The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-02-09
THE FORTIErH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. s, 1869.
PETITIONS.

Mr.. SHERMAN, rep.) of Ohio, presented q petition
for the recognition in the constitution Of Almighty
God as the source OF all civil authority, and made
few remarks In favor OF such an amendment OF the
constitution.
Mr.. SIMMER trcpl Of Mass, presented petition oil
Captain W. A. Parker, Of the United States Navy, Tor
his restoration to the active list. Also petition OF
John Brand, OF Boston, for an extension OF his
patent for an improved towelstand and clothes
horse
Mr.. PATTERSON, trep.) Of n. H.. presented petit
for an appropriation to take observations OF the
solar eclipse to occur in August next Referred 10
the Committee on Appropriations.
BILLS ADVERSELY REPORTED UPON.
Mr.. HOWARD, (rep.) OF Mich, from the Committee
on Pacific Railroad reported adversely and asked
70 Be discharged from the ,s further consdera
granting asking for aid in the construction Of rail-
road and telegraphic lines among which were the
Central Transit Railroad from New Orleans &C.; q
bill In addition to an act granting lands to aid In
the construction Of Q railroad and telegraph line
from Lake Superior TO Puget Sound; bill to aid in
the construction OF a railroad and telegraph line
through Missouri and Arkansas to the Pacific Ocean;
Eastern division; bill 10 and IN the construction
OF q Southwestern railroad and telegraph
line to the Pacific Ocean, with connec-
construction Of a railroad and Telegraph line from
the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean; bill to aid IN
the construction OF the Arkansas and Pacific Rail-
road; petition Of Franklin Haven and others Offer
ing to construct the Northern Pacific Railroad ana
the INSTRUMENTATION OF the Union Pacific Railroad,
upon receiving the same land grants now given to
aid said company; bill 10 aid III the construction
OF the oregon branch Of the Pacific Railroad; me-
mortal OF the Legislature Of oregon In favor OF the
construction Of a railroad from Salt Lake to the
Columbia river; a memorial OF the Legislature OF
Minnesota asking for aid in the construction OF the
Northern Pacific Railroad; a memorial OF w. Cornell
Jewett, asking that all subsidies should be withheld
from the Union Pacific Railroad; memorial OF the
Legislature of Kansas asking for aid In the construc-
of the ~. JOSeDl and Denver Railroad.
UNITED STATES AND EUROPE STEAMSHIP LINE.
Mr.. WILSON, trep.) OF Mass introduced bin to
establish q line OF American steamships between
the United States and Europe which was referred
TO the Committee on Commerce.
The bill provides that for the purpose OF encour-
aging American ocean commerce all money received
by the United States from the ocean and inland
postage on foreign mail matter carried between the
United States and Europe, to an amount not exceed
ing two millions annually shall be set apart for the
period OF ten years and Its expenditure authorized
as follows:-The Postmaster General is directed to
contract with citizens OF the United States for the
transportation OF foreign mails on American steam
ships numbering not less than two nor more than
twelve In all; and fur not less than two nor more
than four departures monthly, from New York
and from two to four departures monthly from Bos-
register aud to be classed AL at American Lloyds
and by OF the marine inspectors OF three OF the
marine insurance companies OF said cities. Their
speed must equal the average speed OF steamships
% similar size and class now employed between
the United States and Europe. They are TO carry
for whom passage may be requested by the several
departments, and all mail matter offered by
the Post ONCE Department; but the United
States shall receive the hostages therefrom.
For all this the Postmaster General Is 10
pay TO the owners OF said steamships from
the fund above provided for, the sum OF
twenty thousand dollars for each round voyage to
Europe and back provided the amount derived
from hostages snail be sufficient therefor and II not
sufficient then such sum as may he derived from
said hostages shall be apportioncd rateaby for each
steamship for each round voyage, provided how
ever. that the deficiency OF any one voyage may be
made from the OF other during the
lie danger the Secretary OF the Navy may take pos
session Of any all steamships employed under the
foregoing provisions and use them In the service Of
the United states; but the owners shall be- paid
Tor any damage which they may thereby sustain.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr.. RAMSEY, (rep.) OF Minn., introduced bill TO
amend the act granting lands to the state Of Mime
Mr. MOTION, frcp.l Of Ind. introduced o bill TO
refund to the state OF Indiana interest and discount
on money borrowed TO equip, pay, supply and trans
port troops Tor the service OF the United states In
tary Affairs
Mr. MORGAN, (repJ OF N. ", introduced bill to
secure copyrights Tor paintings drawings and s'asu
JOINT RESOLUTIONS kEroRrrp AGAINST
Mr.. WILSON, from the Committee on Military Ar
fairs, reported adversely the Joint resolution IN re-
lation to the grades OF q general and lieutenant
general IN the army, and an admiral aud Vice admi-
ing portion OF the military reservation ut Fort
Leavcnworth TO and IN the construction OF railroad
aud wagon road across Missouri.
COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE.
on motion Mr.. Edmunds resolution offered by
him on saturday, In relation to the mode OF counting
the vote OF Georgia for President and Vice PRESIDENT
was taken up.
Mr. TRuMBuLL, irepl Of H., maintained that Geor.