additional compensationto subordinateem ployes.accordingto thenetof June 25, 1864, 8,000
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the i‘eading of the bill to line 832. The ComFinance proposed in line 831 to increase the appropriation for salaries of the Director, treas urer, assayer, inelter and refiner, coiner, &c., of the Mint at Philadelphia, from $32, 700 to $35, 500.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in lines 841 and 842 to increase the appropriation for sala ries of the superintendent, treasurer, assayer, melter and refiner, coiner, and 6 clerks at the branch mint at SanFrancisco, from $30, 500 to $32,000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert after line 842: cleFrokrs, additional compensationto the above 6 at $500each.83.000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 937.
Mr. FESSENDEN.‘ I desire to make an amendment to the clause last read. In line 936 I move to strike out “by them” and insert “in carrying into effect the steamboat inspection law, ” so as to make the clause read: For salaries of ten supervising and 56 local ins cctorimi pointedunderactot the 150thof August. 185‘ for the otterprotection of the lives of passengers by steamboats.with traveling and other expenses incurred in carrying into effectthesteamboat inspectioulaw, including the expensesof their an nual meeting.$85,000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 978. The ComFinance proposed, in line 977, to strike out “one” and insert “ ten" before “1,000;" so as to read: Territory of Nebraska: ', For salaries of Governor. chief justice and 2 associatejudges, and secretary, $10500.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to the following clause in lines ten54, ten55, ten56, and ten57: For salaries of the chief justice of the supreme court of the DistCol. the associate judges, andjudge of the orphans“court. $14, 500.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That clause should be amended on account of the increase of the sal aries of the supreme court of this District by a bill recently passed by Congress. I move to make the appropriation $19,000.
The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line ten71. The ComFinance proposed to strike out the proviso in the following clause: For necessaryexpensesin carrying into effect the several acts of Congress authorizing loans and the issue of Treasury notes.82.000.000oprovided. That no further expenditures shall be madeforthe exper imentalsystemof hydrostatic printing by the Treesury Deptuntil such experiments shall have been definitely authorized by law, and a distinct appropriation madetherefor.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretar continued the reading of the bill to line 1098. The ComFinance proposed to insert the following items after line ten98: T bl th ComrPubBldg: to 2:220 SolicoemeantthePresident'sHouse, $2, 640, be enablethe Commisslonor of Public Buildings to ny 2 policemen at the Presi.dent’s House. one l from August 24.theother from November 25, 1865t, o June 30, 1866$, 102334.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 1109 to strike out “600” and insert “1,000;” so as to make the clause read: For compensation of the doorkeeporat the President's House, $1.000.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to strike out‘lines 1110 and 1111, in these words: For compensation of asst doorkeeper at the President's House. 8600.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 1115 to strike out the word “watch man" and insert “two watchmen.” and in line 1116 to strike out “six” and insert “ 12;" so as to make the clause read: 7 For compensation of 2 watchmenin reservation No.2. $1, 200
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line 1117 to strike out “eight” and insert “ten;” in line 1118 to strike out “ 7 ” and insert “ 9;” and in line 1119 to strike out “5” and insert “ 3, ” and after the word “ and” to strike out “53” and insert “78;" so that the clause will read: For compensation of ten draw keepersat the Po tomac bri go and for fuel, oil and lamps, $9, 37860.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was after line 1128 to strike out the following clause: For additional compensationto live laborers in the Capitol. one foreman and 21 laborers in npinghlite grounds.one gate keeper.four day and 2 watchmen.ono doorkecper and one asst, and 2 furnace keepers.84.57160.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The Secretary continued the reading of the bill to line 1150.
Mr. WILSON. I believe the Senfrom Maine has proceeded as far as he desires with the bill today, and I desire to make a report from a committee of conference.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I shall not ask the Senate to proceed further with this bill today.
The RESIDENT protempore. The Chair will receive the report if there be no objection. MILITARY ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS.
Mr. WILSON submitted the following report: The committee of conferenceon the disagreed? votesof the 2 Houses on the JtResolution (. R. No. 134)relative to appointment: to the Military Academyof the U.S.having met. alter full and freeconferencehaveagreedto recommend and do recommend.to theirrespectivoIlouses as follows: That the House agree to the amendment of the Senate with the following amendmentsthereto: In line 3 of the Senate amendmentafter the word " after, " insert the words“ thosewho enter." In line 11.after the word " rescribe." strike omuetnatl, l thercmninderto the endoft cSonatoamend and insert the following: And in like manner the POTUS shall be authorized hereafter to nominate 50 at large each year. insteadof ten as now proVided by law. who shall be examined under like regulations and of whomthe ten whomay be reported aspiost meritorious and best qualified shall e appornted: Prom/fell however.That not more than 2 of these shall be appointed in any year from one to. And that the Senateagreeto thesame. HENRY WILSON. H. D. ANTHONY ManTHagOeMrsAS A. HENDRICKS. on lhcpart of the Senate. ROBERT C. SCHENCK, H. E. PA. Manaflernon the part of the home. The report was concurred in. MEMORIAL 01?GENERAL SCOTT.
The PRESIDENT protempore laid before the Senate the following resolution from the HoRep: reRperessoelvnetded.That a commit ccof onefromeachState in this House e appointed on the part for the supportof the Army for the your ending the of this House to join such committeeas may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to consider and report on the propriety of an address commemorative of the life character and services of the late Brerct Lieutenant General Winfield Scott.
The PRESIDENT ro temporc. What order will the Senate ta e on the resolution?
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move that it be referred to the ComMilAffrs. The motion was agreed to. AUSTRIAN TROOPS FOR MEXICO.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Idesire to submit the following resolution and I ask for its consideration now by unanimous consent: Resolved.That the POTUS be requested to communicateto the Senate.if not incompatible with the public interest.any information in the possession of the executive government it; regard to the departureof troopsfrom Austria for exico.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. Objection being made, the resolution lies over under the rule.
Mr. ANTHONY. I move that the Senate adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tussosr, June 12, 1866. The House met at 12 o'clock m. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Born mu. 1 The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. Koontz VERSUS corruorn.
Mr. DAWES presented some papers in the case of Koontz vs. Coffroth; which were referred to the ComElections. NITRO O LYCERINE.
Mr. ELIOT. I ask unanimous consent to report back from the ComCommerce Senate bill No. 813, to regulate the transportation of nitro gl cerine or glynoin oil.
Mr. HART, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill for the relicfof Nehemiah Osborn which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComClaims. MILITIA 0' 1812 On motion of Mr. RAYMOND, by unanimous consent, the ComAppropriat was discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the Legislature of NewYork relative to the payment of the militia of 1812. onouon COTTINGHAM. On motion of Mr. RAYMOND, by unanimous consent, the ComAppropriat was discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of George Cottingbam, and the same was referred to the ComClaims. SALE or MINERAL LANDS.
Mr. JULIAN, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the ComPrintg under the law: Resolved, That therebe printed for the useof the House 5,000copiesof the report No.66 of the HouseComPublic Lands.on the sub'cctof the salcofmine ral lands, 500of which shall befor the useofsaid committee. nous'rms to COLORED SOLDIERS.
Mr. SCHENCK, from the ComMilAffrs, by unanimous consent, reported back, with amendments, Senate JtResolution No. 61, respecting bounties to colored soldiers, and the pensions, bounties, and allowances to their heirs. The 1st amendment reported by the committee was as follows: Strike out all of sectionone after the word “omis, sion" in the 8th line and insert the following: But where nothing appears on the muster roll or the record to show that a colored soldier was not a freemanat.the dateaforesaid.underthe provision of the 4th section of the act making appropriations 30thof Junc.18(l5.tho presumition shall be that the person wasfreeat the time of is enlistment.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The 2nd amendment of the committee was as follows: In sectiontwostrike outall afterthe word " widow " in the 4th line down to and including the word l"oewnilnisgtm: ent" in the 10th line, and insert the fol Wero joined in marriagebysornoc cre m odneyemed by them obligatory.followed by their living together as husbandand Wifeup to the time of enlistment.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The 3rd amendment of the committee was as follows: "mInarrtihaeges.a"me section strike out all after the word seclion, in the 14 thline. to the endof the and insert the following: Shall be held and taken to be the lawful children and heirs of such soldier.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. the JtResolution, as nmended.was ordered to he engrossed and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. SCHENCK mtRtv b which the JtResolution was ado ted; upon the table. agreed to. IOHN ROLANI).
Mr. McRUER, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the ComIndAffrs: llemlrcri. That the SecyInterior be authorizedto paythe mnountdue on John Roland’s claim for lluur furnished Iiidiaiis, 52.100.out of the appropriation made to settle the account of Oliver. Wosencraft. WAGON ROAD IN CALIFORNIA.
Mr. BIDWELL, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill granting lands to the State of California to aid in the construction of a certain wagon road for military and postal purposes; which was reada 1st and 2nd time, referred to the ComPubLands, and ordered to be printed. MARRIAGES IN Tl“; DISTCOL.
Mr. HART, item the ComDistCol, by unanimous consent, reported back House bill No. 615, for legalizing marriages, and for other purposes, in the DistCol.
Skip Skip The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. HART mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. PAY OI THE NAVY.
Mr. DELANO. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a bill amendatory of the act of April 17, 1866, entitled “An act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1867." The bill repeals so much of the act of April 17, 1866, as repeals section 2 of the act reg ulating the pay of the Navy.
Mr. LEBLOND. I do not like to have this bill considered at this time. I think it had better be referred. I infer that it relates to the same section that my colleague referred to the other day, that gives to naval officers 33%. over what they now receive. It may be worthy of consideration by the House whether naval officers ought not to have increased pay; and for the purpose of having that subject considered I would like to have this bill referred.
Mr. DELANO. I hope the House will indulge me in saying a few words. The act making appropriations for the Navy for this year repea s the 2nd section of the act of 1835, which 2nd section excluded all allowances of commutation for quarters, fuel, &c. I say pose that neither this House nor the senate, when the naval appropriation bill passed, understood the effect of the amendment. The effectof the measure is disclosed, however, by the orderissued by the SecyNavy, i giving 33%. under certain circumstances and 30 or cent. under certain other circumstances. have taken the trouble to go to the Treasury Dept to ascertain the probable annual expense under that order. It was reported to am officially at $1, 300,000' perannum. Now, I know from conversations with senators, that when this section of the law of 1835 was repealed, the Senate did not understand what it was doing; and I am equally well satislied that the House did not understand what it was doing. Now, I do not know but what the pay of the Navy should be increased, but this is an unworthy manner of effecting such increase. I say, therefore, that the House owe'sit to itself to restore the law of 1885, and that when the pay of the Navy is increased, it should be done in a legitimate way, so that we shall know what we are doing. It is, perhaps, wise that we should fix the pay of the Navy, as we are fixing the pay of the Army, definitely. I hope the House will restore the law of 1835. I shall not be found illiberal or un'ust whenever the question of the my of the t avy comes up.
Mr. LeBlOhlD. I agree with my colleaflue in reference to this matter, but I would rather that the bill should be referred. The bill was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComNavAffrs.
Mr. PIKE. I ask unanimous consent to make an explanation on this question. No objection was made. M
Mr. PLKE. I havejnst come into the House, and as I understand the ComNavAffrs has been referred to in connection with this bill I would like to make a short statement. The amendment which increases the pay of the Navy was made in the Senate, and when it came here it was referred to the ComAppropriat. The ComNavAffrs had nothing to do with it. The ComAppropriat, who considered it intelligently and understood perfect] its effect, reported it to the House and the Hbuse passed the amendment; whether they under stood it or not was their business. I presume that upon this, as upon all other measures, they knew what they were about. The pay of the Navy ought to be increased, and as to the' mode of my, I agree with the Gentfrom Ohio lilMr. Demure] that a change should be made oth in the Army and in the Navy. And I hope some similar bill to that which passed the House will also pass the Senate; and following that that the pay of the Navy will be made to assimilate to he pay of the Army, as the rank assimilates; so that rank for rank the pay of the Navy will be the same as the ny of the Army, and be paid in such a way that everybody can understand just what the pay is, and not have it depend, as the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. D ermxo] has said this bill will depend, upon the action of the SecyNavy, in the same way that the pay of the Army now depends upon the action of the SecyWar. Dinner TAXES IN FLORIDA.
Mr. NIBLACK, by unanimous consent, presented JtResolutions of the Legislature of Florida in relation to the collection of direct taxes in that State; which were referred to the ComWays&Means, and ordered to be printed. JANE E. SHANE.
Mr. ECKLEY, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Remlceql, That the ComPensionsbe directed to inquire into the expediencyof allowing to Jane E. Shane n pension, as the widowof Lieutenant Colonel James A. SlmncJate lieutenant colonel of the ninctvcighth Ohio volunteerinfantry, who was killed at KenesawMountain, in theStuteofGeorgia.plICHlOAN LAND GRANT RAILROADS.
Mr. DRIGGS, by unanimous consent, reported back from the ComPublicLands a bill (S.No.243) to extend the time lands granted by Congress to aid in the construction of a railroad from Amboy, by Hills dale and Lansing, to some point on or near Traverse bay, in the State of Michigan, and for the completion of said read, with a substitute for the entire bill.
Mr. DRIGGS. Iwill explain in a few words the object of the proposed substitute for the Senate bill. It is simply to extend the time of this grant, without any additional appropriation of land, and to provide for the consolidation of one or more companies for the building of a single line of rai road; in which event the particular grants may be applied so far as consolidated, not to exceed ten sections.of land to the mile. The bill has been carefully considered by the ComPubLands, and the substitute now proposedI believe is agreed upon by all parties as the very best thing that can be done.
Mr. DRIGGS. I rise to call the previous question, but yield to the Gentfrom Michigan, [Mr. BEAMAN] who desires to offer an amendment.
Mr. BEAMAN. I move to strike out “Jan uary” and insert “February, ” so that instead of reading “January 1, 1867, ” it will read “the lst of February, 1867.”
Mr. SLOAN. I ask whether the bill has been printed.
Mr. DRIGGS. It is a Senate bill and has been printed. The substitute, however, has not been printed. If no one desires to ask any further questions I will call for the prevwus question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. The substitute was agreed to. The bill, as amended, was ordered to a 3rd reading, and it was accordingly read the 3rd time.
Mr. FERRY. Mr. Speaker, detained this morning by my recent indisposition, I was not present. when consent was asked to report the ending bill from the ComPubLands. It was out of the usual order and unexpected. My purpose was to speak at length upon the bill and review its provisions. I am cut 08' from debate and have barely the privilege of explaining my vote. There are 2 features of the measure to which I cannot lend my assent. For ten years lands have been reserved from market ostensibly to construct the Flint and Pere Marquette road. Now, it is proposed to change the terminus at Pere Mar uette to some other undefined point without the consent of the inhabitants in the vicinity who have long suffered from these land reservations. The other and most objection able feature is an extension of time for the completion of the road and consequent further extension of railroad land reservations. The people of my State have already suffered sufli eiently by these ruine us reservations for specu lative railroads. Emigration is retarde and business generally impeded. To grant a further extension of time is perilous to the vital interests of the sections immediately concerned, and fraught with mischief to the State. such an imposition would be intolerable, and I am against the bill in its present form and shall note “no” on its passage. The bill was passed.
Mr. DltlGGS mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Foaxsr, its Secretary, notifying the House that that body had passed House bill NO. 406, to provide for the settlement of accounts of certain public officers, without amendment; also, that it had passed a bill of the following title, in which he was directed to ask the concurrence of the House: Senate bill No. 343, to quiet land titles in California. BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD.
Mr. McCULLO CO H, by unanimous consent, from the ComDistCol, reported back House bill No. 659, to authorize the extension, construction, and use by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company of a railroad from between Knoxville and Monoc aey Junction into and within the DistCol, with an amendment. The amendment was read. as follows: SEC.3. Abife: That thesaid railroad companyshall commencethe construction of said extension ofsnid roadwithin oneyear and comopflctthoi sthosamewithin thrcoyears after the passage act: and on failure to do so. the priVileges granted by this act shall be forfeitedby said coin Deny.
Mr. GARFIELD. I should like to have a word of explanation of this measure.
Mr. McCULLOUGH. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company have permission from the State of Maryland to make a lateral road from Monocaey Junction to the city of Washington, so as to prevent persons coming from the West being compelled to go to Baltimore. All this bill does is to give permission to the road to enter this city.
Mr. SCHENCK. There is a road reaching up the Potomac to the Point of ltocks in which the Wesot feels greatlvX’moore interest than in any possible branch this side which maybe proposed; and I should like to know something about the points of this lateral road. lwil say candidly, I fear it is a scheme by which the road up the Potomac by the way of Point of Rocks is to be defeated, and some other substituted.
Mr. SCHENCK. I am full aware of the character of the general plan or extending a road from Washington westward, so as to accommodatelhe Northwest generall, which has been so clearly explained to the H’buse by the Gentfrom Maryland, [Mr. FTHOMAS 1 Vhen the bill was read it was suggested to me, and I thoughtI heard myself something in ref erence to extending it to Frederick City. I desire to inquire nowwliether this line of road, instead of being directed toward Cumberland, striking the Baltimore and Ohio railroad at the Point of Rocks, is to be extended up to MO nocacy.
Mr. FTHOMAS. This road is to intersect the Baltimore and Ohio railroad between the Point of Rocks and Monocacy.
Mr. FTHOMAS. It is west of the Point of Rocks, near South mountain, between that point and Harper's Ferry, on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.
Mr. SCHENCK. With that explanation. it seems to me that the bill would carry out the great object which we of the West have in view.
Mr. cCULLOUGH. The billmerelygives the company the right to enter the District.
Mr. RANIJALL, of Pennsylvania. I understand from gentlemen advocating this bill that it simply gives authority for this railroad company to enter the DistCol and traverse the domain of the city of Washington.
Mr. LeBlOND. I infer from the reading of the bill and from a remark made by my colleaguez [ML Sonsuexd that it proposes an extension of the road through a portion of the State of Maryland. I shall ask for the read in of the bill again.
Mr. SCHENCK. My colleague is laboring under a misapprehension. I supposed that the object of the bill was to direct the line up the Monocacy in the direction of Frederick City. I find that the word “ Frederick” is only used in the bill in reference to crossing Frederick county, which, as my colleague is aware, runs down to the Monocacy.
Mr. LeBlOND. If the bill onlggives this company power to come into the DistCol I certainly have no objection to it.
Mr. GARFIELD. I think it does nothing more than to authorize the extension of the line into the DistCol.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and the bill was passed. Mr. McCULLOUGH mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. JOHN m’oouisn.
Mr. COFFROTH, by unanimous consent, from the ComInvalidPens, made an adverse report on the petition of John Mc Gonish; which was laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. WILLIAM JONES.
Mr. COFFROTH also, by unanimous consent, from the same committee, reported back, with a recommendation that it do not pass, the bill of the House (No. 523)grantinga pension to William Jones. The bill was laid upon the table, and the report ordered to be printed. ABIGAIL RYAN.
Mr. COFFROTH also, from the same committee, reported back, with a recommendation that it do pass, the bill of the Senate (S.No.328) for the relief of Mrs. Abigail Ryan. 1he bill directs the SecyInterior to place the name of Mrs. AbigailRyan, widow of Thomas A. Ryan, late a sergeant in company E, 17th WestVirginia volunteers, upon the pension roll, at the rate of 8 dollars permonth. The bill was ordered to a 3rd reading; and it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed.
Mr. COFFROTH mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. ABSENCE DURING SESSIONS.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE. I desire to ask leave for the members of the ComEnrollBill to be absent during the sessions of this House. At this period of the session it be comes necessary for some one or more members of the committee to be absent during the sitting of the House for the purpose of comparing bills and presenting them to the President for signature. No objection was made, and leave was granted accordingly. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled a JtResolution and bill of the following titles; when the Speaker signed the same, namely:JtResolution (S.R.No. 69) making an appropriation to enable the President to ne gotiate treaties with certain Indian tribes; and An act (H.R.No. 021) to regulate and secure the safe keeping of public money in trusted to disbursing officers of the U.S. COURT OF CLAIMS.
Mr. COOK. I desire to enter a mtRtv the House, on yesterday, referred to the ComJudiciary a bill to limit the time for bringing suits before the Court of Claims. APPOINTMENT TO AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I desire to enter a mtRtv the House yesterday recommitted to the ComJudiciary a bill for the regulation of appointments to and removals from office. MICHIGAN MILITIA.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill for the relief of certain companies of Michigan militia; which was read a 1st and 2nd time and referred to the ComMilAffrs. CANAL AND SEWERAGE COMPANY. The House then resumed the consideration of Senate bill No. 190, to incorporate the DistCol Canal and Sewerage Company. The pending question was upon the motion of Mr. Burns to reconsider the votes by which the House agreed to sundry amendments to the bill; upon which
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. Will the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. FTHOMAS] give way to allow me to make a motion to postpone this bill until December next?
Mr. FTHOMAS. I will say, diverging at right angles from the line of argument I have been pursuing, that no motion could be more appropriate.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. I am willin to submit that motion if the gentleman wifiyield to me for that purpose.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois, not taking the floor when Mr. I". THOMAS resumed his seat, Mr. COBB obtained the floor, and was recognized by the Speaker protempore, [Mr. Banana]
Mr. DAVIS. the Gentfrom Illinois, [Mr. Hannnwfl I will move to postpone the further consideration of this bill until ecember next.
Mr. I“. THOMAS. I will do what I have never done before in a deliberative assembly, call the previous question upon the motion to postpone.
Mr. COBB. I believe I am entitled to the floor.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I did not yield the floor, except upon the understanding that a motion to postpone should be made. ‘hc SPEAKER protemporc. The Chair understood that the“ Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. FTHOMASnoxas] be taken his seat, and therefore recognized the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mix Conn] as obtaining the floor.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I only yielded to a motion to postpone, after having made some remarks upon that proposition to show the propriety of it.
The Speaker protm are. The Chair will ask the Gentfrom Maryland [ML F. Tuoxas] if he demanded the previous question before he yielded the floor and took his seat.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I have never yielded the floor at all, but for a motion to postpone to be made.
Mr. DAVIS. I rise to a question of order. The Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. Hnnmxg‘] notified the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. Tnon.s] while he was addressing the House upon this bill, that he would move to postpone this bill until December next, if the Gentfrom Maryland would yield to him for that purpose. The Gentfrom Maryland sai he would yield for that purpose, but before doing so he would ive some reasons why the motion to postpone should prevail. Having concluded his remarks upon that point, he called upon the Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. Haunrxc] to make that motion, taking his seat for that)urpose. The Gentfrom Illinois [Mr. HARDING] not responding, the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Conn] then claimed the floor. Ithen arose and addressed the Chair and submitted the motion which the Gentfrom Illinois did not submit, so as to accomplish the purpose for which the Gentfrom Maryland resumed his seat.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I do not think there can be any doubt in reference to the matter.
The Speaker. The Chair will decide the question of order raised by the Gentfrom giaryland. The House was about to vote on the motion to postpone, when the gentleman resumed his seat and the floor was given to the Gentfrom Wisconsin.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I yielded the floor only In the temporary absence of that the motion to postpone might be submitted.
The Speaker. After the motion was entertained the gentleman resumed his seat, which 1 left the motion open to general debate, when the Gentfrom Wisconsin rose and was recognized by the Chair.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I may have committed an error. I resumed my seat in order that the gentleman on my right might make a motion to postpone until December next.
The Speaker. The Gentfrom Maryland did resume his seat, and the Gentfrom Wisconsin obtained the floor.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I did not yield the floor but for the purpose of having that motion submitted. I made my comments why the motion to postpone should be agreed to, and then yielded to the Gentfrom Illinois to make the motion, as he desired. I did not consider the motion legitimately before the House until I yielded to the Gentfrom Illinois for that purpose. He not appearin, the motion was may 0 for him by the Gentfrom NewYork, [ML D.wrs.] ut, sir, I waive all formality and yield the floor.
Mr. COBB. If the Gentfrom Maryland is desirous to go on with his remarks I am willing to yield the floor to him; but I am not disposed to yield to a motion to postpone without discussion. I know ver well before a vote can be taken on this bill it is probable that a vote will be taken on the motion to post pone; I know I cannot prevent that; I do not desire to do so; but I do not desire it shall be done before we have had an opportunity to be heard. If I am not mistaken, the gentleman has been heard for an hour on this bill, and perhaps the gentleman would prefer the vote should, be taken on the motion to postpone without any discussion on the part of the friends of the bill. I will yield the floor to the Gentfrom Maryland to go on with his remarks with the understanding that the friends of the hill shall have an opportunity to ans'wer him.
The Speaker. The Gentfrom Wisconsin would have the right to be heard after
Mr. F. "HOMAS. Mr. Speaker, it is the height of my ambition on all occasions to allow to a majority bf the House an opportunity to dispose of an proposition as they may desire, and hence Iywas perfectly willing to waive discussion for a motion to postpone this bill to December next. I will not make any remark on that subject, except to say to my friendfrom Wisconsin that he is mistaken in supposing the discussion has been all on my si c. He will remember that the Gentfrom Illinois, [Mr. Ixceasou.] the chairman of the committee, occupied an hour in advo cacy of this measure without the slightest opportunity for reply.
Mr. COBB. I will reply when the gentleman has finished.
The Speaker proicmpore, (Mr. BEAMAN.) The gentleman’s hour has expired.
Mr. RICE, of Maine. If the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Conn] will yied to me, I will move that the time of the Gentfrom Maryland Mr. FTHOMASnonss] be extended.
Mr. COBB. I have no objection to the House granting as much time as the gentleman may desire. I only desire to bring the matter to a vote this afternoon.
Mr. RICE, of Maine. Ilnove that the Gentfrom Maryland have time to conclude his remarks. No objection was made.
Mr. COBB. I presume that the House is not desirous of hearing a very protracted discussion on this subject, and I shall consume no more time than may seem absolutely necessary. But before going further, I desire to ask the previous question on the motion to reconsider the votes by which the amendments to this bill were heretofore agreed to.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. Mr. DAVIS. Is it in order at this time to move that the further consideration of this subject be postponed until the 1st Monday of December next? The SPEAKER. The motion is not now in order, as the main question has been ordered. The question recurred on the motion to reconsider the votes by which the various amendments were adopted, and it was agreed to. The question then recurred on the amepdments, and they were rejected. The Speaker then stated that the bill was before the House as in the printed form, and l the question was on ordering it to be engrossed and read a 3rd time.
Mr. DAVIS. I desire to ask the gentleman a question. Whether this bill does not give absolute authority to this corporation to take in fee or absolutely all the interest or any portion of the interest of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Compnn, and if that is taken away whether the rigfit of control is not absolutely in the company hereby created. Does it not take away the right of the existing company to that portion of the canal constructed y them which the company may desire to use?
Mr. COBB. I was coming to that. Iwill read 2 sections of the bill, one of which was read by the Gentfrom Maryland, and which it was claimed had the effect the gentleman speaks of: fine. 16. Abife: That in order to aid thesaid DistCol Canal and Sewer ago Company in fulfilling the objects and require imngetnctnsocfatnhails, aanedt.bthried guessecorfostshiantgspaairdt coafntahle for atshhe purposesaforesaid.between the junction of iririnia avenue and a pomt near the foot of 17th streetwest, att 0 month of Tiber crock and for the Width of 7 ty feet. to be determined by a line drawn through the center of said canal or channel and extended therefrom on either side 35 feet.hr and the same are hereby.vestedin the said DistCol Canal and SewerageCompany. to have and to hold the same for the ale and benefit of thesaid eoippany. SEC.17. Abife: That nothing in this not contained shall be hcld‘or decmed, in any manneror way, to injure or impairany public or rivnte rights orinlorests, or in any manner to ii ect the same beyond the more transfer of the rights of the U.S.to said DistCol Canal and SewerageCompany. The section last read will answer the gentleman’s question, I think.
Mr. AVIS. Will the gentleman allow me to ask whether one of the amendments incor l porated in this bill, at the end of section 17, does not so “ except as hereinbefore provided;" and whether that exception does not give the entire right of which I speak? I have the bill here with the amendments passed by the House.
The Speaker. The amendments have all been reconsidered.
Mr. COBB. They have all been reconsidered and the bill stands just as it originally was. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, all that this bill proposes to do is to grant the right which this Government has in the property. Ifthe government does not own it, it does not grant it. If the Government has no right to reclaim and take possession of it, then it grants nothing. If the Government has that right, I respect fully submit to this House that it is the most economical manner of disposing of this matter, as it is the only proposition, of the many which have been made, or which are likely to be made, that will cost the Government no money.
