1885. CONGRESSION .A.L RECORD-HOUSE. 339 

there would not be anything done to-morrow in view of the fact that Baker; of John J. llurrow; of J. B. Bradberry; ofL. R. Burwell; ofZachobjection was made to the introduction of bills. I thought it likely ariah Bryant; of James Cook; of Paul C. Crafton; of J. W. Crafton; of 

that many members who had business in the Departments would have Isaac W. Coppedge; of J. C. Ferris; of G. H. Ramsey; of C. E. Robertan opportunity to-morrow to attend to such business, so as to be pre- son; of Mrs. MarthaS. Scales, widow of James H. Scales; of J. L. Trimpared to start for their homes on Monday. But as it seems that the ble; of William Erwin; ofL. K. Gillespie, heir of John C. Gillespie; and 

House may transact some business of importance on to-morrow, then I of W. W. Hutchison, administrator of Gillim J ackson ; of N. J. Heathask permission to withdraw my motion. cock; .Qf W. H. Holmes; of StephenS. Hale; of J. T. Peck; of George Tl~ere was no objection. E. Rust; of William P. Posey; of John A. Roe; of J. A. Roe; of James 

PENSIO~ TO r.rns. GID\'ERAL GRANT. E. Wood, of Gibson County, Tennessee; of James E. Wood, ofTrenton, Tenn.; ofEloe A. Harper; ofGeorge·w. Sims; of Z. C. Nolen; of 

Ur. MATSON. Mr. Speaker, the Senate to-day by unanimous con- Richard Hill, and of trustees of Humboldt Female College, in Gibson 

sent passed a bill to place the widow of General Grant upon the pen- County, Tennessee, asking compensation for property taken by the 

sion-rolls, and I am requested to ask unanimous consent of this House United States Army during the Jttte war-to the same committee. 

that that bill may be passed to-day. It is the usual bill, giving $5,ooq By Mr. GIFFORD: Memorial from the people of the proposed State 

a year to Mrs. Grnnt .during th~ remainder of h~r natural life. ';t'he of Dakota, praying for admission into the Union of States, also accom- same sum has been g1ven to WI~ows of ex-Presiden~ of the Umted . panying papers, consisting of a certified copy of the constitution of 

States heretofore, and I ask unaniiDo~ consent that It may be taken the proposed State and certified copy of the journal of the convention 

from the Speaker's table and put upon Its passage.. . which framed said constitution-to the Committee on Territories. ~e ~PEAKER .. Th~ Clerk will report the bill, after which the Bylilr. E. F. STONE: Petition of Frank Dalton, for correction of 

Chair~ ask for obJections. error in his account-to the Comrrlittee on Post--Offices and Post--Roads. 

T~e bill was read, as follows: ~ . . . By Mr. ZACH. TAYLOR: Memorial of the Tennessee State TeachBe it enacted, &o., That the ~ecretary of the ~tenor be, and he lS hereby, dt- ers' Association asking national aid to education-to the Committee on rected toplacethenameof Julia D. Grant, theWidowofthela.te UlyssesS. Grant, Ed ti ' . deceased, on the pension roll, and to pay her a. pension during her natural life at uca on. the rate of $5,000 a. year from and after the 23d day of July, A. D.1885. Also, petition of steamboatmen, asking the refunding license tax-to 

The SPEAKER. Is there objection to present consideration of the thA Committee on Claims. 

bill? By 1\Ir. TUCKER: Petition of John Kelly, of Alleghany County, 

There was no objection. _ Virginia, for ~roperty ~ken by or furnished ~o the Army of the Unit~d 

The bill was taken from the Speaker's table read three times, and States for therr use dunng the war of 1861, m Alleghany County, Vrrpassed. . ' ginia, and stated at $9,408.15-to the Committee on War Claims. 

Mr. MATSON moved to reconsider the vote by which the bill was 

passed; and also moved that.the motion to reconsider be laid on the 

table. 

The latter motion was ag~·eed to. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana. I now renew my appeal to the House, 

that we may have unanimous consent for the introduction of bills to- morrow. This will give the Clerk the whole time until after the adjournment to make up the record. And I wish to say that the. condition of my affairs at home, on account of sickness, is such that I would 

like to have an opportunity to-morrow of introducing some bills which 

I desire very much to have introduced. 

1\Ir. WARNER, of Ohio. I think the House can take up the Presidential succession bill. 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana. We can do that to-morrow or we can _do it now. · 

lli. PETERS. I would remark that it is in the knowledge of those 

who were members of the last Congress that the. introduction of bills 

then took two days. We can not get through on Monday if we begiQ. 

it then. 

The-SPEAKER. The gentleman from Indiana [Mr. BROWNE] asks 

unanimous consent that to-~orrow be set apart for the introduction of 

bills. 

Mr. WARNER, ofOhio. Not to interferewith the Presidential suc- cession bill. 

The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 

from Indiana ? 

Sc-,eral members objected. 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 

By unanimous consent, leave of absence was grailted to lli. DAVIDSON, of Alabama, until the lOth of January, 1886. 

LEAVE TO PRINT. 

By unanimous consent, leave was granted to lli. LAIRD to e:itend 

in the RECORD his remarks made during the discussion of the report on the rules. 

'1\Ir. MORRISON. I move that the House do now adjourn. 

The motion was agreed to; and accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 15 minutes p.m.) the House adjourned. 

PETITIONS, ETC. 

The following petitions and papers were laid on the Clerk's desk, 

under the rule, and referred as follows: 

By Mr. BRADY: Petitions and papers in the case of John B. Ege, 

of Petersburg, Va., for pay of printing materials and use and occupancy of building by the United States military forces during April, 

May, June, :md July, 1865, at Petersburg, Va., after he had taken 

the oath of allegiance to the United States-to the Committee on War 

Claims. 

By Mr. CLEMENTS: Memorial of Nancy Black, widow of Allen 

Black, -praying the reference of her claim to the Court of Claims under 

act of March 3, 1883-to the same committee. 

By 1\Ir. COMPTON: Petition of heir of Matilda Chase, deceased, for 

wood, &c., taken for army use near Annapolis, 1\Id., during the war of 

1861, and stated at $8; 950-ta the same committee. 

By Mr. GLASS: PetitionsofW. A. Allison; of Josiah Baker; ofJoshua 

SATURDAY, December 19, 1885. 

The House met at 12 o'clock m. Prayer by the Chaplain, .Rev. W. · 

H. MILBURN, D. D. 

The Journal of yesterday's proceedings was read and approved. 

REP AIRS IN PATL~T OFFICE. 

