Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1870-05-06
xL1st coNGREss-sEcoND SESSION

During the past week, nearly all Of TIE
time in the House has been occupied in the
discussion of the new Tariff BILL The dis
cussion thus far has been principally Oh the
sections fixing the duties on iron and It's
manufactures. The duties fixed by the
Committee of WAYS and Means have been
largely reduced, and the action thus far
taken has been decidedly to the advantage
of the free traders. If the bill passes in the
present shape, it viii almost entirely des-
troy the iron interests Of the country. Our
only hope for Pennsylvania interests is that
the whole bill will be defeated and the old
rates of the present tariff remain. In the
Senate, great number Of bills, petitions
and resolutions are constantly brought up,
but they are tabled, or handed over to com
mittees to make room for something else,
after which they can't be traced any further
for some time.
The following bills were introduced in the
Senate.
By Mr. Wilson Providing for the selec-
tion Of cadets to the Military and Naval
Academies.
By Mr.. Mcdonald settlements of the
accounts between the Southern railroad cor
porations and the United States Govern
ment; also to allow school trustees in Ar
kansas to enter lands for school purposes
under the homestead law.
By Mr.. Morrill,, of Maine Relating to
the Indian reservations selected by the
Peace Commissioners.
By Mr. Ross-to authorize the settle
ment Of the claims Of Kansas for the ser
vices Of troops under the requisition of Gen
Price.
Mr.. Ames introduced bill granting lands
in aid Of the Memphis aud New Orleans
Levee Railroad Company
Mr.. Thayer introduced bill to make uni
form the pensions of widows Of naval staff
officers
Mr.. Fenton called up the bill authorizing
the appointment of an agent to inquire rela-
tive to the state of trade between the Uni
ted States and British North America,
which, after some discussion. was referred
to the Committee on Finance
Mr.. Williams gave notice that he would
offer bill relating to the refining Of gold
and silver bullion at the mint Of the United
States and branches, as an amendment to
the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Ap-
preparation bill, on the ground that it tend
ed to reduce the expenses of the Govern
ment In the coinage of money Upon his
motion the bill was taken from the calendar
and referred to the Committee on Appro-
priations
A bill to provide for better security on
board steam vessels and propellers, being
that prepared by the Treasury Department,
passed.
The House joint resolution appropriating
So, 900 to pay the expenses of the investiga-
tlon of the charges against General Howard,
passed.
A joint resolution, to regulate the effect
Of the vote of thanks of Congress upon pro-
motions in the navy, passed
The bill relative to the Circuit Courts of
the United States prohibiting any construc-
I tion or the act that would require the hold
| ing of circuit court where not required by
previously existing laws passed
4 number Of House bills pere passed IN
| cludiug the following Authorizing a sup
| ply Of arms for instruction and practice 10
certain colleges and universities; for return
of the evidence Of their honorable discharge
| to soldiers.
The House joint resolution appropriatiDg
$4,000 to pay for experiments in the ventila-
ton Of the halls of the Capitol was passed.
And in the House, Mr.. Logan, from the
Military Committee, reported adversely on
the bill permitting refined army and naval
officers to hold civil offices.
/ The bill donating condemned canon to
the Mcpherson Monument Association
passed
Various other private bills passed.
| The House refused by vote of ~ to IS
/ 70 take up the Louisiana contested case of
| Darrell against Bailey, and proceeded to the
business on the Speakers table, and dis
posed OF large number Of unimportant
bills.
The Senate bill legalizing certain locations
of agricultural scrip in Wisconsin passed.
The Senate bin granting lands to aid the
construction of railroad and telegraph from
| Portland TO Astoria and McAIinnviIie. Ore
gon, excited long debate.
Mr.. Stevenson, from the Committee on
| Elections, reported that Adolpn Bajly Is
not, and G. b. Darrall is, entitled 10 the
seat from the Third District of Louisiana
Mr.. Kerr made the minority report with
the opposite conclusions.
The bill to establish Department of JUS
| tice was considered and passed
The joint resolution appropriating 50, 00O
for a portrait of General Thomas, 10 be
| placed IN a CONSPICUOUS position In the CAM
/ tol, passed unanimously
A joint resolution appropriatiug $4,000
| for experiments in the ventilation of the hall
| OF the House, was adopted
The Senate bill to change the time of
holding United States Courts in Wisconsin.
was amended and passed
The contested election case from the Fifth
Louisiana District was considered and the
majority report that the election held No
vember 3, 1868, was illegal, was adopted.