Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-01-21
CONGRESSIONAL.
ProceedIngs in the senate.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.-PetitiOns iass
voring woman's suffrage were referred to
the Judiciary COMMITTEES.
A remonstrance against the proposed
amendment of the bankrupt law was also
referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to pros
vide for the reduction of the military
forces Of the United States, and for other
purposes, which was referred to the Com
mittee on Military on Affairs. 1t pros
vides for the mastering out of some Of
fcers of minor grade, for the abolition of
drills, parades and other unnecessary
work on the Sabbath, and gives privates
the benefit of the provision as to the
time of trial which now applies to officers.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill which
had the same reference to reorganizing
the general officers of the army. 1t re-
tains the General at the same pay, pros
vides for Lieutenant Generals at reduced
pay, abolishes the grade of Brigadier,
except where held by Chief of Staff De-
partments and the Chief of Staff of the
General of the army, and provides that
in time of war brigades shall be COM
manded by Colonels.
Proceedings in the House.
Mr.. Schenck introduced a bill to
strenthen the public credit and relating
to contracts for payment Of coin. Refers
red to Committee on Ways and Means.
Sec. l. Declares that the faith of the
United States is solemnly pledged to the
payment in coin or its equivalent of all
interest~besring obligations of the United
States, except in cases where the law
authorizing the issue of such obligations
has expressly provided that the same
may be paid in lawful money or other
currency than gold or silver. Provided,
however, that before any of said interests
bearing obligations not already due shall
mature or be paid before maturing, the
obligations not bearing interest, known
as United States notes, shall be made
convertible into coin at the option of the
holder.
Sec. 2. That any contract hereafter
made specifically payable in coin shall be
legal and valid and may be enforced ac-
cording to its terms, and on the trial of
suit brought for any such contract, proof
of the real consideration may be given.
Mr. Farnsworth, Chairman of the Post
office Committee, reported bill to re,
strict and regulate the ranking priv
lege as follows
Be it enacted, That it shall not be law
full for any officer Of the government,
member of Congress, or other persons
entitled by law to the ranking privilege
to exercise said privilege otherwise than
by his written autograph signature upon
matter ranked, and all letters or other
mail matter not thus franked by the |
written signatures of person entitled by
law to exercise such privilege shall be
charged with the rates Of postage which
are now or may be established by law.
Passed without division.
Mr.. Schenck said he expected his bill
to strengthen the public credit, and
would be reported by the Ways and
Means Committee in about two weeks,
when he would try to get the action of
the House upon it.
Mr.. Garfield offered resolution for q
select committee Of two to inquire and
report what legislation is necessary for
taking Of the ninth census. Adopted.