Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-04-28

of special committee of three to investigate
the truth of the allegation in the paragraph re-
ferred to. The Speaker ruled that this was not
question of privilege. Mr.. Phelps said it was
new poiat, and he asked the ruling of the
House upon it, and the House decided by a
viUa voce vote that it was not to be entertained
as question Of privilege. The Committee on
Naval Affairs reported back the bill amendatory
of the several acts relating to the Navy and
Marine Corps. The bill provides for the re-
duction of the rank and file of the Marine Corps
to the number of 800. as provided for in the
act of March 2, 1S47, but provides that none of
the commissions now held shall be vacated, but
no new appointment shall be made until the
force is reduced as contemplated. The second
section of the bill abolishes the office of third
assistant engineer in the navy, and provides for
the reduction of the engineer force until it shall
be at the number contemplate by the act OF
August 81, 1912 The bill was passed. The
House proceeded to the consideration of the
Revision of the Laws, amendatory of the bank
rupt act An amendment was made extending
the provisions of the bill to January next. The
bill was then passed, by vote Of yeas Is to
nays "A. The House then adjourned
SENATE. w Wednesday, April 22-At IL A.
M. the Chief Justice appeared and the Court
OF Impeachment was opened. The President s
counsel stated that it would be impossible for
Mr.. Stanbery to take any further part in the
proceedings of the trial. A long discussion took
place in relation to allowing those Of the man
ayers and of the President S counsel who were
not permitted to deliver arguments by the exist
ing rules of the Senate, to do so. After long
discussion, in which all sorts of propositions
were made and voted on, it was finally agreed
that all the managers and counsel for the Presi-
dent shall be allowed either to deliver oral or to
file written arguments, as they may elect. Mr..
Boutwell, then led off on the part of the prosecu-
ton. At TAP NJ, having delivered about two
thirds Of his argument, Mr.. Boutwell, gave way,
and the Court adjourned The main points OF
the whole of MIR. Boutwell, S speech will be found
elsewhere The Senate was then called to order
and Immediately afterwards adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, business
was transacted in the House yesterday. The
members attended the impeachment trial as
usual After its close they returned to the Hall,
and the House adjourned.
SENATE -Thursday, April 23-The Court
of Impeachment was opened at IL A. NJ. An
order was offered changing the time for the
meeting of the Court to IL NJ. but was rejected.
MIR. Boutwell, concluded his speech commenced
on Wednesday. He was followed by Mr. Nelson,
of the President counsel. At4P NJ, without
having concluded his remarks, Mr.. Nelson gave
way and the Court adjourned. The Senate was
then called to order The bill making appro-
priation to defray the expenses of the impeach-
ment trial and other contingent expenses was
taken up. The Senate concurred in the House
amendments and the bill as amended was pass
ed. The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House
met at IL A. NJ and the members proceeded at
once to the Senate Chamber to attend the i'm
parchment trial At 4 P. M. the members re-
turned to the Hall and the House adjourned,
SENATE Friday, April 24.-The Chief J u.s.
tice appeared at II A. M. and the Court of I'm
parchment was opened. An order was adopt
ed providing that the Court shall meet hereafter
at II M. MIR. Nelson then concluded his speech
commenced ON Thursday, after which the Court,
at 4 Is P. NJ, adjourned. A full report of MIR.
Nelson argument will be found in another
column. The Senate was then called to order,
and Immediately afterwards adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. No business
of importance was transacted in the House.
The members attended the impeachment trial
and tits close returned to the Hall The House,
| at 4 o. p M a1journed