The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-01-30
XLth O0NGRESS-Third Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29.-Mr. Sumner presen-
ted the petition OF the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society for repeal OF duty on plants
and seeds. Also petition of George B. Upton,
merchant Of Boston, demonstrating against the
treaty for the settlement ofsthe Alabama claims
as unjust to himself and other American
claimants.
Mr. Sumner said he had hesitated as to
whether he should present the memorial in
open or Secret session, but considering the sup
ject to which it relates had received such wide
publicity on both sides of the water, he had
decided to lay it before the Senate in open
session.
Mr. Sumner also presented the petition of
the National Executive Committee of colored
citizens for the passage of bill to secure the
application of the homestead law to certain
lands i'll lately rebellioUs States Tor the benefit
of colored persons. Referred to the Commit
tee or Public Lands.
The President laid before the Senate a mes
sage from the House transmitting the papers
in relation to the McGarrahau case.
Mr.. Morton moved to refer the bill for relief
of McGarrahan, with accompanying papers, to
the JUDICIARY Committee, but after discussion
withdrew his motion, and the bill aud papers
were referred to the Commute ON Private Land
Claims.
Mr. Harlan introduced bill for the relief of
the Drew Theological Seminary Referred to
the Committee on Finance
Also bill to request of its friends and with
out committing himself to its support, to aid
The Memphis & Ell Paso Pacific R. r. Compa-
nv, of Texas, in the construction of its road
from Mississippi river to the Pacific Ocean,
and to secure to the Government of the United
States the use of the same for military and
postal purposes. Referred to the Committee
on the Pacific Railroad.
The Senate then resumed the consideration
of the order of the day-the proposed Consti-
tutionai amendment.
Mr.. Dixon being entitled to the floor, made
rrr.r1 alfa inst /
Mr.. pomeroy moved to amend the Constitu-
tional amendment by striking out the words
'on account OF race, color or previous cOndi
ton OF servitude," and to insert instead, "for
any reasons not equally applicable to all citi-
GEMS" Mr. Pomeroy then addressed the Sem
ate.
Mr.. Morton, from the Senate Committee on
Representative Reform, reported with slight
amendment the joint resolution introduced
Yesterday by Mr.. Buckalew, to amend the
Constitution so as to compel the choice of Pres
idental Electors directly from the people, and
advocated it in brief speech.
Mr.. Davis then addressed the Senate, after
which Mr.. Ferry took the floor to speak npon
the Constitutional amendment, but yielded for
motion to adionrn, which was lost, and the
Senate, ON motion of Mr.. Wilson, took up the
bill to provide for the reduction of military
forces and for other purposes.
Several. amendments were reported by the
Military Committee
Mr.. Conkling moved an amendment provid
ing that the vaoant Brigadier Generalships
shall not be filled at present. Adopted
The bill then passed.
The joint resolution introduced yesterday by
MI ConkliDg, for the appointment of a com
mlttee OF hive to inquire whether any legisa
ton IS necessary in regard to taking the new
census, was passed. Adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Braman, from the Committee oh Appro.
priations, reported the Post Office Appropria-
ton bill. Referred to the Committee of the
Whole and made special order for Tuesday
next. The bill appropriates $47 $1,000 for de
fciences in the revenue OF thu Post Office de-
partment for the next fiscal year.
Mr.. Washburn of Illinois, from the Commit
tee on Appropriations, reported bill appropri
ating S54766 to pay the salaries and contIngen
expenses of the Patent Office for January AM
February, 1869. Referred to the Commute
OF the Whole,
Mr.. Morehead introduced bill to provide
for better security of life and property from
dangers OF coal oil, crude petroleum and othel
products. Referred to the Committee on Way
and Means.
Mr.. Cullom offered a resolution requesting
the President TO furnish to the House any in
formation he may have showing that the peo-
Pe OF Hayti and st. Domingo are DESTROYS that
Ineir government shall become part of the
o9,ted States. The resolution was adopted.
ine House then at half past IL proceeded t.
private business.
MI. oullan, from the Committee Public
Lanus, reported a bill to close the land system
on state. where the public lands do not exceed
five thousand acres Passed NV
The morning hour having expired, the House
resumed cohs,ueration OF the Constitutional
in its advocacy.
Mr. Shellabarger next addressed the Hopst
in support of the substitute which he offeref
the other day to the Constitutional amend
ment.
Mr. Bingham concurred entirely with hi,
colleague touching the Objectionable feature il
the measure reported by Mr. Boutwell,.
Mr.. Jones of KY. addressed the House il
opposition to the proposed Constitutions
amendment and the bill.