The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-04-08
XLth 00NGREss-second Session.

The Chair presented memorial from the
legislature OF Montana, praying for grant of
land for educational and agricultural purpo-
ses. Referred to the committee ON public
lands
Mr.. johnson presented a petition from two
or three thousand colored citizens of South
Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, asking Gov
eminent to aid them in immigrating to Libe-
ria. He said some four thousand more had au-
thoIized the use of their signatures, and that
the petition set forth they could not obtain
employment, aud could not hope to overcome
the social inequality, inseparable for their con-
ditlon in the south, and that they therefore de-
sired TO go to a republic of their own race fair
ly established and promising great prosperity,
and all the advantages of civiliz aticn IN suit
able climate. Referred to the committee on
finance.
Tomorrow, after one o'clock, was set apart
committee on claims.
Mr.. Harlan called up the bill supplementary
to the act to establish Office of register of deeds
in the District of Columbia.
The Committee on the District of Columbia
reported a substitute, authorizing the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the District
to appoint suitable person to act as such
when vacancy occurs, who shall receive the
fees until successor shall be appointed ac-
cording to lew.
On objection of Mr.. EdmUnds it went over.
Mr. Trumbull from the Judiciary Commit
tee, offered an amendment to the legislative,
executive and judicial appropriation BILL Re :
1erred to the committee on appropriations.
Mr. Ran sey offered resolution instructing
the committee on pensions to bring in q bill
to so amend the pension laws that the mar
riage of deceased soldiers widow shall no
longer work forfeiture OF her pension
Adopted
Mr.. Morrill,, of Maine, from the Committee
on Appropriations, reported with amendments
the bill making an appropriation for the con-
tingent expenses of the Senate amounting to
$4,000, including $4,000 for the expenses of
the impeachment trial.
Mr.. Harlan called up the bill in relation to
the charter of the city of Washington.
Mr.. Sumner offered section making it the
duty of the Board of Aldermen and Council
men to meet in Joint convention the first of
the month following its passage, and select by
ballot all officers now appointed by the Mayor
who are to hold Office for one year.
Mr.. johnson inquired the object of the
amendment.
Mr.. Sumner replied by reading the resolu-
ton adopted by the Common Council He
said that it was well known that the action OF
the Mayor was hostile to the colored men. He
hoped to have the support of the Senator from
Maryland.
Mr.. johnson opposed giving colored mel
offices for which they were incompetent.
Mr.. Davis would vote for no proposition tC
place negroes over white men.
After further discussion the proviso to ALLOW
the convention TO abolish certain offices anC
decrease salaries was stricken out, several hav
ing condemned it as authorizing the exercise
of legislative functions by the convention.
Mr.. Buckaew moved to strike out the au
thorty of the Common Council and Mayor
and to choose Treasurer on joint ballot
Lost.
Mr.. Summers amendment was agreed to-!
t,16.
Mr.. Sherman offered an amendment allow
ing the Common Council to provide for the
grading, Sc, of streets by assess ment on tn
adjacent property. Rejected.
After debate the bill passed-36 to 9.
On motion of Mr.. Trumbull the bill to re
move political disabilities from r I. Butler, G
Tennessee, was recommitted to the Judiciar
Committee.
Mr. Morrill,, of Maine. called up the navy az
preparation bill, and the debate on the propric
~ of a reduction of the navy was continued.
- Mr.. Conkline's amendment to reduce tn
number of seamen TO 1900 was finally rejecte
The Senate went into executive session 8
435 and soon after adjourned.