Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-12-09
Congressional.
WASHINGTON. Deca

WASHINGTON, December 4.
The third session Of the Fortieth
Congress opened with rather o dull
day. Several members Of the diDIo-
matte corps were in attendance. 4
large number of prominent persons
from the north Were on the floor. and
Mrs. COlfaX was among the spectators
in the House gallery.
The coloTed member elect from
Louisiana, Mr.. Menard, a young and
intelligent looking man, occupied q
seat on the lounge in the House, and
was literally the observed OF all OBJ
servers. He expects his credentials in
a day or two, and will present his
claims to the House, though he has
no chance of getting a seat, as the
giving of 1t to him would recognize
the validity of the recent election in
Louisiana.
The Georgia case came up in both
branches, in the House on ~preseuta-
ton of Christy's credentials from the
Sixth district, and in the Senate on
presentation of Hills credentials.
Opposition TO the admission of either
was made 10y memorial from the gov
ernor of the state, and another from
the lately expelled cSlOred members
of the legislature. The question was
temporarily disposed of in the Senate
by laying on the table for examina-
ton, and in the House by sending il
TO the committee on elections.
The universal suffrage question also
| came before both branches by one bill
in the Senate from Summer, and by
one bill and three constitutional
amendments in the House on motion,
on which there "a not any action
except TO give them reference.
There was an immens grist OF
financial bills tumbled in, two OF
three being tolerably well worked out,
but most of them being made by
persons anxious to see the light of
newspaper columns. Nothing was
done or said by any of the leading
men indicative of 2 general financial
policy at this session.
Reverdy johnson got overhauled in
the House, one member wanting him
recalled Immediately. This PROPOSE
| tiou went to the foreign committee by
an almost unanimous Republican
vote. and the President was then
asked to let the House kOnw what in
structions have been given to our
minister.
The naturalization business also
put in an appearance at both ends OF
The Capitol, and four or five bills on
! the subject were referred, some being
of the most liberal character, and
others looking to restrictive measures
with foreigners.
Mr.. EIliot's bill to continue the
freedmen's bureau in Virginia, Missis-
sippi and Texas was referred. Il will
meet decided opposition from many
leading Republicans on the grounds
set forth in Towards recent letter.
One bill was put in for the repeal Of
I the tenure of Office law, and General
Butler viii introduce another tO-mOr-
row or next day. which he will
advocate as an Indispensable requisite
TO the independence and efficiency ol
Grants administration.
The number of members present in
the House was I64, ali the leading
men of both parties being in theiI
seats. Mr., Heaton of North Carolina,
who was quite i'll two days ago from
uEtGNlL5 dl Ant 1uhSSB WAS DAN1Niib "a
4 day. General Butler was cOmpli-
mented on his jaunty appearance,
and had TO take 4 number of jokes on
the fact that he dined on Saturday
evening with the Manhattan club OF
New York.
The Senate has fOTty-eight mem
bers present, Mr.. Grimes being among
them. His general health is first
/ rate, but he still suffers from weakness
in his side and arm, resulting from
his late stroke Of paralysis.
The President, in reply TO direct
inquiry this evening, said that he had
not yet completed his message. Some
portions are TO be further considered at
/ a cabinet meeting. His private secre-
tary stated that the advance copies OF
it would be delivered TO the associated
press tomorrow in time for the after
noon mail.
The supreme court mel NJ II O'Clock
| TODAY, but did 10 business, adjourn
ing at once to formally call upon the
| President according 10 custom, and
I pay their respects. The interview Is
said to have been quite pleasant.
The Senate met in caucus this after
noon Oh the subject of electing q new
| executive clerk, but adjourned till to-
morrow without debate or action.