Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-02-14

tOSGRESs- supplemented -
Office bill came up in the Senate Friday, when
the proposition to strike out the proviso au-
thorizing the Secretary of State to employ
five special agents gave rise to lengthy de-
bate. The amendment was lOst-yeas {,
navs 80. The bill was further discussed, and
finally passed-yeas 80, nays Q. The resolu-
ton to print the Presidents message relative
to the suspension of Secretary Stanton, gave
rise to discussion during which the Presl-
dents action in opposition to the Tenure oil
Office bill was severely criticised. The reso-
luton was adopted-yeas 27, rays r.
In the House, the bill restoring lands to
market along the line of the Pacific Rail
road and branches was read three times and
passed \ resolution proposing new draw
ing of seats, on the ground that at the last
drawing six States were unrepresentcd, ere
ated considerable excitement and debate, but
was finally agreed to. Mr.. Wilson, Chair
man of the Judiciary Committee, made
personal explanation, denying in the most
positive manner the reports to the effect that
had given evidence before his own Commit
tee relative to language attributed to Judge
Field, regarding the unconstitutionality OF
the Reconstruction acts. Mr.. Wilson had
been charged with duplicating Chief JUS
tee Chase and Judge Davis in the matter
but he denied any knowledge of the views OF
those gentlemen on the subject OF Recon-
struction.
The resolution providing for new drawing
of seats in the House was pushed through by
Judge Poland, and was supported by all who
like him drew back seats at the last distribu-
ton.
Judge Poland has introduced a finance bill
which is said to meet with much approval
The following are it's principal features. The
first section makes it the duty Of the Secre
tary of the Treasury to retire as soon as prac
ticable all the United States notes from cir
eulation. and authorizes him to fund th'
same in five per cent. ten-forty bonds.
The second section authorizes the issue o
circulating notes to National Banks to th'
same extent that the United States notes arr
retired until the United States notes are re
duced to one hundred millions, and require
preference to be given to States and loealitie
not already supplied with bank facilities.
The third section provides that after tn
United States notes are reduced to one hun
dred millions, circulating notes shall be is
sued to all National banking association
which comply with the existing laws an
furnish required securities.
The fourth section repeats the present lin
itation of National bank notes to three hun
dred millions
The new drawing of seatsin the Hous
took place on Tuesday. The drawing {
seats is always a time Of fun, and tn
was no exception to the rule. An efol
was made by those occupying the choiC
seats in the Hall to rescind the resolution
but it was defeated by only a few votes
Numerous funny resolutions were proposed
The Speaker was made hoarse answerin
questions, and in striving TO maintain ordC
he almost destroyed a gayel in poundin
members down. This excitement after
while became exhausted and the drawing wa
begun Mr.. Poland's was the first name cal
ed, and was greeted with laughter and hun
railing, caused by the fact that he was tn
mover Of the resolution providing for tn
change Of seats. Many changes were made
The Democrats had an easy matter Of it, q
the demand for seats on their side Of III
House was by no means in excess Of the SUI
ply, and they had many choices. About
Republicans were compelled to take seal
with the Democracy, the Republican sid
having been filled up before their names wer
called.