The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-12-13
F0RTT-FIRsT CONGRESS.

W ARLINGTON, Dec. IL. SENATE-SeVere
memorials and petitions were presented anc
| referred.
Mr.. Chandler introduced bill relative te
commercial intercourse between the United
States and the British North American pos
sessions and the Republic of Mexico. The
bill authorizes the President to suspend AL
laws relating to trade with the provincesand
all comm unications with their ships not ln-
consistent with the treaty with England.-
Referred.
stated that he would make some remarksaon
the subject in q few days, to which time the
consideration was deferred.
Resolred, That disqualification and dis
abilities imposed upon persons lately in re-
bellion against the Government of the Unit
ed States, were dictated by imperative neces-
sites and not by spirit OF hatred or vim
dictiveness, and that as soon as such public
n necessities cease, due regard for the funda-
mental principles of our system of govern
10 ent, as well as every sound principle OF
craftsmanship demand tAe removal of those
disqusliicAtions and disabilities.
Mr.. Morton entered Joint resolution
authorizing the President to appoint three
commissioners and Secretary TO visit San
Domingo aad make o thorough examination
of every kind relating to the Island, and re-
port the result of their Investigations to
Congress-. Ordeved printed and to lie on
the table under the recent rule of the Sen.
ate.
The Senate then took up the calendar
and disposed of q number OF bills, those OBJ.
jected to being laid aside. The FIRST one Oh
the calendar was bill to abolish the frank
ing privilege, and it passed over at the
instance of Mr.. brake.
The House bill repeating the tenure of
office law was received from the house and
referred.
After executive session the Senate ad-
iournsd.
HoUsE.-J. Il. Rainey, colored mem Der
elect from the Fourth South Carolina Dis.
trict, appeared and was sworn in.
Mr.. Schenck introduced bill to establish
an ocean steamship line between the United
States and Europe, and incorporating the
American and European Steamship Com
pany, with capital stock of five millions,
which may be increased TO twenty millions.
The bill provides that the Postmaster Gen
erel shall contract with the line for carrying
the { nited States mails to Europe, and
gives the company the right to purchase at
$l.25 per acre 50 acres of public land for
every ton of iron shipping built by it under
this law.
A number of other bills were introduced
and referred.
Mr.. McCrary offered q resolution calling
for information concerning the improve,
ment of the Des Moines Rapids.-Adopted
Mr.. Butler, of Mass, from Judiciary
Committee, reported bill to repeal the
Acts of March, 1867. aud April, 1869, in
regard to the tenure of certain civil offices,
and moved the previous question.
In reply to a question, Mr.. Butler said the
act was unconstitutional, as were all tenure
of Office acts. Bill passed by vote of l57
to 25. H.
Mr.. Banks introduced joint resolution
authorizing the President TO appoint q
Commission to inquire into the expediency
of neg otiating treaty with the authorities
of St. Domingo, for the acquisition of that
island, and moved the previous question
sc to GO.
Mr.. Cox moved to lay the resolution on
the table. Lost-67 to lit.
The resolution was then referred, with
leave to -eport at any time after i've day 9
notice to the House.
Inc douse aoopteu the oncui.on'
resolution for . recess of Congress from
Thursday, Dec. 22d, to Wednesday, ,Jsnusry
4th.
After long and acrimonious discussion
over bill introduced by Mr. Logan,
abolishing the Offices of Admiral and Vice
Admiral in the navy, it was passed, under
suspension of the rules, without division.
Mr.. Kelley offered resolution for the
abolition of the internal revenue system,
except as the articles of tobacco, distilled
spirits and malt liquors. The resolution
was adopted-164 TO 6. Tne negative votes
we're Archer, Aver, Benismin, Cox,
Finkleburg, and Smith,.
Mr.. Cox offered q resolution looking to
revenue reform, and ss one of the means to
that end to the abolition of the internal
revenue system. Referred to the COMMITTEES
on Ways and Means.
Adjourned.