Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-12-13
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS-.
WAsHINGToN, Dec. !.

SENATE. a resolution from the Iron Mould
ers National Union, protesting against the I'M
pOrtatlon of Coolies, was referred to the Com
mittee on judiciary, and a bill to supply the
ocean steamship lines for transportation of
mails between this country and Europe, to
Committee on Post Offices.
Mr.. Chandler introduced bill in relation
to commercial intercourse between the United
States and British North American posses
sions and Mexico, which was referred to Com
mittee on Commerce.
1t authorizes the President, whenever in his
Judgment the public interest may require to
issue proclamation in respect to provinces
or territories therein mentioned, and when
ever in his judgment such a measure is expe-
dent. to declare similar suspension of all
laws, whereby vessels of the dominion of Can
ada or any other possession in North America
is permitted to enter the waters of the United
States, saving however to such vessels such
rights as may be granted by treaty between
the United States and Great Britain.
Mr.. McCreery introduced a resolution pro-
viding for the appointment of joint Commit
tee, to inquire and report what real estate, it
any, belonged to Robert L. Lee at the time he
entered the Confederate service, and what
right he held to the land known as Arlington
Heights, and whether he had any claim there
cation and forfeiture, by reason of his partic-
ipation in the rebellion whether the Arlington
estate was not the property of, and thereto
vested, in Mrs. Lee and her children, and in
herited by her from her ancestors; also,
| whether Gen. Lee had any right thereto sub
ject to forfeiture, if the property was sold Tor
taxes. The Committee were directed TO re-
port the amount of taxes assessed upon it. the
value of the property sold, who paid and who
received the money, whether less than the
whole amount was not sufficient TO meet the
demands of the government and the legality
of the sale.
Mr.. Edmunds Directing, the resolution was
not received, one days previous notice being
necessary under the rule.
| Mr.. Morton introduced joint resolution
which was laid on the table and ordered to
| be printed, authorizing the President to APP
point three Commissioners and Il Secretary,
| the latter versed in the Spanish language, TO
proceed to San Domingo and obtain full in
formation respecting the political state and
condition of the Republic, and the desire OF
the people in regard to becoming annexed to
the United States; the physical, mental and
moral condition of the people, the character
of the soil, the debt of the government, and
the treaties and existing relations with other
powers.
ne SSHdtc tuGH NSHt tniOuSh tiic CdtCll-
dar, passing over at the instance of Mr..
Drake the bill repeating the iranking prvi-
lege, ana having referred to the Judiciary
Committee the House bill repeating the ten
ure of office act, adjourned.
HOUSE. MIR. Butler of Massachusetts, re-
ported from the Judiciary Committee bill to
repeal the acts of March I'd, 1867, and April
9th, 1869, regulating the tenure of certain
civil officers, and moved the previous question
on its passage.
Mr.. Cox of New York asked whether ii
was unconstitutional to repeal all tenure OF
office acts.
Mr.. Butler replied in the affirmative, and
was going to explain its provisions, but was
informed by the Speaker that debate was not
in order.
The bill was passed, l51 to %.
| Mr.. Banks of Massachusetts introduced a
joint resolution authorizing the President TO
appointa commission consisting of five per-
sons. to inquire into the expediency of nego-
tiating a treaty with the authorities of San
! Domingo, for acquisition of the territory OF
that government, with instructions to report
such information as a full and complete inves-
tigation of all the various points connected
with the subject may enable them to present
to the two Houses Of Congress. He moved
the previous question on its adoption