The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-12-18
WAsHINGroN, Dec. 5, 1898.

The House of Represe natives adjourned at
early hour today in honor of the memory of Messrs
Bruyn, and Patterson late members from the State
of New York, both of whom died during the re-
cess.
Mr. FILLMORE of Buffalo, announced the death Of
Mr.. Patterson; and Mr. Gray of Mr. Bruyn, in ap-
propriate terms. The customary resolutions for
paying the last sad tribute TO the members by
wearing Grape for thirty days, were adopted.
The Speaker presented several communications
from the Executive Department, among which
the Annual Report of the Secretary OF the Treasu-
ry, finances.
Mr. Cp Of e p4sss 81 S for re-
lands 1t is in all respects the same as the Bill with
this title of the last session.
A resolution adopted vesing n the Chair
the power of appointing all the standing commit
tees excepting only the chairman OF the committee
on commerce. This reservation was made for the
purpose of enabling the Senate to place at the head
of that committee the President pro. tenn himself
They accordingly proceeded TO ballot Tor chairman
of the committee on commerce; and Mr. King Of
Alabama duly elected.
The Joint resolution from the House for the APP
| pontment of the two Chap|ains TO Congress was
| taken I'D and adopted Several reverend gentle
men are already in the field, eectioneerng for this
Office and among them two orthree political priests
Congress would consult its own dignity and admin
lister proper rebuke to these unworthy aspirants,
| by disregarding all their applications.
| The public may expect a long and animated dis
cusson OF the message, when That document
comes up for distribution to the different commit
Investigation as TO the condition of the Treasury
Department, and the manner in which it has been
conducted is great deal talked of Little, howev-
er, can be expected from such committee OF in
curry, unless it should be appointed by ballot.
I Both Houses of Congress on Thursday, adjourn
| ed over to Monday neKt-in one TO allow the com
miteCs time to make up the several subje cts refer
red to them; in the other to give time to the presi
ding officer to appoint the standing committees; and
to the members generally to prepare themselves for
the business of The session. and attend TO the bust
etpFf hair pnt: at thp
MONDAY, Dec. 10Th, 1888.
! In the Senate, Messrs Clay, Preston, Benton
Walker, Nicholas and Linn, appeared and took
their seats. The former gentleman has quite re-
covered from the effects of his late accident The
Rev. MIR Sliven, clergyman of the Methodist
persuasion, was chosen chaplain to the Senate.
The board went into executive session, and
confirmed the nomination of Benjamin F. Butler,
late attorney general, district attorney OF the
southern district Of New York, rice VIM. M
Price.
In the House, message was received from the
President, transmitting reports from the depart
ments of state and of the treasury, relating to the
Smithsonian bequest. The whole subject
ferred to select committee of nine.
The Speaker announced the standing committees
for the session. They nearly the same as al
the last session.
i Another message W as received from the execu-
tive, covering the promised special report from the
secretary Of the treasury the subject OF Swart-
wout's defalcaons. The message also contains a
recommendation of the enalment of more efficen
laws providing for the accountability OF collectors
and other revenue officers, The documents were
laid on the table till Tuesday.
The resolution heretofore offered by Mr. broom
goole of Virg mia, providing that all elections ny
the House shall hereafter be conducted vtoa ooce,
was taken up, and considerable debate onsued on
the question of its passage. 1t was opposed by
Messrs Wise of Virginia, Briggs of Massachusetts,
Piekens of South Carolina, and Sergeant of Penn
sylyania, and vocated by the 1t was fin
ally passed by vote of 126 to IS. Just before the
question was taken, Mr. Adams reminded the
House that the resolution violation OF that
provision in the constitution which declares that
the House shall voteby ballot, in elections OF Pres
ident by that body. So the members were obliged
to amend the resolution by expecting this case, "
and it was then passed. ..