The New York herald., 1868-12-16

WASHINGTON. Dec. Is, 1858.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Mr.. ELIOT, (denn.) Of Mass, offered O resolution
calling the Secretary OF War for the supplement
tary reports Of Major General Wilson concerning the
Improvement OF the Mississippi river at the Des
Moines and Rock Island Rapids. Adopted.
LANDS IN AID OF A CALIFORNIA RAILWAY.
Mr.. JULIAN, (rep.) OF Ind, from the Committee on
Public Lands reported back the Senate bill granting
lands to California to aid in the construction OF
railroad and telegraph line from Vallejo to Hum
Doldt Bay. Ordered to be printed and recommitted.
RESOLUTIONS.
Mr. PRICE, (rep.) Of Iowa, offered resolution d.
rectng the Secretary OF the Interior to transmit to
the House the reports made on the Union Pacific
Railroad by the government director ana special
Mr.. sHANKs, trep.l OF Tnd;, offered resolution
directing the ne Committee on military Anars 70 IN
Soldiers Home furnished'annually by the govern
ment with two suits OF army clothing. Adopted.
resolution changing the policy In reference to
Indian tribes. Referred to the Committee Indian
Affairs.
Mr.. PERHAM, (rep) OF NO., offered resolution fn-
structng the Committee on Invalid Pensions to in
qure whether any further legislation Is necessary to
facilitate the payment OF arrears OF pensions under
the sixth section OF the act OF July H. 1863 Adopted
Mr.. PILE, (rep.) OF Me-, offered resolution in
and report what further legislation is necessary for
the security OF life and property and the promotion
OF commerce on the rivers flowing into the Gulf OF
Mr.. MUNGEN, ldcm.) Of Ohio, offered resolution
for the printing OF 5000 copies OF Niles Register"
Referred to the Committee on Printing.
Mr.. GoLLADAY, tdem.l OF KY, offered resolution
instructng the Committee on Commerce to inquire
into the propriety Of prohibiting passenger steam
INSPECTION OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
Mr.. HIGBY, (rep.) OF CAL, introduced bill to pro-
vide for the annual inspection OF Indian affairs. Re-
ferred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Mr.. WnIrrENoRK frepl OF Pa. asked leave TO ofYer
q resolution declaring vacant all civil offices In the
southern States which are filled by disqualified per-
sons and making 1t the duty OF commanders OF MILL
tary districts to oil the vacancies so created
Mr.. CHANLER, (dem.) OF n. u, objected
ENFORCING THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT.
Mr. SYpHER (rep) OF La. asked leave to offer
resolution directing the Judiciary committee 70 re.
port bill for the enforcement OF tne trd secon oi
the fourteenth article OF amendment OF the constitu-
Mr.. CHASLER objected.
IOWA MILITARY CLAIMS.
The bill reported last week from the Committee on
Military Affairs liking the amount found 10 be due
the state Of Iowa on account Oh Claims against te
Mr. GlRrIEID. Gep.l Of ohio, in the absence Of Mr.;
The bin was also supported in debate by Messrs.
Mt wAsHBuRSE (repJ Of Ill, argued that the bill
should be referred 70 the Committee on Appropra-
tions, and he moved 70 add proyiso 70 the bill,
counts have been examined and approved by the
Secretary Of the treasury"
Mr. WooD, (dem.) OF N. Y; opposed the bill until
ali or the states were placed on an equal footing In
that respect.
Mr.. CuLLox Nep.) Of Ill, opposed it on the same
grounds.
BOYER. Clarke OF Kansas, Garfield, Allison, wash
burne Of H., Mullins, Pruyn, &c.
Finally Mr.. GARFIELD moved the previous ques-
ton.
The House refused to second the previous question
by q vote Of 43 to 10.
Mr.. wooD moved to refer the bill back to the Com.
mittee on Military Affairs. with instructions 10 report
back general bill on the subject.
ar. PhtyE, tdeni.l OF NJ ~, suggested an ainchu-