The Portland daily press., 1868-06-05
XLth CONGRESS- Second Session.
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON, June 4.-The amendment to
the House joint resolution to supply books and
public documents to the National Asylum for
disabled volunteer soldiers was taken up, and
concurred in.
Mr.. Stevens of Penn, from the Reconstruc-
ton Committee, reported back the Senate's
amendment to the Arkansas bill, and on his
motion the amendment was non-concurred in
and committee of conference asked for
Mr.. FOrney's resignation as Secretary of the
Senate was accepted.
George G. Gorham, of California, was elect-
ed in his place.
Mr.. Buckley then announced the death of
Mr.. Buchanan, and moved the Senate adjourn
Adopted.
Mr.. Hubbard OF Conn.,, presented remon-
STRANGE OF the cigar makers of Suffield against
increase of tax on cigars.
Mr.. Julian from committee on public lands.
reported bill to relieve discharged soldiers
who settle on lands under the homestead act
from payment fee. After explanation the bill
was passed.
Mr.. Eckley, from the same committee, re-
ported bill to cede to the State of Ohio un-
surveyed and unsold lands in the Virginia
military reservation, reserving the right of
actual settlers to the extent of one hundred
and sixty acres. Passed.
Mr.. Donnelly, from the same committee re-
ported bill to protect the right of actual set
tiers on public lands by forbidding the entry
of more than three sections in any ono town
ship by means of agricultural college scrip.
Passed.
Also bill making grant of land to Mime
sofa to aid in improvement of navigation in
the Mississippi river; purpose to construct
dam and lock at Meeker's Island, between st.
Paul and st. Anthony, thirteen feet high, and
to cost about $320,000, according to plans and
estimates of Gen. Warren.
After discussion and explanation the bill
passed-57 to 45.
Mr.. Ashley (Nevada) from the same commit
tee, reported back the Senate bill to provide
for giving effect to various land grants made
to the State of Nevada. After explanation
the Dill was amended and passed.
Also Senate bill to amend the act of March
End, 1867, for relief of inhabitants of cities and
towns on public lands. After explanation the
bill passed.
Also House bill to increase the annual sala-
res OF registers and receivers of United States
land offices to $1,0C1, provided that salary and
fees do not exceed $1,000.
MIR. Scofield moved to lay the bill on the
table.
The morning hour having expired the bill
went over until the next morning hour.
The House then, at :15 went into Commit
tee of the Whole on the tax bill, Mr.. Pomeroy
in the chair
Mr.. Miller addressed the committee briefly
in support
Means Committee, also supported the bill
Mr.. Allison, another member of the Commit
tee on Ways and Means, next addressed the
committee on the other side. The latter, how
ever, favoring the reduction of tax on distilled
spirits to rs or go cents As to tobacco the
committee would not insist on the increase
proposed, but would allow the present rate to
remain. He referred to the agreement made
by that committee OF to report the tariff bill,
remarking there was no occasion for general
revision of the tariff, as the manufacturing in
terests of the country were at present in
prosperous condition. The yield of coal this
year was larger than ever before, and the man
qfacture OF pig iron never more prosperous.
In TACT none of the great manufacturing in
terests would suffer by failure to modify the
tariff
Mr. Myers asked whether the committee in
tended to insist on the ten dollar tax on cigars.
Mr.. Allison replied, the committee proposed
TO leave the taxes now at five dollars.
The general debate closed at 3 O'Clock, and the
tail.
Mr.. Blaine of Me. moved to strike ont the
hrst section, which constitutes the Internal
Revenue Department, and spoke in favor of
his proposition,
Mr.. Logan opposed the amendment, and re-
Piled to Mr.. Blaine's argument
Mr. Judd moved to amend the section by
providing that the Commissioner shall be SUBJ
lect to removal or to suspension only with the
advice and consent of the Senate.
Mr. Wood opposed the amendment, as did
Mr. Schenek
Mr.. Beck opposed the first section, arguing
that under the Constitution Congress had no
right to create department and declare who
should fill it.
Mr.. Maynard replying, cited the case of the
department of Agriculture as in point.
Mr.. Blaine took the same view and argued
that if the President Immediately after the
passage of the bill ignored Mr.. Rollins and
nominated Commissioner, it would present
avery serious question whether he had or not
a legal right to do so.
Mr. Judd replied to that objection, and ar
gued that Congress had the right to impose
additional duties upon an officer of the gov
ernment, and that was all the section propos-
ed to do.
Messrs Logan, Schenck and others also re-
piled to the objection to the section, claiming
there was nothing in it which initiated with
the Constitutional provision in regard to ap-
pointments
Mr.: Farnsworth opposed the section, when
the House took recess.
AT the evening session, Messrs. Farnsworth,
Ingersoll, Blaine and Poland opposed, and
Mr.. Schenck advocated the section.
After debate the question was taken on Mr..
Garhelds amendment-ayes At, nays 49, No
quorum.
The roll was called and 95 members an
swered. The vote was again taken-ayes 46,
nays 49. The amendment was rejected.
Mr.. Selye offered an amendment requiring
clerks to work eight hours, and that only SO
many as were needed be employed, which was
adopted.
The 9th section which gives the Commits
sioner power to appoint and remove all collec-
tors, assessors, supervisors, inspectors, &C., oc-
casioned opposition.
Mr.. Pile moved to amend by leaving the ap-
pointment of collectors and assessors with the
President, with the advice and consent of the
Senate,
The committee rose and the House ad-
journed.