Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Story
February 9, 1874
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
A debate arises in the U.S. House of Representatives over its power to request an irrigation paper by Minister George P. Marsh from the independent Commissioner of Agriculture, who refuses, prompting a new resolution to assert authority.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE GAZETTE.
MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 9
A Curious question has arisen as to the power of the House of Representatives to direct the Commissioner of Agriculture to furnish it with information. A paper on irrigation, prepared by George P. Marsh, our Minister to Italy, in the possession of the Commissioner, was called for by the House a few days ago, but the member who offered the resolution supposed that the Agricultural Department was a bureau of the Department of the Interior and the resolution directed the Secretary of the Interior to furnish a copy of the document. Secretary Delano replied that he had no control over the document, and Commissioner Watts, to whom Secretary Delano had sent the resolution, informed the House, in a letter read Saturday, that he declined to send Minister Marsh's paper, because he wanted to use it in his next report. Mr. Kasson then offered a new resolution, directing him to furnish the paper in question, but Mr. Hoar said that there was no law giving the House the power of requiring the Commissioner to furnish information that it had over the heads of the regular Cabinet Departments. The House concluded to assert the power, however, and let the Commissioner question it if he desires.
Baltimore American.
MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 9
A Curious question has arisen as to the power of the House of Representatives to direct the Commissioner of Agriculture to furnish it with information. A paper on irrigation, prepared by George P. Marsh, our Minister to Italy, in the possession of the Commissioner, was called for by the House a few days ago, but the member who offered the resolution supposed that the Agricultural Department was a bureau of the Department of the Interior and the resolution directed the Secretary of the Interior to furnish a copy of the document. Secretary Delano replied that he had no control over the document, and Commissioner Watts, to whom Secretary Delano had sent the resolution, informed the House, in a letter read Saturday, that he declined to send Minister Marsh's paper, because he wanted to use it in his next report. Mr. Kasson then offered a new resolution, directing him to furnish the paper in question, but Mr. Hoar said that there was no law giving the House the power of requiring the Commissioner to furnish information that it had over the heads of the regular Cabinet Departments. The House concluded to assert the power, however, and let the Commissioner question it if he desires.
Baltimore American.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
House Of Representatives
Commissioner Of Agriculture
Irrigation Paper
George P Marsh
Congressional Authority
What entities or persons were involved?
George P. Marsh
Commissioner Watts
Secretary Delano
Mr. Kasson
Mr. Hoar
Where did it happen?
House Of Representatives
Story Details
Key Persons
George P. Marsh
Commissioner Watts
Secretary Delano
Mr. Kasson
Mr. Hoar
Location
House Of Representatives
Event Date
Monday Evening, February 9
Story Details
The House of Representatives seeks a paper on irrigation by George P. Marsh from the Commissioner of Agriculture, but faces refusal and debate over its authority to direct the Commissioner independently of Cabinet heads.