The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-01-14
XLth CONGRESS- Second Session.


SENATE.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 13.-On motion of Mr..
Davis, his resolution that the Constitution be
amended SO AS to create tribunal of one MEM
Der from each State to decide constitutional
questions of jurisdiction arising between them
and the United States, was taken up and in
formally laid aside. e --a. -
Mr.. Morrill,, Of Maine, offered a resolution
instructing the Committee ON Post Offices aud
Post Roads to inquire whether the recent post
al treaties with foreign governments do not
grant privileges to citizens of such govern
mnts not granted by law to our own people;
also whether the provisions of such treaties do
not differ from or conflict with the revenue
laws as to the importation of printed matter,
and to report what action thereon is necessary.
Adopted.
Mr.. Edmunds offered the following resolu-
ton which was agreed to:
Res0lUed, That the Committee on the Judi
ciary be instructed to inquire into the expedi-
ency of providing by law or by rule OF the
Senate, or both rules and regulations, tor pro-
ceedure in trial for impeachment and for the
suspension of an officer under impeachment
pending trial, If, in the judgment of the SEN
ate the public safety shall require it, and for
the prompt enforcement OF the orders and
judgments Of the Senate in such cases.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to provide for
the gradual reduction of the army of the Unit
ed States. Referred to the Committee on Mil
itary Affairs
Mr.. Grimes introduced bill which limits
the number of men authorized to be enlisted
in the navy of the United States to $500; all
acts authorizing enlistment in the marine
corps of greater number of officers and men
than that fixed by the act of July 25 1861, are
repealed, as also the act creating the office of
Solicitor and naval Judge Advocate, approved
March z, 1860 Referred to the Committee ON
Naval Affairs.
Dir. Wilson reported back from the Commit
tee on Military Affairs, without amendment
the act declaring that no officer cashiered or
dismissed from the army by sentence of a court
martial shall be restored to the mil;tarv ser
vice without confirmation by the Senate; also
the bill authorizing the sale Of the Harper $
Ferry property, with an amendment providing
that the Secretary of War shall have power to
convey by deed, all portions of said property
which has heretofore been set apart for relig-
ious, charitable, educational and town pur'
poses.
Mr.. Howard introduced bill regulative o.
the service OF final process of suits at law, and
OF orders and DEGREES in equity of U. y. Courts
III places out of their iurisdictional limits
Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. CONFESS offered resolution of inquiry
whether Hon. Arson Burlingame has been APP
pointed by the Emperor of China to any di-
plomatic mission. adopted.
A memorial asking for an investigation into
The manner by which Senator Howard's report
was published was referred To the Printing
Committee.
A resolution was adopted asking the Secre.
eary OF tie Treasury what appropriation can
be carried to tlie surplus fund
Mr.. Anthony offered resolution for tho
publication of the Paris Commissioners re.
port. Referred.
Mr.. Sumner introduced resolution reouest
ing that the President OF the United States bt
requested to furnish any information in hi,
power in reference to the claims of American
citizens to the island at Alta Vela, in the vi
entity of st. Domingo. Adopted.
The resolution of Mr.. Davis, above referred
to, was then taken up and he took the floor
arguing that the tribunal proposed was neces
sary under our present mixed system, quotin:
from trainers of the constitution until the ex
piration OF the morning hour, when the Presi
dent announced as the special order, the bill Il
cy, @ N2sf