Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-05-30
CONGREss-First Session
WEDSEsAY, MAY %, 1876.
St'N

u.
Mr. Psarce from the select committee appointed to
investigate the facts attending the assault on MT.
Sumner made report III writing. 1t states that pre-
crden,s are to be found only IN the action "t the
House of Representatives, the Senate never having
been called on to pronounce Judgment III si'hlIhf
case. Several precedents cited. and the commit
lee came to The conclusion that although the assault
violation of the privileges of the Senate, II IS NOT
within their jurisdiction, and the offence can only Do
punished by the House, of which Mr.. Brooks Is a
member. . :.
This conclusion is in strict conformity with parlla'
mentary law and the requirement OF the constitution;
and they therefore recommend TO the Senate 10 make
compajnt 10 the House, and submit resolution that
tb. report be accepted and copy thereof, with aiii
dayits accompanying the same be transmitted TO the
Unnse of REPRESENTATIVES,. The resolution was
adopted, Mr. Toombs alone voting no.
The Senate then resumed the consideration of the
hill making an appropriation for the removal OF OBJ
structions to navigation at the mouth Of the Mssis
siupi river, at the Southwest Pass and the Pass
rOutre, which had been returned by the President
with his objections.
Mr. Mason addressed the Senate at considerable
length in yndicatiVn Of the course pursued by the
President in yetoing this bill. lie examined the
question OIL constitutional grounds, and denied the
power of the government 10 make such improve
ncnts by any fair Interpretation of that instrument.
He was interrupted in the of his remarks by
Mr.. Bell of Tennessee, who dlssented from his con,
clusious and while propounting a query sustained
his views with brief argument, and made an a!lu'
sion 10 the State of South Carolina that called Mr.
Butler To his feet. This colloquy having ended, Mr..
Mason concluded his speech, and the question was
about tn be taken, when
Mr., SIitell thought it would be better TO defer ia
king vote on the bill until Tomorrow. rs ii was de-
srabe to have the expression at opinion ut luil Be-
nate ON question of SO much Importance. This
was due to the President we'll as to the Senate IL
self
Mr.. Cass had few words to say in reply to the
speech of MIR. Mason; but, the hour was iate' ne
would prefer to speak under more taVoraoie cHcuii
stances.
On motion, the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr.. Thoringtun introduced bill giving lands TO
Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas for railroads
Mr. Caruthers introduced bill cedlng the public
lands to the States in which they lie.
MIR. Greenwood introduced bill to repeal the act
establishing the Court Of Claims.
After the transaction of other business, Mr. Bennett
of New York, from the committee ot public lands, re-
ported bill making grant of land III alternate Sec
tons the State of Louisiana TO aid III the construc-
ton Of her railroads This bill grants something over
million Of vf the public lands. Ii was earnest
~ opposed by Mr.. Jones OF Tennessee" the ground
that there was no difference between taking money
directly from the public treasury and making dona
ton OF lands 10 corporations He also complained "i
the uj usce done the old soldiers and their widows
by these RI lrOad grants which had already seriously
appreciated The value of land warrants. He CON
dcInned also the p0 icy uf doubling the price upon
the alternate sections OF land reserved BY the govern
nent. This policy hal the effect Of Il tax upon the
cultvators OF the soil. Mr. Cunback, of Indiana,
usu opposed this sort of legislation unjust 10 the
poor man anxious To find hInselt q hons. lie r..
sreted that 50 many Of IN. Republican party had
sustained this unequal legislation After various pro-.
positions 10 deteat the the previous Question
WAS sustained aud the bill Passed by vote ot % 10
y. there beug only two more than quorum vi mrn-
beers present.
The House then adjourned.