The Portland daily press., 1870-12-13
LATEST n Il w S
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE
pORTLAND DAILY PRESS.
XLIst OONGRESS---Thi,d Session.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. ia resolution from
the Iron Moulders National Union protesting
against the importation Of coolies was referred
To the committee on the Judiciary, and bill to
supply the ocean steamship lines for the trans
portation of mails between this country and
Europe to the Committee on Post Offices
Mr.. Chandler introduced bill in relation to
commercial intercourse between the United
States and the British North American Pos
sessions and Mexico, which was referred to the
Committee on Commerce. 1t authorizes the
President, whenever in his judgment the pub
lie interest may require, to issue a proclama-
tlan in respect to the provinces or territories
therein mentioned, the operation of all laws
and regulations whereby the right of bonded
transportation is allowed to foreign transporta-
ton companies. The President is further au-
thorzed whenever in his Judgment such a
measure is expedient, to declare similar sus-
pension OF all laws whereby vessels of the
Domlnlon OF canada or any other possession in
North America is permitted to enter the waters
OF the United States, saving however to such
vessels such lights as may be granted by treaty
between the United States and Great Britain,
Mr.. McCreery introduced resolution pro-
vding for the appointment of Joint commit
tee to inquire and report what real estate, if
any, belonged to Robert E. Lee at the time he
entered the confederate SERVICE and by what
right he held the land known as Arlington
Heights, and whether he had any claim there
to which rendered Arlington liable to confisca-
ton and forfeiture by reason of his participa-
ton in the rebellion; whether the Arlington
estate was not the property of and thereto vest
ed in Mrs. Lee and her children and inherited
by her from her ancestors. Additional direc-
tions were given to report as to the expendi-
ture necessary to put the premises in good re-
pair, with the view of their restoration to the
owners with fair and reasonable compensa-
ton for rent by the United Sta since their
occupation by the government; as to the nee
essary means for removing any grave yards in
the land to other localities, and relating to the
character and value OF any improvements of
lands or incumberances upon it since its occu-
patton by the government; also as to amount
or personal property taken from General Lee
by government or its agents; whether any
mementoes or relics left by George Washing
ton or his family had been taken from the es-
tate and subsequently lost and the extent of
Mrs. Lees loss in this particular
Mr. Edwards Directing, the resolution was
not received, one days previous notice being
necessary under the rule.
Mr.. Schenck offered the following resolution
on which he stated he would make some re-
marks in few days, to which time its consid-
Grafton was referred:
Resoloed-That the disqualifcat;ons and dis
abilities imposed upon persons lately in rebel
lion against the government of the United
States, were dictated by imperative public ne
cessltles and not by spirit of hatred, and vim
dIctiveness, and that as soon as such public ne
cesSiCleS cease, just regard for the fundament-
al principles of our government as we'll as a
consideration of sound craftsmanship, demand
the removal of those disqualifcations and disa-
bilities.
Mr.. Mcdonald introduced bill in aid of the
Mediterranean & Oriental Steamship Co., of
New York, directing the Post master General
to employ them to carry the mails for 20 years
from New York, Norfolk and other southern
ports, to the Mediterranean and eastern ports.
MIR. Morton introduced Joint resolution,
which was laid on the table and ordered to be
printed, authorizing the President to appoint
three commissioners and a secretary, the latter
versed in the Spanish language, to proceed to
San Domingo and obtain all important or de-
sirable knowledge bearing on the annexation
of the republic to the United States; the COM
missioners to receive no pay beyond actual ex-
penses; the compensation Of the secretary to be
fixed by the Secretary of State and the Com
missioners to make a report to the President,
which will be laid before Congress.
The Senate then " ent through the calendar;
passing over, at the instance of Mr.. Drake, the
bill repeating the Thanking privilege; and hav
ing referred to the judiciary committee the
House bill repeating the tenure of office act,
adjourned.
HOUSE.
=, Joseph III. Rainey, colored member from
0outh Carolina, took the oath Of office.