Mr. DAVIS. I wish to ask the Gentfrom Wisconsin [Mr. Conn] if he can furnish any precedent when a corporation created by law has failed to perform all the duties for which it was organized within the time specified, where the Government has proceeded to take away the franchise thus granted when the company was ready to proceed.
Mr. COBB. 1f the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. DAVIS] will show me a precedent where a company has so entirely failed to carry out the object for which it was organized, and has allowed the grant to remain unused to an extent detrimental not only to the commercial interests but to the health of the people, and still has been allowed to go on, then I will undertake to show him the precedent to which he alludes. Ine w propose to yield a part of my time to the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. “Ii 11.1mm]
Mr. FTHOMAS. Before the Gentfrom Wisconsin [lMr. Conn] does that, will he yield to me a few moments“!
Mr. FTHOMAS. I want to set the gentl eman right on one point. I did not interrupt him while 9 eaking.
Mr. COBB. How long a time does the gentleman desire?
Mr. FTHOMAS. Not more than 5 minutes, I think.
Mr. COBB. I will yield to the gentleman.
Mr. COBB. In replytothe Gentfrom Maryland, [Mr. I". Tnorus] P will say that I derived thisideaofa foreign corporation partly from the gentleman’s own remarks, and partly from the statements of the representatives of the city. In regard to the cat emnn appearing before the Committee fort e DistCol, I of course knew nothing of any arrangement with the chairman. I knew that the gentleman was before the committee; and I think I am not mistaken when I say that not. only the chairman, but every other member of the committee. treated him with respect and listened with attention to his argument, though doubtless some of us felt some astonishment at some of the propositions which the gentleman submitted. As I understood him at that time, his opposuion to this bill was based upon a more extended and comprehensive groan than the argument which he now presents. I now yield the floor to my colleague on the committee, the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. Wmaumf]
Mr. DAVIS. In the legislation of other States, so far as I know, where any right is given to one corporation to connect with another eor' poration, provision is made for a Jtcommission to come to terms of agreement in respect to the use of the property of one corporation by that of another. In this bill I find a provision standin boldly upon its front that this corpo ration shall have the right to divest the former corporation of its property in this canal.
Mr. WEIJKER. No further than that part of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal which has I been unused for 9 or 10 years. I admit that by the terms of the bill this company by paying for it may pursue the same line or go outside of it or inside of it as they may judge best and proper when they come to make their canal. If they take the line of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal then they have to pay damages to be assesSedby these commissioners. Iadmit that the legislation of the different States, in respect to railroad and canal companies making connections and joint occupation, usually provides for ajoint commission, but that is a subject matter of contract and arrangement as well as legislation.
Mr. DAVIS. Let me inquire whether there is in this bill a provision for any remaining right of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal.
Mr. FTHOMAS. The House ought not to fall under a misapprehension upon one point to which the gentleman has referred. l trust they will excuse me for trespassing so often upon their attention, for the reason that there is no member here who has so much interest in this local affair as I have. The Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. DAVIS] has borrowed from me, and now has in his possession, a report from an engineer showingt at the canal in the DistCol has been finished almost up to the point retpgired by the engineer appointed by the War dept. It has been finished under a contract between the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company and the corporation of Washington; and the company have turned the water at Rock creek through this canal. Further work, with the view to make this canal a commercial highway, has been iost oned at the instance of the engineers o the War Dept. It is well known that the ground which terminates at the base of the mound where the Capitol stands, and where the Government propa ating garden is, was one continuous marsh. y changing the direction of the canal the city of Washington has redeemed certain lands.
Mr. WELKER. We have heard all this before in the ComDistCol. I have understood that the government gave lots to the canal company to hel make it, and after awhile took those lots bac c and gave the canal coin) ny $150,000 to aid them to construct the wodk. It wasakind of thimble riggin, not very advantageous to the interests of 516 Government. The company failed to build the canal, and thereupon the Government took back the lots and gave them $150,000 to enable the company to build the canal. The capital stock of the company originally was but $100,000, and the Government made that large contribution to keep it going. There is no end to the propositions to abate the nuisance which this canal creates. And now one word in regard to what the gentleman has said of the report of the engineers. I know that the mayor of Washington Iias dug out the canal since this bill has been pending so as to let into it the waters of the river. It maybe, and I hope it is, true that the nuisance is abated for this year; but whoever may be here in the next session of Congress will be called upon to make an appropriation for the next year, or, at least, be asked to levy a tax on the propertfy owners of Washington to pay the expense 0 this year. Remember that the $75,000 expended this summer was only for “sanitary purposes, ” and merely tem orary. Here is an opportunity to get rid of this evil. I feel as much interested in the city of Washington, and I trust every member of the committee feels the same interest as the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. FTHOMAS] does. I look forward to the time when this will be a great city; and believing that it will be a great city want to get rid of this great nui sauce.
Mr. COBB. I demand the previous question on the bill.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I would ask, for information, whether a motion to recommit the bill is now in order.
The Speaker. such a motion would be in order if the previous question were not demanded.
Mr. FTHOMAS. Well, if the previous question he not sustained I shall submit that motion.
Mr. DAY'IS. Before the question is taken on 2nding the previous question, is it in order to ine ve to 0stpone the further consideration of this subject?
The SPEAKER. It is not, pending the demand for the previous question.
Skip Skip The question was put on 2nding the demand for the previous question; and there were ayes 42, noes 41; no q‘iIiorum voting. Tellers were ordered; and essrs. Conn and Poems were appointed. The House divided; and the tellers reported a ea 45, noes 57. So the house refused to 2nd the demand for the previous question.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I will preface the motion I am about to make by declaring that the ComDistCol have this whole subject before them in another shape, and that it is only necessary for them to wait until a board of scientific officers shall have made a thorough examination of this canal, and shall have reported to Congress the best mode for its improvement. so as to give the Government of the U.S. no further trouble on the subject. As the subject is therefore now before the committee I see no necessity for recommitting this particular bill to that committee. I therefore move that this bill be indefinitely postponed, and upon that motion I call the previous question.
Mr. COBB. I call for the yeas&nays on the motion to indefinitely postpone. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and there wereyeas 62, nays 62, not voting 59;
The Speaker. The vote b yeas&nays being a tie, the Chair votes in tie negative. So the motion to postpone the bill indefinitely was not agreed to.
Mr. HART. I move to recommit the bill to the ComDistCol. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. HALE mtRtv the bill was recoinmitted; on the table.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and upon a division there were ayes 60, noes 34. Before the result of the vote was announced, Mr. COBB called for tellers on the motion to lay the motion to reconsider on the table. Before the question on ordering tellers was taken, Mr. COBB said: I would inquire of the Chair, what will be the effect if the motion to lay the motion to reconsider on the table should be agreed to? The SPEAKER. The effect will be toleave the bill with the committee to which it has been recommitted. Mr. COBB. suppose the motion to recon sider is not laid on the table; what will be the effect of that? The SPEAKER. The question would then recur upon the motion to reconsider the vote by which the bill was recommitted. And if that vote should be reconsidered the bill would then be before the House. The question was taken upon ordering tellers, and they were not ordered. The motion to reconsider was accordingly laid on the table. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
The Speaker. The morning hour has now commenced. The 1st business in order is the call of committees for reports, commencing with the select committee on civil service of the U.S.
Mr. JENCKES. As chairman of that committee, I have a matter to bring before the House for its consideration. But I do not wish to do so till tomorrow; and therefore I move that the House do now adjourn.
The Speaker. The Chair will state that the call, of committees is progressing very slowly, indeed; and if there is no morning hour occupied today, there will be one less committee reached before Congress shall adjourn.
Mr. JENCKES. The business I intend to bring before the House upon this call of committees will not take any great length of time, and I prefer to bring it forward tomorrow morning rather than at this late hour of today.
Skip Skip The question was taken upon the motion to adjourn, and on a division there were ayes 48 noes 49. Before the result of the vote was announced, Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, called for tellers on the motion to adjourn. Tellers were not ordere. So the motion to adjourn was not reed to.
Mr. DONNELLY. I ask, Mr. peaker, whether we cannot, by unanimous consent, proceed with other business, the Gentfrom RhdIsland [Mr. JENCKES] retaining his right to the floor.
The Speaker. That can be done by unan imous consent.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. to any arran ement of that sort.
Mr. SCHENCK. I ask the Gentfrom RhdIsland to yield to me for a moment that I may present a report from a committee of conference. v
Mr. JENCKES. I yield for that purpose. APPOINTMENTS TO MILITARY ACADEMY.
Mr. SCHENCK. I present the following report from the committee of conference on the jomt resolution (H.R.No. 134) relative to appointments to the Military Academy of the U.S.: The committee of conferenceon the disagreeinf votesof the 2 Houseson the JtResolution (I. R. No. 184)relative to appointments to the Military Academyof the U.S. having met.after full and freeconferencehave agreedto recommend and do recommend.to their respectivelIouses as follows: That the House agree to the amendment of the Senatewith the following amendmentsthereto: In line 3 of the Senate amendment.after the word “ after." insert the words “those who enter.” Iiilinc 11.afterthe word "prescribe.” strikoout all thorcmainderto theondof the Senateamendment and insert the following: And in like manner the POTUS shall beauthorizedhereafterto nominatefifty bayt large each year. instead of ten as now provided law. whoshall be examined under like renlations and of whomthe ten who may be reporte as most meritorious and best qualified shall be appointed: Provided. however. That not more than 2 of these shall be appointed in any year from one State. And that the Senate airreeto the same. HH.ENRY WILSON. B. ANTHONY. Manager; A. HENDRICKS. on the part of llu Senate. ROBERT C. SCHRNCK. H. E. PAINE. Managerson the part of the HM. The report of the committee of conference was agreed to. I object ADJOURN “5311.
Mr. JENCKES. I move that the House adjourn. On agreeing to the motion there were ayes 36, noes 51; no uorum voting.
Mr. JENCKES. I withdraw the motion. I desire to so that I do not wish to occupy more than a few minutes with the report of this committee and I prefer to present it in the morning rather than now. If there is any business which other gentlemen desire now to bring forward, I am willing to yield a great part of the time which the rule concedes to me.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I object to any arrangement of that sort. I insist on the regular order.
Mr. JENCKES. The Gentfrom Pennsylvania does not, perhaps, understand my proposition. The rules oft eHouse allow me, when reporting a bill, a fixed period of time, of which I wish to occupy buta portion. I am willing to yield to any member for other business, reserving simply 20 minutes of the time which the rules allow me.
Mr. BINGHAM. Will the Gentfrom RhdIsland yield for a motion to adjourn?
Mr. BINGHAM. I move that the House adjourn. Mr. RANDALL, of Penusylvania. On that motion I demand tellers. I now that there is not a quorum present, and I think thatwe ought to adjourn. Tellers were ordered; and Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania, and Mr. WINDOM, were appointed.
Skip Skip The House divided; and the tellers reported ayes 65, noes 24. So the motion was agreed to; and thereupon the House (at 4 o’clock and ten minutes p. in.) adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions. km. werepresented under therule and referredto the appropriatecommittees: By Mr. DENISON: The petition of C. Sherwood and 158others. citizens of Luzerne and Wyoming counties.Pennsylvania. asking for amad route from Old Fume. in Luzernc county. to Fuctoryvillo. in Wyoming county. By Mr. ELIOT: The petition of ThomasM. James. GeorgeHudland. jr and others.citizensofNcw Bed ford. Massachusetts.praying for a law regulatin: interstate insurancecompanies. By Mr. ROUSSEAU: A communication fromT.N. Hornsly on the subjectof artillery and projectiles. Also. a letter from the adjutant general of Kentuckv. concerning the remuneration of officers who tle tet as brigadier generals upon coloncls’pay: and the paymentof bounties to soldierswho enlisted at the beginningof the war.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. Wnnxnsosv, June 13, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain. Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved.
Skip Skip PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS. Mr. MORGAN presented a petition of citizens of Chautauqua county and a etition of citizens of Erie county. NewYorkc, praying for the repeal or modification of the act imposing a.tax of 10%. on any bank that shall pay out on or after the 1st of July next the notes of any State bank or banks; which were referred to the ComFinance. Mr. HARRIS presented 2 etitions of citizens of Chenango county, NewYork, praying for the repeal or modification of the act imposing a tax of 10%. on any bank that shall pay out on or after the 1st of July next the notes of any State bank or banks; which were referred to the ComFinance. He also presented the petition of John J. Bogardus, representing that his 2 sons, upon whom be relied exclusively for his support, being an old and feeble man, were both killed in the service of the country, and praying for apension; which was referred to the ComPensions. Mr. JOHNson presented a memorial of the General Assembly of Florida, in reference to the direct tax levied upon the State, and praying that they may be granted the same privileges in relation thereto as have been granted to the States which remained loyal to the Union; which was referred to the ComFinance. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. COWAN, from the ComPatents and the Patent Office, to whom was referred the petition of Thaddeus Hyatt, praying for an extension of his patent for improve incuts in vault covers, reported a bill (. No. 867) to extend the time of letters patent issued to Thaddeus Hyatt; which was read and passed to a 2nd reading.
Mr. MORRILL, from the ComDistCol, to whom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 687) to incor crate the Soldiers’ and Snilors’ Union of asliington, DistCol, reported it without amendment.
Mr. WADE, from the ComDistCol, to whom was recommitted a bill (S.No.28 9) to provide for the probate of and for the recording of wills of real estate situated in the DistCol, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.
Mr. POLAND. The ComJudiciary, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.270) securing to non-resident litigants the benefitof the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts in the States lately in rebellion in certain cases, have directed me to report that in their judgment the bill ought not to pass. I move that it be indefinitely postponed. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. POLAND also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.205) fixing the salaries of the district judges of the U.S., reported it With an amendment.
Mr. HOWE, from the ComLibrary, to whom was referred the memorial of John R. Bartlett, submitting to congress a work entitled “The Literature of the ebellion, ” asked that the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject; which was agreed to. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a resolution for the purchase of blank copies of Hicke’s edition of the Con. stitution, asked to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject; which was agreed to., Mr. LANE of Indiana, from the ComPensions, to whom was referred the memorial of Samuel Redfield, a soldier in the war of 1812, prayin that the soldiers of that war maybe include in the revisions of the bill for the equalization of ounties, asked to be discharge from its further consideration and that it be referred to the ComMilAffrs ; which was agreed to. PATENT OFFICE REPORT.
Mr. ANTHONY. The ComPrintg, to whom was referreda resolution to print the Report of the ComrPatents, for 1866, when presented, have instructed me to report it back without amendment, and recommend its passage, and also to ask for its present consideration. By unanimous consent, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution, which is as follows: Resolved, That the Report of the ComrPatentsfor 1866w, henprepared, be printed and that pursthoutsanedxtra copiesbeprinted for the use of i0 ena 0.
Mr. ANTHONY. That is the reduced num her that has been printed heretofore. It was formerly 10,000, but the report of the 2 preceding years having been reduced to 4,000, a corresponding reduction is made for this year. The report is not yet printed, but the object in passing the resolu ntion is, that as the drawings are made in the Patent Office, they may be put at once into the hands of the engravers, so that when the repert is preseu the entire engraving may be done, and the work thus expedited nearly a year. There is no additional cost. The resolution was adopted. AUSTRIAN TROOPS FOR MEXICO. On the motion of Mr. DOOLITTLE, the senate proceeded to the consideration of the followmg resolution, submitted by him yesterday: Ruolsed, That the POTUS he requestedto communicate to the Senate, if not ip compatible with the publlc interest. any information in the possession of the executive government ifiregardto the departureof troopsfrom Austria for eXico.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. This resolution, I believe, at all events I hope, will bring information most satisfactoi' to the people and Government of the U.S. In connection with it I will say that I have received assurances which I cannot doubt of the truth of an anonymous letter which appeared not long since in relation to what is transpiring in the republic of Mexico, very satisfactory in its nature, showing that in reality the French are preparing to leave the republic of Mexico with their troops. The resolution was agreed to. KANSAS AND NEOSHO VALLEY RAILROAD.
Mr. POMEROY. At the suggestion of the Senfrom Illinois, Mr. TRUMneLL] I desire to move a slight amendment to the amendment. In the 39th line after the word “ bill" I move to insert the words “and not provided for by law, ” and also to strike out that word bill” and insert the word “act.” The amendment that I repose is to the proviso referring to the right 0 way; and as amended the section will provide that they shall get the right of way under the provisions of the Pacific railroad act, when not otherwise provided for by law. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. POMEROY. At the'suggestion of the same Senator, I desire to strike out in the 3rd line of this 11th section the words "any State” and to insert the words “ State of Kansas, ” so as to make it definite and distinct. That will confine it simply to roads in our own State. It was thought, as it stood, it would leave it open to allow the roads from other States to run in there. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I did not expect to occupy the attention of the Senate further upon this bill, and perhaps would not except for the remarks of the Senfrom Kansas the other day. He felt himselfjustified in saying that I had not stated correctly to the Senate the amount of lands that the State of Kansas has already enjoyed, and he read from the Report of the ComrGLO, on page 168, in which there is astatement of the amount of lands that have been granted to the State directl.
Mr. HENDRICKS. An estimate of the amount of lands granted to the States directly; and this estimate shows that 2,500,000 acres have been granted to the State of Kansas. I stated that the other day; but the Senator did not inform the Senate that on page 167 it up ears that there was granted to the State 0 Kansas in 1863 2,500,000 acres, and also to corporations “ for the Union Pacific railroad with a branch from Omaha, in Nebraska, from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean, 35 million acres."
Mr. POMEROY. Omaha is in Nebraska, not Kansas.
Mr. HENDRICKS. These are branches; and also “to the Northern Pacific road to the eastern boundary of the State of California, 47 million acres.” No portion of that, as I understand, is in the State of Kansas; but if the Senator wishes the Senate to understand
Mr. POMEROY. If the Senator willallow me to correct him, not one foot of the line from Omaha is in Kansas.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Does the Senator state to the Senate that there is no portion of the Pacific railroad in the State of Kansas, and that there is no portion of this grant of 35 million acres in Kansas?
Mr. POMEROY. Isaid distinctly, the other day, that of the road from Omaha, the main line, there was not one foot in Kansas. There are 2 branches, one called the extension of the Hannibal and StJo road, and the other the Pacific railroad, eastern division, which are in Kansas, and, as I estimated the other day, about 300 miles of those 2 branches are in Kansas.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The grnntto the Pacific railroad estimated by the Commissioner at 35 million acres, as found on page 167. It runs the entire distance of the State almost about 300 miles, I think the senator says.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Can any Senator say how much land has been granted in the State of Kansas for the construction of the Pacific railroad within that State? The Senator himself cannot state it, because the ComrGLO has not communi cated the fact.
Mr. POMEROY. If the Senator Will allow me, I will say that the Pacific.RflllfOfld Company, eastern division, have built 100 miles of the ir road, over and in my State already, and they have not yet got one foot of land, because there was none for them; it was all taken by settlers.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I ask the Senator how much land there is in the State of Kansas in the other 200 miles that that railroad conipan will get.
Mr. POMEltOY. It will get just about 5 sections to the mile, 1/2 of what it would be entitled to if the land were not taken by settlers.
Mr. HENDRICKS. And how much that will be nobod can tell. The ComrGLO estimates the entire amount of lands granted to the Pacific Railroad Company at 35 million acres. f
Mr. POMEROY. That is through to California.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The State of Kansas, by direct grant to herself has received 2,500,000 acres. We cannot estimate what portion of the 35 million acres granted to the Pacific railroad will be within the limits of Kansas for the construction of that railroad within that State; but there is a portion of the 35 millions; so that the Senator is not justified in saying to the Senate that the State of Kansas has received less lands than the other States.
Mr. POMEROY. I osk the Senator if the State has received one acre of that. Does the Commissioner report that we have actually received one acre? It is only his estimate that we shall do it after the road is built.
Mr. POMEROY. The Senator must be aware that the State of Kansas has alread granted to this very company 125,000 acres of land. That fact up cared before the committee.
Mr. POMEROY. I will ask the Senator if they cannot build that road under this bill as it is reported, provided they get to the southern line as soon as other roads do.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Yes, sir; that is true; making a partnership of that which Congress said 2 years a 0, or at least gave to be understood, shouldgbe the exclusive right of the company that would commence and build a road from Leavenworth by Lawrence to the southern line of the State.
Mr. POMEROY. I know the Senator desires to be right about it. When they run 100miles, I am informed, they will be 40 miles apart, the distance from Fort Scott to Humboldt. If they run 100 miles, they will be ten miles further apart than when they be an.
Mr. HENDRICKS. There is no point at which they can be 40 miles a art; for I have here a map prepared by the ComrGLO, and there is no point at which the can be 40 miles apart.
Mr. POMEROY. That map does not show the line of this road.
Mr. HENDRICKS. It is furnished by the ComrGLO, and it shows that these 2 roads cannot be 40 miles apart; for the ComrGLOe has furnished me a map with the road to which we made the grant 3 ours ago marked down; and here it is from Leavenworth to Lawrence. Lawrence is nst 6 tiers of townships from the Missouri line, and the road is marked upon this map in a southern direction, running upon the toWiiship line to the southern boundary of Kansas. Tile greatest distance between the road to which we made the grant 3 years ago and the Missouri State line is 36 miles, as shown by this map furnished by the ComrGLO. I do not understand what the Senator means when he says there is a distance between the road to which we made the grant 3 years ago and Fort Scott of fort miles.
Mr. POMEROY. The road the Senator refers to is located at Humboldt, and that is fort miles from Fort Scott, where the other road is located. They run parallel to each other and are 40 miles a art at the distance of 100 miles from where they start.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Humboldt is further south. The road, as located, is east of Hum boldt. The grant in 1863 does not describe Humboldt. he Commissioner has furnished me the location of the road. Here is a description of the route as made in the act of congress of 1863: “ From Leavenworth.by the way of the town of Lawrence and via theOhio City crossingof thoOsage river, to the southern line of the Statein the direction of Galvestonbay, in Texas." Humboldt is not a town on that line. Humboldt may be 40 miles west of Fort Scott I do not question that; but the map furnishe by the ComrGLO shows that Humboldt is west of the direct line upon which this road must be located. The construction of these grants by the GLO has been that when Congress gives the termini the road must be located upon the most direct line between the termini that is practicable. The ComrGLO, taking that rule of construction, has located upon this map which he has furnished us, and which is represented with the surveys of the State, the location of the road to which We made the grant 3 years ago; and here it is: from Leavenworth in a southern direction to the southern line of the State. That is just 36 miles west of the Missouri State line. The proposition is to get in a new grant to a corporation that Congress knows nothing about except as. represented by the Senfrom Kansas. His representation is entitled to all confidence, I concede; but we have no documentary evidence of the character and respon sibility of that company.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I suppose it has been organized, from what the Senfrom Kansas says. I know nothing about it except what he has said. I believe we had before the committee no evidences of the organization of the company to which this rant is to he made.
Mr. POMEROY. the statutes of the State were before the committee showing that the State had already given them 125,000 acres.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The Senator says the the statutes of the State will show that the State has recognized it as a corporation by granting to it some of her own lands. I have not the statutes here, but of course the Senator is in formed on that subject. Now, they propose to start a railroad on the Missouri river at a point opposite to Kansas City, in Missouri, and to run down until it shall intersect the road to which we made a grant 3 year ago; and whichever road can ct to the southern bound ary of the State of ansas 1st is to have the right to run through the Indian Territory. That is the reposition.
Mr. POMEROY. I have no objection to taking the vote on that motion now. because I an pose we are limited in time, as the morning Iiour has almost expired, and the Senfrom Maine desires to go on with the bill that was before the Senate yesterday. I trust. however, that the Senate will not postpone this bill until the next session. It is merely another way of trying to defeat the bill. When a man cannot defeat a measure by argument, when he cannot defeat it by facts, when he cannot defeat it by saying anything against it, the sec ' ond way is to defeat it by postponing it. I hope this bill will not be postponed. I am willing to let it go over for today and be taken up at some time when‘the Senate have leisure.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I think we may as well have the yeas&nays upon my motion. The ess and nnys were Ordered. Mr DOOLITTLE. The Senfrom Kansas and the Senfrom Indiana alluded to my position upon this bill. I confess thatI have not examined the question. The statement made by the Senfrom Indiana now that Congress has already made a grant to a parallel road running through the same region of country, as he alleges within a few miles of where this new line goes, is all new information to me. I am not a member of the ComPubLands, and I was not aware that there was any such grant. It raises in my mind a very different question. If this was the only grant rungin through Kansas in a southern direction to alveston bay I should favor the grant if the bill was properly drawn, but if there be another parallelproad so near as is stated by the Senfrom Indiana, it raises a question in my own mind as to the propriety of this grant.
Mr. POMEROY. WhatI said was that the Senfrom Wisconsin did not object to this bill on account of the road going through the Indian countr, and that was all I said.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. In relation to that, the treaties pendin, it may not be improper for me to say, have reference to the grant of the right of way through their country for railroad purposes.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I will ask the Senator, who is chairman of the ComIndAffrs, if such a treaty be pending, whether this bill had not better be postponed until we see what is to be the fate o the treaty?.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. That is a question for the Senate to decide. of course.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on the motion of the Senfrom Indiana to postpone the further consideration of this bill unti the 1st Monday of December next, and on that question the ycas&nays have been ordered. The question being taken by fyeas&nays, resulte yeas 12, nays 16; 21. So the motion was not agreed to.
The PRESIDENT protem ore. The morning hour having expired, it becomes the duty of the Chair to call up the unfinished business of yesterday. They could not construct their 3
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPusnsoN, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had concurred in the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on the amendments to the JtResolution (H.R.No. 134) relative to a pointinents to the Military Academy of the U.S. The messagefurtherannounced that the HoRep had passed without amendment a bill (S.No.828) for the relief of Mrs. Abi ail Ryan. Tie message also announced that the HoRep had passed the following bill and JtResolution, with amendments to each, in which it requested the concurrence of the Senate:. A bill (S.No.248) to extend the time for the reversion to the U.S. of the lands granted by Congress to aid in the construction of a railroad from Amboy. by Hillsdale and Lansing. to some point on or near Traverse bay, in the State of Michigan, and for the completion of said road; an A JtResolution (S.R.No. 51) respecting bounties to colored soldiers, and the pensions, bountics, and allowances to their heirs. The message further announced that the HoRep had passed the following bills, in which it requested the concurrence of the Senate: A bill (H.R.No. 559) to authorize the extension construction, and use by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad company of a railroad from between Knoxville and the Monocacy Junction, into and within the DistCol; and A bill (H.R.No. 616) legalizing marriages, and for other purposes, in the DistCol BILL SIGNED. The messagealso announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed an enrolled bill (H.R.No. 4013)to provide for the settlement of accounts ofcertain public officers; and it was thereupon signed by the President protempore. BOUNTXESTO COLORED SOLDIERS.
The PRESIDENT prolempore. With the permission of the Senate, before calling up the unfinished business of yesterday, the Chair will lay before the SenateaJtResolution of the Senate returned from the HoRep with amendments. The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the HoRep to the Jtresolution (H.R.No. 51) respecting ounties to colored soldiers, and the pensions, bounties, and allowances to their heirs. The 1st amendment was to strike out the proviso to the 1st section, and to insert in lieu thereof the following: But wherenothing anpearsonthe muster roll or of record to show that a colored soldier was not a free man at the date aforesaid.under the provisions of the 4th section of the act making appropriations for the supportoftho Army for theycar ending the 30thof June. 1865.the presumptionshall '10that the personwasfreeat the time of his enlistment.
Mr. WILSON. I move that the Senate concur in that amendment. The motion was agreed to. The next amendment was in section two, line 4, to strike out all after the word “widow” down to and including the word “enlistment, 7| in line ten, and to insert in lieu thereof, “ were joined in marriage by some ceremony deemed by them obligatory, followed by their living together as husband and wife up to the time of enlistment.”
Mr. WILSON. I move a concurrence in that amendment. The motion was agreed to. The next amendment was in section two, line 14, to strike out all after the word “ mar r“ia e” to the end of the section and to insert, sall be held and taken to be the lawful children and heirs of such soldier.”
Mr. WILSON. I move that the Senate concui‘ in that amendment. The motion was agreed to. AMBOY AND TRAVERSE BAY RAILROAD. The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the HoRep to the bill (S.No.243) to exten the time for the reversion to the U.S. of the lands granted by Congress to aid in the construction of a railroad from Amboy, by Hillsdale and Lansing, to some oint on or near Traverse bay, in the State 0 Michigan, and for the completion of said road.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I should like to proceed with the business regularly before the Senate, the unfinished business of yesterday.