1\Ir. BUTTERWORTH. I ask unanimous consent to take from the 

Speaker's table the joint resolution (H. Res. 1) authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to use a portion of the contingent fund to fit up 

rooms for the Commissioner of Patents. It has been returned to the 

House with an amendment by the Senate, which is merely verbal. I 

ask concurrence in the Senate amendment. 

The amendment of the Senate was read, as follows: 

In line 5, after the word "necessary," insert the words "to fit up and ; " so that it will read: · "That the Secretary of the Interior be, and be is hereby, authorized to use so much of the contingent fund, not exceeding $600, as was appropriated by act of 

1\larcb 3, 1885, for the use of the Interior Department as may be necessary to fit up and put in proper repair the rooms in the Interior Department building which have been-assigned by the Secretary for the use of the Commissioner of 

Patents." 

The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the present consideration of 

the Senate amendment? 

There was no objection. 

The amendment of the Senate was concurred in. 

Mr. BUTTERWORTH moved to reconsider the vote by which the 

amendmentwasconcurredin; and_alsomoved that themotion to recon- sider be laid on the table. • 

The latter motion was agreed to. 

NORTH, CENTRAL, AND SOUTH AMERICAN EXPOSITION. 

TbeSPEAKER. TbeChair submitsacommunication received from 

the president of the North, Central, and South American Exposition, 

with the request that it be laid before the House. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

THE NORTH,CENTRAL,.U."D SoUTH AMERICAN EXPOSITION, · ltew Orleans, Deoembfr 15,1885. 

DEAR Sm: The board of management of the North, Central, and South Amer· 

icanExposition have desjgnated TuesdD.y, December 29, as "American Congres- sional Day," and all members of the House are respectfully invited to be present 

upon that occasion. 

The lea-ding object of the exposition is to develop more intimate commercial 

and social relations between the various nations of the three Americas, and it rs earnestly hoped that members of the House may favor us with their presence, and thereby lend the weight_ of their influence to the promotion of this impor- tant work. 

Very respectfully, 

· Hon. J. G. CARLISLE, 

Speaker of the House. 

S. B. McCONN! CO, Pres-ident. 

Mr. TOWNSHEND. M:r. Speaker, I desire to say that the exposition at which the members of the H'ouse are invited to be present is one of vast importance to the people of the United States. An opportunity will be afforded to meet with representatives from all the governments of Mexico and Central and South America. Exhibits will 

be found therefrom nearlyall those states as well as from all the States 
340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. DECEMBER 19, 

of the Union. I trust the members of the Honse will avail themselves 

of the opportunity of mingling with the people from those countries, of 

witnessing the development made in their commerce and their trade, 

and of studying the means by which we may bring about closer commercial relations between the governments on this continent .. I have been authorized by the secretary of the exposition to state to 

the House that arrangements are now being made which will afford an opportunity of securing transportation for the members of the Honse. 

I will further say it is not the intention of the managers of the exposition to seek any further aid from Congress. They have already re- ceived very liberal help from Congress. It is simply a continuation of 

the exposition of last winter. 

The communication was laid on tlte table. . 

COIDIITI:Iill ON ENROI..LED BILLS. 

The SPEAKER announced the appointment of the following as the. Committee on Enrolled Bills: :Mr. NEECE of Illinois, Mr. SNYDER of 

West Virginia, Mr. FISHER of Michigan, Mr. McREA of Arkansas, 

Mr. HOLMES of Iowa, Mr. PERKINS of Kansas, and Mr. ALLEN of 

Massachusetts. 

PRESIDENTl.AL SUCCESSION. 

Mr. FINDLAY. I ask unanimous consent to take up, and pass as it came from the Senate, the bill (S. 471) to· provide for the perform- ance of the duties of the office of President in case of the removal, death, 

resignation, or inability both of the President and Vice-President. 

The Clerk having read the title of the bill, 

, The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 

from Maryland [Mr. FINDLAY] that the Honse take up for present 

consideration this bill? 

l\1r. MORRISON. I object, for the present. . · 

Mr. PETERS. I dislike to object to the present consideration of 

that billThe SPEAKER. It h~s been objected to by the gentlem:m from 

Illinois [Mr. MORRISON]. . . · 

Mr. FINDLAY. I understood that the gentleman from Illinois has 

objected only to its immediate consideration. 

Mr. :MORRISON. Yes, sir; only until I make a report from the 

Committee on Rules. 

:Mr. FINDLAY. That was my understanding. 

SELECT COMMITTEE. I 

Mr. MORRISON. ~ present, from the Committee .)n Rulcn: t't!e report which I send to the desk, and usk its adoption. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

The following-named select committees of the House for the Forty-ninth Congress are hereby created, namely : The Committee on the Election of President and Vice-President to consist of 

thirteen members, tO which shall be referred all propositions touching the elec- tion and tenure of office of President and Vice-President, the count of the electoral votes, and the succession to t!le office of President. . The Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, to consist of thirteen mem- bers, to which shall be referred all propositions touching the civil service of the United States. The Committee O;J American Ship-Building and Ship-Owning Interests, to con- sist of thirteen members, to which shall be referrec.l all propositions relating to 

American ship-building and ship-owning interest.<;~, with authority to investigate tbf\ causes of the decline of the American foreign carrying trade. 

The Committee on the Alcoholic Liquor Traffic, to consist of eleven members, to which shall be referred all prop<>sitions touching the alcoholic liquor traffic. 

The Committee on Ventilation and Acoustics, to consist of seven members, to 

which shall be referred all propositions relating to the ventilation and acoustics 

of the Hall of the House of Representatives. 

Mr. MORRISON. Thesespecial committees, with others, existed in 

the last and some former Congresses. This proposition omits, I believe, 

three special committees of the last f'_,ongress. Unless some member 

qbjects or wants to speak upon the report, I move its i~ediate adoption. · 

The SPEAKER. The gentleman has a right to demand a. separa~ 

vote. 

Mr. SPRINGER. Let us have a division of the question. That 

does not interfere with the previous question .. · 

The SPEAKER. It does not; and it will aecomplish the purpose 

of the gentleman from Texas. 

1\rr. REAGAN:. I ask a. separate vote on the adoption of the clause 

whlch has just been read. 

ltlr. REED, of Maine. If the Honse will permit me to say a word--

The SPEAKER. Debate is not in order except by un:mimons con- sent. 

ltlr. SPRINGER. I think consent ought to be given. 

The SPEAKER. Is there objection to allowing the gentleman from 

l'riaine to make a statement? The Chair hears none. Mr. REED, of Maine. I did not catch the purport of the observations of the gentleman from Texas [Mr. REAGAN] until this moment; 

and in the absence of my colleague [Mr. DINGLEY], who has given 

very special consideration to the subject which will be committed to 

this special committee, and whose appearance upon the floor in connec- tion with this subject will be remembered by all the members of the last 

Honse, I think, in justice to him, I should say that he regards it as very 

important that this committe should be continued in order to finish the 

work which it has so well begun. I sincerely hope the Honse will not 

strike this from the list of special committees. 

