The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-03-09
HOUSE.

Mr.. d1RDle ODLalneu leaVe 10 O1eE u
bill granting the right of way to ditch
public lands. 1t was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Ways and
Mr.. Elliot offered a resolution which
was adopted, directing the Secretary OF
War to Communicate to the House all
orders issued from time to time by the
Commissioner of the Freedmen's Blu
reau.
The Judiciary Committee being call
ed for, reported in the morning hour.
Mr.. Wilson from that committee, re-
ported back with an amendment, the
House bill to facilitate commercial, pos
tai and mileage communication among
the several States.
Mr.. Wilson explained that this bill,
which pissed the House, had gone
to the Senate, from which it was re-
called in order to amend it SO that il
should not be construed to allow pay
ment to land grant for services done
for the Government. The amendment
reported is in these terms
Provided, that this act shall not affect
any stipulation between the Govern
ment OF the United States and the rail
road companies for transportation
without transportation nor impair MOI
change the conditions imposed by the
terms of any act granting lands to any
such company to aid in the construction
of its road.
Al the suggestion of Mr.. Conkling
the bill went over till Tuesday next, &c
be printed in the meantime.
Mr.. Wilson also reported back the
House bill to fix the number OF Judges
of the Supreme Court of the United
States and to change certain Judicial
districts. The bill enacts that hereafter
the Supreme Court shall consist OF one
& nh ~ A0GnRfnte
Judges. ,,,y--s
MI. Wilson reported back with re-
commentator that it pass, the Senate
bill to restrict the expenses of collect
ing soldiers claims against the Gov
eminent, limiting the fees of claim
agents to $40. Some debate grew Ut
on this bill.
Mr.. Wentworth in denonncing claim
agents, gave notice to soldiers that II
they would send their papers to mem
beers of Congress they would attend tC
their business with great pleasure.
Mr.. Wilson explained that the fee Of
SO was simply a limit, and that sol
diers could drive any bargain within
that limit, This bill had been reported
for the purpose of protecting soldiers,
and if the gentleman from Illinois at
tended to all the claims of soldiers from
his district he would have very little
time TO devote to legislation.
Mr.. wentworth said he mad done SO
after the Mexican war, and expected
to do so now. He was the gratnitous
agent of every man in his district.
Mr.. Wilson reminded the gentleman
that the State of Illinois had sent more
s020IeEz toll0e H0I1hQD kARlkhSl1Lke
States had sent 10 Mexico. he had
himself, as had every other member,
Attended cbeeTfuny and without com.
pensation to the business of the soldiers
In his district, but he could not under
take to attend to his duties as a member
of Congress and at the same time attend
TO all such claims. s -.si-
Mr.. Schenck proposed to recommit
the bill, with instructions that IL bt
amended by providing for system OF
agents, to be paid by the United States
by whom the claims of soldiers for back
pay, bounties, DC, from the govern
ment might be collected free of cost To
the soldiers.
Amer debate, in which it was stated
that Ohio, Illinois, and other States had
agents here attending to the business OF
their soldiers, motion to recommit, with
instructions, was voted on by yeas anc
nays, and carried by 20 yeas to 90 nays
The House resumed the considera-