Mr. CHANDLER. I simply ask the senate to concur in the amendment made by the HoRep. It will not take 3 minutes, I think. There will be no opposition to it. The Secretary proceededt read the amendment of the HoReps, which was to strike out all of the bi after the enacting clause and to insert a substitute, but was interrupted by Mr. TRUMBULL. That is an entire new bill, as a substitute for a bill which passed this body. The House has substituted another bill for the one we sent them. The Senators from Michigan tell us it is all right. I presume it is; certainly they think so; but we pass it, if we concurin that amendment, without its ever oing to a committee, and without an of us 1nowing anything about it. I think sue i a bill as that ought to o to acommittee; it is a new billentirely; and suggest to the Senfrom Michigan that he allowit to be referred. That course will not delay it. I have no objection to it; but as a proper principle upon which to do business, when abiil of this character passes this body and a new bill as a substitute for it is adopted by the House as an amendment, is it safe for the Senate to concur in it without anybody knowing anything about it or how it is going to act? I think it had better go to a committee.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Imove that it be laid aside, to save this discussion, and that we proceed with the regular order.
The PRESID ‘NT proiempore. The Senfrom Maine calls for the regular order of business, and the bill before the Senate must be laid aside, it having been proceeded with only by unanimous consent.
Mr. HOWARD. I hope the Senate will make an order to print the amendmtnt of the House to the bill.
The PRESIDENT protempore. That order will be entered, no objection being made.
Skip Skip APPROVAL OF BILLS. A message from the POTUS, by Mr. Coorsa, his Secreta, announced that the POTUS had approved and signed, on the 12th instant, the folIowing acts: An act (S.No.140) to rant the right of way to the Humboldt Canal ompany through the public lands of the U.S.;. An act (S.No.173) to confirm the title of Jose Serafin Ramirez to certain lands in NewMexico; An act (S.No.189) to confirm the grant of certain lands to Jose Dominguez, in Califoram; An act (S.No.261) for the relief of Mrs. Anna G. Gaston; and An act (S.No.321) for the relief of Maria Syphax. MINERAL LANDS.
Mr. CONNESS. With the consent of the honorable Senfrom Maine, before the approriation bill is proceeded with, I desire to cal up, with the view of making it the special order for a future day, Senate bill I o. 275, which has been reported from the cam mittee on Mines and Mining.
The PRESIDENT prolempore. The Chair can entertain the motion by unanimous consent, House bill No. 213 being properly before the Senate. No objection being made, the motion was agreed to; and the Senate, as in ComWhole, proceeded to consider the bill (S.No.257) to regulate the occupation of mineral lands and to extend the right of preemption thereto.
Mr. CONNESS. I now move that the bill be postponed to Friday next, at one o’clock, and made the s ccial order for that hour.
Mr. MOItltI L. I have aword to say about that. I hope that will not be done. I have been trying to get a chance to pass some little bills here pertaining to the DistCol. We have had but half a day during the entire session, and] find that those having charge of business outside are so much more active than I can possibly be that I have not ot a chance to bring up the District business. I had drawn up a resolution which I proposed to offer, asking the Senate to allow Frida next to be devoted to business of the DistCol. There are a great number of district bills that have been accumulating during almost the entire session, and they deman attention.
Mr. CONNESS. I made my motion with the understandin with the Senator at the head of the Finance ommittee that I should not interfere with the hills which he has in charge, agreeing that this bill should go over in case he should want to occupy the time on the day named. Neither do I desire to antagonize the bill with the necessary legislation that the other honorable Senfrom Maine has in charge. It will be conceded, however, that this is a very important subject; the Committee on Mines and Minin have considered it very thoroughly and ful y; and my object is to get the consideration of the Senate for it at an early day, in view of the extent to which the session has already been consumed. if it will answer better to make this bill the special.order for Monday at one o’clock, I will make that motion.
Mr. MORRILL, and others. objection to that.
Mr. CONNESS. I move that the bill be postponed until Monday at one o’clock, and made the special order for that hour. The motion was agreed to by a 2/3rd s vote. LEGISLATIVE, ETE., APPROPRIATION BILL. The Senate, as in ComWhole, resumed the consideration of the bill (H.R.No. 213) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending the 30th ofJnne, 1867, the pending question being on the following amendment, reported by the ComFinance, to come in as lines 1152 and 1153 after the appropriation for the Metro politan police: For the construction of a police telegraph.$15,000. There is no Mr. FESSENDEN. After “telegraph” the amendment should be amended by inserting “in the city of Washington.” The amendment to The amendment was agreed to, and the amendment, as amended, was adopted. The next amendment of the ComFinance was to insert as a new section: Site. 2. Abife:, That from and after the30thday ofJnne, 1866t, he annual salaryof the Treasurer of the U.S shall be $6500, the additional salary herein proyided for for the year ending June 30. 1867 to be paid out of any money in the Treasury not otherwiseappropriated.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert as a new section:, SEC. 3. Abife:, That from and after t he 30thdn of June. 1806.the salary of the ComrPubBldg shall be$2.50oper annum, and the increase of salary herein authorized may be paid out of any moneyin the Treasury not otherivise appropriated.
The clerk rad The next amendment was to insert the followmg as an additional section: SEC. 4. Abife: That the President is hereby authorized to appoint a private secretary, at an annual salary of 500; a s ort linnd writer. at an annual salary of 0 bill: a clerk of pardons at calna assnnual salaryof $2.(DO: and one clerk of the4th and the amount necessaryto pay the salaries of the officersand clerks herein pronded for for the fiscalyear endingJune 30.1867a.nd also such sum as may be necessaryto pay the salaries of said officers an clerks from the dateof their appointmentto the end of the fiscal year 1866 are here y appromated. out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Mr. FESSENDEN. To that section I propose some amendments. 1st, in line 3, after the word “dollars, ” to insert “an asst secretary at a salary of $2,500." The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. FESSENDEN. In line 6 I move to strike out the words “one clerk” and insert “ 3 clerks;” so as to provide for 3 clerks of the 4th class. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The next amendment is in line 6, after the word “ cla’ss” to insert: A steward of the President's household who shall receivean annual salary of 82.000;and said steward shall have the custody of the plate, furniture and other public property in the President’s House and shall give a lion to the U.S.in such sumas the SecyInterior shall deem sulficient and to beapprovedby him, for the faithful discharge of his trust. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. POMBROY in the chair.) The question now is on the amendment of the committee as amended.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Imove, in the 3rd line, to strike out “ $3, 500 ” and insert “ $4,000.” I think that is but a reasonable compensation for the gentleman who shall be the private Secretary of the President.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The ComFinance considered the question of the salary of the secretary of the President, and they saw no reason why the secretary of the President should receive more than the Asst Secretaries of the several Depts and the heads of bureaus. They thought it would make difficulty to give more, and that $3, 600 was a sulficient sum. Heretofore the President has had only one secretary, and he has received but $2,000 or $2, 600; and this not only gives him a secretary at $3, 500, but an asst secretary at $2, 500, and a short hand writer at the same rate, besides 3 clerks of the 4th class. The committee were of opinion that it would make a considerable difficulty, and that then was no good reason why the President’ssec re tary should receive more than the Asst Secretaries of the Depts.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I thought it but reasbnable to make the amendment I have proposed. Every Senator knows the importance of relieving the President as much as possible from the burden that is thrown upon him in receiving persons that call, and certainly it is very desirable to have a man of fine qualifications for the place; a good business man; not an ordinary clerk, of course, but a man who can transact the business for the people when they call to see the President. I was induced to make the proposition in part by the factthat the House otP Representatives has already fixed this sum of $4,000 as the proper compensation in House bill No. 211. The House in its bill on this subject, No. 2ll, fixed the salary of the President’s private secretary at $4,000. I thought that as the House had expressed that desire, and it seemed to me to be right, the Senate had better adopt the same sum.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The duties to be performed by the secrctary of the President cannot be any more important certainly than the duties to be performed by the Asst SecyTreasury, and his salary is $3, 500; and it was on that ground that this sum was fixed. It is true that the salaries of the Asst Secretary and the heads of bureaus in the Interior Dept have since been fixed at $4,000 by a bill passed by the Senate;but that was our reasoning. The President at present has only an asst secretary provided by law, but officers of the Depts are detailed there, and in that way he has the use of clerical force. We became satisfied that it was proper to give the President a corps of clerks, and thought that as it is now arranged we had given what was right. We have given everything, in fact, that he asked for and as he asked for it: a secretary in the 1st place, an asst secretary, a short hand writer, and 3 clerks of the 4th class. Now, the simple question is whether the Secretary of the President should receive any more than the Asst Secretaries of the Depts generally. If we agree to this prop position we shall have to raise them all; and we thought it would not be reasonable to do so. Certainly, to perform the duties which the secretary won d have to perform about the President, with all this assistance, I should suppose $3, 500, as it procures Asst Secretaries for the depts, would certainly procure all that was necessary. It is, however, for the Senate to decide. The ComFinance came to the conclusion that it would not be proor to go beyond $3, 500.
The PRESIDI G OFFICER. The nestion is on the amendment of the Senfrom Indiana to the amendment of the committee. The amendment to the amendment was rejected.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I wish to ask the Senfrom Maine if he thinks the salary fixed for the short hand reporter, $2, 500, will be sufficient to secure such a reporter as it would be desirable to have. I understand that the short hand writers in this city get much more than that.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Only when employed for a few days; but this is a salary for the year round. He will get this salary all the year round, whether employed or not. It ought to be enough.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I have understood that the short hand writers in both branches of congress get more than that; but I am not very well informed on the sub'cct.
Mr. FESSENDEN. ery excellent short hand writers are employed in the Treasury Dept, with the salary of 4th class clerks, $1, 800. The amendment of the committee, as amended, was agreed to. The next amendment of the ComFinance was to insert the following as an additional section: SEC.5. An Abife: led, That from and after the 30th day of June, 1866, there shall be an Officer in the Treasury Dept.to be known as the AsstSolicitor of the Treasury, who shall be appointed by the SecyTreasury, and who shall receive an annual salary of 83,000.And the AttyGen of the U.S. is herebyau thorized to employin his office.in addition to the presentforce aclcrk to be known as the law clerk, at an aniiua salary of $2.500.And the amount required to [in the salaries of the officer and clerk herein provided for. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1567, is herebyappropriated.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I wish to inform the Senate that here is another Solicitor provided for one of the Depts. I made an effort in the Senate, some days ago, to prevent the multiplication of these attorneys in the various Depts, and we had the sense of the Senate at that time that they ought not to be multiplied. But it seems each of the Depts deem it necessary to have an AttyGen attached to that Dept. They have one Solicitor of the Treasury Dept already. To that I suppose there is really no objection. They need aSoheitor in regard to the collection of claims in that Dept; and if this went no further than that I should make no Opposition to it. Iain not disposed now to have another contestin the Senate about it, but I wish to callattention to it, and I certainly think it would be better for the public interests if the ComFinance, which has these bills in charge, would not insist upon multiplying the attoriteysintho different Depts. I suppose they think there isanecessity for this asst in the Treasury Dept. I shall not move to strike it out, and I shall not contend about it any further than to say to the Senate that if any Senator thinks proper to move to strike it out I should certain y vote in favor of striking it out. The Treasury Dept has one Solicitor, and here is a proposition for an Asst Solicitor. Ipresunie if this thing goes on, it will be followed by requests for Asst Solicitors in the other Depts.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I believe the Senator conceded that so far as the Treasury Dept was concerned, it was absolutely necessary to have a Solicitor. If the collection of claims was all the business that was attended to in the Solicitor‘s office, he would be entirely right in saying that one Solicitor was enough. But the business has increased there enor mously, and the committee came to the concliision I certainly did that it was necessary to have an Asst Solicitor. The Solicitor himself is obliged to be absenta great deal, attending to business out of the office, attending to suit .&c., and the constant recurring business of the office is daily and almost hourly such as to require attention of one Solicitor. the committee examined the matterand became perfectly satisfied that at present, at least, and probably for some years to come, it would be necessary to have an Asst Solicitor there. The business is enormous. If Senators will only reflect that at present there is not a bureau in the Treasury Dept that has not more to do than the whole Dept had to do before the war, they will have some idea of the amount of business.
Mr. HOWARD. Has the Solicitor of the Treasury made any complaint that he is overwhelmed with business, so as to make this provision necessary?
Mr. FESSENDEN. Yes, sir; and it was on his application, approved by the SecyTreasury, and on an examination of the matter by the committee that this section was reported. I have herealctter from the SecyTreasury recommending it.
Mr. HOWARD. Upon the request of the present Solicitor?
Mr. FESSENDEN. I know that the present Solicitor requested it, because he applied to me personally.
Mr. HOWARD. I do not know how that may be; I was myself not aware that there was a great pressure of business in the office of the Solicitor of the Treasury. I was under the apprehension that there was no great necessity for the creation of an assistai‘lt officer of that description.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Is the Senator familiar with the business of the office?
Mr. FESSENDEN. All that I can say is that from the familiarity I have with it I am of a different opinion.
The clerk read The next amendment was to insert as a new section: Sno. 6. Abife: That the female clerks and countersemployedin the severalDepts and bureaus.w ose appointments are made by the several headsof Depts under authority conferredby existing laws and whoselegal coin ensationnowamountsto8720eachper annum shall romand after the 30thday of June. 1306.receive in lieu of all other compensation an annual salary of fill) each or annum; and the amount necessaryto lilay the increasedsalaries herein provided for for the fiscal year endingJune 30 1867.is herebyap ro priated out of up; moneyin th wise appropriat.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I move the followmg as a substitute for that section: That the female clerks and countersemployedin the several Deptswhose legal compensation amountsto $72operannum and whoseuppeintments are madeby the several headsofDeptsunder the provisions of law and the feinaleclerksemployed by the postofficeDept may, at the discretion and under the direction of snidheadsof Depts. e divided into 3 classes.each class to contain t morethan 1/3rd of the whole number so appointed: and those of the 1st class shall be paid tho annual sumof 720. thoseof the 2nd classthe au nuafellm of$8. pndthose of the 3rd classthe an nual slim/of $960in lieu of all other compensation: the Sillfiato commenceon the lst day of July. 1866; and the amount necessaryto pay the increaseofsal arias herni provided for for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1 is hereby appropriated.
Mr. SHERMAN. I Wish to ask the Senator having charge of the bill whether that covers 0 Treasury not other the ladies employed in the Dept of Agriculture.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think it does. They are employed under provisions of law, and that covers it. He has authority to employ them.
Mr. SHERMAN. Very well. The amendment to the amendment was adopted, and the amendment, as amended, was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert as a new section: SEC. 7. An Abife: lerl. That the addition of 20%. to the compensation of the fo malcs. Messengfirs avatchincna, nd laborers employed in the several dept and under the ComrPubBldg and the ComrAg and at the Capitol. b' section 3 of an not making appropriations for t o legislative, executive. audd'udicial expenses of the Government, for the year oning June 30.1565 and for other purposes is hereby continued in force and the amount necessaryto pay the same for the fiscal year ending June 50 1807 is hereby appropriated.
The clerk read The next amendment was to add the following as an additional section: Sac. 8. Abife: that the Secy of the Navy core is authorizedto appointin the several bureausof ii s Dept.in addition to their chief clerks and in lieu of the clerical forcenow authorized.clerks asfollows.namely: in the Bureau of Yards and Docks. oneclerk of classfour. 2 clerks of classthrec. tivoclcrks ofclnss two, and oneclerkof classone: in the Bureau of nnviirntion.ono clerk of classfour and one clerk of classtwo; in the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting. oneclerk ofclass 4 2 clerks ofclass 3. twoclerks of classtwo and 3 clerks ofclassone; in the Bureau of Ordnance. one clerk of class four. 2.clcrks of class 3; and 2 clerks of classtwo; in the Bureau of construction and Repairs. one clerk of class 4 2 clerks ofclass 3.two clerks of classtwo. on one clerk ofclriss one; in the Bureau of Steam Navigation, oneclerk ofcliiss 3; in the Bureau of ProVisious and Clothing. one clerk of class 4 3 clerks of class 3.six clerksofclnss two.on 3 clerks ofclass one: in the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. one clerk of class 4 and one clerk of class 3. And the amount necessaryto pay the increaseofsalarics herein provided for for the fiscal year ending the SOthof Jnnc 1867 is herebyap ro priated out of and, money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriate.
The clerk read The next amendment was to add as a new section: SEC. 9. Abife: That the provisions of the actiipproved April 20, 1864in. creasing the compensation 0t inspectors of customsin certain ports is herebycontinuedin force.
The clerk read The next amendment was to insert as an additional section: 8150.10 Abife: That in justing the accounts of Stewart Gwynn. und er and y authority of "An act making appropriations for the legislative. executive and Judicial expensesof the Governmentfor the year on lip; 30thJune. 1866."for printing pressesinucliiner. material and labor furnished and supplied to the Treasury Dept and for expenditures under the authority of the Secretary. the proper accounting officersof the Treasury are here y authorized to allow to said Gwynn such sum as may be equitably due. without deducting for expenditures made y said Dept or under authority thereof.upon said presses and machinery for the purpose of improving andrepairingthe same.
The clerk read The next amendment was to insert as a new section: Src. 11.Abife: that the sum of $30, 27650be and the some is hereby, appropriated out of any moneyin the Treasnry not ot erwniea propriated. to purchaseIndian annuitygoodsfort o IltllflnS, fi)fl fllet5othe treaty of Fort Laramie and for the Bloc foot nation. to replacethose destroyed by IN on the steamer Frank Bates atStLouis. pril 7. 866.
Mr. HOWARD. I should like to have some explanation of the necessity of this clause from the honorable chairman of the ComFinance.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is put in on the recommendation of the SecyInterior. We were bound by treat to furnish certain goods to these Indians; the Government had the goods to send to this nation in pursuance of the treaty; they were put on board the steamer Frank Bates at StLouis and were burned.
Mr. HOWARD. While they were in our custody and before they were delivered?
Mr. GR'IMES. Let me inquire if this is 0 not the same claim that was at a former session presented by the Senfrom Wisconsin, and opposed by the Senfrom Maine on the ground that it was a private claim and therefore should not be put on an aipropriation bill, and overruled on that rouii.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I 0 not understand it to be so. It is something that the Government of the U.S. is bound to do by treaty.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. This is altogether a different transaction from that alluded to by the Senfrom Iowa.;
Mr. FESSENDEN. The goods were lost in our hands, we being bound by treaty to deliver them, and the only question is, whether we shall deliver them? The Dept says it is very important that it should be done, and done immediately, and we have therefore put the provision in here.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendments reported by the ComFinance are now disposed of.
Mr. HARRIS. On page 2, I move, in line 32 to strike out “two” and insert " 3;” and in line 34 to strike out “ 17 ” and insert “16;” so as to read “ 3 messengers acting as asst door eepers, at $1,500 each; 16 messengers at $1 200 each.” My object in menin this amendment is to increase the sala 0
Mr. Phipps, who sits at the right hand of the President. He has been in the service of the Senate for the last 5 years, a faithful, intelligent officer. Mi. FESSENDEN. What does he receive now
Mr. HARRIS. 1200 dollars as a mere messenger, while the asst door keepers receive $1,500. I desire to put him upon the footing of the asst doorkeepers. 0 Senate will perceive by the language of the provision that $1,500 is given to messengers acting as asst doorkeepers.”
Mr. Phipps has been here these 5 years, “in season and out of season;” ainan of all work, the servant of the Senators; and a more faithful and intelli gent man we have not about the Senate. Really have felt guilty for the last year or 2 that I have not made some effort to give him more adequate compensation. I make this motion on his behalf and for this purpose alone.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I do not know that I feel inclined to object to this amendment; I recognize1he merits of the officer; but I hope it will not be construed into a precedent, or that I shall not be held bound to accede to everything else that may be proposed of the same nature. The Senate will do as it pleases.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Thatamendment makes a change necessary in the amount of the gross appropriation for the compensation of officers, &c., in the service of the Senate. I move to raise the amount in lines 47 and 40 8, on page 3, from $80,054 to $80,064.
Mr. WILLIAMS. I am authorized by the ComFinance to move this amend Total. 'Thi stimateis basedupon a full Assembly. But at no ion for the past 3 has there beena full amtytendance and as the countiesremotetail to attend. estimatefor mileggo may be high and each ab senteereducesthis 81. 1'For the past 3 years I have not beenable to supply thesearticlesfor lea than $1.400.ment, to come in on page 39, after line 947: Provided, That the SecyTreasury be, and he is hereby. authorized at his discretion to remove the whole or any portion of the machinery. n pnriitus, and fixture s of the branch mints of the U.S. at NewOrleans.Charlotte and Duh lonegn.to such other branch mints as in his opinion may require the same: or, at his discretion, to discontinue the branch mints at NewOrleans, Char lotte, Dahloncga, and to dispose of the property belongingthereto, if he shall deem it expedient, at public auction. to the highestbidder.
Mr. KIRKWOOD. I desire to call the attention of the chairman of the ComFinance for a moment to some items' which I find on page 20. I find there an appropriation of $21,000 for additional cler's in the Pension office, and another awpropriation of $58, 600 for additional clerksin the GLO. I understood, a few days since, when we passed a bill reorganizing the Interior Dept, at we had so reorganized it, by increasing the pay ofsome clerks and dispensing with others, as to be able to fix the precise number needed, and disease with the appropriations for additional 0 crks.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That bill has not yet passed the HoRep; and it would not do to change these items now, because we do not know that that bill will be passed by the other House. The money cannot be twice paid, if appropriated.
Mr. KlRKWOOI). But if this bill passes in its present shape, and that bill should pass the other House, in what condition would the thing be then 'I
Mr. FESSENDEN. If that bill should he passed by the other House after this goes down there, these items may be struck out by general consent, I so ose.
Mr. KIRK I good. I merely wished to call attention to the matter.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I suppose that if this bill passes the Senate and becomes a law before the bill alluded to by the Senfrom Iowa shall pass the other House and become a law, that, so far as it is inconsistent with the provisions of this bill, will repeal or modify the sections of this billwith which it is incon sistent. If the bill reorganizing the‘Interior Dept does not pass the other House, as a matter of course the appropriation bill is right and should stand as it is.
Mr. FESSENDEN. There is no danger arising from it, there is only a little discrep ancy. The money cannot be aid twice, and if the parties take it under the new bill, of course they will not under this, and this will be a mere dead letter. There is no difficulty to be apprehended from it.
Mr. CRESWELL. I offer this amendment to come in after the 3rd section on page 48: Abife: That from and after the 30thday of unc, 1866.the salary of the deputysoli citor of the Court of Claims shall be $3, 500 er an num and the increase of salary herein authorized may be paid out of“ may moneysin the Treasury not otherwiseappropriate.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I ask if that comes from any committee.
Mr. CRESWELL. I am not aware that there is any rule of the Senate requiring an amendment proposing an increase of' salary to be submitted from a committee. I am certain that is not the rule of the HoRep.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is the rule of the Senate as applicable to all appropriation bills.
Mr. CltlySWELL. But the House have ruled otherwise in the construction of their rules.
Mr. FESSENDEN. We are to be governed by our own rules.
Mr. CRESWELL. I know; but I am not aware of no rule of the Senate on the subject. If there is, should like to have it pointed out.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. It is the practice of the Senate, under the thirtieth rule, to receive no amendment.to an appropriation bill which increases an approriation unless it comics from a committee. he rule will be rea.
The Secretary read the rule, as follows:. “No amendmentproposing additional appropriations shall be receivedto any general appropriation bill unless it be made to carry out the provisions of some eXistin law or some act or resolution previously passe by the Senate during that session, or movedby direction of a standing or sclect commit tooof the Senate, orin pursuanceofitn estimate from the head of some of the depts;andno nmciid men tshall be received whose ODJCCiIs. to provide for a private L!l.'1l lll, IUIilTTtSSbeto carry outthe provisions of an existing law or a treaty stipulation."
Mr. CRESWELL. My interpretation of that rule is, that it would not apply to a proposition for, an increase of salary, and the HoRep have deliberately decided so in regard to their rule, which is almost in equiv alent terms. The rule of the House is: “ No appropriation shall be reportedin such general appropriation bills, or be in order asan niiicnd ment thereto. for any expenditure not previously authorizedby law, unlessin continuation of appropriations for such public works and 01)]00ia8s are alrcudy in progress.andfor the contingenciesforenr ryini: ypn the several Depts of the Governmen. In the interpretation of that rule the House has decided that “the latter branch of the rule. not only permitted amendments increasing sal aries, but was framed for that very purpose.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is very different in language from our rule.
Mr. CRESWELL. I think it is almost in equivalent terms, though somewhat different in phraseolo y.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think the rule has been generally construed to exclude such amendments. I feel in duty bound to make the point.
Mr. CRESWELL. This amendment does not change ai iy a appropriation in the bill.
Mr. FLSSEN EN. It makes an increase of appropriation.
Mr. CRESWELL. That is true; it is an increase of appropriation by increasing the salary of an officer whose office is already established by law.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair thinks that under the rule the amendment cannot be received; but if the Senator desires, the Chair will take the sense of the Senate on that question.
Mr. CRESWELL. I will take the sense of the Senate, meaning thereby not the slightest discourtesy to the Chair.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think the matter ought to have been submitted to the ComJudiciary, who know all about the salaries of the different officers connected with the Judiciary. That is the preper committee to decide whether the salary of such an officer should be increased. I do not know but that it ought to be done in this case; but the ruling has always been one wayin reference to such questions, to keep them off the appropriation ills. Perhaps the Senator may get the ComJudiciary to report the amendment, on making the proper explanations to them.
Mr. CRESWELL. It is difficult for me to do that.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair thinks the amendment is not in order.
Mr. CRESWELL. I will take the sense of the Senate, with a view to settle the question, if there is any doubt about it.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Shall the decision of the Chair stau as the judgment of the Senate. The decision of the Chair was sustained.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I am instructed by the ComJudiciary to move an amendment to strike out in lines ten59 and ten60 “ $1, 300” and insert: Which is herebyfixed at that amount. $2.500: provided, That said reporter shall Within the time now resoribeddeliver to the SecyInterior or distribution, according to existing laws. 300 copiesof such of the annual reports of that court as shall be hereafter published. So as to make the clause read: For salary of the reporter of the decisionsof the SCOTUSs.which is hereby fixed at that amount, $2, 500: Provulml, Thin gmd reporter shall within the time new prescribed, deliver to the SecyInterior for accordin to existing laws, distribution, 300 co iesof such of the annual reports of that court pass all be hereafter published. The amendment is in conformity to a recommendation from the SecyInterior, which is accompanied by a letter from the reporter. The number ot copies of the reports of the decisions of the Supreme Court now furnished is not sufficient to so ply the officers at present entitled to them an or the law, and it is necessary to have a larger number.
Mr. FESSENDEN. 0 we not pay for those co ies?
Mr. T UMBULL. If the Senator will observe the wording of this amendment, he will see that 300 copies are to be furnished.
Mr. FESSENDEN. But do we not pay for the copies that are furnished?
Mr. TRUMBULL. Oh, no. The whole matter is explained in the communications which I hold in my hand, and)erhaps it will be's'horter to have them read than to trouble the Senate with a verbal explanation. I send the letters to the desk to be read.
The Secretary read the following letter from the SecyInterior: Dept of INTERIOR, wASHINGTOND,C., April 0, 1866. Sta: I have the honor to transmit the inclosed copy of a letter to me, from John W. Wallace. Earp. reporertsepreocftftuhlelySsnu irment ne the aotutrhteoffatchtse and U.S. tions stated by Mr. Wallace merit earlyattention and that the changes suggestedin the existing law should receivethe sanction of Congess. The 6th section of the act of larch 2.1861(.12 Statutes, p. 245) as well as the act of July 9, 1842 (, 5 Statutes .p.515.l cited by li 1Wr.allace, providesfor the distribution of the Decisions of the uprcmeCourt, and extendsit to public officers not theretoforoe n titled to them. No increasein the number of copies beyondthatnamed in the actof 18421iabseenauthorized, while the extension of our territorial and other Federal courtswill renderthenumberinsutiicient for the demand. The 1stvolumeof Wallace's Reports is now exhausted. althpugh all persons who are on titIled have not received it. inclose a draft of an amendmentto the pending bil lmaking appropriations for the legislative, executive and Judicial expensesof the Government for thIe ear endin the 30thof June, 1867. have the onor to be, vcry respectfully. your obedientservant, JAMES HARLAN, Secretary. Hon. LYMAN TRUMBULL, ChairmanJudiciary Crimim‘t tec, Senateof the U.S. n.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The other letter is a letter of the reporter, showin the necessity for this provision. I do not Tenow that it is necessary to read it after the letter of the SecyInterior.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish to hear it. I am not yet satisfied.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The whole puriort of it is this: the reporter now has a sa ary of $1, 300 and gives us 150 copies; this proposition is that he shall have $2.500 and furnish us with 300 copies. The SecyInterior says more copies are necessary to furnish the persons entitled to them. The matter was considered in ComJudiciary and the letter of Mr. Wallace was examined. We all know that the expense of getting up these books is twice what it was. The 300 volumes which he is to furnish will cost the Government a little over eight. dollars a volume. That would be an extravagant price for them, more than the books are worth if we were to purchase them in the market; but we pay that much additional in order to give the reporter a salary. That is what it amounts to.