The SPEAKER. The question is on ordering the previous question. 

The previous question was ordered. 

The clause of the report authorizing the appointment of a select com- mittee on American ship-building and ship-owing interests (on which 

a separate vote was demanded by Mr. REAGAN) was agreed to. 

The clause authorizing a select committee on the alcoholic liquor 

traffic (on which a separate vote was demanded by Mr. SPRINGER) was agreed to; there being-ayes 113, noes 13. 

No othm; separate vote being demanded, the question was taken on agreeing to the report of the Committee on Rules; and it was agreed to. 

Mr. MORRISON moved to reconsider the Yote by which the report was agreed to; and also moved that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table. 

The latter motion was agreed to. 

PRINTING OF DIGEST. 

Mr. REED, of Maine. I desire· to offer the following resolution: 

The Clerk read as follows: 

.Resolved, That there be printed and bound for the use of the House ~ copies of the Digest for the present session. 

Mr. REED, of Maine. I desire to say, Mr. Speaker, in explanation 

of that, that the printing of this Digest is provided for by the act of 

l\1areh 3, 1877, :md this merely fixes the number. That nnm ber until 

the last Congress was always 2,000, but upon the enlargement of the 

membership of the House the nnmber ·was increased to 2,500 copies. 

Mr. REAGAN. I do not see the neceEsity of printing so large anum- ber ofthisbook. We should , inmyjndgment, try to abridge the printing ordered by the Honse instead of enlarging it. That subject ofprintincr has come to be a serious matter. It ·is costing a giC<'l.t deal more th~n it was supposed it ever would cost. I hope we shall in the future cease to indulge in such extravagance. I moYe to amend by making 

the uur.nber 1,500 instead of2,500 copies. 

The amendment was disagreed to. 

The resolution was adopted. 

Mr. REED, of Maine moved to reconsider the vote by which tho 

resolntioll wa~ adopted; n.nd also moved that the motion to reconsider 

be Jaid on the table. 

The latter motion was agreed to. 

:Mr. REAGAN. I ask tlL.-.t the Clerk read again the clause of this PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION. 

report with reference to a select Committee on American Ship-~nild- Mr. FINDLAY. I call up Senate bill No. 471, to provide for tbeper- ing. formane(-. of the duties of the office of President in case of the removal, 

The Clerk read as follows: death, resignatiou, or inability both of the President :md Vice-Pre8iThe Committee on American Ship Building and Ship-Owning Interests, to dellt. consist of thirteen members, to which shall be referred all propositions rdating Objt:ction was made on this side of the House to the origiual offer, 

to American ship-building and ship-owning interests, with authority to ]nyes- but as I understand it that was for a. temporary purpo e. There was tigate the causes of the decline of the American foreign carrying trade. objection on the other side of the Honse, but I understand it is not to 

Mr. REAGAN. This is, I believe, one of the select committees raised be seriously pressed. If it i. , we wish to know from which side of the 

dnrinathelastCongress. The duties assigned to it belong appropriately Hone the objection corned. I ask u.nanimoll3 c:msent to pnt th~ bill 

to the0 Committee on Commerce;, and I do not see the necessity for this which 1 have indicated up:m its pass3.ge, reg:mling it as the ~n: t im: select committee. Its creation will cause some tronbleabout the refer- portant bill before the Honse. 

ence of bills and the jurisdiction over them. The river :md harbor bill The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Ma.rylanil asks to take up by 

l1:xving been taken from the Committee on Commerce, it was not neces- unanimous consent the bill which he bas indic:ttcd. Is there objection? 

sary further to abridge its jurisdiction by taking ~way the class of sub- .Mr. PETERS. Yes; I object. 

jects committed to this select committee, and I hope the Honse will Mr. RANDALL. I suggest to tbegentlem:m from 1\fn.ryland that on 

refuse to np;ree to the creati~n of this c.ommittee.. . :Monday next the motion will be in order to suspend the rules, so that 

Mr. l\10RRISOiil". I mo\e the previous qnest10n on the adoption of this bill ruay be consirlererl before the holiday recess. 

the report. . . • Mr. FINDLAY. I so unrle rstnnd; and inre8ponse tothcgentlcm:m's The SPEAKER. The Chatrdid not_nnde~tand_whether.t~e gentle- nggestion I give notice tllat I will make that motion to suspeml the man from Texas [Mr. RE~GAN] submitted a mot10n to stnke out the rules :md pass the bill on Monday next. 

clause of tbe report to which he has referred. I · · 

Mr. REAGAN. That was my intention. ' NATIONAL BANK OF WINO.Y.A. . 

1\fr. SPRINGER. Why not have a separate vote on each clause? Mr. WHITE, of Minnesota. I ask .by unanimous consent to take nr 
1885. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. 341 

for present consideration the bill (S. 126) to change the name of the 

National Bank of Winona. 

The bill was read. 

Mr. BEACH. I have no special objection to this particular bill, but 

I have a general objection to this class of legislation. In the last Congress I introduced a bill giving the Comptroller of the Currency power 

to change the names of these national banks, and I will object to all 

these special bills until that general bill has been considered and disposed of. 

PAYMENT OF El\IPLOYES. 

Mr. HILL, by unanimous consent, introduced joint resolution (H. 

Res. 2) to pay the officers ana employes of the Senate afid Honse of 

Representatives their respective salaries for the month of December, 

1885, on the 21st day of said month; which was read a first and second 

time. 

The joint resolution, which was read, provides that the Secretary of 

the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives be author~ed 

and instructed to pay-the officers and employes of the Senate and House 

of Representatives, including the Capitol police, their respective salaries 

for the month of December, 1885, on the 21st day of said month. 

The joint resolution was ordered to be engrossed and read a third 

time; and being engrossed, it was accordingly read the third time, and 

passed. 

Mr. HILL moved to reconsider the vote by which the joint resolution was passed; and also moved that the motion to reconsider be laid on the table. 

The latter motion was agreed to. 

, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. 

Mr. HAMMOND. As the House will aojourn on Monday and the 

Jist of States can not be:called in one day, ,I ask we begin the call of 

States for the introduction of bills to-day, and I hope there will be no objection. ,,-

Mr. LOWRY. I object. 

Mr. HAMMOND. ·Allow me then, as I am on the floor, to make a personal request. - I desired to avoid doing so. I am advised this . morning of serious illness in my family, and as I shall leave to-day 

for home, I ask by unanimous consent I may submit certain bills 

without waiting for the regular call. 

Mr. SPRINGER. That is all right. 

