PAY OF SOLDIERS.
The joint resolution [H. R. 17--see page 32] for increase of pay of privates and noncommissioned officers was read.
Mr. HOLCOMB offered an amendment reducing the any of officers under the rank of Major twenty-five per cent. Major and higher rank pay decreased fifty per cent.
Mr. HIGGINS made an ineffectual motion to table the amendment--yeas 34, nays 56.
Mr. BROWN was in favor of increasing the pay of the private soldier, but was at the same time in favor of decreasing the pay of Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Majors and Captains, many of whom were skulking from the field and loafing about hotels and whisky shops.-- He hoped the day was not far distant when the army would be dispensed with, but until then he would stand for justice to the private soldier.
Mr. CASON offered an amendment to the resolution to raise the pay of non-commissioned officers in proportion to that of privates.
Mr. WOLFE made an ineffectual motion to table the resolution and amendments.
On motion by Mr. HOLCOMB the resolution was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs with instructions to report on Thursday of next week.