Mr. RUMBULL. That is what the SecyInterior says; he has recommended it. I have made no calculation myself.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Very well, I shall not object to it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. Thercis another amendment that I desire to move, until think the best place to insert it will be on page 2 5at the end of line 588: For replacingdto the credit of the judiciar fund the amountwit rawntherefromandexpende upon the customhouseat NewOrleans, 54, Mr. FESSENDEN. I suggest to the senator whether it would not be better to put it in another place.
Mr. SHERMAN. Why not justincrease the judiciary fund $4,000?
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is better to specify. I suggest that after the word “re ealed” in line live87 t. e amendment be inserted in this form: “and to place to the credit of the judiciary fund the amount of $4,000 withdrawn therefrom and expended upon the customhouse at NewOrleans, ” and then to make the total amount of appropriation for the judiciary fund $804,000 instead of $300,000.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I will put the amendment in that form.
Mr. TRUMBULL. In connection with the same subject I desire to offer another amendment which will come in independently, I think, at the end of line 558 as well as anywhere: For payingto Mcssrs.Gnllier dzEstahrook, of NewOrleans.in full the balancedue them for work done on and materials furnished for that part of the customhouseliiiilrling reserved for the use of the Federal courts, $4, 26860.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Is not that a private claim?
Mr. TRUMBULL. I do not know but that it would come within the category of a private claim; but the fact is that this work was done on the customhouse at NewOrleans by an arrangement between the SecyTreasury and the SecyInterior. The term for which the buildiii s used as court rooms in the city of NewOrleons were leased being about to expire, the proprietors raised the rent doubled it. It was reported here that there were rooms in the customhouse which could be fitted up that would accommodate the courts, and it would be a saving to the government to take them for that purpose. A correspondence took place between the SecyTreasury and the SecyInterior. It was proposed to have those roams titted up, and it was done under the direction of the SecyTreasury with the understanding that the SecyInterior slionld advance the sum of $4,000, which we have just provided for to accomplish the work. It was estimated that the work would cost $5,000, and the SecyTreasury, I believe, agreed to pay $1,000, and the SecyInterior $4,000; but instead of costing 55,000 it greatly exceeded the estimate, as is often the case, and costthe additional amount named in this amendment. The vouchers and papers are here showing it. The SecyInterior sent us a communication asking to have the $4,000 refunded to the judiciary fund and this balance aid. If the Senfrom Maine thinks the amendment cannot be received here we shall be involved in the necessity of getting at it in some other shape. It is a claim that will have to be paid. The work has been done, and done in the way I have stated. I do not know whether the case can be distinguished from other private claims so as to let it go on this bill, at if it can be it had better go here, because it belongs properly to this subject.
Mr. FESSENDEN. If there was any law authorizing this work to be done I suppose the provision might properly come in here; and if it was an outside arrangement of the 2 Sec retaries to have it done without authorit, it being a matter that they are indebted for, do not know but that the Senator might get the amendment on this bill if he would put it in a different shape. I believe, however, it does not meet the approbation of my friendfrom Illinois in ordinary cases for the Secretaries to undertake to do anything without authority of law. I suppose, probabl, this was necessary and wise action under the circumstances. I ask for the reading of the amendment. The Secretar read the amendment.
Mr. FESSEL DEN. If the Sem‘r will word it differently, so as to make it a simple prevision to enable the SecyInterior to pay for expenses incurre in providing a court room in NewOrleans, there will be no objection if he justifies the action that was taken.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I suppose, indeed I know, that the law authorized and required the SecyInterior to provide court rooms for the courts of the U.S. That was his duty. It was not his duty to provide them in the customhouse. He had no control over that, I an pose, but the customhouse was there, and he iiad to get rooms some where. The lease of the old court rooms was about expiring. The papers show that fact. He had authority to procure rooms, and I suppose, perhaps, he might rent rooms from the SecyTreasury if that officer had them to rent. He had authority to lit up the rooms. That is done everywhere. That is part of the expenses in our western States, where we have no Federal courthouses, and in most of the western Stat'esvwe have none. The rooms are rented and fitted up, and paid fer through the Interior Dept.
Mr. FDSSENDEN. If the Senator will modify the amendment as I have suggested, there will be no objection to it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I will put it in this form: To enable the SecyInterior to pay the eedae br work done on andmaterialsfurnished for that part of the customhousebuilding reserved for the use of the Federal courts at NewOrleans,
Mr. HARRIS. In behalf of the ComForRel, I offer an amendment, to insert as an additional section the following: Abife: That there be paid to the several cler s of the DeptofState 20%. on the compensationnow allowed to each.to coniincnce from the 30th of Juno, 1805, and tocontinue until repealed by Congress; and a sum sufficient fmorontchyiss purpose is hereby op reprinted out of an in the Treasury not ot crwiseappropriate.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I must protest against that. In the 1st place, it places the clerks in the Dept of State on an entirely different footing from the clerks in the other Depts. If we raise their salaries 20%. we shall be obliged to raise the salaries of all the other clerks. I have an additional reason, and that is that the SecyState declines utterly to recommend any increase of the salaries of his clerks. He will not take anylresponsibility about it. i
Mr. IARRIS. If the Senator will excuse me for a moment, I received a letter from the SecyState recommending this proposition yesterday, but unfortunately I left it at my room.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Then my 1st objection holds good. It will not do unless the senate propose to raise the salaries of the clerks in a l the other Depts 20%., to begin with the State Dept in this way. I suggest to the Senator that it should be introduced as a separate bill, or he may at it upon some bill to come in hereafter. f the SecyState wants the salaries of his clerks increased, and the ComForRel think they ought to be increased, it should be submitted as a separate bill specifying what number of clerks is needed, and what their salaries should be, and then it could be well understood. But if the Senate adopt this amendment raising the salaries of these clerks 20%. I do not see how we can avoid doing the same thing for all the other Depts precisely in the same way, thus making a large increase of expenditure, which, in a large number of cases. ought not to be made. I hope, therefore, that the amendment will be withdrawn, because its etfect would be very injurious. I must protest, at any rate against its being placed on this bill.Mr. I AltltlS. This proposition, the Senate will recollect, was submitted by the chairman of the ComForRel as an amendment to the consular and diplomatic bill, and was then discussed. It was objected by the chairman of the ComFinance that it more properly belonged to this bill; and it was at set withdrawn by our chairman. He is absent now, audI have inherited this reposition from him. It may be that it would be better to introduce it as a separate and'distinct proposition; but I felt bound, under the circumstances, to present it to the Senate, and I do not feel at li)erty to withdraw it. The Senate can take its own course about it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I hope the Senatewill not adopt it. The amendment was rejected.
Mr. HOWE. I am instructed by the ComLibrary to move an amendment. It is on page 4, lines 78 and 79, to strike out the word “16” and insert “ 20, ” and after the word “1,000” to insert “500, ” so that the clause will read: For expensesof heatingandventilating apparatus 920, 500. The Library Committee have directed that the additions to the Library as well as the old Library shall be heated by steam taken from the wings of the Capitol, which will put. in use all of the boilers in each wing 4 boilers where now only 2 are used; and it will create a necessity for additional fuel and additional labor there. The additional expense is estimated at $4, 500. The‘amendment was agreed to.
Mr. HOWE. The same committee agreed to recommend another amendment, but perhaps it is provided for in the amendments on page 8. t was to provide additional compensation to 3 laborers. I see there are amendments reported b the ComFinance to the clause, and do not.know whether they would cover them.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It now reads: For compensation of Librarian, 5 asstlibra rinns, messenger, and laborers.$12.
Mr. HOWE. The amendment of the committee was for additional compensation to 3 laborers from the let of January last. That clause 'would not cover that.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That had better go into the deficienc bill.
Mr. HOW. The deficiency bill has iassed.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That was the old deficiency bill for last year; but. there is another one coming.
Mr. GRIMES. I move to amend the bill, on pace 32, by inserting after line 700 an 62 the following: To defray the expenseof introducing water into the Naval Academy grounds and buildings at An napolis. Maryland. $9,000.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Does that 'oine from a committee?
Mr. GRIMES. It comes from the ComNavAffrs, and is recommended by the SecyNavy and by the Superin tendent of the Naval School. I will state that they are now engaged in introducing water into the city of Annapolis, and this is merely to extend the pi essso as to furnish the proper amount of fres water for the Academy.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I thought we provided for that in the naval appropriation bill.
Mr. GRIMES. No, sir. I read to the senator the papersI had on the subject; I received them while the naval bill was under consideration; and he told me to put it on some other appropriation bill; I thin on this one.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It might go on here with propriety, I suppose; but I should like to have an exlunation ot'it.
Mr. GItIM ‘S. I do not know that I can further explain it than I have already done. The citizens of Annapolis are engaged in the building of water works, and have run their pipes down to the street opposite the public property occupied by the Naval Academy. It is simply proposed to extend those pipes into the grounds so as to furnish water for the uses of the Acadein a very essential thin". I have.a letter here, ated the 4th of May, Irom the SecyNavy, addressed to me, saying: I have the honor to inclose herewith aeopy of a communicationdated the ‘Eth ultimo, receivedfrom Rear Admiral I). 1).Porter. the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, in which he recommendsthe They are provided for. introduction of water into the Academyfrom the pipeswhich are to be laid in Annapolis. He estimatesthe cost of this improvementat $7, 660and as it is an important and very desirableone, I have to ask the necessaryappropriation for its accomplishment. An approriation in round numbersof 88,0“) would be advisab c. Very respectfully, your obedientservant, GIDEO'N WELLES SecyNavy. The appropriation which I have asked for in this amendment is $9,000. The reason why in exceeds the sum of $8,000is, that the chief of the Bureau of Navigation, Captain Jenkins, to whose bureau is attached the Naval Academy, has had a reexamination, as he is exceedingly punctilious on the subject of not exceeding an appropriation when it is made more so than any public office? thatI know of and be furnished me a statement, which I unfortunately left at home, showing that the amount would a little exceed $8,000. I think that the amount I havespecified in the amendment exceeds the appropriation he asks for 3 or 400 dollars.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is a matter for the Senate to settle.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I think it is very necessary that they should have water at the Naval Academy; but I think we are endowing this institution pretty liberally this session. I should like to know how much money has been appropriated for the Naval Academy at this session. Water is one of the things they need, and I am not going to object to this particular appropriation; but I am inclined to think that some appropriations that we have been making for various purposes there have been exceed in llyliberal. It
Mr. TR UMBULL. There were several for statuary and things of that character that I think have been pretty liberal uppropriations. In reference to this amendment, Fwiii say that it seems to me we ought not to exceed what is asked for. I believe this is about the only institution in the country where an appropriation is permitted to pass where more than the Secretary recommends is put into it.
Mr. GRIMES. I have the naval appropriation bill here, and I would he indehte to the Senfrom Illinois if he would point out to me the appropriation that has been made for statuary. I suppose that the Senator alludes to an appropriation of $7,000 that was made for enlarging the chapel. A recommendation was made by the SecyNavy, based upon a report of the cha lain at that post and the Superintendent of t ic Academ, asking for $25,000 to build a new chapel. 'pon my suggestion, that was changed to $7 500, so as to allow for the enlargement of the present chapel, and for placing in its walls mural tab lets to commemorate the memory of persons belonging to the naval service who have fallen in the defense of the country. That is all the statuary that has been provided for. Since that appropriation was made I have been to the Naval School. in company with the Senfrom Maine [Mr. Mouuii.i.] who is ab sent, and who I am sorr is not here, because he desires to enlighten tic Senate on this subject; and he was satisfied that I was in error when I refused to concur with the authorities there in asking for an appropriation to build a new chapel, being satisfied that the present one cannot be enlarged.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The Senator will remember that I was unsuccessful in trying to get even $1,000 approiriated for a bust of the late Chief Justice, and now 87,000 is appropriated for the Naval Academy without any objection.
Mr. GRIMES. I am not going to take up anybody’s quarrel on this subject. I was not present when the Senator made his proposmon. Iwill say to the Senfrom Illinois, as what he has said here mnygo upon the record and create an improper impression elsewhere, that I believe the whole amount that has been appropriated for the use of the Naval Academy the present session during is about 175,000 dollars. 1,000 dollars of that was for the erection of a new dormitory, and $50,000'of it was for an increase of the public grounds. If the Senator wants to reach this evil. if he concedes it to 1 be an evil, of appropriating too much money I to the Naval Academy, let him introduce a bill to abolish the Academy or to cut down the number of scholars. So Ion as we keep up the present establishment we Tiave got to furnish accommodations.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on the amendment moved by the Senfrom Iowa.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on concurring in the amendments made as in ComWhole. The question will hataken on the amendments collectively, unless some Senator desires a separate vote.
Mr. TRUMBU LL. I ask fora separate vote on the amendment appropriating $100,000 to the Treasury Dept, to be used in paying extra compensation to the clerks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. That amendment willbe reserved. The question is on coucurring in the amendments made in ComWhole, with the exception of the amendment indicated by the Senfrom Illinois. The remainder of the amendments were concurred in.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question nqiv is on concurring in the amendment. excepted by the Senfrom Illinois, which will be read.
The Secretary read the amendment, which was after line 348 to strike out the following clause: Forcoinpensation of temporaryclerks in the Treesury Dept and for additional compensationto clerks in same Dept.$100,00op:rovided, That the temporary clerks herein provided for may be classifiedaccordingtothe charactor of their DOIWIOMZ Am! Provided furlher. That so muchof the appropriation of $211,000 granted by the act of March2.1865. r compensationto temporary clerks in the Treasry Dept and for additional compensationto clerks in some depts. as remainsunex ended shall bedivided as follows. towit: 8100shall 0 paid to the appointees in said Dept whose pny amounts to less than (H.20operannum and the resi due thereofshall be divided percapitoto andamong all the clerks in said Dept of the 1st and 2nd classes. And insert in lieu thereof the followmg: For compensation of tem ororyclerks in the Treasury Dept and for additional compensation to officersand clerks in the same Dept.$100,000: Provided. That the temporary clerks hereinprovided for may be classified according to the character of their services and that the SecyTreasury mnyavmrd such additional compensation as may be in his iudgment just and in be required by the public service. An so mugho the notmaking appropriations for the legislative. exceutrve.any adi ciiil expensesof the ovornmout.approved arch 2. l865.as forbids the SecyTreasury " to award on such additional compensationafter the lst day 0 July 1866.”is herebyrepealed: Provided furl/icr. That out of the appropriation of $250,000 made by said not for compensation to temporary clerks in the Treasury Dept and for llddftional compensation to clerks in the same Dept the edrebyshtahlel be paid to each person therein. Secretary as a clerk or counter. who shall have servedin such capacity for oneyour previous to the passageof this act and whose pay amounts to less than $1,00oper nunum. the sum of
Mr. TRUMBULL. On that question I desire to have the yeas&nays. The Senate was not full yesterday when the vote was taken upon it. The matter was very thoroughly discussed, and I suppose is understood by the Senate. I do not see the Senfrom Massachusetts, [Mr. WILSQN] who moved in this matter; in his seat at present; but I presume he will be here. Whether he designsto discuss it or not I do not know. For my own part ‘I do not, and I am willing that the Senate should vote upon it. I ask for the yeas and as s. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Mr. EDMUNDS. ‘I am much obliged to my friend, the Senfrom Illinois, for the little lecture he has given me, because it has been a part of my busmess in life to attend similar performances; but I think it"is a little unkind in him, having led me away yesterday by the seductive arts of oratory, now that I have got restored to reason, to blame me for having been seduced only 24 hours ago, or rather for having gotten over it.
Mr. TRUMBULL. You have been seduced a 2nd time.
Mr. STEWART. I voted against this amendment yesterday for the reason that I was opposed to this mode of paying clerks. I believe that they and all other officers should be paid by a fixed salary. I do not like it still; but after some reflection, and being better informed upon the subject. it appears to me that it is necessary that additional compensation shall be made. Inasmuch as it appears impossible to do it in the regular way, this session at least, it seems almost a necessity, in order that the business of the Dept may be well performed, that this amendment shall be carried. Therefore I shall change my vote, and vote for the amendment, not because I like this mode of paying officers, for I do not, but because if we fail to make this appropriationI am in‘ formed there is danger of embarrassing the Treasury Dept, and that there is no probability of arranging a salary bill at this session. In order to avoid doing what might be a great evil, I shall vote for the amendment reported by the committee. They appear to have investigated the whole subject, and to have come to the conclusion that this is the only way to meet the emergency.
Mr. WILSON. It seems to me that there is much misapprehension in regard to this matter. It has been stated here over and over again that we have made these apprppriations since the war commenced; that Secret.1 Chase and Secretary Fessendcn exercised such powers, I may be mistaken in my recollection; [have not. looked into the facts care fully; but ifIrecollect arigbt, Secretary Chase was never authorized to do anything that is proposed here, nor.Secretary Fessenden either, nor any other Secretary; that this proposition was passed for the 1st time on the 2d of March, 1865, and was a measure'supported by the Senfrom Maine.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I was not here then; I was in the Treasury Dept.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I drafted it and sent it in, and recommended its adoption.
Mr. GUTHRIE. I offerthe followingamendment as an additional section: Abife: That in cases in which moneys accruing t o the U.S. from fines. penalties, and forfeitures, or other spurccs, have been crrnneouslyreceivedand coveredinto the Treasury before the paymentof the proper informer's moieties or other charges legally and justly chargeable against the same, so much moneyas may benecessary to paysaid claims, admitted and certifiedin due courseof settlement is hereby appropriated out of anydmoneyID the Treasury not 0'. efWlSGappropriate. This amendment explains itself. In.the collection of forfeitures under the internalrevenue law there have been a good many sums paid into the Treasury and covered, and there is no law appropriating them. This is intended to appropriate them in order that the inform er’s moieties and the charges properly pay able out of those sums may be settled and ad'usted. the amendment was agreed to.
Mr. CRESWELL. Will the gentleman allow me to ask him a question?
Mr. CRESWELL. I wish to ask the senstar by what authority he says the commutation fund has been expended? There is a repogt in the Senate, made in response to a resolution offered by myself, by the SecyWar, in which he states that the amount of that fund which is on hand is some ten or 12 million dollars. M'r‘. DAVIS. I said that it had gone into the lressury, and had been used, I presumed, in the ordinary expenditures of the Government like any other fund that went into the Treasury.
Mr. CRESWELL. I think the SecyWar makes the statement in the communication which he has sent. to the Senate in res ones to the resolution I have spoken of, that tiiat money is now in his hands, ready to be a plied for that purpose when an order can be obtained from the President to that effect; and I know that recently applications have been made to the President or that purpose, to di reetthat that money shall be so applied. I desire to say that I believe this claim to be correct; I believe the faith of the Government is pledged for the payment of this mone; and that t iat. fund now in the hands of the or Dept should be so appropriated; and if the gentleman will change his amendment so as to direct that the fund now in the hands of the War dept shall be appropriated to that purpose, I will vote with him for the proposition.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I think I must raise a question of order on this amendment. Iwill inquire whether it comes from any committee.Mr. DAVIS. I understand the rule of the Senate to read thus: that any appropriation may be made in an appropriation bil in execution of a law of Congress.
The Secretary read the thirtieth rule, as follows: “No amendment proposing additional appropriations shall be receivedto any general appropriation bill. unless it be madeto carry out the provisions of some existinglaw or someactor resolutionpreviously passedby the Senate during that session, or‘movod y the direction of a standingor select committee of the Senate, or in pursuanceof an estimatefrom the head of someof the depts; andno amendment shall be received whose object is to provide for a private claim, unless it be to carry out the provisions of an GXlSUDglaw or a treaty stipulation.’
Mr. DAVIS. The question of order, I do not think, is correctly made, because this amendment is obviously to carry out the provisions of an existing law.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The provisions of the lawdare that it shall be paid out of a particular fun.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair understands that the Senfrom Kentucky has so modified his amendment.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without expressing any opinion upon the law, the Chair thinks the amendment is in order as modified.
Mr. WILSON. I have no idea that it is proper to put this amendment upon this bill, or that we need to appropriate for this purpose more than 1/3rd of the sum name, or, at an rate. the half of it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. There is no proper place for it here. It ought to go on the Army appropriation bill, if on any.
Mr. WILSON. In Kentucky about 20 4,000 colored men were raised for the Army. Perhaps 17 or 18,000 of them, at a thir estimate call it 20,000 were slaves, and valuing them at $300 apiece, instead of 20 millions there would not be more than 5 or 6 millions required for that State. There will be a claim from Maryland for some; I do not. know how many.
Mr. CltESWELL. I think myself that the sum of $20,000,000 is excessive.
Mr. WILSON. I think that 7 or 8 millions would cover all the cases everywhere; buIg do not think it is proper to put it on this bil.
Mr. FESSENDEN. The Army appropriation bill has not passed yet, and that is the proper place for this amendment. I suggest to the Senfrom Kentucky that if he wants to bring this question up, the proper place for it is on the Army appropriation bill.
Mr. DAVIS. I think that the amendment is proper on this bill. That is my impression. If the Senate intend to pay this claim or order it to be paid, it may just as well be done on this bill as on any other. If it is not the purpose of the Senate to pay it, of course they will vote it down. All I want is that the question shall be decided by a vote, of the Senate. I think we may as well decide it now, as it is before the Senate, as on any other bill. I therefore hope that the Senate will adopt the amendment. I ask for the yeas&nays upon it. The yeas and no s were ordered.
Mr. CRESWEL. I ask for the reading of the amendment as modified.
The Secretary read it, as follows: That the SecyTreasury be and he is hereby, directedto pay out of the tund in the Treasury derived from the payment of commutation, under the 24th section of the act of March 3, 1854.entitled An acttoamendan act entitled‘An act for enrolling and calling out the national torccs and for other purposes, approvedMarch 3.18611, to" the loyal ownersofslaves musteredinto the military service under that apt.the amount of their claims “for such slaves: Provided.That thesaidamountdoes not exceed thesumof $20,000,000.
Mr. DAVIS. Upon the suggestion of senators. with the permission of the Senate, I will withdraw the amendment.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator can withdraw his amendment, unless there be objection. The Chair hears none. The amendment is withdrawn.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is suggested to me by the Senfrom Vermont [ML EDMUNDS] that perhaps it would be as‘well to make an amendment in section 7, which has been adopted, to exclude a conclusion; andl therefore move to insert after the word “ females” in the 2nd line of that section, the words “not otherwise provided for;" so that it will read: That the addition of. 20%. to the compensation of the femalesnot otherwiseprovided for, messengersA, te. It is a mere verbal amendment. not be any objection to it.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The amendments were ordered to be engrossed and the bill to be read a 3rd time. t was read the 3rd time and passed. On motion of Mr. FESSENDEN, the title of the bill was amended by adding the words “and for other purposes.”
Skip Skip ADDITIONAL PETITIONS. Mr. HENDRICKS presented the memorial of James C. Pickett, formerly charge d’affaires to Peru, representing that he sustained a loss by exchange on his salary while acting as charge d’atfaires, and praying that a readjustment of his accounts may be authorized; which was referred to the ComForRel. Mr. CRAGIN presented a petition of resi dents of the county of Huerfano, in the Territory of Colorado, representing that the land in that county is claimed by certain parties under a grant from the Mexican Government embracing upward of 5 million acres, an that in their opinion the land is the property of the U.S., and praying ‘ongress not to confirm any pretended grant and thus dispossess the settlers who have improved the country in good faith, believing they were locating on Governmentland; which was referred to the ComPrivLandClms. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. TRUMBULL, from the ComJudiciary, to whom was referred a bill (H.R.No. 334) to fix the number of judges of the SCOTUS, and to change certain judicial circuits, reported it with an amendment.
Mr. TRUMBULL. The same committee, to whom was referred a memorial of members of the bar of the circuit court of the U.S., for the district of Wisconsin, praying that the district of Wisconsin be reannexed to the 8th circuit and also a memorial of members of the Legislature of Wisconsin on the same subject, have instructed me to report them back and to ask to be discharged from their further consideration, as the hill 1 have just reported provides for the subject alluded to in those petitions.
Mr. NORTON, from the ComIndAffrs, to whom was referred a bill (H. There can R. No. 416) for the benefit of certain halfbreeds and mixed bloods of the Winnebago tribe of Indians, reported it with amendments.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. 1 A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPnsnsou, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had agreed to the amendments o the Senate to the JtResolution (H.R.No. 127)proosing an amend ment to the Constitution oft e U.S., 2/3rds of the House voting therefor. I 4‘ The message further announced that the HoRep had passed a bill, (H.R.No. 365) granting the right of wu to ditch and canal owners over the publiclan sin, the States of California, Oregon, and Nevada. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED. The messagealso announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled bill and JtResolution; which were thereupon signed by the President protempore: A bill (S.No.828) for the relief of Mrs. Abigail Ryan; and A JtResolution (S.R.No. 51) respecting bounties to colored soldiers, and the pensions, bounties, and allowances to their heirs. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS.
The PRESIDENT prolempore laid before the Senate the followin message from the POTUS: To the Senate and HoRep: I communicate, and invite the attention of Congress to, a copy of JtResolutions of the Senate and HoRep of the State of Georgia, requesting a suspension of the collection of the internalrevenue tax due from that State pursuantto the act of Congress of the 5th of August, 1861. ANDREWJOHNSON. Wasnixo'ro's, June 11, 1866. The message was referred to the ComFinance, and ordered to be printed.
The PRESIDENT 1'0.tempore also laid before the Senate the fgllowing message from the POTUS: To the Senate and HoRep: It is proper that I should inform Congress that a on y of an act of the Legislature of Georgia of the 10th of March last has been officially communicated to me, by which that State accepts the donation of lands for the benefit of colleges for agriculture and mechanic arts, which donation was provided for by the acts of Congress of the 2d of July, 1862, and 14th April, 1864. ANDREWJOHNSON. WASHINGTON, June 11, 1866. The messagewas ordered to lie on the table, and be printed. HOUSE BILLS REFERRED. The bill (H.R.No. 365) granting the right of way to ditch and canal owners over the public lands in the States of California, Oregon, and Nevada, was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComPubLands. The bill (H.R.No. 659) to authorize the extension, cOnstruction, and use by the Balti more and Ohio Railroad Company of a railroad from between Knoxville and the Monocacy Junction into and within the DistCol, and the bill (H.R.No. (315plegalizing marriages, and for other purposes, in the DistCol, were several y read twice by their titles, and referred to the ComDistCol. FUNDING THE NATIONAL DEBT.
Mr. SHERMAN. I have no objection to the amendment. but as I agreed not to press a vote on the bill today I would rather that the amendment should be printed. The amendment was ordered to be printed; and the further consideration of the bill was postponed until tomorrow. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION.
Mr. HARRIS. I move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of House JtResolution No. 52, relating to the Paris Exhibition. The motion was agreed to; and the JtResolution (H.R.No. 52) to provide for the expenses attending the exhibition of the prod nets of industry of the U.S. at the Exosition at Paris in 1867, was considered, as in omWhole.
The PRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr. Pour: ROY.) As the ComForRel have reported an amendment which is a substitute for the resolution, the substitute only will be read.
Mr. HARRIS. At the end of the 15th line of the amendment, I move to insert the words “in coin, ” so as to read, “ $48,000 in coin.” The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. HARRIS. there is a misprint. should be “bonding.”
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Thateorrection will be made.
Mr. HARRIS. In the 41st line, after the word “dollars, ” I move to amend by inserting the words “in coin.” These expenses are to be met in Paris. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. HARRIS. In line 48 at the end ofsection one I move to insert the words “but no person interested directly or indirectly in any article exhibited shall be a coin missioner."
Mr. HOWARD. I really do not now see the necessity of such an amendment. Perhaps the Senfrom NewYork can explain it. I do not see why an interest on the part of a commissioner in an article exhibited should In the 32nd line The word “boarding” be an objection to his acting as a commis Bioner.
Mr. HARRIS. It was thought by the committee that these commissioners should be entirely impartial. having no interest at all in the articles exhibited, no interest in any award 7of premiums that should be made, that they should be entirely disinterested, so that they could act upon juries if necessary.