. J4r. WARNER, of Ohio. I hope the same privilege will be accorded 

to my friend from Indiana [Ur. BROWNE], .who stated last night as a reason for asking unanimous consent that he would be called home be- cause of illness in his family. 

There was no objection. 

GEORGIA WAR CLAIM. 

1\Ir. HAUMOND introduced a bill (H. R. 1) to require the payment 

in cash to the State of Georgia of $35,555.42, appropriated for said State 

by an acl to refund to the State of Georgia certain money expended by 

said State for the common defense in 1777, approved March 7, 1883; 

which was read a :first and second time. 

G. Johnson, heirs at law of E. P. Johnson, deceased; which was read a 

:first and second time, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered 

to be printed. 

. MARY S. STO~E, .ADlllNISTR.ATRIX. 

Mr. HAMMOND (by request) alsointroduceda bill (H. R. 6) for the 

relief of MaryS. Stone, administratrix; which was read a :first and second time, referred to the Committ~e on War Claims, and ordered to be 

printed. 

GEORGE T. REEVES. 

Mr. HAMMOND (by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 7) for the 

relief of George T. Reeves; which was read a first and second time, re- ferred to the Committee on War Claims, and ordered-to be printed. 

EBENEZER T. WHITE. 

Mr. HAMMOND {by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 8) for 

the relief of Ebenezer T. White: which was read a first and second 

time, referred to the Committee on War Claims, and ordered to be 

printed. 

JOHN J. HART. 

Mr. HAMMOND {by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 9) for 

the relief of John J. Hart; which was read a first and second time, re- ferred to the Committee on War Claims, and ·ordered to be printed. 

TD!OTHY D. LYNES. 

Mr. HAMMOND (by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 10) to 

appropriate money to pay the claim of Timothy D. Lynes, of Georgia, 

for tobacco seized during the war; which was read a first and second 

time, referred to the Committee on War Claims, and ordered to be 

printed. 

1\IICH.A.EL KRIES. 

~1r. HAMMOND (by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 11) for 

the relief of Michael Krics, of Fulton County, Georgia; which was read a :first and second time, referred to the Committee on War Claims, 

and ordered to be printed. 

RANDOLPH ~EYTO~. 

Ur. HAMMOND {by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 12) for 

the relief of Randolph Peyton; which was read a first and second time, 

referred to the Committee on War Claims, and ordered to be printed. 

AME:ND11E ... '\TT TO THE CONSTITUTION . 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, introduced a joint resolution (H. Res. 3) 

proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States; which was read a first and second time, referred to the Select Committee on the Election of President and Vice-PreRident, and ordered to be printed. 

CAB.AC.AS .A W .ARD. 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a joint resolution (H. 

Res. 4) referring the controversy between the United States and Venezuela in respect to the aw:lrd of Caracas of 1868, to the President; which was read a first and second time, referred to the Committee on Foreign 

Affairs, and ordered to be printed. · 

Mr. HAMMOND. I move the bill be referred to the Committee on 1\IEXIC.AN w .AR PE...~SION. 

the Judiciary. . . Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 13) granting ~he SPEAKE~. It will be referred to the Committee on War pensions to soldiers of the Mexican war, and for other purp_oses; which 

Cla:uns when appornted. . . . . was read a first and second time, referred to the Committee on Pensions, 

1\1r. HA~MOND. It went to the Ju~ciary Comnuttee before, and I and ordered to be printed. 

has been twice reported on by that committee. - MARTIN L BU~DY Mr. RANDALL. But the rule has since been changed. · .~ ~ : ... · . The SPEAKER. There is a rule which prohibits the going of any ¥r· BROW.NE, of Indiana, ~o rntroduced a bill (H. R.14~for the 

of those claims to any other than claims committees except by unani- relief of Martm L. Bundy; whlch was read a first and second tlme, re- mous consent. ' fcrred to the Committee on War Claims, and ordered to be printed. 

The bill was referred to the Committee on War Claims when ap- JOHN .A. HUNT. 

pointed, and ordered to lte printed. Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 15) granting 

REMOVAL OF PROSECUTIONS, STATE TO UNITED STATES COURTS. a pension to John A. Hunt; which was read a first and second time, 

1\Ir. HAMMOND also introduced a bill (ii. R. 2) to amend section ret erred to the Committe on Invalid Pensions, and ordered to be printed. 

643 of the Revised Statutes of the United States; which was read a NANCY J,. RIBBLE. 

first and second time, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 16) granting 

ordered to be printed. a pension to Nancy L. Ribble; which was read a first and second time, 

WAR TAXES. re1erred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions, and ordered to be 

1\fr. HAMMOND also introduced a bill (H. R. 3) to prevent the claim printed. · of the war taxes under the act of August 5, 1861, and acts amendatory PENSIOXS WAR OF 1812. 

thereof, by the United States, as set-off against States having claims 1\Ir. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R.17) increasagainst the General Government; which was read a :first and second ing the pensions of the surviving officers, sailors, and enlisted and 

'time, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be drafted men of the war of 1812; which was read a first and second time, 

printed. referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed. TAX 0~ .ALCOHOL. 

~. HAMMOND also introduced a bill (H. R. ·4) to authorize ·the 

withdrawal from distillery warehouse, without tax, of alcohol and 

other spirits to be used in manufacturing and preparing drugs, medicines, and chemicals; which was read a first and second time, referred 

to the Committee on Ways and Means, and ordered to be printed. 

ARREARS OF PE....~SIOXS. 

MI. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 18) granting 

arrears of pensions to persons pensioned by special act; which was read 

a first and second time, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and 

ordered to be printed. 

DAVID C. PAULLUS. 

NANCY JOHNSON LONSDALE AND OTHERS. lli. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 19) for the 

Mr. HAMMOND {by request) also introduced a bill (H. R. 5) for relief of David C. Paull us; which was read a first and second time, re- tJterelief of Nancy Johnson Lonsdale, Betty Erwin Brockett, and Laura ferred to the Committee on Pensions, and orderecl to be printed. 
342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE_. D ECEl\IBER 19, . 

Eru!.~T BEECHNER. . 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 20) authoriz- ing the Secretary of War to remove the charge of desertion from the 

record of Private Ernest Beechner; which was read a first and second 

time, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be 

printed. 

DAVID :M. WTh'XLE. 

:Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 21) for the 

relief of David Jltf. Winkle; which was read a first and second time, 

referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed. 

CHARJ,ES WINDER. 

:M:r. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 22) for the 

relief of Charles Winder; which was read a first and second time, re- ferred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed. 

CAPITOL AND SO TH WASHINGTO~ RAILWAY. 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 23) to authorize the Capitol, North 0 Street and South Washington Railway Company to extend its lines, and for other purposes; which was read a first 

and second time, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia and ordered to be pr~ted. 

