The Portland daily press., 1869-02-08
XLth OONGREss-Third Session.



WAsHINGToN, Feb. 6.-Mr. Ferry's bill to es-
tablish certain post roads in Connecticut came
up. The bill passed after short debate
Several memorials and petitions were pre-
Eented and referred, including one from the
New York Chamber of Commerce against the
secret sales of government bonds and gold.
A bill was offered repeating the tenure of
Office law.
Mr.. Edmunds explained the amendment
made 10 it by the Judiciary Committee, which
amendment he did not favor
Mr.. Morton favored total repeal of the bill
Messrs. Howe, Thayer and others discussed
the bill until the expiration of the morning
hour, when the constitutional amendment was
taken up.
Mr.. Davis being unwell yielded the floor to
Mr.. Doolittle. Mr.. Doolittle argued that the
general government had no power to control
the question of suffrage in the States.
Mr.. Bayard foll0Wed on the same side.
Mr.. Williams, fearing that his amendment
to insert the words natural born" before fciti-
zens," in the constitutional amendment would
be misunderstood, withdrew it.
Mr.. Howard, from the Committee on Pacific
Railroads, reported bill to aid the Northern
Pacific railroad company, the Union Pacific
railroad company eastern division) the At
lantic & Pacific railroad company, and the Or
egon bsanch company to construct their roads
by guaranteeing the interest on their bonds,
which was ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Wilson wished it to be understood that
right to make separate report.
Mr.. Morgan made minority report against
the bill becavse they thought it inexpedient
and iniudicious for the government to guaran-
tee the bonds of any railway company to any
extent tor any purpose.
Mr.. Edmunds submitted the following con-
current resolution:
Whereas, the question whether the State of
Georgia is entitled to representation in Con-
gress is now pending,
RoeoJa,od That xuIo {ha ala for
President and Vice President are counted in
case the vote of said State shall not change the
result, its vote shall be reported in the follow
ing manner by the President Of the Senate -
Were the votes presented as Of the State of
Georgia to be counted the result would be- for
President of the United States -; if not
counted, for President of the United States
-; but in either case - is elected Presi-
dent of the United States and in the same
manner for Vice President.
Mr.. Morrill,, of Vermont offered resolution
of inquiry into recent assault of one Dempsey
upon Gen. Duncan, Assistant Commissioner ol
Patents, which was laid over.
Mr.. Corbett briefly advocated his amendment
to the constitutional amendment, excluding
Cinnamon and Indians.
Mr.. Wilson submitted the following form ot
amendment: There shall be no determinations
in any State among the citizens of the United
States in the exercise of the elective franchise
in any election therein, or in the qualification
for Office in any State on account of race or
color, religious faith, education or property
Adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Julian presented memorial of conven-
tons from all parts of New England in favor
OF granting the right of suffrage to women.
Referred to the Judiciary Committee. 1t re-
cites in the preamble that all human beings
were created equal, and that women are de-
prived Of their natural equality when they are
denied the right of suffrage which is given all
men. Signed by James Freeman Clark, Sec.
retary, and Charles r. Whpple md George
H. Bibbert
Several petitions were presented and refer.
red, including one from the ship-owners o.
Searsport, Me-, praying the intervention Of
Congress to protect all engaged in naviga-
ton from illegal action by State and munich
pal corporations.
The army appropriation bill was taken up in
committee of she whole.
Mr.. Blaine, of Maine. gave notice of an
lnendment reducing the whole amount to So.
100000 -
Messrs. Blaine and Eldrdge of Wisconsin,
had discussion upon the purchase by the
Secretary of War of Ford's theatre, where
President Lincoln was assassinated.
Mr.. Robinson, of New York, suggested that
the building be turned over to the family O
President Lincoln.
The Chair here ruled the discussion out o
order.
An amendment to reduce the appropriation
for the Quarfermaster's Department from 20,
100000 to $4,000 was rejected.
-, An amendment was adopted providing tha
tne ofncer commanding post may lease an!
vacant land or buildings to civilians and turL
tne proceeds into the Treasury.
Inc appropriation of million for the Rock
.siand armory and arsenal was discussed, but
Mitnout action the committee rose and the
House adjourned.