The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-01-22
TIE 4oru coyGREss--sD SESSION,

Mr.. Sherman, from the Financial Committee,
rcportcl bill legalizing coin contracts, and an-
propriatinr one hundred and forty millions an
nually, out Of the custom receipts, to bc applied
TO the payment Of the interest and reduction
from the principal Of the public debt in lieu Of
the Sinking Fund heretofore authorized.
A provision is made for q change of legal ten
der notes for per cent. 1910 gold bonds. Gold
Is TO be issued to the amount Of coin in tho
Treasury, for the purpose Of O per cent. securi-
ties in the City Of New York, but the amount OF
notes shall only equal the amount surrendered
for bonds.
The last section authorizes banks to issue de-
mand notes payable In coin, TO the extent OF 90
pcr cent on bonds deposited by them, regard-
less of the present limitation Of three hundred
millions.
HousE-Mr. Barnes presented bill to COM
mel National Banks to make Statements six
times year. Referred to committee on bank
ing.
Mr.. Holman offered the following resolutions'
Resolred, That in the present condition OF
the national finances, no further subsidies ought
10 be given by Congress, either In bonds or
money, to railroad or other corporations, or to
promote ncal enterprises, but the whole re-
sources Of the country ought to be applied TO
the pressing necessities Of the public service, in
such manner NJ win relieve the people from
the burdens of taxation. r
- Resolred, That the grants Of the public lands
N corporations ought TO be discontinued, and
the whole Of such lands ought to be held MS a
sound trust to secure homcsteads TO actual set
tiers, and for no other purpose whatever. lie
moved the previous question on the adoption OF
the resolution. The previous question was sec
ondel.
Mr.. winJon novel to lay the resolutions on
the table, by negative only. There were IA AZ
firmative votes.
Mr.. Schofeld demanded separate vote on the
resolutions. The first resolution was adopted,
ye 9 90 rays 81. The question was next up
ON the second resolution.
Mr.. Julian desired TO offer a substitute, that
no public lands shall be given to aid in the con-
str,icton of Railroads, except on conditions Of
actual settlement, IN quantities not greater than
l6O acres to one purchaser, and for fiIei tax
on the full price.
Mr.. Holman declined the substitute to be Of
fercd.,
Mr.. Washburn, of Ind, moved to lay the res
olution on the table, because II would interfere
with the Soldier bounty bill. The resolution
was laid on the table, yeas ITO, nays "a.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10.
sEyArE,-Thc Presidents reply to Mr. Fer
rvs resolution Of inquiry in regard to the legal
authority upon which the late proclamation was
issued, was read. n....-,
Mr.. Ferry said he regretted that tho message
made an indefinite reply to the inquiry in the
resolution. The President had confined HIM
self to Indicating authority and prcccdcnts for
the exercise Of the pardoning power, which ne
never thought of questioning, but the right oil
the executive to grant general amnesty was
quito another question, in regard to which no
light WIS given in the message.
Mr.. Thayer offered the following joint resolu-
ton rs an amendment to the constitution:
"No male citizen Of the United States. q yrs.
ofarc and upwards, shall be deprived OF the
right to vote at any election held by the people
for national, State or municipal officers, or fer
Representatives in Congress, unles, guilty OF o
crime of which he has been duly convicted by
law" .......
The resolution was laid on the table.
HousE.-The house resumed the consideration
Of the bill reported by Mr.. Ashley Of Ohio, FROM
the committee on Territories, to presume the
purity of elections in organized Territories OF
The United States. Aflcr debate the bill passed.,
81 to sc. II provides for the appointment OF
canycsscrs, In each country, two from each po-
littcal party, and makes detailed provisions for
the conduct Of elections.
Senate substitute for the House bill amenda-
tory Of the net relating to hdbeas corpus was
taken up. The substitute provides for the
transfer from State to Federal courts Of NIL suits
brought against express, railroad aud steamship
companies, for loss Of property In fransifu caus-
eli by the late war. Amer discussion the sub
stitu'c was agreol to.
The Senate bill granting lands and the right
Of way to the Denver Pacific Railroad and Tel
cyraph Companies was taken up.
Mr.. Maynard inquired whether the bill could
be considered. after the resolution passed. yes
tcrlay on the motion Of Mr.. Holman.
The Speaker said that was question Tor the
House, not for the Speaker.
Mr.. Price remarked that the House might rs
we'll on this bill a. any other, fight the battle
as TO subsidies In bonds aud money.
Amendments were offered by Mcssrs. Pr'ce,
Walker, Lawrence Of. Ohio, Julian. Logan and
Delano. aud the bill and amendment were or
dcrul to be printed. ........