JAl\IES MOSS. 

Mr. BROWNE, of Indiana, also introduced a bill (H. R. 24) for the 

relief of .James Moss; which was read a first and second time, referred 

to the Committee on Invalid Pensions, and ordered to be printed. 

ORDER OF llUSD.""ESS. 

M.r. GALLINGER. Important business is demanding my attention 

at home, and I ask unanimous consent t-o present a few bills at this 

time. 

M.r. LOWRY. I object. 

IMPORTAT.IOY OF GLASSWARE. 

Mr. PAYNE. Early in the week my colleague [Mr. BURLEIGH] 

oftered a resolution, the consideration of which was objected to at that 

time by the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. MORRISON]. I understand 

that that gentleman now withdraws his objection. I ask up.animous 

consent to call it up now. The SPEAKER. The resolution will be read. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Re ol1:ed, That the Secret-ary of the Treasury be, and hereby is, directed to trnnsmit to this House such information as he pos esses, including co~ies of all official documents and correspondence on file in his Department, rela.trng to the importation from Bohemia. in July last, by L. Lehman, of New York, into the port of New York of certain glassware, and to the apprnisment and reappraise- ment of the same. -

Mr. PAYNE. I desire to offer an amendment, to insert the words 

''if compatible with the public interest.'' · The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the present consideration of 

the resolution? 

Mr. COX. I object. . 

The SPEAKER. Objection being made, the resolution is not before 

the House except for reference. Ir. PAYNE. I ask that it be referred to the Committee on Ways 

andMeans. · 

The SPEAKER. The resolution will be so referred when the committee is appointed. 

PAGE AT THE CLERK'S DESK. 

1\Ir. ROGERS. I desire to call up the resolution which I offered a few days ago and which is now on the Speaker's table. 

The Clerk read the 1·esolution, as follows: 

Resolred, That the Clerk be authorized to employ Harry Blair SmiLh as a page at the Clerk's desk in the HaU, and pay him at the rate of $2 per <h'l.y, out of the contingent fund of the House, until further ordered. 

Mr. HOLUAN. I have no objection to the resolution being referred 

to the Committee on Accounts. The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Indiana (.1\Ir. HoL:llAN] ob- jects to the present consideration of the resolution. It will be referred 

to the Committee on Accounts, when appointed. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

Mr. PERKINS. I think it must be the desire of aU members that 

Congress should take its recess on Monday next. If we do that, it is 

necessary that we should have more than Monday for the introduction 

of bills, if anything like so many are introduced this session as were 

introduced at the commencement of the Forty-eighth Congress. For 

that reason I renew the request for unanimous consent that States and 

Territories be now called for the introduction of bills and resolutions. 

The SPEAKER. · The gentleman from Kansas asks unanimous con- sent that States and Territories be called to-day for bills and resolutions. 

1\I.r. BUTTERWORTH. I object. The committees have not yet 

been appointed, and you are not to gain anything by this course, except 

that it may appear in the RECORD as if some members were more vigilant th:m others. 

1\I.r. RANDALL. I suggest to the gentleman from Ohio that to allow the introduction of bills to-day will be a very great convenience 

to many members. The motive is not that they may appear in the 

RECORD, but it is to enable them to get away. 

1\Ir. PETERS. I desire to state that if the Presidential succession 

bill can be brought up and considered in this House to-day and debated as a bill of that dignity and character should be debated, I will 

withdraw my objection to its present consideration. Jltfysolereasonfor 

making the objection to-da.y was that I did not believe a bill of that 

character should be passed through this House without that consideration which it merits; and being oppo ed. to the principle of the bill, I 

felt it my duty to object to its consideration. But I do not object to its 

being taken up and debated, and if we can.fi.nish the debate upon the 

bill during the day it can then be passed. I make this statement now because I see from the temper of the House we will not be able to introduce bills to-day. · 

The SPEAKER. The Chair will state, if the bill is taken up it 

will be considered of course under the rules of the Hou e, which allow 

debate unless the previous question is ordered by the House. What 

the purpose is of the gentleman who has the bill in charge the Chair 

can not say. 

1\Ir. SPRINGER. I would like to understand how much time the 

gentleman from Kansas [lli. PETERS] would desire for debate. Perhaps he will state at what time he would be willing that the previous 

question shall be moved. If so, we can take up the bill with that understanding. 

The SPEAKER. But the gentleman who lli'l.S asked unanimous consent to take up the bill is not now present to make any arrangement 

about it, and the Chair does not know his purpose. 

Mr. WARNER, of Ohio. The House can make the arrangement. No 

doubt the gentleman from l\Iaryland [Mr. FINDLAY] will agree to any 

reasonable arrangement. 

Mr. SPRINGER. Will the gentleman from Kansas state how much 

time he desires to debate this bill? 

lli. PETERS. Why, Mr. Speaker, I am not prepared to discu the 

provisions of the bill, and I did not make the objection with the desire 

to have anything to say upon it. I do not know that any member on 

this side of the House-perhaps none on that-is ready to discuss the 

subject. But I think there are some questions involved in the bill that 

should be discussed. I . do not believe in the principle involved in the 

bill; yet, as I said, I am not prepared to go into a discussion of the bill 

to-day, and I would not like to make any arrangement as to time. 

l\1r. W .A.RNER, of Ohio. Say one or two hours. 

1\fr. LOWRY. I desire to make a parliamentary inquiry. 

The SPEAKER. The gentleman will state it. 

Mr. LOWRY. I wish to inquire whether next 1\Ionday, being the 

third Monday of the month, is not, under the rules we have adopted, a day when motions to suspend the rules will be in order ? . 

The SPEAKER. Under the rules the States and Territories will be 

called every Monday fo.r the introduction of bills, &c. ; but after that 

call, on next Monday, motions to suspend the rules will be in order. Mr. BUTTERWORTH. !fl am the only one objecting I will very 

cheerfully withdraw my objection to the call of States to-day fo.r the 

introduction of bills. 

1\Ir. RANNEY. If the gentleman withdraws it I will renew it. 

Seveiall\lE.MBERS. That is right. 

Mr. BUTTERWORTH. I knew a large nnmber of gentlemen were 

opposed to it. 

1\Ir. FINDLAY. l\Ir. Speaker, for the third time I call up the Sen- ate bill proyiding for the performance of the duties of President in 

case of the inability, death, or resignation of the President and VicePresident; and understanding this to be a time to make the motion 

and not to make a speech, and regarding the passage of this bill as much more important than any speech that can be made by any man 

on this floor, I move that we put the bill immediately on its pa..o;sage. 