Mr. HO ARD. The commissionersact in a sort of judicial capacity, then?
Mr. HOWARD. Then it would be very right.
Mr. GRIMES. Is that same principle to extend to the wise men, the learned men, we are to send out?
Mr. HARRIS. These are the men. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. GRIMES. I offer an amendment to insert at the end of the 2nd section these words: Provided, howcvrr, That noofficershall beap ointed and no moneypaid under the provisions of this res olution, until the Imperial Government of France shall 1st give ample and reliable assurancesto this Governmentthat the French troops and all French tmhielitJaUrSyIo.l the crcrimtosrhiaalllbJuernmsdinicetdioinateo1ytwhiethrderpauwbnliferuionf Mexico. Upon that question I ask for the yeas&nays. I‘he yens&nays were ordered.
Mr. HOWARD. I confess that I do not see with great clearness the applicubility of the amendment of the honorable Senfrom Iowa to the JtResolution under consideration. I would like, therefore, very much to hear an explanation of the whole subject from the honorable Senator. I desire to hear his briews upon the question of the enforcement of he Monroe doctrineand where it is at present.
Mr. nowaan. Yes, Mr. President. But I has the honorable Senator any doubt as to the earnest and confident expectation of the honorable SecyState that the French troops are about to be withdrawn from the territory of Mexico? Is he not entirely willing to rest his case upon the assurances which have been given us by that eminent gentleman that this most desirable result is about to take place? If he entertains these views why does he press this amendment to so sim 10 a bill as this? Why make it a sort of condition precedent to our articipating in the Paris Exposition that the French troops shall be withdrawn from Mexico? Is he not perfectly sure that his Majest, the Emperor of the French, will with draw the French troops from Mexico immediatiillyr?.
Mr. GRIMES. In answer to the Senfrom Michigan I will say that my faith is not as strong as one might suppose from his language that his was. I have not as much faith in the capacit of the SecyState as a rophet as I had some 5 or 6 years ago. Eat if France withdraws her troops there can no injury result to anybody by the adoption of this amendment. It will only prevent us from complicating ourselves in any such Exposition, or any such attempt to sanction the dynasty that new rules France, by sending these learned men, to be selected from the different parts of the country, who are to of there for the purpose of bringing back in ormation, I suppose, and perhaps it may be that they will bring back some of the imperial ideas that are so preva lent in France to be disseminated around in the various localities from which they are to be selected.
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. President, in January last we had a proposition before us to accept the invitation to take part in this Exhibition. A JtResolution came from the HoRep providing that the U.S. would nece t the invitation, and take part in the Exhibition. According to my rec ollection, the Senfrom Iowa made very much the same speech then that he has made now, and made very much the same opposition to that resolution that he makes now to this; and he called for the yeas&nays on the question of accepting that invitation, and, according to my recollection, he had 5 votes with him, perhaps 6. And now having accepted it; having appointed our commissioner general in Paris; having appointed an agent in NewYork; having sent out invitations through all the States for the purpose of preparing for this Exhibition, an the invitations having been accepted, what is proposed? I read, a few days ago, 4 closely printed columns in the Tribune of the acceptances of invitations and sending articles for exhibition. Under these circumstances this resolution provides simply to pay the expenses. Are we not bound to go on with this thing, having accepted the invitation, having appomted our officers, having sent out invitations to all the States? Every State in the Union except the State of Delaware has now articles being sent forward for exhibition. Probably we shall have ten times as many articles as the space allotted to us in the Exhibition will accommodate, and we are obliged to discriminate. This resolution simpl provides forpayin the expenses.
Mr. GRIAIES. It is true that I opposed the resolution to which the Senator alludes but I do not know that it is exactly generous or the Senfrom NewYork to taunt me with my want of influence in this body, by which I was only able to got 4 or 5 men to vote with me. It is very possible that he is correct as to what the number of votes was; but I will teli you in what I was correct. I told the Senate then that that was the mere entering wed e which would lead to the introduction of this very bill and others that would in the end deplete your Treasury, and I was replied to by the Senfrom Massachusetts, the chairman of the ComForRel, [Mr. SUMNER] who represented the committee at that time, that I was mistaken about that. This l bill came from the HoRep nearly 3 months ago. It has lain in the hands of the ComForRel, the chairman of the committee being unwilling to report it
Mr. GRIMES. Then all I have to say is that I have been misinformed.
Mr. HARRIS. It was reported on the 5th of April, by the chairman.
Mr. GRIMES. The Senfrom Massachusetts has suffered it to remain here for more than 2 months, unwilling to call it up. When he went away, 2 days ago, it came into the hands of the Senfrom NewYork, and he uses precisely the argumentthat I told the senate would be used when this bill came up, while the other one was under consideration, namely, that we had committed ourselves to it and that now there was no alternative for us but to go on and make appropriation after appropriation, no matter to what extent; and this is not the end of it. Every man knows that each one of these learned commissioners, when he returns, is going to make a volumi nous report of what he saw in France, and that will be submitted to the Senate and HoRep, and we shall be called upon to print it, with extensive plates, diagrams, plats, maps, and everything of that kind, and we shall have $2,000,000 saddled upon us for public printing to print the reports of the earned gentlemen who are to 0 over there to (glorify his Imperial Majesty Napoleon HI, an the young man, the president of the Paris Exposition. the young Prince Imperial
Mr. HOWARD. What is the age of the president of the Exhibition?
Mr. GRIMES. The Senfrom NewYork, I suppose, can inform me. I think about [9‘ years old.
Mr. GRIMES. Time passes so rapidly that I am hardly able to note it. It does not seem possible that he can be 13 years old. I ardly think he is. He is somewhere, I should think, from 5 to 8 years old, and I have no doubt that the very werson of all the world properly selected, considering the purposes that are to be subserved by this Exhibition, to preside over it. But, Mr. President, I will make another pre diction. I have no doubt this bill is going to ass. There is influence enough to pass it. at I predict that before we get through with this matter it will cost the Government 2 million dollars. You will have deficiency after deficiency, growin out of the transportation of these articles, tie expenses attending these commissioners and the various classes of officers you authorize to be appointed; new officers will be created; new printing bills will be run up, and then finally to wind up the whole, you will be compelled to print the volumine us reports; these men will make just such reports as were made by Delaiield and Mordecai and McClellan, when they went to see the Crimean war. They were instructed to go and examine the campaigns of the Russians and French. Major Mor ecai’s report is devoted almost entirely to the arsenals in Vienna and other places in the interior of Germany. These gentlemen when they cannot make out a suiiiciently volumine us report and a great many people imagine that the value of their report will be judged by its size will go into other portions of the country and give us a history of their travels. All this will be sent here as part of the report, and the Senfrom NewYork will rise with all the gravity and suavity that are so proverbial of the Senator and ask the Senate to print it, and we shall order it to be printed. For my own part I am not disposed to embark in this scheme, and I desire to place my name on record in opposition to it.
Mr. CONNESS. My idea of the proper way of fighting French influence is not that suggested by the Senfrom Iowa in his speech. ‘his Exposition is of an industrial character; it is to be a rent competition of the nations; and if the rince Imperial, the heir to the French throne, shall gather laurels from it or strength from it either before the French people or the people of the nations of the earth, it must be only incidentally. I believe the Senator’s amendment contemplates that no appropriation shall be expended or appointment made under this resolution until the French soldiers shall leave Mexico. The Emperor of France, who represents that Government. has agreed and stipulated with our government that his soldiers shall leave there at a given time or times.
Mr. HOWARD. Allow me to ask the Senfrom California most respectfully for the source of his knowledge on that subject. I am a stranger to any such stipulation between the 2 Governments, I must confess; and it is highly important that we should know the facts of the case. I doubt it.
Mr. CONNESS. I gather this information from a source equally open to the honorable Senfrom Michigan; Igather it from the diplomatic correspondence that has alread ta ten place between the 2 Governments. undertake to say from what I have seen of that correspondence, that the word and the honor of the Emperor of France, and of the French nation thron h him L
Mr. CONNESS. We shall see what it is worth; but be it worth much or little, it is promised in the agreement that I have referred to that the French troops shall leave Mexico at certain stated times; our agreement on our part being, so far as the executive dept of this Government could make one, that we will maintain a neutrality toward Mexico in the mean time. That is as I understand it. I think this is a fair statement of the case.
Mr. HOWARD. thatwe will maintain neu trality in regard to whom, between what belligerents?
Mr. CONNESS. In regard to the territory of Mexico and the contest that is transpiring there. That is as I understand it.
Mr. HOWARD. I have only to say that if that be the fact, I think it is very deserving of public censure.
Mr. CONNESS. I will not undertake to controvcrt the statement that the a reement may be deserving of public censure; at if the agreement be made and the faith of our government is pledged in its behalf and for its execution, I am in favor of maintaining it; but I am also in favor of compelling, when the time shall come, the maintenance of the faith that has been pledged by the Emperor of France to this nation, and to the republic of Mexico through us, that his tree 5 shall leave the territory of that country at the times agreed upon. I would not oppose the French army in Mexico b refusing to make this appropriation; but when the time shall come that the French soldiers shall remain in Mexico against the Emperor’s roniise to us, I am for driving them from the territory of Mexico by American rms. It is well that the notification should be given, and that it be understood that this is. a pledge of the French nation and Government, and that we expect its execution at the proper time and in good faith. 'Now, sir, hope that there will he no opposition made to the opportunity that this great International Exposition will present for the competition of our industries With those of the nations of the earth.
Mr. GRIMES. The Senfrom Wiscons sin is a member of the ComForRel, and is, of course, well informed upon all these questions, better informed than other members of the body.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I hope the honorable Senator will not presume to catechise me upon that assnmtion.
Mr. POLAND. I move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business. There is a large number of nominations to be referred.
Mr. RAMSEY. Then I am opposed to sit in this temperature. The thermometer has Does that involve the clas. been 83 degrees here all day. V
The PRESIDING OFFICER.the question is on the motion of the Senfrom moat. the motion‘was agreed to; and after some time Spent in executive session, the doors were reopened, and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wsnxssnar, June 13, 1866. The House met at 12 o’clock in. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Bors rou. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. RECONSTRUCTION.
Mr. STEVENS. I desire to move that a substitute which I propose to offer for the bill (H.R.No. 543) to restore to the States lately in insurrection their full political rights, be ordered to be printed. The motion was agreed to. LEAVE or ABSENCE. On motion of Mr. SHELLABARGER in definite leave of absence was granted to Mr. Lxwnsxcic, of Ohio, who was called home by the death of his father. JONATHAN BALL.
Mr. MYERS. I move that, by unanimous consent, the ComWhole on the Private Calendar be discharged from the further consideration of House bill No. 550 for the relief of Jonathan Ball. There being no objection, the motion was agreed to. The bill was read. It authorizes and empowers the Comniissioner of Patents to ceed upon, determine, and decide the apppircoation 0 Jonathan Ball for the extension of his patent for “an improved mode of coating the interior side of metallic waterpipes with hydraulic cement, " the same as though the said patent had not been extended once already; and to examine the said application and decide upon the same on the same evidence and in the same manner as in other cases where extensions of patents are applied for under existing laws, and without regard to the time when said application is made; provided that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to hold responsible any persons who may have made or used said invention between the expiration of the patent and the approval of this act.
Mr. MYERS. Mr. Speaker, the report in this case is very full, at as it would take some time to read it, and as the committee were unanimous in favor of the report, I will briefly state the points involved. this no disparagement to any other case to say that this application is more meritorious than any of its class upon which the committee have acted. The patent is for lining metallic pipes with hydrau in cement so as to prevent the corro sion and incrustation, which take place with the old iron water pipes. The committee had produced before it some of this patented pipe, which had lain in the ground for 13 years, inthe same condition as when laid down, while we had evidence that the old cast iron pipe in use until latterly was found when taken up after a few years only who almost destroyed with rust. It further appeared to the committee that until lately the inventor had little profit from his patent. His pipe had to lie for years before its merit could be tested, and so great was the prejudice in favor of the old iron pipes that onds were compelled to be given runnin from 5 and 20 years against any loss by the use of this patented pipe. The committee think as the inventor has been in reality a rest public benefactor, this extension should e granted. It will inure solely to his use. It was agreed to unanimously by the committee, and if there be no opposition, I shall demand the previous question.
Mr. UPSON. How long is the extension to run?
Mr. MYERS. It is for the usual extension. At the last session of Congress. the Senate 4 t passed a bill granting this extension. It came ere and only failed for want of time at the close of the session. The application was duly made before the patent had expired. The patent has now expired, and there is a proviso in the bill that no parties using it since the expiration are to be held responsible on that account.
Mr. UPSON. Is the only ground for granting a reneWal of the patent that the inventor has made no money out of the invention?
Mr. MYERS. That is the chief reason. The public could not be induced at 1st to use this invention, and the patentee did not get the benefit of it for years. If I may use an expression which may appear contradictory, the advantages of the patent were necessarily “la tent, ” hidden under ground for a long time. It could not be tested without so remaining for years; and we find not only that the inventor was poorly aid, but the invention was really valuable. Iany public corporations'have so certified, and there seems to be a general desire among them that the extension shall be granted.
Mr. UPSON. Has not one extension been already granted?
Mr. MYERS. By the Patent Office? Yes; and this is a congressional extension.
Mr. UPSON. Ithas already run for 21 years?
Mr. DAWES. This bill is an old ac. unintance of ours. I understood my frieu from Pennsylvania to say that this bill was lost in this House last year for want of time.
Mr. MYE is. I said it passed the Senate at the last session, came to this House and was reported unanimously by the Committee'on Patents, and we only failed to take it up at the close of the session for want of time.
Mr. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, we are not yet in the mornin hour, I clieve. The SPEAKE. The morning hour has not yet commenced.
Mr. STEVENS. A notice has been given that immediately after the morning hour the amendment to the Constitution would be taken up. I am very sorry that my colleague has introduced this bill before the morning hour. If that hour had commenced running I would have no objection. I now move that the further consideration of this bill be postponed until tomorrow in order that the morning hour may commence, so that after its expiration we may take 11 the constitutional amendment.
Mr. WAITD. I would inquire if this bill will be the special order for tomorrow after the mornin iour The ‘PEA‘KER. It cannot be made the special order except by unanimous consent.
Mr. MYERS. before the vote is taken upon the motion to postpone I would inquire of the Chair in what position this bill will be placed if postponed, and when it will come up. e SPEAKER. It is impossible for the Chair to state when the bill will come up.
Mr. WARD. I think ifthis bill be postponed to accommodate other business it should be made the special order for some fixed time.
Mr. MY ‘RS. I would appeal to my distinguished colleague [Mr. Sricvizxs] to withdraw that motion for a few minutes, as the discussion of this bill will not take ten minutes longer, and we will then' have avote upon it. It comes approperly now, and does not interfere with any other business.
Mr. STEVENS. I must insist upon my motion, upon which I call the previous question.
Mr. MYERS. Well, if it is the desire of the House that this bill should' be postponed until tomorrow, I will withdraw my 0 jection, if unanimous consent is given to its being the special order at that time.
Mr. HARDING, ofIlliuois. I object tothis bill being made the special order'.
Skip Skip The previous question was then 2nded and the main question ordered. The motion to postpone was then agreed to. ENROLLEI) BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled a bill of the following title; when the Speaker signed the same: An act (H.R.No. 406) to provide for the settlement of accounts of certain public officers. ORDER.OF BUSINESS.
Mr. STEVENS and Mr. ELIOT called for the regular order of business.
The Speaker. The regular order of business is the consideration of reports from committees during the morning hour. The 1st committee to e called at this time is the select committee on the civil service of the U.S. own. ssavics or U.S. Mr.JENCKES, from the committee on the civil service of the U.S., reported back House bill No. 160, to regulate the civil service of the U.S.; which was ordered to be printed and recommitted.
Mr. JENCKES also submitted the following resolution, upon which he called the previous question: Remit rd, That the select committee on the civil serviceof the U.S.beauthorizedto procure mm the headsof Deptsand others in such service and said otTit crsare herebyrequired request on the of the cominittecto furnish such information concerningthe modepf making appointmentsto the inferior gradesof office in their respectiveDepts and such suggestionsof improvementtherein as may aid said committeein consideringplans for promoting the cfliciencyof said service.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the resolution was agreed to. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The select committee on the Provost Mar shafs Bureau, and the select committee on the Memphis riots were called for reports, but none were made.
The Speaker. By a former order of the House the standing ComMining is to be called now, the select commit tees having all been called for reports. MINING DITEHES, CANALS, ETE.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The 2nd amendment reported by the committee was as follows: Amend the2ndsectionbystriking out the words “canals, flames and ditches "and inserting in lieu thereof the words “ditch. dumo. canal, or aque ductz” also.by striking out the words “ 3 rods in width ” and inserting “ 50 feetin width."
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The 3rd amendment reported by the committee was to add to section 2 the following: Provided. That the possessoryrights of othersto public lands adjoining: such ditch, flumo.canal, or aqueduct, ‘jircy'itiiislyaequiredunder the laws of the State or o the U.S shall not be disturbed 'lEy the passageof this act: And provided further. hat the use and occupation hereby granted shall befor the purposenamedand no other.
Mr. HIGBY. There is a blank in the last section in regard to the number of acres to be given for reservoirs. I move to fill the blank with the words “100.”
Mr. HIGBY. I have another amendment which I desire to propose, not from the committee, however; therefore I call to it the attention of any members of the ComMining who may be present. I move to add a previso to the last section in regard to reservoirs, as it is not sufficiently guarded in other sections of the bill. The proviso is as follows: Provided, That the possesscryrights previously acquiredunder the laws of the Stateor of the U.S.for reservoir purposes shall not bedisturbed by the passageof this act.
Mr. HIGBY. I would like to be allowed afew moments on this question, but I do not desire to occupy a great deal of the time of the House for this purpose. But it is proper thatI should go on and explain to this case the object of this bill.
Mr. ASHLEY, of Nevada. Before the gentleman proceeds with his remarks I would ask him if it was not agreed upon in the ComMining t iat the States of Ne vada and Oregon should be included in this bill.
Mr. HIGBY. Those States are included in the amendment of the title which I propose to submit, which will be after we get through the bod of the bill. Mk. ASHLEY, of Nevada. I think they should be included in the body of the bill as well as in the title.
Mr. HIGBY. The substitute for the 1st section was intended to include the States of California, Oregon, and Nevada. The SPEAItEIt. The substitute for the 1st section, upon which the House has already acted, reads. “the laws of the State or the laws of the U.S.”
Mr. HIGBY. That isa clerical omission, then. I move to amend so that it will read “the laws of either of the States of California, Oregon, and Nevada, or the laws of the U.S., " ke.
Mr. TAYLOR. I would like to ask the Gentfrom California why the privileges secured by this bill should not be extended to the Territories.
Mr. HIGBY. The reason is that the ComTerritor have this same question under consideration with reference to the territories, and will report a bill upon that subject. Our committee, embracing some of the members of the ComTerritor, have thought it best thatthis bill should be confined to the States, allowing a suitable measure for the Territories to be matured by the appropriate committee.
Mr. TAYLOR. It seems to me that if this measure be right for the States it is e nally proper for the Territories, and that the utter should be embraced in the some bill.
Mr. HIGBY. I have stated the reasons on which our committee acted. The committee having specially in charge the interests of the Territories will at a suitable time report a measure of this nature for the Territories; Mr. Speaker, I call the previous
Skip Skip The previous question was seconguedesatine dn.the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was ordered to be epgrossed for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. Mr: HIGBY mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to.
Mr. HIGBY. I move to amend the title of the bill so that it will read, “ An act granting the right of way to ditch and canal owners over the public lands in the States of California, Oregon, and Nevada."
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. Mr. HIGBY mtRtv the title was amended; on the table. agreed to.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Fonnn, its Secretary, announced that the Senate had passed House bills of the following titles, with amendments, in which the concurrence of the House was requested: An not (H.R.No. 492) making appropriations for the repair, preservation, an completion of certain public works heretofore commenced under authority of law, and for other purposes; and An act (H.R.No. 477) further to provide for the safety of the lives of assengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, to regulate the salaries of steamboat inspectors and for other purposes. LABORATORY AND MINING ASSOCIATION.
Mr. STROUSE, from the ComMining, reported back, with an amendment, a bill (H.R.No. 93) to incor orate the Washington Laboratory and Illining Association. The amendment reported by the committee was read, as follows: Add at the cud of the bill the following: And provided/tinker, That the charter of incorporation granted to the said Washington Laboratory and Mining Association shall be limited to 20 gears and may at any time be amendedor repealed y Congress.
Mr. STROUSE. It has. We have had the bill under consideration for a long time. It is only to incorporate in the District of Colum his. a company for practical purposes. It is for the establishment of a chemical laboratory here in this city. I will say further, this company is limited in time and in capital, and I 0 not see how there can be any substantial objection to it. We have incorporated many companies at this session which will be of less benefit to the country.
Mr. WILSON, of Iowa. Will this company be confined in its operations to this District or will it, when incor orated, be enabledto do business generally t roughout the country?
Mr. STRO USE. The title of the bill is “the Washington Chemical and Mininfl Asso elation.” There is a section in the bilI which permits them to send scientific men for the purpose of examination throughout the States and Territories. It does not form them into a cueral miningr company. Nothing in the bil could be tortured into any such meaning.
Mr. ROSS. I ask the gentleman to allow me to offer the following amendment: Provided urth er That the businessofsaid corporation shall 0 connod to the DistCol and that the said stockholders shall be individually liable for all debtsand liabilities ot'said company.
Mr. STROUSE. I cannot yield for the introduction of that amendment. I demand the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. The amendment of the committee was agreed to. The question recurred on ordering the bill to be engrossed and read a bird time.
Skip Skip The House divided; an there were ayes 24. noes 35; no quorum voting. Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio. I demand 1 The House does not understai in lladclphia or an obi anch mint of the U.S. It was reported unanimously by the Committee on Mining. Mr. WA RD. I object, unless both sides can be heard. Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. WARD and S raoosn were appointed. The House again divided; and there were ayes 28, noes 70. So the bill was rejected. Mr. COBB mtRtv the bill was rejected; upon the table. agreed to. ASSAY OFFICES.
Mr. ALLISON, from the ComAppropriat reported back House bill No. 81, to relocate the branch mint in the State of Or eoon, and the memorial of the Legislature of Idaho, praying for a branch mint and assay otiliJce at Boise City; which were laid upon the to Is.
Mr. ALLISON. Iyield to the Gentfrom Oregon for 20 minutes.
The SPEAKER. The morning hour has expired, and the bill goes over till the morning our of tomorrow.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Foassv, its Secretary, informed the House that the Senate had agreed to the report of the committee ofeonference upon the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses in reference to JtResolution of the House No. 134, relative to appointments to the Military Academy of the U.S. Also, that the Senate had concurred in the amendments of the House to Senate JtResolution No. 51, respecting bounties to colored soldiers, and the pensions, bounties, and allowances to their heirs. RECONSTRUCTION.
Mr. STEVENS. I move now that the House proceed to the business on the Speaker’s table. The motion was agreed to; and the Speaker announced as the 1st business on the ta Ie the consideration of JtResolution of the House No. 127, proosin an amendment to the constitution of the UgU.S., returned from the Senate with amendments.
Mr. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, that portion of the JtCommee which is composed of the Union members of this House have examined the amendments which have been made by the Senate, and are unanimously of opinion that they ought to be adopted by the house. I do not desire myself to discuss this question, the amendments are so slight, and unless there are gentlemen on the other side of the House who desire to discuss the question, we would be willing to take a vote upon it at once. If, however, there are any gentlemen on that side of the House who wish to be heard, I would sug est that, by unanimous consent, the speeches e limited to 15 minutes each, and that the time shall not be extended upon any motion which may be made. I am willing to say 20 minutes, if that is preferred. Several Msnazas. Oh, no; 15 minutes.
Mr. SCOFIELD. How many speeches is it proosed to allow?
Mr. STEVENS. I will say, furthermore, that it is my intention tocall the previous question at 3 o’clock, or at furthest at half past 3, so as to have the vote taken by 4 o‘clock. I then propose that the speeches shall be 15 minutes in len th.
Mr. HARDING, of Kentuc y. Is the gentleman willing to allow to this side of the House an hour, to be divided according as we may agree ‘!
Mr. STEVENS. I think there will be no objection to allowing that side of the House to occupy one hour, and they may distribute it among themselves as they may agree. If not, I propose that 15 minutes be the length of the s eeches, and I hope that will be unanimous y agreed to.
Mr. FINCK. I hope it will be the understanding that ifwe are to have but one hour we may divide it. as we see fit, so as not to limit the speeches to 15 minutes, unless we have more than 3 speeches.
The Speaker. The gentlemen on both sides of the House had better agree upon the division of the time.
Mr. STEVENS. If the gentlemen do not agree upon it then let each one be confined to 15 minutes.
The Speaker. The Chair hears no objection to the proosition.
Mr. ELDRI GE. I suppose that it is not required of us on this side, inasmuch as we are impotent to object, that we shall consent to the gentlemen on the other side of
Skip Skip The House dividing the Union just exactly as they seefit. [Laughten]
Mr. ELDRIDGE. No, sir. I did not in tend to do so.
Mr. BIDWELL. Mr. Speaker, there are some bills on the Speaker’s table that ought to be referred so that the committees may be able to act upon them. There is one that I desire to have referred, and I hope there will be no objection. LAND TITLES IN CALIFORNIA. On motion of Mr. BIDWELL, by unanimous consent, Senate bill No. 343, to grant land titles in California, was taken from the Speaker’s table, read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComPubLands. SMUGGLING. On motion of Mr. ELIOT, by unanimous consent, Senate bill No. 223, further to prevent smuggling, and for other purposes, was taken from the Speaker’s table, read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComCommerce. PAUL s. FORBES. On motion of Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts, by unanimous consent, JtResolution (S.No.99) for the relief of Paul S. Forbes under his contract with the Navy Dept for building and furnishing the steam sloop of war Idaho, was taken from the Speaker‘s table, read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComNavAffrs. CHARLES W. M’CORD AND GEORGE W. BESTOR.
Mr. HOGAN, by unanimous consent. introduced a JtResolution for the relief of Charles W. McCord and Geor e W. Bestor; which was read a 1st and secon time and referred to the ComClaims.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. A messa e from the POTUS, by Mr. Coorsa, his Private Secretary, communicated to the House sundry messages in writing. The message further informed the House that the President had approved and signed bills of the followin titles: An act (. R. No. 255) making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repairs ofcertain fortifications and other works of defense, for the year ending June 30, 1867; An act H.R.No. 281) to amend the postal laws; an An not (H.R.No. 15) authorizing docu mentary evidence of title to be furnished to the owners of certain lands in the city of StLouis. RECONSTRUCTION AGAIN.
The Clerk read as follows: “Mr. STEVENS. I should be sorry to find that that provisioawas stricken out. Because before any por tifion of this can be put into 0 oration there 1v|l be. not a Herod. a worsethan cred elsewhere toobstruct our actions. That side of the llouse Will be tilled with yelling secessionistsand hissing copper heads. Give us the 3rd section or give us nothing. Do not mock us with the pretenseof an amendment which throws the union intothe handsof the enemy beforeit becomesconsolidated. “Gentlemens ayI speakof party. Whenever party is necessaryto sustain the Union I say rally to your party and save the Upion. I do not hesitateto say at once. that section is there to save or destroythe Union party is there to saveor destrpy the Union by the salvation or destruction of the Union party."
Mr. FINCK. Thus, according to the declaration of the distinguished Gentfrom Pennsylvania. the party which he represents is already destroyed, because he says “ that section is there to save or destroy the Union party.” It was there for the safety or destruction of the party he so ably represents. But that 3rd section is there no longer. It has perished in the house of its friends, and according to the logic of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, the party he represents is destroyed. Peace to its ashes!
Mr. ELDliilDGE. Amen to its destruction!
Mr. FINCK. Now, Mr. Speaker, what have we got in the place of the old 3rd section? We have a proposition which no intelligent man in this country believes will ever be ratified by 3/4ths of the States. I ask the Clerk to read the 3rd section.
The Clerk read as follows: No person shall be a Senatoror Representativein Congress or elector of President and VEEP or hold any office.civil or military. under the U.S or under any State. who. having previously taken an oath as a member of Congress or as an officer of the U.S or as amember of an State Legislature or as an executiveor judicial n cer of any State. to support the Constitution of the U.S shall have engagedin insurrection or rebellion againstthe same or given aid or comfortto the enemiesthereof. But Congress may by a vote of 2/3rds of each House removesuchdisability.
