Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-05-21
CONGRESSIONAL.
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON. May 2O.-Mr Fenton pre-
scented several petitions relative to CON-
municati6a between the Atlantic and Pa
ci6c via Nicaragua, and for the recognition
Of Cuba
A long debate ensued on the order OF
business. At length a resolution looking
to q final adjournment was taken up.
Several amendments as to the time were
| offered and voted down.
After a long discussion, the Senate, by
yeas 35 to nays 81, fixed July 10 for the
final day of adjournment.
Fifteenth Amendment.
The consideration of the fifteenth amend
ment bill was resumed.
| Mr.. Stewart gave notice that in Difference
to sundry objections that he would agree to
| the striking out of the fifth section, allow
ing a candidate deprived of Office by viola
| tiyn of the rights of eolored voters, to re-
cover possession by writ of mandamus,
and giving to United States courts jurisdic-
ton in such cases.
MIR. Howard suggested the necessity of
an amendment to the 18th section to define
the duty of the military authorities when
called upon to execute the law. He thought
the authority to employ the military was
necessary for dispensing mobs or assem-
blages of men banded together to prevent
eolored men voting. He desired to know
whether, in such contingency, and where
the State authorities refused to interfere,
the Senator from Ohio, Mr.. Thurman,
would prefer to stand quietly by and allow
outrages to be committed rather than en-
ploy half dozen bayonets to dispense the
mob.
Mr.. Thurman said he would have all the
white and celored vote without hindrance,
but would never authorize the President TO
surround the polls with troops, whether
necessity existed or not. As provided by
section II, the President was to be
clothed with more than monarchial power
upon the supposition of hypothesis.
Mr. Williams opposed the bill, preferring
that of the House.
Mr.. Stewart thought it hopelessly defec-
tive.
Mr.. Casserly made long speech against
the bill
Mr.. Stewart replied, and after short ex-
ecutiTe session, the Senate took recess.
Evening Session.
Mr.. Warmers amendment to require the
payment of a forfeit of $500 for violation
of the law, to any person sueing for the
same, instead of the party aggrieved. Re-
jected without division.
Mr.. Thurman substituted an amendment
Of three sections, which had been prepared
by committee before the House, the object
of which was to preserve the purity of cleo
tons, and prevent repetition of the glar-
ing frauds committed in New York city at
the last Presidential election.
The amendment provides that any per-
son at elections for members of Congress
or Electors for President or Vice President
who shall vote and not be entitled to vote,
or who shall by any means induce or COM
pei an election officer to receive unlawful
votes, and any election officer refusing to
do any, ty imposed by this act shall be
indictabIe, and on conviction suffer a fine
not exceeding $500, or imprisonment not
exceeding three years, or both, and pay
costs also providing the same penalties
for unlawfully registering or causing the
ofany person not entitled to vote;
also providing the same penalties for an
interference with political meet |
ings called to discuss national affairs or |
claims of candidates for Federal offices.