I would like to understand from my friend from Kansas [Mr. PETERS] on the other side whethet he still presses his objection to the immediate consideration of the bill. · Mr. GOFF. I would like to know whether this bill is any more important now than it was at the last session of Congress when it was 

here. 

l\Ir. FThl])LAY. It is ju t as important now as it was then. 

l\Ir. GOFF. The other side of the House then opposed its consideration altogether. Now the gentleman from Maryland makes an appeal 

to the House that it is important the bill should be considered immediately. 

l\1r. FThTDLAY. .A.ll I have to say to the gentleman from ·west 

Virginia [Mr. GoFF] is, that if the House made a mistake then it is 

no reason for making a mistake now. 

l\1r. GOFF. No; the circumstances are changed now. 1\Ir. FINDLAY. Very well; I understand tb.at "circumstances do 

alter cas&:t,'' and wise men are governed by circumstances. 

The SPE.A.K.ER. Objection seems to be made to the consideration 

of the bill. . · 

Mr. REED, of Maine. There is an oppmtunity now, thanks to the 

action of the House yesterday, for the transaction of business in regular 

order; and there is no occasion for stampeding theHousewithanybill, 
1885. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- HOUSE. 343 

eTen though it be a bill which is pretty sure to meet the unanimous 

support of the entire Republican side of the House in the future as it 

has in the past. Let us have business conducted regularly and in some 

sensible way. There is no public exigency that demands such a vociferous display of patriotism as has been exhibited by gentlemen who were 

opposed to this bill last session. 

· .llfr. FINDLAY. Will the gentleman from Maine indicate what 

time the other side of the House desires for the discussion of this bill 

or what programme he would see followed with reference to it? 

Mr. REED, of Maine. It is not any part of my business to furnish 

' ' programmes' 1 for the House. [Laughter.] 

111r. FINDLAY. Well, I did not suppose it wns any part of the 

gentlemen's business; but he seemed to be taking a very eaxnest and 

acth·e part in this discus ion; and I want to say to him, in the spirit 

of perfect courtesy, that if he will indicate how much time he wishe 

for the discussion of this bill and what the object is with reference to 

its di cussion I shall not stand in the way of any such discussion. 

Mr. REED, of Uaine. I suppose the proper course would be torefer this bill, like all others, to a committee; and the moment the corumi ttee reports it I have no doubt it will receive the approval of the House. 

Mr. FIN])LAY. Then the gentleman wants the bill referred, ns I 

understand, and wants the delay incident to the reference. 

Mr. REED, of Maine. Not at alL 

Ur. FINDLAY. That is what I do not want. 

Mr. REED, of lliine. I am not seeking delay or anything of that 

sort.. So soon as the Speaker appoints the committees the bill can go 

right on. 

The SPEAKER. Objection is made to the present consideration of 

the bill. 

lr!r. MORRISON. If this bill is up for consideration--

The SPEAKER. It is not. 

Mr. MORRISON. If the lJill is before the House I move its reference to the Committee on the Judiciary. 

The SPEAKER. The bill is not before the House. It is on the 

Speaker :; table. 

Mr. SPRINGER. I believe the gentleman from Ohio [1\Ir. BUTTERWORTll] withdrew his objection to the call of Sb tes for the introduction 

of bills. 

The SPEAKER. He did; but the objection was immediately renewed by the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. RAl\""NEY] and other 

gentlemen. 

Mr. LOWRY. 

Mr. TUCKER. 

moment. 

I move, then that the Hon e do now adjourn. 

I ask the gent~emanto withdraw that motion for a 

:Mr. LOWRY. I withdraw the motion temporarily for the purpose 

ofa.llowj.ng the gentleman from V'rrginia [Mr. TucKER] to introduce a 

proposition. • · 

C. ll. MANN. 

Mr. HOLUAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to call the attention of the 

House to the fact that one ofi~ employes, who at the last session wn.s 

employed as a messenger in the press reporters' gallery, has been unintentionally placed in a position where he can receive no pay from the 

5th of March to the first Monday of the present month, and I ask for 

the reading of a proposition to the House authorizing him to be paid. 

Mr. WARNER, of Ohio. Let it go the Committee on Accounts. 

Mr. HOLMAN. It is sngge ted the matter should go to the Committee on Accounts. It is so well understood that it is hardly necessary. This gentleman was put on furlough when the Doorkeeper died, so he was not properly appointed. 

The SPEAKER. The Clerk will read the joint resolution which it 

is proposed to introduce. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Joint resolution (H. Res. 5) authorizing the payment of C. H. l\Iann, messenger to the reporters' gallery. 

Resolt,ed, &c., That the Clerk of the House be, and he is hereby, authorized to pay to C. H. l\Iann the salary provided in the act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses for the fiscal year ending June 30, 

1885, as messenger in the reporters' gallery from July 1 to D ecember 7,1885, inclu ·ive. 

Mr. REAGAN. The clerk of the Committee on Commerce, who hns 

an annual salary, r~<TUed to accept a clerkship under the President 

just at the adjournment of Congress. I had no authority to appoint 

his successor because Congress had ceased to exist, and if I bad, in my 

judgment it would have been unjust to the Government to tax it for a 

clerk for whom there was nothing to do. 

Ur. HOLlrAN. I will con ent to let the joint resolution go to the 

Committee on Accounts when appointed. 

There was no objection, and it was read a first and second time, and so referred. . 

WIDOW OF LEANDER A. ROBB. 

Mr. BINGHilf, by umnimous consent, submitted a resolution directing the payment out of the contingent fund of the House to the 

widow of Leander A. Robb, hte an employe of the House; which was referred to the Committee on Accounts. 

· DEP ARTMEKT O.F JUSTICE. 

Mr. TUCKE~ I ask by unanimous consent to submit for present 

consideration the bill which I ask to be read as well as the papers· ac- companying it. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

A. bill making an appropriation of money for the relief of the Department or Justice. 

Be it enacted, &c., That to enable the Attorney-General to employ additional clerical force in the Department of Justi-ce, and for the purchase of furniture ne<!eSS!lry for the building of that Depa.rtm.ent to facilitate the examination and preparation of French spoliation claims to be submitted to and considered by the C-ourt of C.lai.ms1 ,000, or so much thereof as may be necess ry, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated out of any money in the 'I'reasury not otherwise appropriated, to be drawn upon the war:rantoftheA.tt.orney-General. All acts and parts of acts inconsi tent herewith be, and the same n.re hereby, repealed. This net shall take effect from the passage thereof. 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, 

Washington, D. C., Decem.be1· 18,1885. 