Mr. HARDING, of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, in the very limited time allowed me on this occasion I propose to call the attention of the House more particularly to the 4th section of the proosed amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. That section begins With the enunciation of a very sound and whole some principle. It declares that “ the validity of the public debt, authorized bylaw, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.” Possibly it might have been better never to havementioned this nestion at all. The sacred character of the public debt ought never to be called in llCSilOfl: It would have been well if no man iad anticipated that the time could ever arrive when the U.S. would repudiate its public debt. While, therefore, I give my hearty sanction to that proposition I desire specially to call the attention of the House to the remaining clause of the same section. The 1st clause is ample, but the last member of the section 0 crates in the nature of a proviso, limiting an restrainin the preceding language, an amounting to direct and open repudiation. The clause upon which I base this assertion is the following: But neither the U.S. nor any state sha ll assumeor pay any debtor obligation incurred in aid ofinsnrrcction or rebellion against the U.S., or any claim for the loss oremancipation of any slave. butall such debts.obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. Now, sir, this is an open repudiation of a solemn statute of this on ress. I ask the Clerk to read a portion oft e 24th section of an actrapproved February 24, 1864, entitled "‘An act to amend an act for enrolling and calling out the national forces.”
The Clerk read as follows: “That all aible bodied inalo colored persons between the ages of 20 and 45 years residentin the U.S shall be enrolled according to the provisions of this act and of the act to which this is an aanmdendment and forma part of the national forces: whena slave of ii. loyal master shall be drafted hainsd masters headilnlthoatvheea service of the U.S. upon snch slave shall befree: and the bountyofSlOO. now payableby law for each drafted man shall be opwaimd gto the person to whom such drafted person was the sersveicrveiocfe or labor at the time of his muster into War shall apptohinet U.S. The Secreta of a commissionin eachof thes avo States represented in Congress.chargedto award to each loyal personto whom a.colored volunteermay owe servicoa just compensation.not exceeding " for each such colored volunteer payable out of the fund derived from commutations; and every such colored volunteer, on being mustered into the service shall be free. And in all caseswhere meno color have beenheretofore enlisted or have volunteered in themilitar service of the U.S. all the provisions oft is not.sofar asthe pay of the bounty and‘compensation are provided. a all be equally applicable as to thosewho may be hereafter recruited.
The Clerk read as follows: “Mr. Phillips hoped the Senate‘s amendment of the reconstruction plan would meetwith an ignominious defeat and that Massachusetts would reject it. He would welcome ever' Democrat and copperhead vote to help its defeat. 0would go astep further and said. Hope that the Republican ‘party. if it goesto the polls next fall on this basis.m I bedefeated. If this is the only thing that the party has to offer.it deservesdefeat. The Republican partytoday seeks only to save its life. God grant that it mayloseit!" Q i i C i C S i C. "Tho republicans no to the peoplein deceit and hypocrisy.with their faces masked and their convictions hid; I hope to God they will be defeated! I want another serenade.not only to uncoverthe bid den sentiments of a Cabinet.but to smoke out the U.S.Senate. that we may seehow many of them rangeby the side of Sumncr. Ben.Wade.Judge Kelley and 3rd. Stevens."
Mr. HARDING, of Kentucky. Ay, sir, some of the men named there haVe since given way and fallen, and are no longer on Philli s’s loyal list. As I said, sir, I am not reaing southern testimony, or the testimony of copperheads; but from this great northern light, the man who has done' more for the Republi rean party than any other man in the country. He was raised among them; he has affiliated with them; and he cannot be deceived as to their purposes. Hc charges that this Republican party is going before the country wearing a most of hypocrisy, with its visage masked, and that its object is not to amend the Constitution, but, as Senator SHERMAN says, to save the life of the Republican party; and he says. “God grant they may lose it!” Now, sir, I cannot call in question such authority as this. He must know what he is talking about, and I have had read to you what he says. Here the hammer fell.]
Mr. STEVENS. I now, sir, more the previous question.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. ENROLLED HILL AND RESOLUTION SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the Committee Enrolled Bills. reported that the commit e had examined and found truly enrolled vdict (S.No.328)for the relief of IlIrs. Abi specting bounties to colored soldiers, ands pe sions, bountics, and allowances to their; when the Speaker signed the same. 4' RECONSTRUCTION AGAIN.
The Speaker The question before the House is on concurring in the amendments of the Senate; and as it requires by the Constitution a 2/3rd s vote, the vote will be taken by yeas and iiays. House totion, which delivering. No objection was made, and leave was granted.
Mr. WRIGHT. I ask the same privilege. No objection was made, and leave was granted. The speech will be found in the Appendix.
Skip Skip The question was put on concurring With the amendments of the Senate; and there were yeas 120, nays 32, not vot1ng32;:
The SPEAKER. 2/3rds ofboth Houses having concurred in the Jtresolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the constitution of the U.S., the JtResolution has passed.
Skip Skip During the roll call on the foregoing vote, Mr. 'LLEY said: I desire to announce that Mr. Baooaunn, and Mr. Wasuumisi: of Illinois, are paired with Mr. Suaxnuy upon this question. Mr. LAFLIN said: I wish to announce that my colleague, Mr. VANHons, is paired upon this question with Mr. Goonvnaa. Mr. ANCONA said: My colleague, Mr. Jonxsox is absent on account of sickness, and is paired upon this question with Mr. ROL Lms and Mr. Ilihus'roxmf NewHampshire. Mr. DARLING said: I desire to state that my colleague, Mr. JAMES HUMPHRl JY, is detained at home by sickness. If present he would have voted in the affirmative. Mr. wINFIELD said: My colleague, Mr. RADl ‘ORD, is unavoidably detained from his seat. If here he would have voted against the Senate amendment. Mr. ASHLEY, ofOliio, said: My colleague, Mr. I.iwnnxcu, has been called home in consequence of the death of his father. If present he would have voted “ay.” Mr. COBB said: Mr. Mclxnon is detained from his seatby illness. If here he would vote in the atiirmative. Mr. MOULTON said: My colleague, Mr. Ixosnsouq has one home under leave of ab sence from the case. Mr. HART said: Mr. Hunnann, of NewYork, is absent on account of death in his family. If he had been here he would have voted “a.” Mr. WASHBURN, of Indiana, said: My colleague Mr. Hum, is absent by leave of the House. If here he would have voted in the afirmetivo. Eckloy. E glcstoii, Eliat,
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I desire to state that if Messra'Brooks and Voorhees had not been expelled, they would have voted against this proposition. [Great laugliter.]
Mr. S'CHENCK. And I desire to say that if Jeff. Davis were here, he would also have voted the same way. [pireonbeawbleyd laughter.]
Mr. WENTWORTH. And so would Jake Thompson. The result of the vote having been announced as above recorded, Mr. STEVENS mtRtv the amendments of the Senate were concurred in; on the table. agreed to.
The Speaker. The House is now engaged in executing the order of the House to proceed to business upon the Speaker’s table. RIVER AND HARBOR BILL. The next business upon the Speaker’s table was the amendments of the Senate to House bill No. 492, making appropriations for the repair, reservation, and completion of certain pubic works heretofore commenced under authority of law, and for other purposes.
Mr. LIOT. I move that the ease non-concur in the amendments of the Senate, and ask for a committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. ELIOT mtRtv taken; on the table. agreed to. STEAMBOAT INSPECTION L.w. The next business upon the Speaker’s table was the amendments of the Senate to House bill No. 477, further to provide for the safety of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, to reg ulate the salaries 'of steamboat inspectors, and for other purposes.
Mr. E IOT. I move that the bill and amendments be referred to the ComCommerce. The motion was agreed to. BXA DHNERS of PATENTS The next business upon the Speaker’s table was Senate bill No. 350, toauthorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examiners the salary fixed bylaw for the duties performed by them; which was read a 1st and 2nd time.
Mr. JENCKES.‘ I ask that this bill be put upon its assage now.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Let the bill be read. I want to know what it is. The bill was read at length. It authorizes the ComrPatents to pay those employed in the Patent Office from April 1, 1861, until August 1, 1865, as examiners and asst examiners of patents, at the rate fixed by law for those respective grades, provided that the same be paid out of the Patent office fund. the compensation thus to be aid not to exceed that paid to those duly enro led as examiners and asst examiners for the same period.
Mr. JENCKES. This matter has been considered by the House ComPatents, who have recommended if once during the last Congress and once during the present congress. I call the previous question upon the passage of the bill.
Mr., HARDING, of Illinois. the bill be laid upon the table.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I suggest that this bill better be referred to the ComPatents.
Mr. FARNSWORTH. I understand that the ComPatents of this House have examined this bill and decided to report unan imously in its favor.
Mr. ROSS. Is a motion to refer now in order? thenbill
The SPEAKER. That motion is not now in order, pending the motion to lay upon the I move that table and the demand for the previous question.
Mr. STEVENS. I move that the House adjourn.
The Speaker. Will the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Srnvsss] withdraw the motion to allow the Chair to lay before the House several executive communications?
Mr. STEVENS. I will withdrawthe motion for that purpose. DIRECT TAXES IN GEORGIA.
The Speaker laid before the House the followin message from the POTUS: To the Senate and HoRep: I communicate, and invite the attention of Congress to, a copy of JtResolutions of the Senate and HoRep of the State of Georgia, requesting the suspension of the collection of the internalrevenue tax due from that State pursuant to an act of Congress of 5th of August, 1861. ANDREWJOHNSON. WASHINGTON, D. 0., June 11, 1866. The message, with aecompanyin g documents, was referred to the ComWays&Means and ordered to be printed. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE GEORGIA.
The Speaker also laid before the House the following message from the POTUS: To the Senate and HoRep: It is proper that I should inform Congress that a copy of an act of the Legislature of Georgia of the 10th of March last has been officially communicated to me, by which that State accepts the donation of land for the benefitof colleges for agriculture and the mechanic arts, which donation was provided for by the acts of Congress of 2d July and 14th April, 1864. ANDREWJOHNSON. w, sni.'o'rou, D. 0., June 11, 1866. The message was laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. DRAFT IN PENNSYLVANIA.
The Speaker also laid before the House a communication from the SecyWar, in answer to a resolution of the HoRep of the 11th instant, in regard to the draft in the 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania.
Mr. ANCONA. I move that this communication be printed and referred to the ComMilAffrs. The motion was agreed to. BRITISH AMERICAN TRADE.
The Speaker also laid before the House a communication from the SecyTreasury in answer to a resolution of the HoRep of March 28, 1866, calling for information in regard to commercial relations with British America. The question was upon ordering the communication to be printed.
Mr. DAVIS. Can an objection be made at this time to the printin of this communication? The SPEAK ‘R. this customary to order the printing of all executive communications without putting the question to the House, unless objections be made to the printing.
Mr. DAVIS. I object to the printing of this communication.
The Speaker. Objection being made, the fiiestion of printing will be submitted to the case.
Mr. DAVIS. Before the question is taken I desire to say a single wor upon it. If I understand this communication
Mr. WENTWORTH. What is the question before the House“!
The SPEAKER. It is whether the communication from the SecyTreasury in regard to commercial relations With British America shall be printed.
Mr. WENTWORTH. Before that question is voted upon, or even debated, I insist that the communication shall be read. I object to one member of the House knowing the contents, of a report while the other members know, nothing about it. The Gentfrom NewYork says that he rises to debate this report. If he proposes to debate it, he of course knows what is in it; and I think I ought to know as much as he does. [Laughter]
Mr. ELDRIDGE. For the purpose of giving gentlemen an opportunity to know what is in the report, I move that the House adjourn.
Mr. K‘LLEY. I ask the gentleman to with draw that motion for a moment, that I may offer an explanation.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I want an opportunity to read this report, and I therefore insist on my motion to a journ. The motion was agreed to; and thereupon (at 3 o'clock and 45 minutes) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions.&c., werepresented the rule and referredto the appropriate under By theSPEAKER: The qtition of Mcrosm. mittees: Lcnfes t, and TOothers.of man, Maine, askLianvgintioar a pension. y Mr. ALLEY: the etition of J. B. Alley, and otlhlers. for the relief of ewniA. Horton, an invalid soldier. I By Mr. DARLING: The petition of A. D. Bishop, or r is. By Mr. MERCUR: The petition of L. D.Page, ask in that a pension be granted to Eunice Satterlce. of radfor county. Pennsylvania,0.survn'or of the Wvoming massacre. By Mr. NIBLACK: The memorial of Quincy A. May. of Spencer county. Indiana, late a soldier of company teers.praying for a pension.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. THURSDAY, June 14, 1866. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. GRAY. The Secretary proceeded to read the Journal v of yesterday.
Mr. CONNESS. If there be no objection, I more to dispense with the further reading of the Journal this morning.
The PRESIDENTprotempore. It requires unanimous consent to dispense with the read in of the Journal. 0 objection being made, the further reading is dispensed with. rsririoss asp MEMORIALS.
Mr. HOWE. Imove to take up for consideration Senate JtResolution lo. 85.
The PRESIDENT protempore. Reports of committees are in order.
Mr. HOWE. I wish for personal reasons 1 that the Senate would allow this resolution to be taken u.
Mr. HOWE. I desire very much to have this resolution taken up and disposed of. It will lead to no debate. It simply construes a former act of Congress. The motion was agreed to; and the JtResolution (S.R.No. 85) explanatory of and in addition to the act of May 5, “ 1864, entitled An act granting lands to aid in the construction of certain railroads in Wisconsin, ” was considered as in ComWhole. It provides that the words “in a northwestern irection, ” in the 3rd section of the act granting lands to aid in the construction of certain railroads in the State of Wisconsin, I do not object, if we approved May 5, 1864, shall, without forfeiture 1 to that State, or its assigns, of any rights or benefits under that act, or exemption from any of the conditions or obligations imposed by it, be constrtied to authorize the location of the line of road provided for in that section alon and upon the following route: from the city 0 Portage, by the way of the city of Ripon, in the county of Fond du Lac, and the city of Berlin, in the county of Green Lake, to Ste vens’s Point, and thence to Hayfield, and thence to Superior, on Lake Superior. The Legislature of Wisconsin having authorized and required the Portage and Superior Railroad Company to construct the line of road in that section provided for, upon and along the route thus set forth and described, the Congress of the U.S., by this resolution, gives its assent to that route, and consents to the selection and application of the lands granted to the State of Wisconsin by the 3rd section of the act of Congress of May 5, 1864, for and to the line ofrailroad thus defined and described, in the same manner and with the same effect as if it was located and constructed in strict conformity with and upon the route prescribed in that section of that act of Congress. The JtResolution was reported to the senate, orderengross for a 3rd reading, read the 3rd time, and passed. MARGARET A. FARRAN.
Mr. LANE, of Indiana. I am directed by the ComPensions, to whom was referred the petition of Margaret A. Farran, praying for a pension, to report a bill for her relief, and Iask that the bil be put on its passage this morning. The granting of the pension in this case has been delayed for 2 years by mere technicalities. By unanimous consent, the bill (S.No.868) granting a pension to Mrs. Margaret Far ran was read 3 times and name. It is a direction to the SecyInterior to place the name of Margaret A Farran, widow of Abraham Farran, late a private in the 24th battery Indiana light artillery, on the pension roll, at the rate ofeightdollars a month, to commence February 16, 1864, and continue during her widowliood. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. POMEROY, from the ComPubLands, to whom was referred a bill (H. It. No. 656) to authorize the issuing of a milf tai'y land warrant to Frederick erlin, assignee of the heirs of Peter Hess, deceased, reported it without amendment. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred a bill (S.No.851) to authorize the SecyInterior to lease such of the public lands of the U.S. as are known as saline lands, or lauds containing mineral springs, and to provide for the pres ervation and development of the same, reported it with an amendment.
Mr. RAMSEY, from the ComPostOffices. to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S.No.369) to establish certain post roads; which was read and passed to a 2nd reading.
Mr. POLAND. The ComJudiciary, to whom were referred the memorial of Philip Fraser, U.S. district judge for the northern district of Florida, praying for an increase of compensation; a petition of members of the bar of Kansas, rning for an increase of the salary of the U.S. district judge for that district; a petition of members of the bar of Westmore land county, Pennsylvania; and a large immber of petitions and memorials ontegeneral subject of increasing the salaries of district judges, having reported a bill covering the subject of all these petitions, ask to be discharged from their further consideration. The report was agreed to.
Mr. NYE, from the ComNavAffrs, to whom was referred the etition of Philip Lansdale, praying to be a lowed the difference between the pay of passed asst surgeon and that of surgeon while acting as surgeon from the 25th of April, 1859, to the 25th of February, 1861, reported a bill (S.No.370) for the relief of Philip Lansdale, surgeon U.S. Navy; which was read, and passed to ii 2nd reading. NAVY PAY DEPT.
Mr. ANTHONY. The ComNavAffrs, to whom was referred the bill (S.No.360) in amendment of an act to provide for the better organization of the pay dept of the Navy, have instructed me to report it back with an amendment and to recommend its passage. This bill is in exlanation of an act that passed about a moat ago, the construction of which involves some embarrassment to the Dept. And as it is unanimously reported by the committee, and can lead to no debate, I ask for its present consideration. By unanimous consent the bill was considered as in ComWhole. The amendment of the ComNavAffrs was to strike out all of the bill after the enacting clause and insert the following as a substitute: That the appointine ntsto be made under them entitled " An act to provide for the better organition of the pay deptof the Navy." appro! May 3, 1866, maybemadefrom the number of ao asst paymastersof the Navy who perform duty as acting asstpaymastersduring the war and who at the timeof their appointment.under act shall not be over the ageof 32 yeariz‘ Sac. 2 Abife: That the POTUS be and he is harsh thorized to waive the examination of such 0 can in the pay dept of the Navy asare on duty abroad and cannot at present he examinedagro quired by law: Provided. That illfll examinations as are required by law shall be mndoassoonas pru ticublo alter the return of said officersto the U.S.: and no officer found to be disqualifiedlhgll receive the promotioncontemplatedin the anthem referredto.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and the amendment was concurred in. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, and wds read the 3rd time and passed. Its title was amended so as to read, “A bill to regulate the appointment of paymasters in the Navy, and explanatory of an act for the better'organization of the pay dept of the Navy. BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. RIDDLE asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.371) to incorporate thenldetropolitan Hall and Market Company of Washington, DistCol; which was read twice by its title, referred to the ComDistCol and ordered to be printed.
Mr. MORRILL asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S.No.372) supplemental to an act entitled “An act relating to the admission of patients to the Hospital for the Insane in the DistCol, " approved January 28, 1864; which was read twice by its title, and referred to the ComDistCol. DISTRICT BUSINESS.
Mr. MORRILL submitted the following res olution; which was considered by unanimous consent and agreed to: Recoloed, That Friday, the 15thinstant, beassigned for the consideration of the bills on the Calendar relating to the DistCol. NAVAL OFFICERS.
The PRESIDENT '0 tempera. The ComNavAffrs have reported several amendments to the bill, which will be read and considered in their order.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I should like to make an inquiry of the Senfrom Iowa as to how the bill would operate in the case of a valuable officer who might have been sent abroad and kept abroad durin“ most of the time during the rebellion and Iiud no opportunity to distinguish himself particularly. I suppose there were such cases where the man would gladly have had an opportunity if he could.
Mr. GRIMES. There may be cases where under the operation of this law what is appa rent injustice may be done, what may actually be injustice; but at the same time I must be amendment reported by the committee will be Permitted to say that it seems unjust that a man who has been constantly in service for 4 years should not be promoted over a man who applied at the beginning of the war to be sent to the Pacific, and who remained there during the whole war and did not see a shot fired in anger.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Suppose he was sent without his application and kept abroad.
Mr. GRIIMIQS. In such a case we must leave it to the discretion of the Secretary or the President, if we pass this bill, and to his sense of justice.
The Secretary read the amendment, which was in section one, line 4, after the word “one” to insert “admiral, one, ” so as to make the section read: That the number allowed in each grade of line officers on the active list of the Navy shall be one admiral“;one vice admiral, ke.
Mr. GRIMES. I will state that the bill as reported by the committee proposes to make one admiral, and reduces the number of rear admirals from 11 to ten. The bill as sent to us by the SecyNavy provided for 11 rear admirals. We have reduced that number from 11 to ten and made one full admiral.
Mr. FESSENDEN. What rank does Admiral Farragut hold now?
Mr. FESSENDEN. Is he not the only vice admiral?
Mr. GRIMES. Yes, sir. I will state that this amendment was at in to give Admiral Farragut a corresponding rank to that which is contemplated to be bestowed upon GenlGrant. All these ranks are relative; the Navy rank corresponding with that of the Army. A bill has been passed by the HoRep making GenlGrant 0.full general; and then it was proposed that Admiral Farragut should be made a full admiral.
Mr. GRH'IES. The Senfrom Maine asks me what pay he has now. He now has, when at sea, $7,000 when on shore duty $6,000; and when on leave or waiting orders, $5,000. I wish to say right here that Admiral Farragut is now on leave and gets $5,000 a year. The oliicer in the U.S. Army of corresponding rank ets between 17 and 18,000 ollars.
Mr. GRIMES. Yes, sir, now; and the bill creating the grade of general. as I understand, as it is proposed to be passed by the ComMilAffrs, will give him about 20,000 dollars. Now, it is proposed by this bill to make an admiral and ive him all the time a salary of $10,000. I think the Senators from NewYork will say that that is not a very large sum fora man to live it on in NewYork; an' I think the country will say that if there be any man who is really entitled to $10,000 a year salary, it is Admiral Farragut.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I do not know thatI have any objection to the increase of salary proposed; but, as I understand it, Admiral Farragut, being now vice admiral, is the only vice admiral.
Mr. GRIMES. I agree in nearly everything the Senfrom Maine has said, and I do not know but thatI agree in all of it; and I believe that I will compromise this matter by proposing to strike out the word “admiral, ” so as not to create that grade, and to insert another section raising the salary of Vice Admiral Farragut to the sum proosed in the 7th section. If the Senfrom Maine will agree to that, I think I can speak for the ComNavAffrs that that will he satisfactory '.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. If this vote is to be taken as the sense of the Senate, not only on the question of creating the grade of admiral, but also on the question of creating the grade in the Army of general, I desire to say a single word on that subject. On the question of creating the grade of general, with the expectation that Lieutenant GenlGrant will be appointed to that grade, I confess that my own judgment has been in favor of that proposition. My reason is not that I have any higher regard for his distinguished services than my honorable friendfrom Maine has; but GenlGrant was appointed lieutenant general before he took command of the army of the Potomac, and he served in the rank and position of lieutenant Generalfor a year and a alf, almost 2 years. ll the other officers of the Army who through the last year and a half of the rebellion distinguished themselves, have, by some not on the part of the Government, received proofs of the approbation of the Government of their conduct during the last year and a half of the prosecution o the war.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. My friend says they received but barren brevets; but, sir, those brevets were bestowed in consideration of distinguished and gallantand meritorious services. As GenlGrant held the office of lieutenant general during the last year and a half of the rebellion, an performed such distinguished services as he did, I think it is but a matter of justice on the part of Congress to show its approbation of his conduct, either by the creation of the rude of general, or in some other way.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The morning hour having exired, it becomes the duty of the Chair to calfhip the unfinished business of yesterday, which is House JtResolution NO. 52.
Mr. GRIMES. I move that all prior orders be suspended, in order that we may proceed with the consideration of this bill.
The PRESIDENT protemporc. The special order can be laid aside by unanimous consent, no objection bein made.
Mr. HARRIS. If tic debate is not to be continued on this bill I will consent; otherwise I cannot.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The special order will be laid aside informally.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I will conclude all I have to say in a moment. I do not see that it is inconsistent with a republican Government that we should have an admiral at the head of the Nav, or that we should have a Generalat the bee. of the Army. I think that tie gentlemen to whom reference has been made have, by their services in a war compared with which hard] any war of modern times can be mentioned, so distinguished themselves that they deserve the rank and the position which belong to them as the head of the Army and the head of the Navy.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I would not wish it to be understood that, as a member of the committee, I voted for this bill merely to confer a title. I thought that the bill broughtabout a proor organization of the Navy e artinent an of the naval officers and upon that principle I supported it. I thoug it that there ought to be at the head of the Navy an admi ral. Of course the attention of the country is drawn to one distinguished officer of the avy to fill that position; but my vote for the bill in committee was not given simply to confer a title; and it would not be given to confer a title upon any man in the world, without reference to what I thought was the interest of the public service. I was a little surprised that the chairman should withdraw that portion of the bill, but if he chooses to do it shall not object. I thought the bill was Well drawn, and preferred it as it stood. They received only I do not want to debate it. I will allow it to go on a
Mr. HENDRICKS. The criticism made by the Senfrom Maine on the action of the committee, in that re rard, I think, is not sustained by the facts. this not for the purpose of conferring rank, but for the purpose of bringing about a proper organization of the Navy. Upon that principle I supported it, and upon that principle I shall vote for the bill now.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I wish to ask the senator how it affects the or nization of the Navy except by makingiiewo ces? IsnotAdmiral admiral, the only one?
Mr. HiDRICKS. We want a vice admiral under him also.
Mr. FESSENDEN. I have not heard it argued why we want a vice admiral under im.
Mr. HENDRICKS. We want a regular grade of officers from admiral down, and this bill brings that about.
Mr. FESSENDEN. It is a more matter of form a mere matter of name.
Mr. HENDRICKS. I think the bill is right. The proposed pay of the admiral certainly is not large, if we take into consideration the amount that is paid to Lieutenant GenlGrant, whom we propose to make a full general. I believe his pay is 16 or 17,000 dollars a car. This bill proposes for the head of the certainly is not very much if the other he at all right.
Mr. FESSENDEN. That I have expressed my willingness to vote for.
Mr. HENDRICKS. Our Navy has very much increased, and I think the rank is not too high for the head of what we think is as great a nav as there is in the world.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on the amendment of the committee in section one, line 4, to insert the words “admiral, one.”
Skip Skip The question being put, it was declared that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. FESSENDEN. I desire to have the ‘yeas&nays on that amendment. I shall vote against it.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Very well, I will call for them in the Senate.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section one, line 5, to strike out the word “ 11 ” and insert “ ten, ” so as to read, “ten rear admirals.”
Mr. FESSENDEN. It strikes me that that follows upon the other amendment; and we shall have to take the vote on both together.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Suppose the Senate should reject the 1st amendment, would this amendment stand or have to be altered?
Mr. GRIMES. No; it would not have to be altered.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section one, line ten, after the word “ rades” to strike out the words “below that 0 rear admiral and above that of lieutenant, ” and in line 12, after the word “selection, ” to insert “from the grazlle next below, ” so that the clause will rea: Provided, That the increasein the gradesauthorized by this act shall be madeby selectionfrom the grade next below of officerswh ohave rendered the mosteflioient and faithful service during the recent war.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section one, lines 15, 16, and 17, to strike out “vacancies in the grade above commodore on the active and retired lists shall be filled by selection from the grade next below, and;” so that the clause will read: And providedfurther, That the number of mirals, including all on the active and retirreedtilriestds shall not exceed 21.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was to insert at the Farragut now at the head of the Navy as vice. avy but $10,000. That end of the 1st section, after “exceed 21, ” the followmg words: Exclusive of rearadmiralsretired after the usage of this act and of officersnow on the retire list of commodores.who have commandedsquadrons by order of the secyNavy and who may he lpipmotedto the grade of rear adimral on theretired is.
The clerk read The next amendment was to strike out the 2nd section of the bill, in the followmg words: SEC. 2. Abife: That after the increaseauthorized b this act vacancies occurringin the gradesof commissionedline officersof the Navy belowthat of rear admiral and of line officersof the l arine corpsbelowthat of the colonelcommandant, shall befilled by selection and by promotion according to the ruleof seniority. alte rnatelyth, at is tosay, if the vacancy1st occurring in any such grade be filled byselection.th onext vacancyin the megrade shull be filled by seniority, and so on in a ternation: Provided, That no such vacancyshall be filled by the selection of any officerhaving more than oneth ird of the officersof the gradefrom which the promotion is Retgoishteemr: adesenior tohim in rank or positionon the And provided further, That such selection shall be made from ofllcers possessingthe highest cmhCaHralSc, ter. professional qualifications and attain includin a knowledgeof stenm enginery, of the french and Spanish languages, and international law, and having ii.clear record at the dept of honorable sorvieez and the secyNavy, in caseof doubt or it"hedeom itnecessarys, hall convenea board of officers to assisthim by their advice in making such selections and no promotions made by authority of this act shall be considered as re cluding the advancementin rank now authorize by law for distinguished conduct in battle or extraordinary heroism.
