The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-05-03
xxx CONGRESSES Session.
WASHINGTON, May 2.

WASHINGTON, May 2.
SENATE.
MIR. Clark, from the Judiciary Committee
reported the House bill in relation to cour1
claim, with favorable recommendation.
MI. Sherman introduced bill to reduce the
rate OF interest on the national debt and fol
lundlng the same, which was referred to the
Committee on Finance.
IL provides for funding the debt in thirty
year bonds at 5 per cent. interest; the bonds
10 DC registered or coupon, as the Secretary OF
tne treasury may prescribe, payable principal
and interest, in coin.
FRIDAY next was set apart for the considera-
tlon OF bills from the Committee ON Claims.
| Mr. Williams offered ON amendment TO the
olli reported by the Reconstruction Commit
tee 1t provides that States shall be admitted
altef March 4, 1861, with the exception of Ten
nessee and Arkansas, which shall be admitted
Immediately on the ratification of the propos-
ed amendment.
Mr. Dixon offered an amendment for the
Proposltion OF the Reconstruction Committee.
II declase that when any one of tie late rebel
nous States shall present ITSELF not only in an
attitude of loyalty, but represented by men
| capable of submitting to constitutional tests,
| It shall be admitted to the right of representa-
| tion.
Mr. Fessenden, from the Committee of fif-
teen, spoke at some length against the amend
ment, and in the course of his remarks said
the propositions in that committee led to con-
siderable difference of opinion. These differ
ences had to be reconciled. He did not sup
pose the scheme as presented would be exactly
suited 10 large number, but the question was
not one OF personal opinion. He thought that
tne committee, composed as it was, of gentle
men VINO We're eminently fit for the position.
after months and months of delberation and
care and reflection with vollminous testimony
before them, might be supposed to express as
nuch wisdom as any individual who writes for
the newspapers.
"A long debate ensued participated in by
MessrS Dixon, Fessenden, Sumner and Grimes,
during which the latter said he supposed the
report OF the Cabinet proceedings published
TINS morning was proposition put forth from
the White House in opposition to the report
Of the Committee of fifteen. l#
NO question being before the Senate the
Post Office Appropriation bill was taken up as
unnn1shed business, the pending question be-
ing on Mr.. Trumbulls amendment.
After some remarks by Messrs. Howe and
Gutnrle the amendment was adopted 10 against
Mr. Wade offered an amendment that the
government advertising in Washington be
done IN the paper having the largest circula-
ton. Adopted. -
The bill then passed.
The Niagara Ship Canal bill from the House
was referred to the Committee on Commerce
IS The Army Appropriation bill was then TAX
en- up.
Mr.. Wilson offered an amendment appropri-
ating S146,0 for fire proof building in the
Schuylkill Arsenal, Pennsylvania, for a Gov
ernment storehouse. Adopted.
The Senate then went into Executive Ses
sion. Adjourned. wv
HOUSE.
Mr.. blaine asked leave to offer the follow
ing:
Resoloed, That the President be respectfully
requested, if not incompatible with public in
terest, to communicate to this House at the
earliest practicable day, any authentic infor
nation that may have come into his possession
In regard to the reported barbarous lombard
ment OF Valparaiso by the Spanish fleet, on
tne 5lst OF March; also to inform the House
Wnat instructions had been given by the NAVY
department to the officer commanding the
American fleet in those waters
Mr.. Boutwell, objected, SO the resolution was
not received. -
Mr.. Coffroth offered resolution which was
adopted, 1nstructmg the Committee on PEN
sions to report measure granting pensions to
all surviving soldiers end sailors Of the war of
1912. - "
= Mr.. Chandler, from the same Committee re-
ported a joint resolution authorizing the Sec
reeary OF the Interior to appoint three Com
missloners to examine and report on the pat
ented machines, machinery and inventions
that may be exhibited at the Paris exhibition
OF 1867, with power to employ the necessary
craftsmen and photographers, the expenses
not to exceed $4,000. After considerable de-
bate the resolution was tabled.
The House tabled the bill for the extension
OF the patent of Philos B. Tyler, for improve
ment in cotton presses
MIR. Elliot. from the Conference Committee
on the Cuba Telegraph bill, presented re-
port
Ihe Senate agrees to the first amendment
OF the House, giving the Government of the
United States the free use of the line at all
times instead OF only during the time of war:
and second amendment of the House, limiting
the toll per message to $3.50. with an amend.
ment adding these words: "Subiect, however
TO the power OF Congress; to alter and deter
mine said rates."
The report was agreed to.
Mr. Washburne, from the Reconstruction
Committee, presented the testimony taken in
regard to the States of Florida. Louisiana and
Texas. Laid on the table and ordered to be
printed. ~ W
Inc House renewed the consideration of the
States. 'oN
After going through all the sections, the
question was taken on the passage of the bill
ana 1t was rejected, yeas 35, nays SO.
MI. wright moved to reconsider the vote
ana to Lay the motion on the table. Adjourn
ed.
Gr0n