Sm: It has bean a..aignecl to me to resist on behalf of the Government the prosecution of the "French spoliation" claims in the Court of Claims under the act approved January 20,1885; but this Department has not afforded me there- quisite :fa.cilities or assistance neces ry to the prompt and proper discharge of thatduty; norcan it do o, Iruninformedandbelieve,withou authm·ityfrom 

Congress. Petition h ve been filed in 535 cases up to thi date, and they are rapidly coming in; and with most of them accomp nying pttper ba ve also been filed. I haveeopiesofthe papers in each ca.seseparatelyj>Lck.eted, :md h:~ove been promised a press by the chief clerk in which to put them, bnt h :we no suitable place to put the pres . M~· colleague , l\Ie r . Dewees and May, engaged with oilier matter-, and my· self are all crowded into one room, and it is not infrequently need>. ry fm: some one of us to take depo it ions there for want of room elsewhere. I need not suggest to you that the pre ence of atton1ey3 and witne.'S. e- and in the midst of the loud talking incident to taking testimony is uot a n hrthle phU'e for the careful examination and consideration of legal question aud the prep· aration ofimp·ortantca es. In some of these French spoliation cases the printod record on the pu.rt of the claimants at this time aggregates twenty printed pages, each pa~ of which must be carefully read anti· considered. From the be t informn.tiou I h '"c there will be in all about 1.500 of these claims submitted to the courL The liability of this Government to pay the valid clnim upon the Go,·crn- ment of France contemplated by the n.ct referred to involves the consjdemtion or two treaties prior in point of time t.Q January 1, 1800, and four treatie since that date. · A large accumulation of papers, bearing on these subjects, is on file in the State Department, some of them in the French language. That Department gives it out that it has not su.tlicient force to do the neces- sary translating, copying, or printing. - To examine and file copie of these petitians and accompanying papers as they come iu, to examine claimants' pleadings and proof.:~, to huut up anct pi<.>k out ma.tte1-s for defense, which rna~·. and probably wiJl. require per oual rn,.~t'· 

tion.ofpupers in the State Department, to superintend the takil1g of suc:!'h testi- mony in different Slates us Rome of the cla.ima.nts de ire to h:t vc taken. to c:~..rr y 

on the necessary correspondence incident to the conduct of the uefeusa, to pre- pare a. request for finding a.nd brief for the defeu.. e in e..'\cil c:. ·e, a.nn to lll".{UC 

orally before the court qu tions of noYeltyand difficulty as they muy arise :md to "resi t all claims pre ented under this e.ct by all proper legal deft'n ·es," as rc· quired by Congress-all this, I respectfully submit, is more work than nny one man cando. I beg to suggest that whoever may have charge of the defense in these cases should have a. separate room, and should have the aiel of a.t lea tone ener~etic 

competent as istaut now, and that provision should be made for increased as- sistance as caaes accumulate and the work increases. The claimants in these casas.arc naturally anxious to have them disposed of as soon as may be, and I have sought by diligent labor to mature a line or de- fense and to submit some test cases early in the ensuing year-say by March l. 

That this may be done it is necessary, if CongrCS.!! shall give any relief at aU, that it be given before the holiday recess. I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully, B. WILSON, Assistant Altorne-:J. Hon. A. H. GARLAND, .AUomey-General. 

Mr. BOUTELLE. All through the last Congre --

Mr. DUNN. Regular order. 

Mr. BOUTELLE ( contmuing) --the Democratic side of this Houso 

professed to be investigating what they proclaimed to be the extravagance of the Department of Justice. I think this can wait until Monday next. 

Mr. TUCKER. Does the gentleman object to the consideration of 

the bill? 

The SPEAKER. The gentleman has objected to its introduction. 

:Mr. BOUTELLE. I object to its consideration, except in accordap.ce 

with the regular order of the House. 

The SPEAKER. The bill is not before the House. 

LEA YE OF ABSENCE. . 

By unanimous consent, leave of absence was grant-ed as follows: 

On motion of :Mr. HEl\fPHILL, to Mr. DIBBLE, for fiTe day~ on ac- count of sickness in his family. 

· On motion of .Mr. WHEELER, to ?~Ir. SADLER, until January 5, 1886. 

And then, on motion of .Mr. HoLMAN (at 1 o'clock and 12 minutes 

p.m.), the House adjourned. 

PETITIOXS, ETC. 

The following petitions and papers were laid on the Clerk s desk, 

under the rule, and referred as follows: 

By ltlr. BUCHANAN: Petition for the improvement of the harbor of 

Atlantic City-to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors. 

By Mr. CASWELL: Petition of Delilah Knill, for widow s pension 

-to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

By l1r. DUNN: Petition for the relief of Jean Louis LegavC-to the 

Committee on Indian Affairs. 

Also, petition of Sewell Coulson, and Porter, Hru:rison & Fishback, 

for legal services-to the Committee on Claim . 

Also, petition for relief of Leander M. nl·wk-to the same committee. 
344 ' CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE. DECEMBER 21, 

Also, memorial or' John P. Moore, ptaying reference of his claim to 

the Court of Claims under act of March 3, 1883-to the Committee on War Claims. 

Also, a petition, asking an amendment to an act making appropriations for the naval service, and for other purposes-to the Committee on. Naval Affairs. 

Also, petition for the relief of John F. Trentlen-to the Committee on Claims. 

By Air. GLASS: Petition of Nancy Tuck, of Tennessee, asking com- pensation for property taken and used by United Sta,tes Army during 

the late war-to the Committee on War Claims. 

Also, petition of John ll. Edwards for relief-to the Committee on Claims. 

Also, petitions of Jane Woodrough; of Elmirn L. Brogden, and of 

.Agnes J. Whicker, asking for pensions-to the Committee on Invalid 

Pensions. 

Also, petition of Elizabeth Roge.rS, asking compensation for _pi'Operty, 

taken and used by United States Army in the late war-to the Committee on War Claims. . Also, papersrelating to the claim of WilliamM. Henry, Company E, 

First Tennessee Cavalry-to the same COJ:illllittee. · By Mr. GOFF: Petition of James A. Demastus, for a pension-to 

the Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

Also, petition of John Nay, of West Virginia, for a pension on account of wounds received while serving as a scout-to the same com- mittee. 

By Mr. HAMMOND: Petition ofPermelia B. Wanocks; for reliefto the Committee on Claims. 

.Also, petition of F. Hiram Nichols, of Atlanta, Ga., for property 

taken by the Army of the United States in 1864-to the Committee on War Claims. -

By Mr. HOLMAN: Petition of Silas 0. Howe, surviving partner of 

W. T. Pate & Co., for relief-to the Committee on Ways and Means. 

Also, petition of Henry W. Smith, surviving partner ofT. and ;J. W. 

Guff & Co., of Aurora, Ind., for relief-to the same committee. 

By Mr. IRION: Petition of J. Madison Wells, for property seized by 

the .Army of the United States in Louisi~a, and stated at $446,578-

to the Committee on War Claims. 