The clerk read The next amendment was in section 3, line 3, to strike out “ 20 ” before “lieutenants” and insert “ ten, ” to strike out “ 50 ” before " masters” and insert “ 20;" and in line 4 to strike out “ 75” before “ensigns” and insert “ 40;” so that the clause will read: Thnt of the number of line officers of the Navy onthe active list, 5 lieutenant commanders. ten lieutenants, 20 masters and 40 ensigns may he a pointed from those offiecrswho have served in the volunteernaval service for a period of not lessthan 2 years, and who are either now in that service or have beenhonorablydischarged therefrom.
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in section four, line 6, after the word “navy” to strike out “as;” in line 7, after the word “ ability, ” to insert “professional cometency;” in line 8, after “service” to stri e out “ twice;” after “to be, ” at the end of the 8th line, to insert “a pointed and;” and after the word “act” in iue ten, to strike out. “from whom he shall select the persons to be appointed to each of those grades 3” so that aspmended the section will read: That the SecyNavy shall a point a board consistingof not lessthan 3 nava officers superior in rank to the officersto be thus appointed in the re ulnrNavy from the volunteerserv'icew, hich board, after examination of the claimsof all candi dn tes, shall selectand repbrt to the SecyNavy the most meritoriousin character, ability, professional competency, and honorable service, the number to be appointed and transferredto the several gradesmentionedin the3rd section of this act
The clerk read The next amendment was to insert an additional section to come in as section 6: 856.6. Abife: commanders may be afsliSfrignodtodu, tTyhaast nliaevuitgeantaionnt and watch OlllCOi‘oSn boardof v es:=cls of waasrwell as1st lieutenantsof naval stationsand of ships of war.
The Secretary read The next amendment was to insert the following as n new section: SEC. 7. Abife: That the annual compensation of the Admiral of the Navy shall be $10,000aycar, and he shall be entitled to theservices of a secretary, who shall receivethe annual sen.pay of a lieutenant in the Navy.
Mr. GRIMES. I move to amend the bill by inserting as a new section at the close the following: Abife:, That niivnlconstructors and 1st and 2ndasstengineersin the Navy shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and shall havenaval rank and pay as officers of the avy. As the law now stands, 1st and 2nd as, sistant engineers are merely appointed officers and hold no commission from the POTUS. This is to grant commissions to those officers and to give naval rank and position to the naval constructers who are now officers of a sort of amphibious character, partly civil and partly military, land and water.
Mr. TRUMBULL. I desire to move an amendment to the 1st section of the hill. It is to insert after the word “ selection” in line 12 the words “of otiieers;” and after the word “below” in the same line to insert the word “ or;" and then after the word “ officers” in the 13th line to insert “ who have acted in the same or a higher grade by order of the SecyNavy and, ” so as to make the clause read: Provided. That the increasein the gradesauthorized by this act shall be madeby selection of officers from the grade next elow or of officerswho have actedin the same or a higher rade by order of the SecyNavy and who have rendered the mostefficientand faitful serviceduring the recent war. I hope this amendment will have the assent of the committee, and if I can get their attention for a moment I think I can make itunder stood. The committee’s bill authorizes officers to be promoted by selection from one grade to another on account of meritorious services during the war; they do not 0 up by regular gra dation. For instance, the commo ores are eligible to the position of rear admiral; in order to be arear admiral a person must be a commodore; but the Secretary selects among the commodores. They do not go up according to their seniority. He may take a junior commodore and put him over a senior. The amendment I propose is that where during the war any officer has been assiened to duty in a particular rank by order of? the SecyNavy, and has performed meritorious duty there, si nal service, which entitles him to promotion, ie shall be eligible to promotion as if he actually filled that grade. That is the whole effect of it. I do not khow how many officers it will cover, but it will cover some.
Mr. TRUMBULL. There are more than that, I resume. When I spoke to the chair man of the committee about this matter the other day, I understood him to say that it would cover a good many.
Mr. GRIMES. I have been examining it, and I find that it will only cover one.
Mr. GRIMES. I am not goingto argue this question, because I am acting here upon the suTTerance of the Senfrom NewYork, I believe, and I do not want to trespass upon his time. I am sorry to say to the Senfrom Illinois that, for one, I cannot consent to his amendment. The principle which he advocates may be a very good one, but why does he not extend it to all the grades? Why does he confine it to this particular grade so as to include one man whom hedesires to make a rear admi ral 'P If there be value in his principle and I.I think that it is substantially right why not carry it further?
Mr. TRUMBULL. The Senfrom Iowa does not understand me. I do not wish to interfere with the general principle of the bill. That would throw it 0 on to iromote entirely without regard to grages at all for efficient services. That would be a very vital change in the bill. I restricted the amendment so that it should be confined still to those who acted in the rude. I thought it was less a departure from the principle of the bill. In my judgment, the proper principle would be to remote for mom, i we could have it rig itly done: but still I donot wish to make such a radical proposition at present.'
Mr. GRIMES. In that opinion of the Senfrom Illinois I entirely concur; and if it' were possible to do so I would gladly accept of any proposition by which every officer in the public service should be promoted by merit and not by mere seniority; but we have got to take the condition of things as we find it, and such a proposition as that would overturn and de stroy the Navy. For one I cannot consent to agree that there shall be an excetion made in behalfof one particular person. but I am willing that the vote shall e taken without any further remark. 1
Skip Skip The question being put on the amendment, there were, on a division ayes 10, noes 11; no quorum votin. Mr. DOOLITTLE. I ask for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered; and being taken, resulted years 13, nays 18; 18. So the amendment was rejected. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended.
The PRESIDENT protempore. The question is on concurring H] the amendments made as in ComWhole, and unless some Senator desires a separate vote, the question will be taken on all the amendments collectivel.
Mr. TESSENDEN. I desire to have a separate vote on the 1st amendment, and also on the amendment inserting the 7th section which is connected with it.
The PRESIDENT protempera: The question is on concurring in the amendments not excepted. The amendments were concurred in.
The Secretary read the 1st excepted amendment, which was to insert the words “admiral, one, ” in line 4, so as to read, “ the number allowed in each deof line officers on the active list of the avy shall be one admiral, one vice admiral, ” &c.
Mr. FESSENDEN. Upon that amendment I ask for the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Mr. GRIMES. As several Senators have inquired of me the effect of this amendment, Iwill say that those who desire to make an admiral, a full admiral, who is intended, of course, under the law, if it asses, to be Admiral Farragut, will vote “yea, and those who are ppposed to creating any such grade will vote,
Mr. HARRIS. I desire to inquire whether the adoption of this amendment will not make not only an admiral but another vice admiral.
Mr. GRlMES. We have the grade of vice admiral now, and of course it will have to be filled by somebody else. This simply creates the new grade of admiral, and that admiral must be selected from the grade below, which is vice admiral. Therefore those who desire to make Vice Admiral Farragut a full admiral will vote “yea.’I
Mr. FESSENDEN. And somebody else a vice admiral.
Mr. GRIMES. Ofcourse. The question being taken by yeas&nays, resulted yous 18, nays 11; 20. So the amendment was concurred in. The other excepted amendment was to insert the following as section 7: SEC. 7. Abife: That the annual compensation of $10,000 Admiral of the Navy shall be a year and he shall be entitlodto thesorvrces of a secretary.whoshall receive the annual sea pay ofa. lieutenant in the Navy. The amendment was concurred in. The bill was orderengross for a 3rd reading, was read the 3rd time, and passed. On the motion of Mr. Gumss, its t“itle was amended by the addition of the words and for other purposes."
Skip Skip MESSAGE FRO.“ THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. MePnsnsox, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed, without amendment, the bill (S.No.350) to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examiners the salary fixed by law for the duties performed by them. The message further announced that the HoRep had non-concurred in the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R.No. 492) making appropriations for the repair. preservation, an completion of certain public works heretofore commenced under the authority of law, and for other purposes, asked a conference on the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses thereon, and had appointed Mr. Tnoius D. ELior of Massachusetts Mr. Joan W. Loxormn of Michigan, and Mr. James M. Humrnm zr of NewYork, managers at the same on its part. The message also announced that the HoRep had agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of‘the 2 Houses'ou the amendments to the bill (H.R.No. 85) for the disposal of the public lands for homestead actual settlement in the States of Alabama. Missis sippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. The message further announced that the HoRep had passed a JtResolution R. No. 120) to extend to the counties 0 Berkeley and Jefferson, of WestVirginia, the provisions of the act approved 4, 1864, entitled “ An act to restrict the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims and to provide for the payment of certain demands for uartermaster s stores and subsistence supplies urnished to the Arm of the U.S., ” in which it requeste the concurrence of the Senate. BNHOLLED BILL SIGNED. The messagealso announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed an enrolled JtResolution (H. It. No. 134) relative to appointments to the Military Academy of the IgU.S.; and it was thereupon signed by the President protenzpore of the Senate. REPAIRS OF THE I’OTOMAC BRIDGE.
The PRESIDENT protempura. The unfinished business of yesterday is House JtResolution No. 52.
Mr. MORRILL. I desire, with the indul gence of the Senate. by the permission of the Senfrom NewYork, W10 has charge of that matter, to be allowed now to take up the House JtResolution appropriating $10,000 for the repairs of the ' Potomac bridge. It has been for some time before the Senate, and there is a great and, it is said, an urgent necessity for its passage.
Mr. HARRIS. I hope that will not be done if the unfinished business is to lose its prece dence.
Mr. MORRILL. Of course not. Iwillgive way if the JtResolution gives rise to the slightest discussion. The motion of Mr. Monniu. was agreed to; and the JtResolution (H.R.No. 43) making an appropriation for the repair of the Potomac ridge was considered as in ComWhole. It proposes to appropriate $10,000 to enable the ComrPubBldg to place the Potomac bridge in such repair as to render it permanently passable, the work to be done immediately after the approval of this JtResolution. The JtResolution was reported to the Senate, ordered to a 3rd reading, read the '3rd time, and passed. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION. The Senate, as in ComWhole. resumed the consideration of the JtResolution (H.R.No. 52) to provide for the expenses attending the exhibition of the products of industry of the U.S. at. the Exhibition at Paris in 1867, the pending question being upon the amendment of Mr. ‘niiitss to the amendment reported by the ComForRel. The amendment of Mr. Games was to add to the 2nd section of the committee‘s amendment the following provise: Provided. That no officer shall be appointed and no mono' mid under the provisions of this resolution u nti the Imperial Governmentof France shall 1stgiro ample and reliable assurancesto this govgtrnmenthat the French troopsand all French militaryollicers shall be immediately withdrawn from the Just territorial jurisdiction of the republic of Mexico.
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. President, I have this morning been put in possession of some information in relation to the Mexican question, which, while I do not deem it very important in reference to the subject immediately pending before the Senate, may be interesting to the Senate upon the general question of Mexican affairs. letter coming from a source which, if I were at liberty tomention it, would be very satisfactory to every Senator. It is a letter from Pa“ris, just received, which states as follows: It is the policyof the French Governmenttoavoid anynewnegotiationWiththoCabinetof Washington but it is its clear determination to recall itstroops an even toanticipate the term of 18 monthsn ready appointed as necessary for the French evacuation. This policyis soevident that in lookingnt the facts you can rely upona very earl execution. thcorders are already iven from the French War Dept to recall in t in next October the mostimpoi‘tiint part of the total amountof French troopsnow in Mexico. When the number of their troopswhich are to be withdrawn within thenext fall shall be known in the U.S., it Will satisfy the most exacting parties that theremaiuder of the French army will berecalled in the next spring."
Mr. MCDOUGALL. allow me to ask the Senfrom Wisconsin what is the exact information in that respect. I doubt it.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. I read yesterday perhaps the Senator was not in his seat a letter from a gentleman in the city of Mexico, of high standin and position there, on this subject.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I was not informed of 5. from NewYork on the same subject.
Mr. MORRILL. Are you for this amendment?
Mr. MCDOUGALL. I say that it would be just as well, by way of observation and b way of commentary and by way of remark, to adopt the amendment of the Senfrom Iowa, for we have no right to like that man or the Government where he at present obtains authority, but where I say he will not rule 2 years from now.
Mr. WILSON. Mr. President, I think the SenfromIowa [Mr. Games] must certainly be amused at the debate that has taken place upon his amendment. That Senator has a great deal of dry humor in him, and he must have enjoyed himself exceedingly during the 24 hours of this exhibition. The industries of the world propose to hold an international Exposition in Paris, the capital of the French nation. Louis Napoleon, of course, is more or less connected with it. The little Prince, we are assured in both Houses, is to preside over it. Now, what is the harm of all that? It is their fashion What of it? Who in this country care; whether the emperor’s son resides over it, or one of the memers of the renchAcademy? The skilled men of our country, the invent ors, the artisans, the manufacturers, the men at the head of productive industries, desire to be represented, desire to have a part in this Exosition of national industries. They take a cop interest in it; they care something about these material affairs, quite as much as they do about the affairs of our Government. The feel an interest in making an exosition of their skill, their inventions, their in ustries as well as in making an exposition to the world of our domestic institutions. I live in a State where we have some inventors, many skilled artisans, and some capital invested in productive industries, and I believe that our people desire to take a part in this Exosition. I do not suppose our countrymen will take the 1st place in it, although we cannot foresee what will be our position there.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. Will the Senator allow me a word by way of explanation?
Mr. MCDOUGALL. The remarks I made were not intended toautagonize the re position that we should be represented at the exposition at Paris, but were intended for the person who is chief there. As I am up, let me make another remark, and that is in reference to the profcge of the French Emperor now residing close by us, contermine us with us. What is the rule which isat the foundation of the Mon western Europe can get to roe doctrine? I should have stated it before but that I hate to talk lon. The rule is laid down by Montesquieu, an it comes from the old Greek, and was well understood b' our fathers, that it is the business of great States to protect weak States on the frontier, and we have no business to allow them to be invaded or conquered, for the reason that they are, like great mountains or like seas, barriers between us and our enemies. Hence the Monroe doc' trine, which has been one of our underlying laws, was not a mere fancy speculation; it is as old as the ages; and we should have had no question about it ifa word had been s oken by the person who had the right to speak, at the o ening of this controversy, saying to France, Trample not upon this ground.”
Mr. WILSON. Mr. President, we cannot now tell what will be our position if we take part in the international Exposition of the industries of the nations. We have made won derful progress during the last 6 years in inventive arts, more than during any equal period of our history. We had a mechanical exhibition in Massachusetts last autumn, and many of the articles on exhibition had been invented or greatly improved during the war, and the improvements there exceeded past years. Now, sir, our people engaged in those vast and varied industries desire to take part in this Exposition, and they ought to be permitted to do it, and I think the nation ought to give them reasonable encouragement. I shall therefore vote for the JtResolution, and vote a inst this amendment of the Senfrom owa, which has brought out a debate that I think has very little relation to the subject before us. I trust it will not be ressed to a vote.
Mr. HOWARD. T chenorable Senfrom Massachusetts is doubtless better informed than I am on this subject. I will therefore ask him this question: whether the Governments of GreatBritain, Prusia, Russia, Austria, Italy, Spain, and other Governments are contributing money out of the public treasury to assist private persons to transport their goods to Paris for exhibition, and whether the Gov crnments, as such, are in any way connected with this Exhibition? I really put the question for information. I should like to know what the fact is about it.
Mr. WILSON. I cannot give the Senator a positive, direct answer as to how much those Governments are doing.
Mr. HOWARD. Are they doing anything at all?
Mr. CONNESS. I move that the Senate adiouin.
Mr. HARRIS. I hope not. I think there will be no further debate upon this question, and if so we can pass this resolution to night.
Mr. CONNESS. The Senator must see that we cannot come to a vote to night upon this question. The disposition is to continue to ebate it.
Mr. MCDOUGALL. It will be debated fur er.
Skip Skip The question being put, there were, on a division a cs 11, noes 12. Mr. LA E, of Indiana. the Want of a quorum and we cannot do any further business.
Mr. CONNESS. Let the vote be taken over again; let us have another division. the pRESIDING OFFICER, (Mr.Au'rnoNY in the chair.) Another division is called for, the last vote showiu the want of a quorum. The Chair will put the question again on the motion of the Senfrom California that the Senate do now adjourn.
Skip Skip The question being put, the Senate refused to adjourn, there being, on a division ayes 12, noes 14. The vote discloses'
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nestion is on the amendment of the Senfrom Iowa to the amendment reported from the ComForRel.
Mr. GRIMES. I offered this amendment in all seriousness for the purpose of bringing out an expression of opinion upon the subject of the relations that subsist between this government and the Government of France as connected with the occupation of Mexico by the French troops; and I am happfy to hear the uniform expression of opinion 0 condemnation on the part of the representatives of the States here assembled of the course that has been nrsued by and the spirit that inspired the mperor of France in sending his troops into Mexico and attempting to establish a monarchical throne on that soil. Under the assurance that has been given by the Senatbr from NewYork, who is the representative of the ComForRel, and who; I suppose, speaks from authority he has certain y left that impression upon the minds of Senators here present I propose, with the consent of the Senate, to withdraw the amendment which I moved. I wish to say, however, at the same time, that I am utterly and unal terably opposed to the principle of the bill, and shall vote against it. I believe that there is no true principle upon which it can be based. There is no authority in the Constitution by which we are authorized to make any such grant of mono from the treasary; and I believe that the whole scheme is gotten up for the purpose of aggrandizing the Napoleonic dynasty in France, and is antagonistic to the spirit of republican liberty which should be propa ated by the Congress of the U.S. Vith these views I ask leave of the Senate to with draw my amendment.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senfrom Iowa asks leave to withdraw his amendment. Is there objection‘I The Chair hears none. The amendment is withdrawn. The question is now on the amendment of the ComForRel, as amended.
Mr. GRIMES. I move to amend that amendment by inserting at the end of the 1st section of it these words: Nor shall any member of Congressor any person holdin an appointment or officeof honor or trust undert o U.S. beappointeda commissioner, agent, or oificerunderthis resolution.
Mr. HARRIS. I have no objection to that. The amendment to The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. HARRIS. I propose an amendment to come in after line 15; it is to add the words “2ndly, to provide additional accommodations in the ark, $25,000 in coin.”
Mr. GRIMES. I inquire if that is for the puIr ose of erecting a building in PariS.R.HARRIS. It is.
Skip Skip The question was put, and the amendment to the amendment was declared to be rejected.
Mr. HARRIS. It is absolutely necessary, in order to carry out this Exhibition decently on the part of the U.S., that this erection should be made. It will be better, far better, for the Government to make some excuse and get out of the thing altogether, than in a niggardly and cheap and mean way to send our exhibitors there for the purpose of making an exhibition and exposing the meanness of our Government before the other nations of the world. If you include this item, it will only make about 150,000 dollars for the entire expense ofit, when other nations, even small nations, have appropriated much more. Belgium, for instance, a country immediately adjoining, has made an appropriation of $120,000 to carry out the expenses of the Exhibition. Every civilized Government in the world, except Denmark, has made appropriations for this purpose.
Mr. HARRIS. Yes, to erect their structures. Every civilized nation in the world, except Denmark, has made appropriations for this purpose.
Mr. HARRIS. Yes, even the Chinese and Japanese. It will be impossible for us to go through with this matter unless we are permitted to build this erection.
Mr. HOWE. Do I understand that each nation builds its own house?
Mr. HARRIS. We have a certain space appropriated in the erection built by the French Government, and then if a nation wants more ground for its exhibition, it is permitted to erect a structure outside, in the park, as it is called. This is for that purpose. I have a letter from our agent on this subject. He says: “I have received somevery prim singdispatches from CommissionerBeckwith, at Paris. uing my spericsoend report with catalogue: alsostating iis surand discouragementat the omission of an apppraorp.ription for a supplementary building in the
Mr. GRIMES. I wish to inquire of the senator how much space is allotted to us in the building that is erected by the French government for the Exhibition.
Mr. HARRIS. About 30,000 square feet, which is. I think, about 4 acres.
Mr. GRIMES. 4 acres allotted to the U.S.!
Mr. HARRIS. I think so; I may be mistaken. If I compute the acres crroneousl others can correct me, but it is 30,000 square feet.,
Several SENATORS. Not 3 quarters of an acre.
Mr. COWAN. My objection to this bill is an exceedingly sim Is one. At a time when the country is bowe down to the very earth with taxation, when even the poorest laboring man cannot get the necessaries of life without paying what formerly would almost have furnished him for a year, I am unwilling to expend money for any such purpose as this, especially when it is not within our province. It is not our dut. We expose our meanness much more by maing appropriations for this purpose at all than we 8 ould) do by making inadequate appropriations. You have no authority to appropriate public money to this purpose, not a particle. You have no more right to give it for this purpose than you have to take it out of the ockets of strangers and appropriate it to me. globody pretends to show any authority for it. It is clearly within the province of the States and if the great State of my honorable frien from NewYork desires to go to this Exhibition and exhibit her products there, there is nothing in the world to prevent her, and let her make her own appropriation, or let the States combine. But the General Government has no such authority. Apart from that, even if we had ample authority, who would think of it at this time, burdened as we are, loaded down as we are, and when it requires even a constitutional amendment to satisfythe world in the opinion of some people that we are going to pay the public det at all?
Mr. WILSON. The men who pay taxes want this done.
Mr. COWAN. The men we are taxing are the men who can pa, and if they desire luxuries of this kin let them pay for them. No one objects to that. I now a gentleman who intends to exhibit at Paris' but he does not ask to do it at the expense of the General Government; he does not ask to do it at the expense of gentlemen who do not intend to exhibit there. He intends to pay his own expenses, and go there with his own commodities and put them up at the World’s Fair and let the world see what they are. If NewYork wants to exhibit there there can be no objection to her doin so; but there is great objection to making alifornia pay for it when she does not want to exhibit there. If Pennsylvania wants to go she is able to go, and she will go, I have no doubt; but why should Florida and why should Alabama, where a 100,000 people are starving today, be taxed for the purpose of sending men from Pennsylvania there to exhibit themselves?
Mr. HENDERSON. We propose to let every exhibitor exhibit his own productions.;
Mr. COWAN. Let every exhibitor show his productions; I say so.
Mr. HENDERSON. There is not room enough now.
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. President, this Exhibition is in one respect a novelty; it is unlike any Exhibition of the kind that has ever been held before. It is national in its character. The State of NewYork cannot go there and exhibit its products, nor any other State, nor can individuals do so. The producers, the inventors, the mechanics, the artisans of the country can only make their exhibitions through their Government; and now if the Government is to do anything it will cost some money. We must do one of 2 things; we must either back out altogether, abandon the thing, pay the expenses that have been incurred, and make some excuse to the French Government and to the world why we refuse to appear at the Exhibition, having in Januarylast acce ted the invitation, or else we must do the thing well. We cannot afford to do anything else than either back out alto ether or make the necessary expenditure to o the thing well and cred itubly. To accomplish this will take some money, and this appropriation is undoubtedly necessary, it is in ispensable, and if the Senate do not choose to make the approriation they had better defeat the bill altogetier and We did resolve in January last that we would We have gone on and appointed our officers; we have invited the producers, mechanics, artisans, and inventors of the country to make their offerings, and we have now offered for exhibition vastly more, than all the room we can provide will accom ! modate. If the Senate do not choose to make i this appropriation for the purpose of providing 7 the necessary room, then let us abandon the l thing altogether.
Mr. HENDRICKS. The statement of the Senfrom NewYork has taken me by surprise. He informs us that no citizen, not even one of the
Mr. GRIMES. I think we had better ad our“. We cannot hear the Senfrom Indiana. [A violent thunder storm was raing, the rain pattered noisily on the roof, an the obscuration of the sky darkened the Chamber.]
Mr. HENDRICKS. I do not want to speak long.
Mr. GRIMES. We are all anxious to hear the Senator, but we cannot hear a word in the storm now going on. I move that the Senate adjourn. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned.
###HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY, June 14, 1866. The House. met at 12 o’clock in. by the Chaplain, ltev. C. B. BoYxrox. The Journal of yesterday was read and approved. BRITISH AMERICAN TRADE.
The Speaker. At the adjournment last evening, Senate bill No. 350, to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examiners the sal ary fixed by law for the duties performed by them, was before the House, on which a motion was pending for the previous question and also a motion that the bill be laid upon the table; pending which the Chair. by unanimous consent, laid before the House certain executive communications. The last of these was a communication from the SecyTreasury in answer to a.resolution of the House calling for information in regard to commercial relations with British America. The Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. Din'is] objected to the printing of that communication, and the Gentfrom Illinois [Ma Wss'rwoa'rnj demanded that the communication should be read. As there has been no vote upon the question. the Chair withdraws the communication, and it will lie upon the table until, by a vote of the House, business on the Speaker‘s table shall be reached.
Mr. WENTWORTH. With the consent of the House I will state my object in calling for the reading of that document. I was afraid that my friendfrom NewYork had been up to the Speaker’s table and had seen what was in the communication. while I had not seen its contents. I withdraw my call for the reading of' the communication.
Mr. DAVIS. I desire to say that I am very sorry the Gentfrom Illinois should so i pose that I knew more than he did. [Lang i ter.] My objection to the printing of the communication was based upon information which I had received that it contained no new intelligence. I have learned, however, that. I was misinformed; and I withdraw my objection to the printing of the document.
The Speaker. The Gentfrom NewYork withdraws his objection to the printing of the communication; and if there be no further objection it will be referred to the ComForAffrs, and ordered to be printed. There was no objection. BUREAU OF INSURANCE.
Mr. LAWRENCE, of Pennsylvania, introduced, by unanimous consent. a bill for the creation of a national Bureau of Insurance, and to provide for funding the indebtedness of the U.S. which was read a 1st and 2nd time, and referred to the ComWays&Means. REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY.
Mr. SCHENCK. I am instructed by the' ComMilAffrs to report back House bill No. 361, to reorganize and establilsh the Army of the U.S., with an amendment in the form of a substitute. I move that the substitute be ordered to be printed; and that the bill and substitute be recommitted. The motion was agreed to.
Mr. SCHENCK. I now desire that, by the consent of the House, some time be fixed when the committee may report and the bill be noted a on by the House. I will name tomorrow after the morning hour, if that will suit gentlemen of the House. Prayer
The SPEAKER. It will require unanimous consent to fix tomorrow for the consideration of this bill, because the reconstruction bill has precedence., Mr. DAVIS. I would like to make a suggestion. This substitute which is now orderei to be printed will not be ii on our files before tomorrow morning, and i we should at thattime proceed to its consideration, we shall have had no time to examine it in advance. It seemsto me that it should not be taken up before the early part of next week.
Mr. SCHENCK. There will probably be so man questions raised in reference to the bill itse f that I do not wish to raise an question in advance. I therefore move that the bill be made the special order for Tuesday of next week, immediately after the morning hour. The motion was agreed to. oesrus CHRISTICOLLECTION nis'rliicr.
Mr. PAINE, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to create the collection district of ! CorpusChristi, and for other puposes; which was read a 1st and 2nd time, ordered to be printed, and referred to the ComCommerce. CALIFORNIA LAND TITLES.
Mr. BIDWELL had entered a mtRtv Senate bill No. 843, to quiet land titles in California, was referred to the ComPubLands.
BXAMINERS OF PATENTS. The regular order of business was Senate bill No. 350, to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examiners the salary fixed bylaw for the duties performed by them, which Mr. Hsniiixo, of Illinois, had moved to lay upon the table.
Mr. JENCKES. I ask the Clerk to read the apers l send up.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. I withdraw the motion to lay upon the table; and while I am up I will say a few words. Mr. Speaker, when this bill was before the House a few days since for consideration, I thought then, and I think so still, that, it in volved a new principle. I understand it to be relativelylike a proposition to pay an officer of a lower grade in the Army the compensation belonging to an oliicer of a higher grade when an officer of a lower grade performed the duties of the higher position. It is like an orderly sergeant, on the ground of having performed the duties of captain on many Iiattle fields, asking for compensation as captain. The principle is precisely the same. In this case we have an application from the officers of the Interior Dept to give them, in addition to their salary since 1861, which has been regularly paid to them, the further sum of $700 peryear, ifI calculate correctly, because there were times when they were compelled to perform duties which devolred upon officers of a higher grade. I object, because I believe it is a departure from former practice. These men were employed by the government, and say that they have received their pay regularly. In 1863 the patent fund was found to be insufficient. congress passed a law that when the patent fund was realized the Commissioner should pay them. They all say they have received their salary from 1801, according to their commissions. but inasmuch as heretofore some other officers have received something additional we are asked to grant these parties additional compensation.
