The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-01-21
XLth CONGRESS-Third Session.
SENATE.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 2O.-The President laid
before the Senate a remonstrance against the
proposed amendment to the Bankrupt law
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Mr.. Robertson introduced bill to extend
the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims to the
claims of loyal citizens against the United
States for destruction of their property by the
army engaged in the suppression of the late
rebellion. Referred to the Committee on Ju-
dietary.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to provide for
a reduction of the military forces OF the Unit
ed States and for other purposes, which was
referred to the Committee on Military Affairs
Mr.. Wilson now introduced a bill which had
the same reference, to reOrganiZe the general
officers of the army. 1t retains the General at
the same pay, provides for Lieut.. Generals at
reduced pay, abolishes the grade of Brigadier,
except given to chiefs of stats, of staff de-
partments and the chief of staff of the Gen.
eral of the Army and provides that in time of
war brigades shall be commanded by Colonies
selected for merit.
Messrs. Pomeroy, Anthony and others pre-
sented petitions for woman suffrage. Were
appropriately referred.
A long debate ensued as to the order of bust
ness. AT length the Senate by &c to 25 decid.
ed to consider the Air Line Railroad bill.
Mr.. Whyte of Maryland, took the floor
against it.
Mr.. Pomeroy moved an Executive session.
Messrs. Sumner and Sherman opposed the
motion.
The yeas and nays were ordered and the mo-
ton carried, so the Senate, at o'clock, went
into Executive session.
Adjourned.
Mr.. Farnsworth reported bill to restrict
and regulate the banking privilege and relat-
ing to cor tracts for the payment of com. Re-
ferred to Committee on Ways and Means
On motion of Mr.. Washburn of ILL.,, the Sec
Rotary of the Treasury was directed to COM
municate all facts. estimates, &C.. connected
with the building of the Marine Hospital at
Chicago.
Mr. Schenck introduced bill to strengthen
the public credit, relating to contracts for pay
ment OF coin. Referred to Committee on Ways
and Means. The bill reads as follows:
Be it enacted, Sc, That in order to remove
any doubt as to the purpose of Government to
discharge all just obligations to the public
creditors, and to settle conflicting questions
and interpretations of laws by virtue of which
such obligations bave been contracted. it is
hereby provided and dec AIRED that the faith of
the United States is solemny pledged to the
payment IN coin, or its equivalent, of all the
interest bearing obligations of the United
States, except in cases where the law author
iz'Dg the issues of any such obligations has ex
pressly provided that the same may be paid iD
lawful money. or other currency than gold or
silver: Provided. however, that before any OF
said interest bearing obligations, not already
due, Shall mature or be pa before maturity,
the obligations not bearing interest known as
United States notes, shall be made convertible
into COIN at the option OF the holder.
SECT. 2. And be it further enacted, That any
contract hereafter made specifically payable in
coin, and the consideration OF which may be a
loan OF coin. or sale of property, or the rem.
dering OF labor or service of any kind, the price
Of which are carried into the contract, m ~
have been adjusted on the basis of coin value
thereof at the time of such sale, or of the rem
dering of such ser nee or labor, shall be legal
and valid, and may be enforced according to
its terms, and on the trial of a suit brought for
the enforcement of any such contract, proof of
the real consideration may be given.
Mr.. Farnsworth, Chairman of the Post Office
Committee, reported a bill to restrict and regu-
late the ranking privilege.
Mr.. Julian offered resolution instructing
the Committee on Banking and Currency to
inquire into the expediency of providing by
law that the existing contracts, and those that
may hereafter be made, be adjusted and paid
in god on basis of the relative value of gold
and United States notes.
Mr.. Farnsworth, from the Reconstruction
Committee, reported bill for the removal Of
disabilities from a large number of persons in
the Southern States. The bill was passed by
the requisite two thirds vote
The business of the morning hour then at
2I5, commenced, being the call of committees
for reports. A large number of bills for pen
sions were reported from the Committees on
Revolutionary and Invalid Pensions, and vari.
ously disposed of.
Mr.. Garfield offered resolution for a select
committee of seven to inquire and report as to
what legislation is necessary to provide for
the 9th census. Adopted
The House, at quarter past three, resumed
consideration of the Senate bill granting land
and right Of way to the Denver Pacific Rail-
road and Telegraph Co.
Mr.. Logan offered substitute for the bill
proposing to authorize the Company to connect
Its road with the U. P. Railroad at or neal
Cheyenne, to issue coupon bonds to the exten
OF J." dollars per mile, to be guaranteed by
the United States.
Mr.. Covode addressed the House in advocacy
and EXPLANATION of the bill.
Mr.. Kelly followed on the same side, and
MT van Trump in opposition to the bill.