AlSo, petition of the heirs of Joseph Benillotte for property taken at 

Alexandria, La:, in 1864, by the .Army and Navy of the United States, 

and stated at $153,548.25-to the same committee. 

Also, petition of Mary E. Barrow, of Louisiana, for stores and supplies taken from her at Bayou Sara, during the war of 1861, by the Army 

of the United States for army use, and stated at $58,850-to the same 

committee. 

By Ur. LOVERING: Petition of Lieut. Col. David B. Muzzey and 

GO others, survivors of the storming column or "forlorn hope," organized at Port Hudson, La., under General Order No. 49, Department of 

the Gulf, June 15, 1863, asking that the medal therein promised as recognition for their services in volunteering for the same may now be granted them by Congr~-to the Committee on Military .Affairs. 

By Mr. T. B. REED: Petition ofSophronia Witham, for a pensionto the Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

By Mr. STEELE: Petition of J. D. Spurgeon and 265 others, asking 

pension law for soldiers of the late war-to the same committee. 

By Mr. VANSCHAICK: Petition of James Shaah~m, for increase of 

·pension-to the same committee. 

Also, petition of William Gannon, for pension-to the same committee. 

Also, petition of Walter McCarty, for increase of pension-to the 

same committee. · Also, memorial of wholesale grocers of the city of Milwaukee, relative to the proposed changes in the tariff on imported sugar-to the 

Committee on Ways and Means. 

Also, petition of J. and A. Hiss, to purchase the Portage Lake Harbor-to the Committee on Commerce. 

Also, petition of Andrew Barton, praying for relief-to the Committee on Naval Affairs. 

By Mr. WORTHINGTON: Petition of the Women's Silk Culture 

Association of lllinois and the Northwest-to the Committee on Appropriations. 

Also, petition of wholesale grocers of Peoria, ill., with reference to 

ta.riff duties on sugar-to the Committee on Ways and Means. 

.Also, petition of Isaac Mann, for pension-to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

SEN .ATE. 

Mo~D.A.Y, December 21, 1~85 . . 

Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. D. HUNTLEY, D. D. 

The Journal of the proceedings of Friday last was read and approved. 

. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS. 

The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate a communication from the Secretary of State, recommending the passage of an act 

granting Joseph R.awicz, United Stat.es consul at Warsaw, Russia, permission to accept decorations from the Russian Government; which was ordered to be printed, and, with the accompanying papers, referred to 

the Committee on Foreign Relations. · 

He also laid before the Senate a communication from the Secretary 

of War, transmitting, in compliance with the river and harbor act approved July 5, 1884, reports of engineer officers as to the bridges and 

other obstructions that interfere with navigation; which, with the ac- companying papers, was, on motion of:Mr. CONGER, referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed. 

PETmONS .AND MEMORIALS. 

The· PRESIDENT pro tmnpore presented a petition of the Board of 

Trade of Cleveland, Ohio, praying the purchase by the United States of 

the Portage Lake and Lake Superior Ship-Can::tl; which was referred 

to the Committee on Commerce. 

He also presented the petition of John G. Kennedy, and others, citi- zens of Washington, D. C., praying for the adoption of certain methods to secure cheaper and superior gas for fuel, power; and light; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. 

Mr. MAXEY. I present the petition of the National Association 

of Veterans of the Mexican War, by their president, J. W. Denver, and 

theirsecretary, A.M. Kenaday, praying that a pensionmaybegranted 

to the surviving soldiers of that war and the widows of those who are deceased. I· move that the petition, with the accompanying papers, be 

referred to the Committee on Pensions, and I wish to say that this being an association of old men, highly respectable, who served their 

country well, I should be glad that the petition be printed for the use of the Senate, not in the RECORD, but as a document. · The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator ~ from Texas asks the 

unanimous consent of the Senate to print a petition with reference to 

pensioning the soldiers of the Mexican war. That order will be made 

if there be no objection. 

Mr. CONGER. I desire to s:1y that when statements on the other 

side of the Chamber are made on the presentation of papers we can not hear anything on this side. They should be read by the Chief 

Clerk, so that we may understand them. 

Mr. M.AXEY. I stated the substance of. the petition. 

The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from :b-lichigan asks 

that the matter be more clearly stated. 

Mr. CONGER. I simply say that in the noise I could not even hear 

the subject-matter of the petition. · 

Mr. MAXEY. The petition I have presented is that of the National 

Association of Veterans of the Mexican W ru·. The purpose of it is to secure a pension to the surviving soldiers of that war, and to the widows of those who are deceased. I said that the petition was that of a highly respectable body of citizens, who have served their country well 

and are old men, and I asked that it be printed, not in the RECORD, 

but for the use of the Senate as a document. It embodies a great mariy 

important facts. I will state that I do not introduce a bill to accom- pany the memorial for the reason that the Senator from Mississippi [Mr. 

GEORGE] has already presented and had referred a bill on that subject, 

but the petitioners present the form of a bill which they ask may be 

considered by the Committee on Pensions. . The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The petition will be referred to tho 

Committee on Pensions, and· the order to print will be made unless 

objection be interposed. 

Mr. JONES, of Arkansas, presented a petition on behalf of the Wichita, Caddo, and affiliated tribes oflndians,\praying for such legislation as will authorize the President of the United States to make an agreement with them in regard to certain matters of complaint that they 

have; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. 

Mr. C.ALL presented the petition of J. C. Tilson and other citizens 

of Polk County, Florida, praying the forfeiture of land granted by 

Congress to the Sta .. te of Florida for the construction of a railroad from A~elia Island to Tampa Bay, Florida, and that the settlers upon such 

lands may be allowed to enter them under the homestead or pre-emption laws; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands. 

Mr. BUTLER presented thememorialofthe grand jury ofthe west- ern district of South Carolina to the presiding j ndge of the United States 

district court, favoring the erection of a. public building in the city of 

Greenville, S. C.; which was referred to the Committee on Public 

Buildings and GrOlmds . l\Ir. LOGAN presented resolutions adopted by the 1\!illers' State Association of illinois, favoring the passage of a bill regulating interstate 

commerce; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce. 

He also presented resolutions adopted by George H. Thomas Post, 

No.5, Grand Army of the Republic, Chicago, Ill., and a petition of 

.Acker Post, No. 21, Grand Army of the Republic, SaintPanl, Minn., 

praying Congress to purchase a picture of G~eral George H. Thomas, 

painted by a member of the former post; which were referred to the 

Committee on the Library. 

Mr. BLAIR presented the petition of Philander C. White, of Concord, Mass., late a private in Company D, Fourteenth Regiment New 

Hampshire Volunteers, praying for arrears of pension; which was re- ferred to the Committee on Pensions.