Mr. JENCKES. Mr. Speaker, an answer to the objection of the Gentfrom Illinois may be made briefly and conclusively. Laws passed previously to 1861 authorized the ComrPatents to pay asst examiners for doing the duty of chief examiners. These asst examiners were re nested to perform the duties of a higher grade on expectation they would be paid additional for the crforiiiaiicc of these duties. This is not an approprietion from the treasury. These men have earned every dollar the ask for. They earned it at the request of the chief of the bureau, and the chief of the bureau asks Congress to enable him to give satisfaction to these men. It is only a measure of public justice, and the bill should pass.
Mr. THAYER. I would ask the Gentfrom RhdIsland what amount of money will be expended in this way. I
Mr. JENCKES. This comes from the Pat ent Office fund and noTTrom the Treasury; it comes from the fees that are paid to the Pat ent office.
Mr. THAYER. How much will probably be expended?
Mr. JENCKES. I am not able to state the precise amount; it will be no great sum. I emand the previous question.
Mr. WENTWORTH. I understand this pay goes back to 1861.
Mr. JENCKES. Yes, sir; but a previous law covered the period up to 1861, and this is for the period since.
Mr. WENTWORTH. I object to the gentle man getting a bankrupt law through this House, and then introducing hills which will bankru tthe Government. [Laughter.]
Mr. JENCKES. This prooses only to pay wages for fair days’ work. These gentlemen have earned their pay and ought to have it. The bill was orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time.
Mr. WENTWOltTH. I ask for the reading of the bill. It goes back to 1861.‘ The bill was read.
Mr. JENCKES. In answer to the Gentfrom Illinois [Mu wENTWORTH] I will state that application was made for this pay at the earliest time it could be done, and dbrin the last Congress a bill passed the Senate an was lost in the House. I demand the previous question on the passage of the bill.
Mr. WENTWORTH. I do not think the House understand it; the bill proposes to pay back salaries. The previous question was 2nded.
Mr. AVIS. I desire to ask whether these parties whom it is now proposed to pay under this bill have not been employed be ore 1861, have not since that time received compen nation.
Mr. JENCKES. They have received compensation only for the subordinate grades since 1861. Down to 1861 they were aid for all the extra duty they performed. his bill proposes to pay them for that extra service since 861.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. Does the gentleman say that these gentlemen did not et the paiato which they were entitled by law'g
Mr. JENCKES. No, sir; I mean to say just the opposite.
Mr. HARDING, of Illinois. That is, they have received their full pay for the omce to which the have been appointed.
Mr. JENCKES. Yes, sir; but they have been required to perform duties of another grade, for which they have not been paid.
Mr. WENTWORTH. The question is, whether these men who have been receiving fixed salaries shall be paid for what they have done out of office.
Mr. JENCKES. It makes no difference whether they were in or out of office. The main question was ordered.
Skip Skip Mr. WENTWORTH. I demand the ycas&nays on the passage of the bill. The yeas&nays were ordered. The question being taken on the passage of the bill, it was decidedin the affirmative years 67, nays 41, not voting 75;. So the bill was passed. Mr. ]ENCKES mtRtv the bill was passed; upon the table. agreed to. ENROLLEDJtResolution SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that the committee had examined and found truly enrolled aJtResolution (H.R.No. 134) relative to appointments to the Military Academy of the U.S.; when the Speaker signed the same. CBEDENTIALS NCAROLINA.
Mr. WHALEY, by unanimous consent, presented the credentials of Lewis Hanes, claiming to be a Representative from the 5th congressional district of NCarolina.
The Speaker. The credentials will be referred, under the concurrent resolution, to the JtComReconstruction.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I make the point of order that the committee has made its final report, and that no business can be referred to it now.
The Speaker. A variety of credentials have been referred to the committee on which they have not yet reported.
Mr. GARFIELD. I demand the regular order of business. ASSAY OFFICES. The House resumed, as the regular order of business, the consideration of bil of the House No. 674, to establish additional offices for the assay of gold and silver, and for other ur poses, reported yesterday from the Committee on A propriations, on which the Gentfrom Iowa. [Mr. ALLISON] was entitled to the floor.
Mr. HENDERSON. I ask the gentleman to yield to me to allow me to offer an amendment.
Mr. HENDERSON. I offer the following amendment: Strike out all in the body of the bill relating to the State of Oregon, and add the following a an additional sectionto the bill: Abife: That section one of an act entitled “ An act to establish a branch mint of the U.S.at Dulles City. in the State ofOre Ron." approved July 4. 1861.be, and the same is hereb '. so amended as to locate and establish said branc mint at the cit of Portland. in the State of Oregon, instead of at alles City and that the ab propriation for the erection of the necessarybuildings. fixtures. ke. for said brunch mint be and the same is hereby.continued and shall be applicable to the purposesand provisions of this act.
Mr. ALLISON. I will now ield for 5 minutes to the gentlemen from Vermont, [Mr. Momma]
Mr. HENDE tSON. Mr. Speaker, I am sorry my arguments did not have a favorable influence upon the mind of the chairman of the committee; and I alluded to the fact that I was only allowed 1/2 minute before the committee in whieh to explain this whole question, not because I wished to find fault with the committee, but to induce them to extend my time here. A I must say the chairman of the committee is much mistaken when he says that the production of gold is decreasingin Oregon; new mines are being discovered and developed almost every day. The Gentfrom Iowa has read the opinion of the Superintendent of the Mint at fhil adelphia to show that we do not need a branch mint in Oregon. Now, sir, I doubt seriously whether he could tell, without looking upon a map, whether Oregon lies north or south of the Columbia river. He has not taken the pains to inform himself. Again, it is very natural that he should oppose the establishment of branch mints in other sections of the country.
Mr. THAYER. Will the Gentfrom Oregon allow me a question ‘I
Mr. THAYElt. Does the gentleman sup' ose that the Superintendent of the Mint at hiladelphia would derive any advantage from the non-establishment of mints in other parts of the country, or that his opinions are influenced by such considerations?
Mr. HENDERSON. I understand that if branch mints should be established in other sections they will reduce the business of his, and the necessity for it may ultimatelyceasc. And as to whether he can be affected by corrupt motives, Isu pose he is no better than other people inclined to look out for his own interest. now ask the Gentfrom Pennsylvania whether he wishes to get clear of the Mint at Philade] hia.
Mr. TfiAYER. By no means. The necessity for it is too up arent, and will not be likely to cease. Philade phia is a great commercial center.
Mr. HENDERSON. So is Portland, in Oregon; it sustains the same relation to the valley of the Columbia that NewOrleans does to the valley of the Mississip i; it is the commercial center for the whole valley of that may nificent river.
Mr. ALLISON. Mr. Speaker, I will add but one word to what I have alread said. The policy of establishing branc i mints all over the count cannot safely longer be pursued. The British empire, with all its possessions and the amount of gold it coins annually, has but one mint for that purpose. I believe it would be better for as if we had but one; and if it were an original question, I would not go for more than one to coin all the money for the country. I do not believe, sir. the Mint will ever be 1 removed from Philadelphia. It is a great commercial center, and the machinery and mate rial we have there could not elsewhere be procured at a like cost. I move to add the following to the 2nd section: Provided. That such salaries and compensation shall not exceedthat allowed for correspondingser vice under existin laws relating to the Mint of the U.S and its branches. I demand the previous question.
Mr. McRUER. I would like to amend on p‘abgye th4e, lTinreeastuwreerntyo, r bAyssiisntsaenrtt.in'gI retahseurwerordosf the U.S.;” so that these certificates may be paid at the Treasury or by Asst Treasurers.
Mr. ALLISON. I cannot ield for that purpose. We provide they shall be paid at the int at Phi adelphia and at the branch mint at SanFrancisco, and I think that is ample.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered. Mr. Attisox’s amendment was agreed to. The question recurred on Mr. Hsxncasox’s amendment. Mr. HENDERSON demanded the yeas&nays. The yeas&nays were ordered.
Skip Skip The question was taken; and it was decided in the negative yous 11, iiays 73, not voting 67; So the amendment was rejected. The bill was then.orderengross and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time.
Mr O’NEILL. I desire to correct an error made by the Gentfrom Iowa, [Mr. A1. LISON.] He said that the expenditure for the U.S. Mint. at Philadelphia was $75,000 perannum. I do not wish to hear the extent of the business of that Mint depreciated. It is a very extensive institution, and is well conducted, and the appropriation for the Mint during the comin year is over $160,000.
Mr. ALLISON. I demand the previous question on the passage of the bill.
Mr. TAYLOR. I ask the gentleman if there is not a mint already established in SanFrancisco.
Mr. ALLISON. There is; but this is for an assay office only.
Skip Skip The previous question was 2nded and the main question ordered; and under the operation thereof the bill was passed. Mr. ALLISON mtRtv the bill was passed; on the table. agreed to. NATIONAL BANKS.
Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. from the ComBanking&Currency, reported a bill to amend an act entitled “ An act to provide a national currency secured by a pledge of U.S. bonds, and to provide for the circulation and redemtion thereof and for other purposes;" which was read a 1st and secon time, ordered to be printed, and recommitted, with leave to report at any time after the morning hour. PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
Mr. WOODBRIDGE. I rise to a personal explanation. I was not well enough to be in my seat yesterday when the JtResolution proposin an amendment to the Constitution was acte upon. Had I been able to be here I would have voted in favor of the resolution. HOMESTEAD BILL.
Mr. JULIAN, from the committee of conference 0n the disagreeing votes of the 2 Houses on House bill No. 85, for the disosal of the public lands for homestead actua settlement in the States of Alabama. Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida, submitted the following report: The committee of conference on the di=rurrecing votes of the 2 Houses on thobill (ll. No. 83“ for the disposal of the public lands for liomcste actual settlementin the Statesof Alabama.Missis sippi, Louisiana. Arkansas and Florida. having met. have. after full and free conference.agreed to recommend and do recommend.to the respective Housesas follows: 1. That the Senate recede from the 1st amond;mentof the Senate.striking out on page 1 all alter the words “64" in line 8 to the word "and" in line 12 and that the words thus restored be amended by inserting on page 1, line eight. after the word “ that " the words “ until the expiration of 2 years from and after the passage of this not." 2. That the Senaterccedefrom the 2ndamendmentof the Senate. 3. That the House agreeto the 3rd amendment of the Senatewith an amendment.nst'ollows: that at the end of the 2nd section of the bill. as the same passed the Senate shall beadded the followmg rov'so: I)&i7.‘lly“pe Provided That until thelsldayofJanuiiry. for the benefit of this act shall in addition to the oath hereinbefore required. U.S.orgiveu aid and comfort in itsenemies." SH.EJ.NKRIYRH WOOD. WILSON. Managers GARRETT DAVIS on the part of the rite. JGOEHONRGE W. JULIAN. H. RICE. Managers Mr.ECONA. onthepurl of the home.
Skip skip The report of the committee of conference was agreed to. Mr. JULIAN mtRtv the report was agreed to; upon the table. agreed to. BERKELEY AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
Mr. FTHOMAS. I ask unanimous consent to report back, from the ComJudiciary, House JtResolution No. 120. to extend to the counties of Berkeley and Jederson, of WestVirginia. the provisions of the not approved July 4, 1864, entitled “An act to restrict the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims, and to provide for the payment of certain demands for quartermaster‘s stores and subsistence supplies furnished to the Army of the U.S. ” This JtResolution becomes necessary because there is some difference of opinion as to the time when the counties named became part of the State of WestVirginia. The object is to settle that date.
Skip Skip The JtResolution was ordered to be engrosse and read a 3rd time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the 3rd time and passed. Mr. LATHAM mtRtv the JtResolution was passed; upon the table. agreed to. order, the consideration of bill of the WINE NA AND ST. ITITER’S RAILROAD.
Mr. WINDOM, hy unanimous consent, introduced a bill to authorize the Wine na and StPeter's Railroad Company to construct a bridge across the Mississippi river, and to establish a 0st route; which was read a 1st and secon time and referred to the ComPostOffice. CHANGE OF REFERENCE. On motion of Mr. “"INDOM, by unanimous consent, the ComIndAffrs was discharged from the further consideration of JtResolution of the Senate No. 87, to provide for the payment of bounties to certain Indian regiments; and the same was referred to the ComMilAffrs.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Foam 7r, their Secretary, informed the House that the Senate had passed a JtResolution and bill of the House of the following titles, the former without amendment and the latter with amendments, in which he was directed to ask the concurreiice of the House: JtResolution (H.R.No. 143) making an appropriation for the repair of the Potomac bridge; an An act (H.R.No. 213) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending the 30th of June, 1867. The message further informed the House that the Senate had passed bills and a JtResolution of the following titles. in which he was directed to ask the concurrence of the House: An act (S.No.300) to regulate the appointment of paymasters in the Navy and explanatory of an act for the better organization of the pay dept of the Navy; An act (S.No.368) granting a pension to Mrs. Margaret A. Farran anJtResolution (S.R.No. 65) explanatory of and.in addition to the act of May 5, 1864, entitled “An act granting lands to aid in the construction ofeertain railroadsin Wisconsin." LEGISLATIVE, ETE., APPROPRIATION BILL. On motion of Mr. SPALDING, by unanimous consent, bill of the House No. 213, making appropriations for the legislative, executive and judicial expenses of the government for the year ending the 30th of June, l867, with the auiendments of the Senatethereto was taken from the Speaker’s table and referred to the ComAppropriat. COMMUTATION OF RATIONS.
Mr. COOK, by unanimous consent. submit ted the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved That the SecyWar heinstructed to inform this Housewhothercoinmutation of rations hifas beenallowedsoldierswhile prisonersof war and allowed. whethersuch allowance hasat any time beensuspended and if suspended.for what reasons. RECONSTRUCTION. The House then resumed. as the special house No. 543, to restore to the States lately in rebellion their full political rights, upon which
Mr. LeBlOND. If m friendfrom Maryland will permit me, I won (1like to ask him a single question. I understand from the argument of the Gentfrom Maryland that he takes the position that the southern States lately in rebellion are out of the Union, and had a constitutional right to go out of the Union. Did I understand him correctly?
Mr. HARRIS. They had a right to go out of the Union.
Mr. HARRIS. They had the right in spite of the Constitution. It was a right that grew out of the sovereignty of the States.
Mr. LeBlO D. Then my distinguished friendfrom Maryland [Mr. HARRIS] ‘occupies the same position on this question that the distinguished Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Stevens? and those who follow him occupy, that these States are out of the Union and had a right to go out. I simply wish to say this, that the democratic party differ with him in that respect. We do not believe that those States are cut of the Union, or that they ever had the right to 0 out. We believe that nothing but success ul revolution could ever carry them out of the Union. We disagree with the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. finals] and the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Srsvsxs] and his coad'utors on the other side of the House.
Mr. ll OULTON. I desire hereto deny the progosition of the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. E LOND, that the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [ Mr. STEVENS] ever claimed or attempted to argue or admitted that the southern States had the right to go out of the Union.
Mr. LeBlOND. I assert that the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. STEVENS] and the other side of the House have on every occasion virtually sustained the doctrine that those States are out of the Union.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Foaxsv, its Secretary, informed the House that the senate had passed an act (S.No.269) to define the number and regulate the appointment of officers in the Nav, and for other purposes, in which he was irected to ask the concurrence of the House. RECONSTRUCTION AGAIN.
Mr. RAYMOND. I do not desire to proceed with the discussion of this subject this evening; the hour is too late. But I would be glad. it it shall suit the convenience of the House, to submit some remarks tomorrow on the general question before the House.
Mr. BIN 'HAM. If the gentleman will yield to me, I will submit amotion toadjourn.
Mr. RAYMOND. I prefer to submit a motion to 0st one this special order until tomorrow after the morning hour.
Mr. DAWES. Before the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. RAYMOND submits that motion, will he ield to me for a few minutes ‘3
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I desire to say just here that the theor of the Gentfrom Massachusetts [Mr. awss] and the theory of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. S'rsvnss] may vary, but the result in each case is the same. Both of those gentlemen vote to keep the southern States unrepresented by loyal men in this Congress and in the Union.
Mr. DAWES. Does the gentleman refer to me?
Mr. DAWES. Then the gentleman is quite as much in error in reference to my opinions as is the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. Ls Bnoxn] in regard to the opinions of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, [LIL S'rsvsss.] Iam not one of those who are disposed by legislation or oth erwise to keep any loyal man, representing a loyal constituency, out of a seat in this House to which he has been legally elected; and no vote of mine has ever contributed to that result.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I know very well that the Gentfrom Massachusetts differs in theor with the Gentfrom Pennsylvania; and therefore I wish to know how it is that they happen to vote together on all these questions; that they actin concert in preventing the representation in Congress of a portion of the States of this Union. Although the gentlemen differ in theory, they a ree practically in declaring that those States shall not be represented upon this floor.
Mr. DA ES. Mr. Speaker, the Gentfrom Wisconsin, in his interrogatory to me, assumes what he has no right to assume that the Gentfrom Pennsylvania and myself, although, as he says, differing very widel in theory, are found together in practice. whatever votes I have given here I am not speak in, of course, for the Gentfrom enn sy vania whntever votes I have given here, I fancy I am able, both to myself and my constituents as well as to the country, to reconcile them with the theory which I have advanced here on more than one occasion touching the right of representation on the part of the States latelylin rebellion. I stand upon the record as long ago as the 37th Congress; and from that time to thisl have put myself on the record more than once. In no particular do I desire at this moment and in this place to depOt one iota from the principles laid down by me in the Louisiana election cases, and in the Virginia election cases. In my opinion, sir, we are fast coming to the very position assumed by me on those occasions, and adopted by the HoRep by large and controllin majorities. I will d further, in this connection, that it seems to me it would be better for the Gentfrom Wisconsin, before catechising me upon this point, to consider the harmon of his own action with that of the Gentfrom Maryland [Mr. Haams] who has just taken his seat. During the long service which I have had here with the Gentfrom Wisconsin, I recollect no occasion on which he has differed in his votes (whatever may have been his position in debate) with the Gentfrom ll ary land. Now, for the Gentfrom Wisconsin, occupying the position he does in relation to the Gentfrom Maryland, always voting with him, to stand up here and catechise me upon this point, seems to savor of coolness, even on this hot day. [Laughter. I yield to the Gentfrom I iseonsin.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I will sa to the Gentfrom Massachusetts that have conversed with him repeatedly upon these questions, and I have found him expressing opinions in entire accordance with the views which I entertain.
Mr. DAWES. The Gentfrom wisconsin has failed to answer my interrogatory wh he has been found so entirely in harmony with the action of the Gentfrom Maryland.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I do not agree either with the Gentfrom Maryland or the Gentfrom Pennsylvania.
Mr. ELDRIDGE. I differ with him on this question. I hold that these States are not out of the Union, and that they cannot ct out.
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I have only to say this, that I have no wish to do the Gentfrom Massachusetts injustice, and I am gratified, and I feel the country will be gratified, at the position which he states here today he now occupies. I hope he will keep on until the majority on his side shall be induced to act as he speaks. What is the position of claimants for seats from the latelp rebellious States? In what position, sir, of they find themselves when they come here? They are met with the resolution that the credentials of every one them shall be referred without debate to the ComReconstruction. I do not remember how that gentleman voted in reference to that question, whether he voted to commit every one of those credentials to that burial place or not, but it is enough for me to know that a majority have done it, and that the ComElections, of which he is the able chairman, is stripped of its legitimate duty, and that good an bad men from the late y rebellions States are treated alike here. Men who have one through the war in the Union Army are iept out of this House by the action of the majority of this House notwithstanding the gentleman’s protest. I ask the gentleman whether he voted to bury all those credentials or not. If he did not, then I say he is clearly exonerated from any comlicity in preventing the representation of loya men from the southern States.
Mr. DAWES. Mr. Speaker, I was about to state when I was interrupted by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania that
Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I thought the gentleman was through or I should not have interrupted him.
Mr. BOUTWELL. Will my colleague yield for a question 7
Mr. BOUTWELL. I wish to know whether my colleague means to an that he is in favor o the admission of a loyal epresentative from any district of the 11 States recently in rebellion when he is satisfied that a majority of the people of that district are loyal to the Government, without regarding the institutions of the State from which the individual claiming to be a Representative comes, regardless of the fact whether they have established laws and framed institutions which secure the hts of all men without regard to race or color. Because if that be the position of my colleague, I, as one member of this House, as one citizen of Massachusetts, and as the representative of a portion of her people, beg to issent from that position.
Mr. BOUTWELL. I wish to ask my colleague liow it can be possible that a community can be authorized, through any organization, to issue credentials to a man which can be regarded by this House or by a committee 4‘ of. this House as “credentials” until the right of that community to be considered as a State within the Union has been recognized by the constituted authorities of the ‘overnment? How, therefore, could it have been consistent or proper for one committee of Congress in one room to have been considering the right of SCarolina to be represented at a l, and another committee considering in another 300m credentials issued by the socalled authorities of SCarolina, which had never been recognized by the Government?
Mr. LeBlOND. The gentleman has set himself up here to some extent as the defender of the position of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania. [Mr. STEVEXS]
Mr. DAWES. Not in the least. I have only sought to defend him from misrepresentation.
Mr. LeBlOND. Very good; then the gentleman does sec to defen him. 'Now I wish to know this: if, as is claimed by the Gentfrom Massachusetts, [Mr. DAWES] the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [ML S'rn vsss] does not assert that these States have the right to go out of the Union, and we know that they have been unsuccessful in their attempt at revolution, how under heaven are they now out of the Union? If they are not out of the Union, then why treat them as States out of the Union and deny them representstion here, although they are out of the Union neither by virtue of the Constitution nor by successful revolution ‘2
Mr. DAWES. I have only to say to the Gentfrom Ohio [Mia LeBlOND] that I never assumed to defend the position of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania, Mr. Sravsssd that these States were even conquered Territories. All I assumed to do was to state his position correctly, as I understood it, and not as the Gentfrom Ohio misstated it. It is not for me to defend that position, for I told ill“! in all frankness that I did not believe with Illn I now move that the House adjourn.
Mr. DELANO. Will the gentleman with draw that motion to allow me to submit a res olution ofin uiry?
Mr. DAWES. Certainly, I will withdraw it. DUTY ON FOREIGN WOOL.
Mr. DELANO, by unanimous consent, submitted the followmg preamble and resolution; which were read, considered, and agreed to: Whereas the present duty on imported woals af fords no protection to the American wool grower and yields very little revenue to the Government: and whereasan expectation DITOVXHtIhSat the present duty is to beincreasedduring the presentsesswn of Congress;and whereasthis expectatipnis causing largo importationsfor future consumption, whereby the revenueof the Governmentfrom this source is being materially affected and the present clip of wool is being purchased by speculators at prices which do not reinuneratothe wool rowor. in conse flruence of the delay in reforming tapresentduty: hRcarmcflovreod, That the ComWays andMeans berequestedto give thesubjectimmediateattention, and report by bill at the earliestpossibleday. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED.
Mr. TROWBRIDGE, from the ComEnrollBill, reported that they had examined and found truly enrolled a bill and JtResolution of the following titles; when the Speaker signed the same: An act (S.No.850) to authorize the COHI‘ rPatents to pay those cmiloyed as examiners and asst examiners the salary fixccld by law for the duties performed by them; an A JtResolution (H.R.No. 127) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. MBS. B. A. BURSLEY. On motion of Mr. VANAERNAM, the ComInvalidPens were discharged from the further consideration of the petition of MrS.R.A. Bursley, and the same was referred to the ComMilAffrs. And then, on motion of Mr. STROUSE, (at 4 o’clock and 25 minutes, p. m.,) the House adjourned.
Skip Skip PETITIONS, ETE. The following petitions. ke" wore presented undor the rule and referredto the appropriate committees: By Mr. DARLING: The petition of manufacturers ofcork for reduction of duty oi ci ork wood. By Mr. HAYES: The memorialof Miss M. Victor, asking relief for damageto her property, and for use ofsnnie, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. By Mr. MARVIN: The petition of E. S. Gillett, R. 1!.Cushncy. and81 others. Citizens of Mont oiricry county. NewYork. praying that the time or the withdrawal of State bank circulation may be c: tended. By Mr. PIKE: The petition of L. L. Lowell and 24others, for law regulating interstate insjiranccs. y Mr. SCHENCI: th o memorial of hli halot 3rowp. t, ir., late an artist in the Japan exp ition or re ic. By Mr. TAYLOR: The pot ition of C. M. Butt. James Lowrio, and 250 thers citizens and pensioners. asking that suitable provisions be made to prevent U.S.pension agentsfromdeductingany foo from payments made to pensioners, and protestins againstany not allowing a fee to pension agents for pi'cpayiii: papers and ailiniiiisterini’rroaths. By Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts: ‘lio petition of momsin the Navy. to d 1st and seem] ass'istant on. Be commissionedand restore to we“.
@@@IN SENATE SENATE. FRIDAY, June 15, 1866. Prayer by Rev. WILLIAM T. Jonsson, of Washington. On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL, and by unanimous consent, the readin of the Jour nal of yesterday was dispense with.
Mr. JOHNson. I presentthe remonstrance of Joseph H. Bradley, T. J. D. Fuller, Edward‘ C. Carrington, Walter S. Cox, Nathaniel will son, William H. Philip, W. Y. Feudall, J. C. Kennedy, J. Carter Marbury, Walter D. Dav idge, William B. Webb, and the other members of the bar of the city of Washington, against deriving the city of its charter. I move that it lie on the table. The motion was agreed to. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. WILLIAMS, from the ComClaims, to whom was referred a JtResolution (S.No.39) to refer the claim of the administrntor of Richard W. Meade, deceased, to the Court of Claims, reported it without amendment.
Mr. POLAND, from the ComPatents and the Patent office, to whom was referred nJtResolution (S. H. No. 66) for the relief of Joseph R. Morris, reported it with an amendment. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred the petition of Joseph it. Morris, praying that the ComrPatents may be authorized to issue to him a patent for a new and useful improvement in furnaces, asked to be discharged from its further consideration; which was agreed to.
Mr. HOWE, from the ComClaims, to whom was referred a bill S.No. 302) for the relief of the Mercantile utual Insurance Company of NewYork, reported it without amendment.
Mr. ANTHONY, from the ComClaims, to whom was referred the memorial of Henry Eagle, a commodore in the naval service of‘the U.S., praying to be re imbursed for moneys alleged to have been stolen from hiufim the 2d of one, 1848, while acting pnrser of the U.S. bomb vessel Etna, at F rontera, in Texas, reported adversely thereon. He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred the memorial of Edmund F. Brown, anotary public and U.S. commissioner of Washington city, praying for the payment of a balance alleged to be due him for services rendered in taking depositions of witnesses in the case of the Great Falls Mannfacturin Company against the U.S., reports adversely thereon. NAVAL ACADEMY.
Mr. ANTHONY, from the ComPrintg, to whom was referred a motion to print 5,000 additional copies of the message of the POTUS communicating the report of the Board of Vis: itors to the U.S. Naval Academy, reported it with an amendment to strike out “ 5,000” and insert “1,000.”
Skip Skip The amendment was agreed to; and the resolution, as amended, was adopted, as follows: Reanlved, That therebe printed for the useof the Senate, in addition to the usual number of copies, 1,000copiesof the essagoof the POTUS comm icating the report of the Board of Visitors of the Naval Academyfor the year 1866. BILL INTRODUCED.
Mr. TRUMBULL asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a bill (S. transmit to the Senatecopiesof the prelimina No. 373) releasing to Francis S. Lyon the interest of the U.S. in certain lands; which was read twice by its title.
Mr. TRUMBULL. This matter has been considered in committee already, and I move that the bill go on the Calendar and be printed. The motion was agreed to. COAST DEFENSE S.
Mr. GRIMES submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to: Renloed, That the SecyWar he directed to reportssubmitted to him by the mixed board of may amdNavy officerson the subjectof coastdefenses.
Skip Skip MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the HoRep, by Mr. McPasasox, its Clerk, announced that the HoRep had passed, without amendment, a Jtresolution (S.R.No. 87) to provide for the payment of bounty to certain Indian regiments. The message further announced that the HoRep had passed a bill (H.R.No. 674) to establish additional offices or the assay of gold and silvef, and for other purposes, in which it requested the concurrence of the Senate. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED. The message also announced that the Speaker of the HoRep had signed the following enrolled bill and JtResolutions; which were thereupon signed by the President pro(empore of the Senate: A bill (S.No.850) to authorize the ComrPatents to pay those employed as examiners and asst examiners the salary fixed by law for the duties performed by them; A JtResolution (H. It. No. 127) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S.; and AJtResolution (H.R.No. 143) making an appropriation for the repair of the Potomac bridge. HOMESTEADS IN son'rnnnx LAND STATES.