The Portland daily press., 1870-02-18
XLIst CONG2Ess---Second Session



WASHINGTON, Feb. 17-Mr. Wilson, from
the committee of conference on the West Point
appropria tion bill, made report, which was
adopted, that the Senate recede from it's
amendment striking out the clause for the ap-
pointment of two Senators and three Repre-.
sentatives on the board of visitors.
Mr.. Sumner, from the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, reported joint resolution authorizing
the payment Of the full salary Of Gen. Hovey
of Peru, without deducting on account of alb
sence from his post, and asked its immediate
consideration.
Mr.. Anthony, from the Naval Committee,
reported the Joint resO' ution for the relief OF
Commodore Bissell and asked for its immedi-
ate consideration. Passed.
a Bill were introduced authorizing tunnel
tube connecting New York with Brooklyn;
appropriating 100000 for the Improvement OF
for the disposition of the proceeds of the HaI-
per's Ferry property sales; Incorporating the
International Bolivian Navigating Company;
regulating the effect of a vote of thanks in
Congress on promotions in the navy.
A Joint resolution was passed to pass to the
credit Of the National Asylum for disabled sol
diers the unexpended balance OF the funds
created by the act OF Feb "a, 1864.
MIR. Fenton introduced bill declaratory OF
the tariff act of Aug. 5, 1861. 1t declares that
taat act shall not be permitted to interfere with
the existing treaty stipulations with Russia
and directing the Secretary of the Treasury to
refund in coin the amount of duties levied on
Russia hemp since the passage of the act III
excess of the rate on Manila hemp, and ap
propriates 5000, GOO for that purpose.
The Mississippi bill was taken up and Mr..
Fowler resumed his speech.
After debate Mr.. Willey's amend ment t.
repeal the conditions of the Virginia bill wa
defeated by vote of % to So; Mr.. Hamlin vot
| ing nay; Mr.. Morrils vote not recorded:
An amendment to strike out all conditions
and declare the State admitted, was defeated
| II to 80; Mr.. Morrill, of Maine voting yea.
| The bin was then passed by strict part.
vote. Adjourned.
Immediately after the reading of the .ourna
| the bill to prevent and punish polygamy II
| Utah was taken uD.
Mr.. Cullom of Illinois, chairman of the Com
mittee on Territories, advocated the bill. ii
| said that the condition of things in Utah deter
mined beyond question that it as the duty Q
Congress to do something relative to matter
there and without delay. The church throug
Brigham Young controlled the Legislature o
the Territory, aud the Legislature appointe
the Probate Judges, and therefore it becam
necessary to substitute the United States jud
ciary for the Territorial one. There was not
member of the Legislature who was NOT
prominent member of the Mormon church
No other could be elected. The leading MO-
mons who were practcing polygamy IN III
face of Federal authorities should be reDdere
ineligible to vote hold Office. They wei
criminals running at large, and were no MOI
qualified to hold office than those who wei
lately in rebellion. The Genties who wei
into the Territory to settle were SO persecute
that they could not remain, and they were al
pealing to the government for protection
their rights of personal property. This b
proposed to place the condition of things thel
on such footing as to offer inducements
: emigrants. He read letter from gentlems